It's the most wonderful time of the year when snow falls from the sky, and everyone layers up to stay warm. Although staying cozy inside is great, adventures await you!
Pick up your ski poles and put on your best ski fit — we're skiing in Japan!
Scroll and choose which of these 6 best ski resorts in winter Japan interests you most, and we'll see you there!
1. Kiroro Ski Resort
Take the opportunity to snap amazing photos at Kiroro Ski Resort in your awesome ski outfit! Credits: Klook
Address: Tokiwa, Akaigawa, Yoichi District, Hokkaidō
How to get there: Take a train to Otaru Station and take a bus or taxi to the resort.
Kiroro Ski Resort is famous for its heavy snowfall, creating a perfect setting for activities such as powder skiing and the quintessential Japanese winter.
The resort features many amenities that help maintain its good reputation, such as top-quality accommodation, a speedy lift system, a good amount of off-slope activities, a childcare center, and a pro rental facility with high-tier goods.
For guests closer to an expert skiing level, the resort offers an excellent back-country program, allowing you a safe avenue to explore. Private ski lessons are available for beginners: a 6-hour beginner course including a one-hour lunch break and stops at some of the resort's attractions.
2. Niseko Grand Hirafu
Feast your eyes on breathtaking views from way up in the air! Credits: Klook
Address: Hirafu, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaidō
How to get there: Take a train to Kutchan then take a taxi to the resort or ask your hotel if they organize a pick-up service for guests from the Kutchan station.
Klook tip: Take the Niseko Ski Resort - New Chitose Airport - Sapporo Shuttle Bus that offers a one-way or roundtrip ride to and from the three locations.
Niseko Grand Hirafu is a luxurious ski attraction that is one of four ski areas at Niseko United. These four areas are Hanazono, Niseko Village, Annupuri, and Grand Hirafu. Despite the number, the space is still sizable since the four areas are far apart at the bottom and then meet at the top!
Grand Hirafu is highly developed, with a restaurant, cafe, shops, and a lavish hotel named AYA NISEKO. The resort also blesses guests with an easy-to-navigate website, making winter Japan travel less stressful!
3. Niseko Annupuri Resort
Stare in awe of Japan’s beautiful snowy mountains. Credits: Klook
Address: Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido
How to get there: Take a train to Kutchan then take a taxi to the resort or ask your hotel if they organize a pick-up service for guests from the Kutchan station
At the western edge of Niseko United sits the Niseko Annupuri Resort, famous for its great variety of terrain and long stretches of neatly groomed slopes.
Sitting at the bottom of Annupuri rests their accommodation wing. Guests can revel at quick access to hot springs — arguably at the top of the list of the best things to do in Japan in the winter, especially after a long day of skiing!
But if you’re not ready to be away from the snow just yet, you can find a ski and snowboard school within the resort, offering 2-hour and 4-hour private or group lessons.
4. Rusutsu Ski Resort
Feel the adrenaline rush through you while dashing through the winter Japan snow. Credits: Klook
Address: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu, Abuta District, Hokkaido
How to get there: From the New Chitose Airport, take a bus to Rusutsu.
Rusutsu is an all-season resort in Hokkaido, with awards to prove its quality. The vast space the resort takes up means more snow activities — and with that, Rusutsu doesn't disappoint!
The resort offers activities uncommon with most ski resorts and best experienced in winter Japan, such as dog sledding, snow drifting, and a snow tent sauna!
Rusutsu's long list of things to enjoy and an impressive roster of accommodation places make guests lean towards them when choosing which resort to enjoy skiing in. Even beginner skiers can enjoy the Rusutsu powder with ski lessons available in-resort.
5. Furano Ski Resort
Enjoy some of the best ski resort amenities with your friends and family! Credits: Klook
Address: Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido
How to get there: Go to Furano Station and take a 5 to 10-minute taxi ride to Furano Ski Resort.
Furano Ski Resort's peaks have garnered fame due to the resort being the venue for the FIS Alpine Ski Cup numerous times. But that’s not the only reason this resort is so popular — it’s quieter and is an excellent choice for a relaxing date with nature in winter Japan!
The serenity and convenience found at Furano Ski Resort make tourists come with their whole family, even the ones who have yet to learn to ski.
6. GALA Yuzawa Resort
Enjoy the convenience of skiing in one of the best ski resorts near Japan’s capital: Tokyo! Credits: Klook
Address: 1039-2 Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata
How to get there: Purchase the Klook JR Tokyo Wide Pass and enjoy easy train access to GALA Yuzawa Resort with three days of unlimited travel on Shinkansen and selected express trains within many areas of Tokyo! Claim the ticket at JR Ueno station via WAmazing vending machine inside JR EAST Travel Service Center.
Despite the city’s distance to snowy mountains, Tokyo-goers are still willing to make the trip, especially for a ski resort like GALA Yuzawa – a resort that offers amazing things to do in Tokyo during winter!
GALA Yuzawa offers some of the most popular winter activities in Japan, such as riding a moon bike, a snowshoe tour, a panoramic observation deck, and a Snow Enjoyment Park for all ages.
The resort includes a ski school owned by a foreigner with a diverse team of instructors accompanying him, creating a welcoming environment for international guests.
Skiing in Japan is a great experience, so putting it as a little side quest to your Japan trip would be a great decision. The views are spectacular, and the activities are among the best things to do in December in Japan!
