Top Ski Resorts Near Osaka: 6 Best Spots Less Than 3 Hours Away from Osaka
Can’t wait to escape Singapore’s sweltering heat? What if we told you that it’s really easy to plan a skiing and snowboarding holiday in Japan — and you don’t even have to make the trip up to Hokkaido, no less! In fact, there’s actually a whole list of ski resorts within easy reach from the hotspot of Osaka, most of which can be easily reached on a day trip.
Dotonbori, Universal Studios Japan, and a whole lot of snow? Sign us up already.
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1. Mt. Rokko Snow Park
Photo credit: Mt. Rokko National Park on Facebook
Travelling time from Osaka: Around 1 hour by train, bus and cable car
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly ski resort for the whole family to enjoy, this is it. The slopes at Mt. Rokko Snow Park are gentle and smooth, making them immensely popular among beginners and families. Despite having only three ski courses, the resort offers plenty of other activities like sledding too.
Photo credit: Mt. Rokko National Park on Facebook
#KlookTip: If it’s your first time skiing, make a beeline for the special practice area before hitting the slopes. The area is flat and cordoned off, allowing you to learn the ropes in a safe and controlled environment.
The snow here may be manmade, but that doesn’t mean that the experience is any less fun. This is especially so for the little ones, who can go wild at the dedicated snow play area. Don’t be in any hurry to leave, as the resort stays open until 10pm every day for some night skiing adventures.
How to get there: Take a 23-minute train via the JR Tokaido Sanyo Main Line to Rokkumichi station from Osaka station, change to a 20-minute bus to the base of Mt. Rokko, followed by a 10-minute cable car ride and, finally, the Rokko Sanjo bus to the snow park.
Mt. Rokko Snow Park is also nestled among other attractions like the Rokko International Musical Box Museum, Rokko Botanical Garden, the gorgeous Rokko Shidare Observatory, and more. Besides, the resort is actually in Kobe itself, so why not indulge in some mouthwatering Kobe beef before heading back to Osaka?
2. Biwako Valley Ski Resort
Travelling time from Osaka: 1 hour 20 minutes by train and bus
Unfortunately, the Kansai region in general doesn’t get much snowfall. To counter this, Biwako Valley Ski Resort uses a state-of-the-art artificial snow machine to add to whatever natural snow it gets. The result? Quality pow that comes with great views to boot.
Despite its small size, the resort overlooks Lake Biwa — the largest lake in Japan! —, and offers a variety of courses that cater for pros, intermediates, and beginners. The most scenic of the lot is the Horai Panorama Ski Slope, on top of forest routes and a half-pipe (a U-shaped ski slope) for those looking for a little more adrenaline. Beginners should head straight for the Uchimi course, which is perfect for children. Otherwise, non-skiers can also feast their eyes on the majestic view from the cable car.
Don’t worry about your children getting bored: they’ll have a whale of a time at Snow Land, where they can go sledding or tubing.
#KlookTip: There are English lessons available, but in limited quantity. To secure a slot, it’s best to book your session at least two days in advance via the official website. For Chinese-speaking staff, you can book on Klook!
How to get there: Take a 30-minute train via the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto station from Osaka station, and change to a 40-minute train via the JR Kosei Line to Shiga station, followed by a 10-minute shuttle bus to the resort.
3. Hakodateyama Ski Resort
Travelling time from Osaka: 1 hour 50 minutes by train and bus
Let’s admit it: skiing can be daunting, so there’s no shame in taking your time to figure the sport out! Get the hang of things at the beginner-friendly Hakodateyama Ski Resort, where most of the ten ski courses are targeted at novices.
We recommend starting at slope no. 3, where you’ll be greeted with a gentle gradient. If you’re willing to challenge yourself, check out the long tree-lined slope no. 4. Plus, talk about skiing with a view — skiers can enjoy splendid views of Lake Biwa and its surroundings from each of the resort’s courses.
Take a lesson whilst the children are entertained at Kids’ World, which was built to create a safe space for families to simply enjoy the snow. Other non-skiing activities include snow rafting, snowshoeing, and a nifty snow escalator. Keep a lookout for Hako-chan, the resort’s adorable mascot who makes an appearance during festivals and special events.
#KlookTip: If you’re looking for a fuss-free experience, snag this all-inclusive deal that has round-trip bus transport from Osaka, ski equipment and suit rental, plus a lesson (in English, Chinese, or Cantonese) all thrown into the mix.
How to get there: Take a 30-minute train via the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto station from Osaka station, and change to a 1-hour train via the JR Kosei Line to Omi-Imazu station, followed by a 20-minute bus to the resort.
4. Hachi Kita Kogen Ski Resort
Photo credit: Visit Hyogo Japan on Facebook
Travelling time from Osaka: 3 hours 15 minutes by train and bus
Hachi Kita Kogen Ski Resort, together with the adjacent Hachi Kogen Ski Resort, makes up one of the largest ski areas in the Kansai region. Be spoiled for choice with 25 courses, topped off with gorgeous mountain views. If you love long ski courses, this one is for you — the resort is home to a course that reaches up to 4000 metres! The best part? One lift ticket gives you access to both ski resorts, so feel free to ski your heart out.
#KlookTip: Connect between the two resorts at the summit of Mt. Hachibuse, which can be easily reached via chairlift. However, the connecting ski course is considered to be rather steep; if you’re a beginner skier, it might be best to just stick to one.
Photo credit: Visit Hyogo Japan on Facebook
Good snow quality conditions are guaranteed all day every day with the help of an artificial snow machine, with all the equipment you’ll need available for rent. The resort’s staff and instructors are mostly fluent in English, so you won’t have to worry about the language barrier too! If you’re just starting out, kickstart your day at the closed-off Beginners area, which is equipped with a moving conveyor belt.
How to get there: Take a 2-hour-20-minute train via the Fukuchiyama Line to Yashika station from Osaka station, followed by a 55-minute bus to the resort.
5. Up Kannabe Ski Resort
Photo credit: アップかんなべ on Facebook
Travelling time from Osaka: 3 hours by train and bus
Calling all beginners: feel right at home at Up Kannabe Ski Resort, where almost 80% of its ski courses target beginner and intermediate skiers. Expect gentle slopes and wide terrains that are covered with real snow — as such, this resort does tend to open later than other resorts that have artificial snow. However, trust us, it’s worth the wait!
Go all out at four ski runs, which stay open late for those interested in trying night skiing.
If you’re a little intimidated, start slow at the Uenodaira course, which has a maximum incline of only nine degrees. Intermediate skiers will fancy the Kita-Kabe course; and, if you’re up for a challenge, give jib skiing a go at the Miya no Mori’s course. For the uninitiated, this is where you ride your skis over a manmade surface, such as a box or rail.
Photo credit: アップかんなべ on Facebook
Skiing lessons conducted in English are a regular occurrence here; simply email the resort ahead of your trip to request such a session. The Kids’ Snow Amusement Park is great for both adults and children alike, featuring snow rafting, snow go-karting, hot air balloon rides, and even a snow merry-go-round. You can even go sledding and snowshoeing — so much to do, and so little time!
How to get there: Take a 30-minute train via the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto station from Osaka station, and change to a 2-hour shinkansen to Ebara station, followed by a 35-minute bus to the resort.
6. Gransnow Okuibuki Ski Resort
Photo credit: グランスノー奥伊吹 on Facebook
Travelling time from Osaka: 1.5 hours by train and bus
Did you know that Gransnow Okuibuki Ski Resort is said to have one of the world’s highest quantities of snow? Fly down a total of 14 ski courses which are shaped around the area’s natural terrain, catering for all types of skill levels.
The pow here is renowned for its fluffy quality, covering Kansai’s highest peak. Naturally, this means a collection of steep slopes and exhilarating terrain, drawing many advanced skiers to the resort. The New Challenge ski course, in particular, is the steepest course in Japan, with a gradient of 46 degrees! That’s not all: the Variety Quad Lift also goes at 5 metres per second, which is apparently the fastest in Japan.
#KlookTip: Did the Champion Course catch your eye? Take note that the course is for skiers only, and snowboarders are not permitted to go on it.
Photo credit: グランスノー奥伊吹 on Facebook
Fun fact: Miko Ito, a Japanese Olympic freestyle skier, used the resort as her practice ground before going on to compete in the Olympics. Are you ready to step into her shoes with a lesson led by the pros? If you need a break after all that action, head to Center House, which has bathroom facilities and a food court. The outdoor kids’ park is also renowned as one of Japan’s biggest, with plenty to occupy the kids with.
How to get there: Take a 34-minute shinkansen from Shin-Osaka station to Maibara station, followed by a 55-minute shuttle bus to the resort.
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