Winter is the season when many people participate in snow activities. In recent years, Japan's ski resorts have attracted more and more attention from abroad and have become a major tourist destination for wealthy people around the world. As Japan's resorts become more comfortable and skiing and snowboarding become more popular in Japan, let's enjoy skiing together! This article lists the top 10 ski resorts in Japan for your reference!
(1) Hakuba, Nagano
In this area known as the "Hakuba Valley" there are 11 ski parks with spectacular views of the Northern Alps and excellent snow quality. As the venue of the 1998 Nagano Olympic Games, the Jumping Arena and other original facilities have been preserved, so you can enjoy skiing while feeling the memories! There are snowshoeing, snow rafting and other activities, as well as a "children's playground" for the little ones. After enjoying the snow scenery, you can soak in the hot springs, which have six water sources, including Hakuba Happo Onsen, Hakuba Shiido Onsen, and Hakuba Himekawa Onsen.
(2) Ambi Highlands, Iwate Prefecture
The slopes of the Yasuhiko Plateau in Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture, are characterized by an overwhelming sense of scale that attracts skiers from all over the world. There are 21 tracks with more than 45,000 meters of running tracks. There are also 13 cable cars where beginners and professional skiers alike can enjoy winter sports. There is also a children's school and a "snow playground" with snow shovels and tubing where you can experience skiing and other fun. Accommodation options range from hotels with onsen to guesthouses, as well as plenty of post-ski entertainment options, including food and shopping.
(3) Nursery, Niigata
Opened in 1961, Naeba Ski Resort is one of Japan's pioneering ski resorts. It fueled the ski boom of the bubble economy era and is also a famous venue for live concerts by Yumi Matsuya and the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. From the famous slopes to the bumpy snow hills, there are 22 rich pistes and two snow parks, one of which is for beginners and remains open at night. There are also plenty of activities for both adults and children, as well as an activity area dedicated to cycling and snowmobiling.
(4) Rujutsu, Hokkaido
There are 37 ski runs on 3 peaks, taking full advantage of Hokkaido's natural beauty. On a sunny day, it feels like a different kind of powder snow. Near Rusutei Resort, there are helicopters to reach the top of Mt. Jibetsu, and guided tours can be conducted up to six times a day. There are also two parks for advanced skiers, with jumping platforms and tracks for free skating. For children, there is an extensive playground and a school and playground with the theme of crayon novelty. After skiing, you can enjoy the hot springs and fine dining. There is also a wide variety of accommodation facilities that take advantage of the magnificent scenery.
(5) Nozawa, Nagano
Located near the village of Nozawa Onsen in northern Nagano Prefecture, there are traditional ryokans that are a great place to enjoy a historic hot spring and winter sports. From the driving range at the top of the mountain, you can enjoy views of the Sea of Japan, from the advanced skier course with a steep slope of up to 39 degrees To the beginner route that can be reached by cable car. The snow park and U-shaped pistes located at the Kami-no-hei Driving Range attract many snowboarders. When you return to your accommodation in the hot spring town, you can enjoy the famous open-air hot spring baths and enjoy special Nozawa pickles and hot spring steamed buns.
(6) Niseko, Hokkaido
Known as "Ezo Fuji", Mt. Yotei is the symbol of the Niseko Ski Resort, known for its excellent snow quality, which attracts skiers from many wealthy classes from all over the world. At the foot of the mountain gushing out hot springs, luxury hotels and apartments for foreigners are being built, and the development of internationalization is rapidly advancing. At The four ski areas in Niseko, the first thing to do is to experience the finest powder snow. The shuttle bus will take you between the various pistes, each with its own unique characteristics, so please enjoy the characteristics of the different pistes. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there is a wide variety of snow activities to choose from.
(7) Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yamagata Prefecture
Located at the junction of Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures, the Zao Mountains are known for their spectacular "snow monsters" (tree ice) and are surrounded by eight ski resorts. There are eight ski resorts in the area, of which the Zao Onsen Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in the Tohoku region and is popular for sightseeing at the historic Zao Hot Spring Resort Attracts many tourists during the ski season. Enjoy the premium powder snow while watching the marvelous tree ice from the ropeway. At night, the mountain is lit up, giving people a different magical experience.
(8) Furano, Hokkaido
Furano is famous as the filming location for the famous TV series "Love in the North Country". Furano is a popular ski resort where you can enjoy winter sports while sightseeing and visiting filming locations in the city. The lifts at Furano Ski Resort are free for elementary school students and younger, and free for adults over 20 years old on weekdays. After skiing, take a dip in Furano Onsen to eliminate all your fatigue. Not only in the summer, but also in the winter, you can enjoy the charm of Furano.
(9) Shiga Plateau, Nagano Prefecture
This ski resort is famous for being the backdrop for the movie Take Me Ski, a symbolic Japanese film from the 1980s. Even today, fans who come to the Yakie-san Ski Resort to see the exterior are endless. There are 18 ski resorts, spread over the equivalent of 90 Tokyo Dome stadiums, and its spectacular natural landscape attracts many skiers due to its high altitude and snow quality. There are also eight hot springs in the area, and it's best to wash away the sweat you've shed on the training ground. The Jigokudani Wild Ape Park (Monkey Park) is also popular with foreign tourists for the sight of monkeys bathing in hot springs.
(10) Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture
Karuizawa is one of the ski resorts that beginners can easily participate in, and it is easily accessible by train and highway from the city center. The nearby Sugaira area is also a popular spot for children and students' driving ranges. With a wide variety of pistes, not only families, but also intermediate and advanced skiers can choose the route that suits them best. Due to its elevation being one of the highest places in Japan, it is known for its long and stable powdery snow. After skiing, you can enjoy leisure time in the urban area of Karuizawa, and the accommodation facilities with hot spring facilities are also very complete.