As the snowiest country on Earth, Japan is a premier ski destination. Every 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 usually exceeds 400 inches, right into a winter wonderland. And, with almost 500 resorts packed into a rustic simply barely smaller than California, Japan is provided to take full benefit of Mother Nature’s bounty.
With such a wealth of great choices, it may be tough to resolve which ski resort in Japan is one of the best for you. The nation options among 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 offer you fairly the bang to 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 well-liked US resorts. While the choices listed below are ample, I’ve pared them right down to an inventory of seven of our favourite spots in the land of the rising solar. Read on for one of the best ski resorts in Japan.
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Niseko United
The undisputed epicenter of Japan’s legendary “Japow,” Niseko United is nestled excessive in 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, remodeling Mount Niseko-Annupuri right into a world-class ski vacation spot. While the excitement and worldwide really feel imply elevate strains could be lengthy throughout peak season, the sheer high quality and consistency of the snowfall listed below are arguably price it. The famed gate system—a means for resorts to manage each day entry to backcountry terrain primarily based on climate situations—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 charge. Passholders will get seven days of unrestricted entry to Niseko United. For these buying tickets instantly, a one-day all-mountain grownup go is roughly 10,500 Japanese yen (round $70). While that is premium pricing for Japan, it displays the resort’s world-class scale and infrastructure.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
The surrounding eating places make Niseko a dream vacation spot not just for powder hounds, however for foodies as nicely. Hokkaido is understood for its noodles and seafood, and the meal I bear in mind most fondly was at probably the most 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 means by Soba Master Tatsuru Rai. Reservations are extraordinarily arduous to return by, however you could possibly 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, situated in 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 in the States. In Niseko Village, Gogyo by Ippudo dishes out legendary Tonkotsu ramen by day and transforms into a classy izakaya (what you would possibly consider as a Japanese gastro-pub) by night time. For informal however flavorful to-go choices, Hirafu has two meals truck areas that shouldn’t be missed. For drinks, hunt down the legendary Bar Gyu+ (a.ok.a. the “Fridge Door Bar”) for its curated Japanese whisky record, or Toshiro’s Bar for ingenious, award-winning cocktails in a classy lounge.
This space has a ton of choices starting from hostels and B&Bs to high-end inns and townhouses. On the Niseko Village facet of the mountain, I cherished The Green Leaf (now a part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton), which is ski-in, ski-out and options heat, plush rooms, a surprising onsen (Japanese sizzling spring) and spa proper in the lodge, and a well-regarded bar and restaurant. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Higashiyama is a high-end possibility on that facet of the mountain, that includes finely-appointed rooms, an onsen, and a refined Omakase-style restaurant, Sushi Nagi. If you’d like one thing a bit of extra non-public, Kasara has beautiful three-bedroom townhouses, every with a non-public onsen. On the Hanazono facet of the mountain, Zaborin is a tranquil, Two-Key Michelin retreat with unmatched luxurious. It is 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. But 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 among the greatest positive eating in the area.
If you like to remain in the guts 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 one of the best views of Mount Yotei (a mini Mount Fuji). It’s only a three-minute stroll from the Grand Hirafu gondola. The new and opulent ski-in, ski-out Sansui Niseko acquired Michelin One-Key standing in 2024 and 2025 and is one other wonderful possibility. The AYA Niseko is one other stunning, upscale ski-in, ski-out property with a well-established popularity.
Hakuba Valley
Japan’s second-most well-liked ski space usually 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. This is a sprawling assortment of 10 distinct ski areas, every with its personal fierce persona, all accessible on one go. 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 surroundings (although hiring a backcountry information is beneficial, particularly when it’s deep). The valley is big—Happo-One alone options a formidable 3,500 toes of vertical drop. Across 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 go that gives entry to quite a lot of resorts globally—providing 5 consecutive, unrestricted days to passholders. The Hakuba Valley all-mountain one-day go prices roughly 10,400 Japanese yen (about $69) for adults and consists of entry to the inter-resort shuttle buses. Like Niseko United, this is without doubt one of the costliest resorts in Japan, however it’s nonetheless comparatively inexpensive by US standards. Multi-day go packages can be found at a reduced each day charge as nicely.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
The valley’s culinary scene is a classy combine. Mimi’s Restaurant and Bar at The Phoenix Hotel is a fine-dining standout, providing an beautiful Italian-Japanese fusion menu and an excellent wine record in an intimate setting. Hummingbird is a Western-Japanese fusion izakaya with only a handful of tables, seasonal components, and impeccable flavors (e book nicely in advance 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 flawed with Ohyokkuri or Kikyo-ya. If noodles are what you’re craving after an extended day on the slopes, Soba Sake Bar Zen is a superb 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 magnificence, the Hakuba Tokyu Hotel is a basic spot, providing spacious rooms and its personal stunning onsen. The Mominoki Hotel is one other beloved, full-service establishment completely situated on the base of Happo-One. For an expensive non-public keep, One Happo is an ultra-exclusive five-bedroom chalet with a connoisseur kitchen and a surprising lined onsen. The Ridge Hotel & Apartments in Wadano presents refined, up to date flats with ski-in entry and an on-site restaurant. Also in Wadano, the Phoenix Hotel gives a boutique, East-meets-West expertise, full with an attractive onsen and mouthwatering complimentary breakfast.
Hakkaisan Ski Resort
Located in the guts of Niigata and Japan’s historic “Snow Country” is the Hakkaisan Ski Resort (a.ok.a. Muikamachi Hakkaisan), simply outdoors the full of life city of Yuzawa. Just 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 an enormous 81-person ropeway that whisks you up greater than 2,600 vertical toes in 5 minutes. From the highest, you’ve entry to breathtakingly lengthy, steep groomers and a few of Japan’s most revered (and difficult) ungroomed powder fields. While the path map appears to be like 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 via the gate is simply allowed in case you are with a Canyons guide or one of many resort’s personal guides.
Hakkaisan is an unbiased resort, not presently on the main 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 friends who need to skip the lengthy elevate strains, out there by reservation and on restricted dates.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
The area is an epicurean hotbed, and Yuzawa particularly has a ton of nice choices. Some of one of the best meals I had on my total journey had been on the lodge Ryugon’s major eating room. The kaiseki dinners made by chef Noboaki Kuwana make the most of native components and ingenious preparations, all cooked to perfection; reservations are required, however staying on the lodge isn’t (although you’ll definitely need to). Miyanoya Soba is a implausible conventional soba home simply minutes from Hakkaisan’s slopes, however should 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 loads of pleasant bars and izakayas in city, but when sake is your factor, then don’t miss the well-known Hakkaisan Sake Brewery. Some of their sake spends years getting old 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 inns close by (although there are just a few inexpensive, B&B-style “pensioners”), so I’d advocate 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. Each room has a non-public out of doors onsen, and the breakfasts and dinners are spectacular. It’s in a central, walkable a part of Yuzawa with quick access to all of the city has to supply. If you need 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
Back up on Hokkaido and simply throughout the valley from Niseko, Rusutsu presents all of Hokkaido’s legendary snow with a fraction of the crowds. Spread 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 normal one-day grownup elevate ticket is roughly 14,500 Japanese yen (about $95), reflecting its scale and premium elevate system.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
The resort’s eating is basically consolidated inside its luxurious inns. The prime expertise is (*7*) at The Westin, providing an intimate counter-service dinner of premium Hokkaido beef and seafood. For high-end French delicacies, Belle-Vue on the major Rusutsu resort lodge presents elegant multi-course menus. Kazahana gives 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 refined cocktails, or you’ll be able to embrace the quirky, full of life Pub Cricket in the principle Rusutsu lodge.
The premier spot is The Vale Rusutsu, a brand new luxurious, ski-in/ski-out condominium lodge providing superbly designed flats and its personal onsen. For a full-service, five-star expertise, The Westin Rusutsu Resort is a best choice, linked 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 basic, sprawling lodge 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 go connects all 18 of its totally different ski resorts. This resort is without doubt one of the most learner-friendly in Japan, with roughly 40% newbie trails and 40% intermediate. That means it’s not a lot a spot for steep, gated backcountry, however it’s a paradise for skiers who love cruising for miles throughout diverse peaks and valleys, usually with out seeing one other soul. Because of its comparatively excessive elevation (topping out at 7,568 toes), it ensures among the greatest and most dependable snow high quality on the mainland. It’s additionally famously situated 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 go is a wonderful worth at roughly 9,000 Japanese yen (about $60).
Where to après, eat, and drink:
The pinnacle of native positive eating is the multi-course kaiseki dinner reserved for friends at top-tier ryokans. For these venturing to the cities, Goen in Yudanaka is a classy izakaya for Shinshu beef and curated sake, whereas Sobadokoro Yariya presents handmade soba noodles. For sushi, Isami has conventional preparations of among the freshest fish you’ll discover in city. For après, take a look at the trendy bre pub at Yudanaka Brewery Complex U, which has upscale pub fare, or choose to sip a Japanese single-malt whiskey on the Prince Hotel’s Bar Le Etoile.
For conventional luxurious, keep in Yudanaka Onsen at Jinpyokaku, a registered cultural property that has hosted the Japanese Imperial Family, 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 mentioned to be an inspiration for the movie Spirited Away. On the mountain, the Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga is probably the most elegant, European-style ski-in/ski-out lodge. The Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel (particularly the East Building) presents probably the most trendy comfort and premier entry in the Yakebitaiyama ski space.
Kiroro Resort
Kiroro, situated in Hokkaido, is a contemporary, self-contained powder sanctuary that’s blessed with among the most profound snowfall on Earth, generally receiving over 800 inches yearly. It is quieter, extra refined, and infrequently deeper than its neighbor, Niseko. The resort is comprised of two major 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’s a vacation spot for many who prioritize uncompromised snow high quality and luxurious above a bustling nightlife scene, and it presents night time snowboarding as nicely.
Kiroro isn’t on the Ikon or Epic go, however it’s a Japanese associate for the Indy Pass—a multi-resort ski go with properties in each North America and Japan—which presents go holders two free days of snowboarding. For these buying tickets instantly, a one-day grownup go for Kiroro in the excessive season is often 8,800 Japanese yen (roughly $59), although reductions can be found when buying a multiday go.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
Kiroro is pretty remoted, so one of the best eating is discovered in the resort’s luxurious inns. The YU Kiroro lodge options Yukashi, a recent Japanese restaurant providing refined native delicacies. At Club Med Kiroro Grand, you will discover the principle worldwide buffet restaurant, Yoichi, in addition to The Ogon specialty restaurant. At Club Med Kiroro Peak, the principle restaurant Otaru serves quite a lot of worldwide and Japanese fare. For a classy après-ski drink, The View Bar at Kiroro Peak presents cocktails with panoramic mountain vistas.
The resort’s lodging facilities round three major properties. The crown jewel of Kiroro is YU Kiroro, a premier, unbiased, ski-in/ski-out luxurious condominium lodge that provides gorgeous flats, a non-public onsen, and impeccable service. The new, all-inclusive Club Med Kiroro Grand (previously The Kiroro Tribute) is the biggest lodge, 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 (friends 12 and up).
Mt. T
Just just a few 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. Located in 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 gradual lifts, however that’s not the principle draw. The greatest motive to go to Mt. T is the lift-accessed backcountry, the place you’ll discover among the most difficult and deepest terrain in all of Japan. Experience, avalanche gear, and a buddy are completely necessary, 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 few half-hour earlier than most people. I scored two powder days there underneath Canyons’ steerage, and every day we bought 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, sometimes round 9,000 Japanese yen (roughly $60).
Where to après, eat, and drink:
Mt. T is small and considerably remoted, however it sits simply outdoors the gorgeous city of Minakami, which is the place you’ll need 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 chic mix of native, seasonal components and creative precision ready by Chef Mitsuhiro Tomioka, however the restaurant is for lodge friends solely. Truthfully, should you’re staying at nearly any conventional ryokan, the meals are prone to be great.
The aesthetic right here is conventional and serene—the Minakami onsen space, the place geothermally heated hot springs are ample, is peppered with wonderful ryokans. The most luxurious instance is the above-mentioned Bettei Senjuan, a One-Key Michelin lodge and Relais & Châteaux property with 18 beautiful rooms, every that includes a non-public open-air onsen. For a journey into historical past, Hoshi Onsen Chojukan is a 140-year-old property with a mesmerizing, grand wood bathhouse. Ryokan Tanigawa presents a mix of contemporary consolation and conventional aesthetics with stunning river views, luxurious meals, and each communal and personal onsens. If you occur to be staying at a rental that doesn’t have its personal onsen, there are some beautiful public choices, too. The most spectacular is Takaragawa Onsen, which is legendary for its large, picturesque collection of outside baths set alongside a snowy river.
FAQ:
When is one of the best month to ski in Japan?
How far in advance must you e book a snowboarding journey to Japan?
I like to recommend you e book your snowboarding journey to Japan as early as attainable. Depending on which area you’re going to and at what time of yr, this can be a bit harder, however in the excessive season, issues can e book up quick close to well-liked resorts. For some highly-regarded eating places, you’ll additionally need to make reservations a minimum of three months in advance.