Appi Kogen Ski Resort

The Appi Kogen Ski Resort is located in the Appi Highlands (��䍂��, Appi Kōgen) in Iwate Prefecture, about 50 kilometers north of Morioka. It is one of the best ski resorts in the Tohoku Region, offering a large variety of wide, long ski courses, including groomed and ungroomed runs and mogul terrains. The ski season lasts from early December to early May.

The resort's courses are situated along the slopes of Mount Maemori (1305 meters), at whose peak there is an observation point from where the surrounding mountain range, in particular Mount Iwate and Mount Hachimantai, can be seen on clear days.

Other attractions include a terrain park for snowboarders and a family park with sleds, snow tubes and mini courses for children to enjoy the snow. At the foot of the slopes stands the resort center, where rental equipment, shops and food establishments are available. There is also a ski school where skiing and snowboarding lessons are offered.

At the base of the ski slopes stand several large resort hotels, including the ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Appi Kogen and the ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort. Furthermore, alternative lodging options are offered by a few pensions in the small town below the resort hotels.

A big ski resort with a variety of groomed and ungroomed runs. The longest run measures 5500 meters. Lift ticket prices are lowered during the shoulder season.

Season*

Early December to early May
(December 2, 2023 to May 6, 2024)

Lifts

7 lifts

Tickets

Full day 7000 yen

Half day n/a

Nighter n/a

Access

Bus/Train 50 minutes by bus from JR Morioka Station.

Car 15 kilometers by car from Matsuo Hachimantai IC.

* Season dates may be adjusted due to lack of snow. Check before going.

Appi Kogen is best reached from Morioka Station, which is about 2.5 hours north of Tokyo by the Tohoku Shinkansen (about 15,000 yen one way, covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass).

By bus from Morioka

Buses connect Morioka Station with the Appi Kogen Ski Resort every 1-2 hours. The one way trip takes about 50 minutes and costs 1150 yen. The fare is not covered by the JR passes.

By train from Morioka

Appi Kogen Station stands about three kilometers away from the ski resort and is connected with Morioka by direct trains every 2-3 hours. The one way ride between Morioka and Appi Kogen takes one hour and costs 1170 yen. Because the trains partially use non-JR tracks, Japan Rail Pass holders will have to pay a supplement of 660 yen. However, holders of a JR East Tohoku Area Pass or JR East South Hokkaido Pass do not need to pay the supplement. Staying guests can request a pick-up service from the station.

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