Best beginners skiing near Kyoto

Staying in Kyoto for a week late February then looking to go skiing for a week afterwards. We're absolute beginner Australian 40 somethings, where is the best, closest to Kyoto or Tokyo, beginners ski resort that has nice ski in / ski out accommodation and not overrun with western tourists (and of course has rental gear and ski lessons). It will be part of our honeymoon so something nice.

There aren't anywhere ''near'' Kyoto and Tokyo. You need to go a bit away to snow country. The easiest place to go should be Gala Yuzawa or Karuizawa resorts connected directly by Shinkansen (JR East travel offices at major stations should handle inexpensive Gala Yuzawa tickets). If you don't mind going further, you might try Nozawa Onsen or Shiga Kogen resorts in northern Nagano Prefecture.

There isn't really much near Kyoto. But there are several resorts near Tokyo.

Karuizawa has good beginner slopes and is easy to access from Tokyo. Its only about 70 minutes away by train.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6030.html

Thank you, will look into the options you've both suggested.

All the best.