Because the snowiest country on Earth, Japan is a premier ski destination. Each winter, chilly, dry air from Siberia passes over the nice and cozy Sea of Japan, the place it picks up moisture and turns areas just like the Japanese Alps, the place annual snowfall typically exceeds 400 inches, right into a winter wonderland. And, with practically 500 resorts packed into a rustic simply barely smaller than California, Japan is supplied to take full benefit of Mom Nature’s bounty.
With such a wealth of great choices, it may be troublesome to determine which ski resort in Japan is the very best for you. The nation options a number of the deepest snowpack, most immaculate tree runs, and most scrumptious ski resort meals you’ll discover anyplace on the planet. Not solely that, however many of those resorts provide you with fairly the bang in your buck resulting from their accessibility by public transit (together with the legendary bullet trains), and inexpensive elevate tickets, generally costing simply one-tenth the price of related common US resorts. Whereas the choices listed here are considerable, I’ve pared them all the way down to an inventory of seven of our favourite spots within the land of the rising solar. Learn on for the very best ski resorts in Japan.
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Niseko United
The undisputed epicenter of Japan’s legendary “Japow,” Niseko United is nestled excessive within the mountains of Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island. You would possibly consider this constellation of 4 interconnected resorts (Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri) as Japan’s reply to Aspen, reworking Mount Niseko-Annupuri right into a world-class ski vacation spot. Whereas the thrill and worldwide really feel imply elevate strains will be lengthy throughout peak season, the sheer high quality and consistency of the snowfall listed here are arguably value it. The famed gate system—a manner for resorts to regulate every day entry to backcountry terrain primarily based on climate circumstances—opens up huge swathes of legendary tree snowboarding and deep bowls, all serviced by a elevate community that makes lapping the deep, dry snow a type of bucket-list experiences for any skier or snowboarder.
Niseko United is a premier associate on the Ikon Pass—a multi-resort pass that grants passholders entry to over 60 locations worldwide, with no blackout dates, for a single price. Passholders will get seven days of unrestricted entry to Niseko United. For these buying tickets instantly, a one-day all-mountain grownup cross is roughly 10,500 Japanese yen (round $70). Whereas that is premium pricing for Japan, it displays the resort’s world-class scale and infrastructure.
The place to après, eat, and drink:
The encircling eating places make Niseko a dream vacation spot not just for powder hounds, however for foodies as effectively. Hokkaido is thought for its noodles and seafood, and the meal I bear in mind most fondly was at one of the vital highly-regarded soba homes in all of Japan: the tiny 12-seat restaurant referred to as Rakuichi Soba (as soon as featured by Anthony Bourdain on No Reservations), the place the buckwheat noodles are hand-made the standard manner by Soba Grasp Tatsuru Rai. Reservations are extraordinarily onerous to return by, however you might be able to get a walk-in seat at lunch. If you need premium sushi, then look to Sushi Shin by Miyakawa. It’s a 3-Michelin-star transplant from Sapporo, positioned within the Park Hyatt, providing an intimate, world-class edomae sushi expertise.
For one thing theatrical, The Barn by Odin presents distinctive bistro fare and cocktails in a surprising glass constructing. For extra noodle choices, look to Soba Kaiseki Ichimura in Hirafu or native favourite Ramen Nakama, which options an ume-shio ramen you doubtless received’t discover within the States. In Niseko Village, Gogyo by Ippudo dishes out legendary Tonkotsu ramen by day and transforms into a complicated izakaya (what you would possibly consider as a Japanese gastro-pub) by evening. For informal however flavorful to-go choices, Hirafu has two meals truck areas that shouldn’t be missed. For drinks, search out the legendary Bar Gyu+ (a.okay.a. the “Fridge Door Bar”) for its curated Japanese whisky checklist, or Toshiro’s Bar for ingenious, award-winning cocktails in a complicated lounge.
This space has a ton of choices starting from hostels and B&Bs to high-end motels and townhouses. On the Niseko Village facet of the mountain, I cherished The Green Leaf (now a part of the Tapestry Assortment by Hilton), which is ski-in, ski-out and options heat, plush rooms, a surprising onsen (Japanese sizzling spring) and spa proper within the resort, and a well-regarded bar and restaurant. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Higashiyama is a high-end choice on that facet of the mountain, that includes finely-appointed rooms, an onsen, and a refined Omakase-style restaurant, Sushi Nagi. When you’d like one thing just a little extra non-public, Kasara has attractive three-bedroom townhouses, every with a personal onsen. On the Hanazono facet of the mountain, Zaborin is a tranquil, Two-Key Michelin retreat with unequalled luxurious. It’s a high-end ryokan (conventional inn) with 15 non-public villas, every boasting its personal indoor and out of doors onsen, and a free shuttle to the slopes or into city. However for ski-in, ski-out hotels, you’d be hard-pressed to do higher than the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, which options superbly furnished rooms (some with non-public onsens) in addition to a number of the finest fantastic eating within the area.
When you desire to remain within the coronary heart of the motion in Hirafu Village, I cherished The Niseko Landmark View, with its spacious and properly appointed two- and three-bedroom apartment-style rooms—and the very best views of Mount Yotei (a mini Mount Fuji). It’s only a three-minute stroll from the Grand Hirafu gondola. The brand new and opulent ski-in, ski-out Sansui Niseko obtained Michelin One-Key standing in 2024 and 2025 and is one other wonderful choice. The AYA Niseko is one other stunning, upscale ski-in, ski-out property with a well-established fame.
Hakuba Valley
Japan’s second-most common ski space typically will get extra snow than anyplace else. Set towards the dramatic, hovering peaks of the Japanese Alps on the mainland, Hakuba Valley feels worlds away from Hokkaido’s rolling hills. It is a sprawling assortment of 10 distinct ski areas, every with its personal fierce persona, all accessible on one cross. Happo-One, the valley’s crown jewel and former Olympic host, serves up immense vertical, with steep and difficult faces. Head to Hakuba 47 & Goryu for pristine groomers and park driving, or enterprise to the northern finish for Cortina’s legendary, deep tree-skiing in a extra permissive off-piste atmosphere (although hiring a backcountry information is advisable, particularly when it’s deep). The valley is gigantic—Happo-One alone options a formidable 3,500 toes of vertical drop. Throughout all 10 resorts, there are over 90 lifts and 130 runs, with a terrain breakdown that closely favors intermediate and superior skiers.
Hakuba Valley is a key Japanese associate on the Epic Pass—one other seasonal ski and snowboarding cross that gives entry to a wide range of resorts globally—providing 5 consecutive, unrestricted days to passholders. The Hakuba Valley all-mountain one-day cross prices roughly 10,400 Japanese yen (about $69) for adults and contains entry to the inter-resort shuttle buses. Like Niseko United, this is without doubt one of the most costly resorts in Japan, however it’s nonetheless comparatively inexpensive by US standards. Multi-day cross packages can be found at a reduced every day charge as effectively.
The place to après, eat, and drink:
The valley’s culinary scene is a complicated combine. Mimi’s Restaurant and Bar at The Phoenix Lodge is a fine-dining standout, providing an beautiful Italian-Japanese fusion menu and an excellent wine checklist in an intimate setting. Hummingbird is a Western-Japanese fusion izakaya with only a handful of tables, seasonal elements, and impeccable flavors (e book effectively prematurely to attain a seat). For a broad swatch of genuine Japanese meals, together with sushi, yakiniku (Japanese barbecue), hotpot, and extra, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with Ohyokkuri or Kikyo-ya. If noodles are what you’re craving after a protracted day on the slopes, Soba Sake Bar Zen is a good spot to refuel.
For genuine, high-end izakaya fare, Izakaya Hie is a neighborhood favourite. The epicenter of après-ski is in Echoland, with craft cocktails at Mockingbird or native brews on the Hakuba Brewing Company Taproom.
For conventional class, the Hakuba Tokyu Hotel is a traditional spot, providing spacious rooms and its personal stunning onsen. The Mominoki Hotel is one other beloved, full-service establishment completely positioned on the base of Happo-One. For an opulent non-public keep, One Happo is an ultra-exclusive five-bedroom chalet with a connoisseur kitchen and a surprising coated onsen. The Ridge Hotel & Apartments in Wadano presents subtle, modern flats with ski-in entry and an on-site restaurant. Additionally in Wadano, the Phoenix Hotel supplies a boutique, East-meets-West expertise, full with a gorgeous onsen and mouthwatering complimentary breakfast.
Hakkaisan Ski Resort
Situated within the coronary heart of Niigata and Japan’s historic “Snow Nation” is the Hakkaisan Ski Resort (a.okay.a. Muikamachi Hakkaisan), simply outdoors the full of life city of Yuzawa. Simply a few hours from Tokyo, this spot is a revelation for the discerning skier who values epic vertical and an genuine, sake-soaked tradition. This resort is dominated by a large 81-person ropeway that whisks you up greater than 2,600 vertical toes in 5 minutes. From the highest, you have got entry to breathtakingly lengthy, steep groomers and a few of Japan’s most revered (and difficult) ungroomed powder fields. Whereas the path map appears small, its runs are exceptionally lengthy, with a terrain breakdown of 30% newbie, 40% intermediate, and 30% superior. The spotlight is the deep however usually approachable backcountry space, however entry by means of the gate is simply allowed in case you are with a Canyons guide or one of many resort’s personal guides.
Hakkaisan is an impartial resort, not at the moment on the key worldwide passes. This maintains its native, uncrowded really feel. A one-day grownup ropeway & elevate ticket is a implausible worth at roughly 5,700 Japanese yen (about $37). The resort additionally presents a premium First Tracks service for visitors who wish to skip the lengthy elevate strains, obtainable by reservation and on restricted dates.
The place to après, eat, and drink:
The area is an epicurean hotbed, and Yuzawa particularly has a ton of nice choices. A number of the finest meals I had on my total journey had been on the resort Ryugon’s essential eating room. The kaiseki dinners made by chef Noboaki Kuwana make the most of native elements and ingenious preparations, all cooked to perfection; reservations are required, however staying on the resort isn’t (although you’ll actually wish to). Miyanoya Soba is a implausible conventional soba home simply minutes from Hakkaisan’s slopes, however in case you’re on the lookout for freshly made ramen noodles, head to Ishin and get an extremely flavorful (and cheap) bowl of tsukemen. There are many pleasant bars and izakayas on the town, but when sake is your factor, then don’t miss the well-known Hakkaisan Sake Brewery. A few of their sake spends years growing older in barrels in a big, snow-filled warehouse that retains issues chilly year-round. The brewery additionally boasts a restaurant with a spectacular tasting menu with sake pairings.
The ski resort doesn’t have any giant motels close by (although there are a couple of inexpensive, B&B-style “pensioners”), so I might suggest staying in Yuzawa. The premier luxurious keep is Ryugon, a magnificently restored conventional property that has been reborn as a luxurious ryokan, mixing historic snow nation structure with trendy design and an excellent spa. Every room has a personal out of doors onsen, and the breakfasts and dinners are spectacular. It’s in a central, walkable a part of Yuzawa with easy accessibility to all of the city has to supply. If you wish to keep in a chunk of historical past, the Takahan Ryokan has been family-run for over 900 years, and was the beginning of Yuzawa itself. It has a stunning communal onsen and options well-regarded kaiseki meals. For an elevated expertise, contemplate Kagetsu, which has wonderful meals and indoor/out of doors onsens (some rooms even have their very own).
Rusutsu Resort
Again up on Hokkaido and simply throughout the valley from Niseko, Rusutsu presents all of Hokkaido’s legendary snow with a fraction of the crowds. Unfold throughout three mountains (West, East, and the powder paradise, Mount Isola), the resort is a self-contained wonderland, well-known for its world-class lift-accessed tree snowboarding. Rusutsu is a big, trendy resort served by 18 lifts (together with 4 gondolas). It has a formidable 2,800 toes in vertical drop and is blessed with a staggering 550+ inches of common annual snowfall.
Rusutsu Resort is a associate on the Epic Pass, providing 5 consecutive, unrestricted days of entry. A regular one-day grownup elevate ticket is roughly 14,500 Japanese yen (about $95), reflecting its scale and premium elevate system.
The place to après, eat, and drink:
The resort’s eating is basically consolidated inside its luxurious motels. The highest expertise is Teppanyaki Kazahana at The Westin, providing an intimate counter-service dinner of premium Hokkaido beef and seafood. For top-end French delicacies, Belle-Vue on the essential Rusutsu resort resort presents elegant multi-course menus. Kazahana supplies a refined, conventional Japanese multi-course kaiseki with native greens and seafood from the closest port, whereas Sekkatei has a scrumptious and warming shabu-shabu hotpot expertise. For après, the Lobby Lounge Atrium at The Westin has subtle cocktails, or you’ll be able to embrace the quirky, full of life Pub Cricket in the principle Rusutsu resort.
The premier spot is The Vale Rusutsu, a brand new luxurious, ski-in/ski-out condominium resort providing superbly designed flats and its personal onsen. For a full-service, five-star expertise, The Westin Rusutsu Resort is a best choice, related to the principle Rusutsu resort by a monorail and that includes spacious, split-level rooms and a serene spa. The Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention is the traditional, sprawling resort that homes an onsen, sauna, cave bathtub, and a two-story carousel, offering direct entry to the West Mountain slopes.
Shiga Kogen
As Japan’s largest and highest-altitude ski space, Shiga Kogen is a universe of its personal. A single elevate cross connects all 18 of its completely different ski resorts. This resort is without doubt one of the most learner-friendly in Japan, with roughly 40% newbie trails and 40% intermediate. Which means it’s not a lot a spot for steep, gated backcountry, but it surely’s a paradise for skiers who love cruising for miles throughout diverse peaks and valleys, typically with out seeing one other soul. Due to its comparatively excessive elevation (topping out at 7,568 toes), it ensures a number of the finest and most dependable snow high quality on the mainland. It’s additionally famously positioned close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
New to the 2025-26 season, Shiga Kogen is now a associate on the Ikon Pass, providing seven days of unrestricted entry. Given its immense dimension, the usual one-day grownup all-mountain cross is a superb worth at roughly 9,000 Japanese yen (about $60).
The place to après, eat, and drink:
The top of native fantastic eating is the multi-course kaiseki dinner reserved for visitors at top-tier ryokans. For these venturing to the cities, Goen in Yudanaka is a complicated izakaya for Shinshu beef and curated sake, whereas Sobadokoro Yariya presents handmade soba noodles. For sushi, Isami has conventional preparations of a number of the freshest fish you’ll discover on the town. For après, take a look at the fashionable bre pub at Yudanaka Brewery Complex U, which has upscale pub fare, or choose to sip a Japanese single-malt whiskey on the Prince Lodge’s Bar Le Etoile.
For conventional luxurious, keep in Yudanaka Onsen at Jinpyokaku, a registered cultural property that has hosted the Japanese Imperial Household, options beautiful rooms with non-public onsens, and has high-end kaiseki dinners. Kanaguya in Shibu Onsen is one other historic marvel. It’s a 250-year-old ryokan stated to be an inspiration for the movie Spirited Away. On the mountain, the Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga is essentially the most elegant, European-style ski-in/ski-out resort. The Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel (particularly the East Constructing) presents essentially the most trendy comfort and premier entry within the Yakebitaiyama ski space.
Kiroro Resort
Kiroro, positioned in Hokkaido, is a contemporary, self-contained powder sanctuary that’s blessed with a number of the most profound snowfall on Earth, generally receiving over 800 inches yearly. It’s quieter, extra refined, and infrequently deeper than its neighbor, Niseko. The resort is comprised of two essential peaks with a contemporary elevate system, together with a high-speed gondola and hooded “couple” chairs, that effectively strikes skiers to its pristine powder fields and immaculate groomers. It is a vacation spot for individuals who prioritize uncompromised snow high quality and luxurious above a bustling nightlife scene, and it presents evening snowboarding as effectively.
Kiroro isn’t on the Ikon or Epic cross, however it’s a Japanese associate for the Indy Pass—a multi-resort ski cross with properties in each North America and Japan—which presents cross holders two free days of snowboarding. For these buying tickets instantly, a one-day grownup cross for Kiroro within the excessive season is often 8,800 Japanese yen (roughly $59), although reductions can be found when buying a multiday cross.
The place to après, eat, and drink:
Kiroro is pretty remoted, so the very best eating is discovered within the resort’s luxurious motels. The YU Kiroro resort options Yukashi, a recent Japanese restaurant providing refined native delicacies. At Club Med Kiroro Grand, you may discover the principle worldwide buffet restaurant, Yoichi, in addition to The Ogon specialty restaurant. At Club Med Kiroro Peak, the principle restaurant Otaru serves a wide range of worldwide and Japanese fare. For a complicated après-ski drink, The View Bar at Kiroro Peak presents cocktails with panoramic mountain vistas.
The resort’s lodging facilities round three essential properties. The crown jewel of Kiroro is YU Kiroro, a premier, impartial, ski-in/ski-out luxurious condominium resort that provides gorgeous flats, a personal onsen, and impeccable service. The brand new, all-inclusive Club Med Kiroro Grand (previously The Kiroro Tribute) is the most important resort, designed for families with children of all ages, offering a full suite of companies. The adjoining, ski-in/ski-out Club Med Kiroro Peak (previously the Sheraton) can also be all-inclusive however caters to a barely older clientele (visitors 12 and up).
Mt. T
Just some hours from Tokyo, this isn’t a resort for the informal skier—it’s a pilgrimage for the powder purist. Now rebranded as Mt. T, Tanigawadake Tenjindaira averages a staggering 50 toes of snow every year. Situated within the heavy snow hall of Gunma, it acts like a catcher’s glove for precipitation. The in-bounds terrain is small and serviced by a handful of pretty sluggish lifts, however that’s not the principle draw. The perfect motive to go to Mt. T is the lift-accessed backcountry, the place you’ll discover a number of the most difficult and deepest terrain in all of Japan. Expertise, avalanche gear, and a buddy are completely obligatory, however if you wish to do it proper, rent a Canyons information. Canyons is the one permitted information operation at Mt. T, and it comes with a significant perk: You’ll get to go up the gondola a couple of half-hour earlier than most people. I scored two powder days there below Canyons’ steerage, and every day we acquired in about seven chest-deep sizzling laps earlier than anyone else arrived, at which level we headed to the extraordinary backcountry.
Mt. T was simply added to the Ikon Pass roster forward of the 2025-2026 season. A one-day grownup elevate ticket (which incorporates the historic ropeway) is exceptionally inexpensive, usually round 9,000 Japanese yen (roughly $60).
The place to après, eat, and drink:
Mt. T is small and considerably remoted, but it surely sits simply outdoors the attractive city of Minakami, which is the place you’ll wish to keep and do most of your eating. Kadoya is a soba restaurant the place they’ve been hand-making buckwheat chilly noodles for greater than 250 years, and the broth is spectacular. Tanto Kuwassai is a really particular spot the place Chef Tatsuya Abe prepares scrumptious native meats and mountain greens that he hunts and forages himself. The venison and boar had been each perfection. The high-end kaiseki dinner at Bettei Senjuan presents a elegant mix of native, seasonal elements and creative precision ready by Chef Mitsuhiro Tomioka, however the restaurant is for resort visitors solely. Honestly, in case you’re staying at nearly any conventional ryokan, the meals are more likely to be great.
The aesthetic right here is conventional and serene—the Minakami onsen space, the place geothermally heated hot springs are considerable, is peppered with wonderful ryokans. Probably the most luxurious instance is the above-mentioned Bettei Senjuan, a One-Key Michelin resort and Relais & Châteaux property with 18 beautiful rooms, every that includes a personal open-air onsen. For a journey into historical past, Hoshi Onsen Chojukan is a 140-year-old property with a mesmerizing, grand picket bathhouse. Ryokan Tanigawa presents a mix of recent consolation and conventional aesthetics with stunning river views, luxurious meals, and each communal and personal onsens. When you occur to be staying at a rental that doesn’t have its personal onsen, there are some attractive public choices, too. Probably the most spectacular is Takaragawa Onsen, which is known for its large, picturesque sequence of outside baths set alongside a snowy river.
FAQ:
When is the very best month to ski in Japan?
January and February are typically the very best months to ski in Japan since they’re essentially the most dependable months for snow (although, after all, yearly is completely different). Early or late-season storms make December and March good choices for shoulder-season snowboarding as effectively.
How far prematurely do you have to e book a snowboarding journey to Japan?
I like to recommend you e book your snowboarding journey to Japan as early as attainable. Relying on which area you’re going to and at what time of yr, this can be a bit tougher, however within the excessive season, issues can e book up quick close to common resorts. For some highly-regarded eating places, you’ll additionally wish to make reservations at the very least three months prematurely.
