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There are over 500 ski resorts across Japan from the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern main island of Kyushu, which vary in size from large resorts with dozens of runs to small one-lift slopes. The best resorts and snow conditions are found in northern Japan (Hokkaido and Tohoku) and in the mountains along the Sea of Japan Coast (especially Niigata and Nagano). While there are no ski resorts within the borders of metropolitan Tokyo, it is feasible to go skiing or snowboarding in a daytrip from Tokyo. Some of the most easily accessible and most popular resorts for daytrips are located in the Yuzawa region of Niigata Prefecture, which can be reached in only 90 minutes by shinkansen. There are also a couple of small resorts on Mount Fuji. For those who are interested in experiencing snow, but who do not want to ski or snowboard, most resorts have play zones designed for families with small children. Often, they do not require paid admission, except for activities such as sledding and snow tubing. For information on other places to see snow that are within easy reach of major cities see our page on where to find snow. Below is a list of some of Japan's most notable ski resorts: Niseko, Hokkaido 3 hours from Sapporo by bus or train Niseko attracts a lot of overseas attention, and is especially popular with Australians. It is probably the most visited Japanese ski and snowboard resort by foreigner travellers and is very English friendly. The almost guaranteed powder snow and fantastic views of Mt. Yotei make this a very popular destination. more details by japan-guide.com daily reports by SnowJapan Rusutsu, Hokkaido 2 hours from Sapporo by bus Not far from Niseko and Lake Toya, Rusutsu covers three mountains, each with a variety of long runs with a good mix of groomed trails, great powder and tree runs. During the summer the resort operates a large amusement park with over 60 attractions and 8 roller coasters. more details by japan-guide.com Furano, Hokkaido 2 hours from Sapporo by train or bus Furano is another popular ski resort in Hokkaido with excellent snow conditions. The resort is located to the east of Sapporo, and has a large Family Snowland which offers family friendly activities such as snow rafting and dog sledding. more details by japan-guide.com daily reports by SnowJapan Tomamu, Hokkaido 90 minutes from Sapporo by train Tomamu is a large snow resort in central Hokkaido, built around an all-inclusive hotel resort complex that offers a large pool, hot spring facilities, an ice village and multiple hotel buildings, including some skyscraper towers. more details by japan-guide.com Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture 40 minutes from Yamagata by bus Zao Onsen is one of Japan's oldest ski resorts with a large number of runs for all skill levels. Hot spring baths, filled by high quality water, offer relaxation after a day on the slopes. The resort is famous as one of only few places in Japan to see "snow monsters". more details by japan-guide.com daily reports by SnowJapan Mount Bandai, Fukushima Prefecture 10-90 minute shuttle bus rides from Inawashiro or Koriyama Station Multiple ski resorts of varying sizes are located along the slopes of Mount Bandai, a prominent volcano in the interior of Fukushima Prefecture which escaped major contamination by the nuclear accident. The resorts offer fine views of the mountainous landscape and Lake Inawashiro. more details by japan-guide.com Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture 80 minutes from Tokyo by Joetsu Shinkansen Yuzawa is just a 80 minute train ride from Tokyo, with one resort connected directly to a shinkansen station, making it the most convenient ski town for a day trip from the Tokyo area. There are additionally another 20 or so ski resorts within easy reach of the main Echigo-Yuzawa Station. more details by japan-guide.com daily reports by SnowJapan Nozawa, Nagano Prefecture 3 hours from Tokyo by Nagano Shinkansen and bus Nozawa is one of the best ski resorts in Japan that really delivers that "Japanese experience". The small village nestled at the base of the resort is compact and has a good atmosphere, and notably has a number of atmospheric public hot springs that you can enjoy after skiing. more details by japan-guide.com daily reports by SnowJapan Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture 3 hours from Tokyo by Nagano Shinkansen and bus Hakuba is another very popular ski and snowboard town located in the northwest of Nagano Prefecture. Happoone resort was host to downhill events in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and the general scale of the resorts in Hakuba is impressive. more details by japan-guide.com daily reports by SnowJapan Shiga Kogen, Nagano Prefecture 3 hours from Tokyo by Nagano Shinkansen and bus Shiga Kogen is the biggest skiable area in Japan. The resort area is actually over 20 resorts most of which are linked up by ski courses. One pass allows access to them all and offers a huge amount of variety as well as generally excellent snow conditions. more details by japan-guide.com daily reports by SnowJapan Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma Prefecture 3 hours from Tokyo by train and bus Kusatsu Onsen is a famous hot spring resort in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, boasting some of Japan's best hot spring waters. Its ski resort, Kusatsu Kokusai, is relatively small with only one main run, but the run is with eight kilometers one of Japan's longest. more details by japan-guide.com Fujiten, Yamanashi Prefecture 2.5 hours from Tokyo by bus and taxi Fujiten is the larger of two small ski resorts on the slopes of Mount Fuji. Its main attraction is its location on Japan's most famous mountain, but there are few other reasons to select it over one of the larger resorts in Niigata or Nagano. more details by japan-guide.com Yeti, Shizuoka Prefecture 2-3 hours from Tokyo by train and bus Yeti is the smaller of two small ski resorts on the slopes of Mount Fuji. It is also the first resort in Japan to open each year (in mid October with man made snow). The resort's main attraction is its location on Mount Fuji. more details by japan-guide.com Guide to Skiing in Japan: How to enjoy skiing and snowboarding List of ski resorts Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

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