Skiing near Tokyo: the best resorts for vacations in Japan
Japan is a dream destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with over a hundred ski resorts spread across the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. The country receives exceptional snowfalls, between 10 and 18 meters per year in most areas, allowing skiing in light, abundant powder from December to mid-April. With the Japan Rail Pass, many resorts are easily accessible by train from Tokyo, for an unforgettable ski holiday combining skiing, relaxation in onsen, cultural discovery and gastronomy.
Gala Yuzawa, the closest ski resort to Tokyo
Located just 75 minutes by train from the capital, Gala Yuzawa is the ideal resort for a day trip or short ski holiday near Tokyo. It is reached directly by Shinkansen from Tokyo station, with the high-speed train stopping at the foot of the slopes at Gala Yuzawa station. The resort, perched between 358 and 1181 meters above sea level, enjoys abundant snow cover, with almost 12 meters of snowfall per year.
Gala Yuzawa offers a vertical drop of 823 meters, 17 trails for all levels, 80% of which are for beginners and intermediates, and 11 lifts. It's a very popular resort with Tokyoites, with numerous facilities at the foot of the slopes: equipment rentals, changing rooms, lockers, restaurants and onsen for relaxing after skiing. For greater peace and quiet, it's best to go during the week.
Naeba and the Yuzawa Valley, a powder paradise less than 2 hours from the capital
The Yuzawa Valley, in Niigata Prefecture, is home to several ski resorts easily accessible by Shinkansen from Tokyo, followed by a bus connection. One of the region's biggest resorts, Naeba, is around 2 hours from the capital and offers a 212-hectare ski area with 32 lifts and 22 runs.
Naeba is renowned for the quality and abundance of its powder, with an average of 6 meters of fresh snow per year. The resort has runs for all levels, including some technical black runs, off-piste areas and a snowpark. A 4 km run provides a ski link to the neighboring Kagura ski area on Mount Naeba, for even more skiing possibilities.
Hakuba Valley and its 11 ski areas, the freeride spot of the Japanese Alps
Located around 3 hours by train from Tokyo in the Japanese Alps, Hakuba Valley is one of Japan's largest ski areas, with 960 hectares of terrain, 137 km of runs and 11 interconnected resorts. Hakuba was one of the venues for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
With peaks peaking at over 2,000 meters and receiving more than 11 meters of snow a year, Hakuba offers endless opportunities for freeride and off-piste skiing in light, deep powder. The resorts of Cortina, Norikura and Tsugaike are particularly renowned for their ungroomed powder areas. Numerous guides and instructors offer guided tours of the area and off-piste descents.
In addition to skiing, Hakuba offers the authentic atmosphere of a Japanese village, with its onsens, traditional restaurants and breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps. For non-skiers, there's a wide range of activities on offer: skating rink, snowshoeing, monkey visits to hot springs, temples...
Nozawa Onsen, a historic resort combining skiing and hot springs
Located in the north of Nagano prefecture, around 2h30 by train from Tokyo, Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan's oldest resorts, open since 1924. A renowned spa village since the Edo period, Nozawa Onsen combines the charm of the old, with its narrow streets lined with traditional ryokan, with the joys of modern skiing.
The ski area, one of the venues for the 1998 Nagano Olympics, covers 300 hectares at altitudes of between 565 and 1,650 metres, with a vertical drop of over 1,000 metres. It boasts 36 runs, 40% of which are difficult, 19 lifts and areas of powder in the forest popular with freeriders. After skiing, relax in one of the village's 13 public baths fed by natural hot springs.
Shiga Kogen and Myoko Kogen, two safe havens within Shinkansen's reach from Tokyo
Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski area, with 607 hectares, 19 interconnected resorts, 71 lifts and 80 km of slopes in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, 1h30 by train + bus from Tokyo, Shiga Kogen hosted the slalom events at the Nagano Olympics.
With altitudes ranging from 1,340 to 2,307 meters, Shiga Kogen enjoys exceptional snow cover and offers Japan's longest ski season, from mid-November to early May. The resort offers pistes for all levels, plenty of off-piste skiing and a snowpark.
Easily reached in 2 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo, the Myoko Kogen resort nestles on the slopes of Mount Myoko on the border of Niigata and Nagano prefectures. Renowned for its light, abundant powder (13 meters per year on average), Myoko is a paradise for off-piste skiing, with plenty of opportunities for freeriding in the forest. Outdoor hot tubs with mountain views are a must after a day's skiing!
Combine skiing with Japanese culture: onsens, snow monkeys and traditional villages
A ski holiday in Japan is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, beyond the slopes. Most resorts are built around traditional villages brimming withonsens, those natural hot baths so relaxing after a day in the mountains. Some resorts, such as Nozawa Onsen or Myoko Kogen, are particularly renowned for their indoor or outdoor onsens with views of the peaks.
Some ski areas are home to other natural wonders, such as Jigokudani Park near Shiga Kogen, famous for its macaque monkeys basking in the hot springs in winter. Excursions are organized to observe them in complete safety.
When it comes to culture and heritage, don't miss the pretty mountain villages with their narrow streets lined with traditional houses, temples and sanctuaries nestled in the countryside. For a historic getaway, combine skiing at Nozawa Onsen with a visit to the charming town of Nikko, with its sumptuous UNESCO temples.
Practical tips: how to organize your ski holiday from Tokyo
Here are a few tips to help you plan your skiing vacation in Japan:
- Buy a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited train travel throughout the country, and easy access to ski resorts from Tokyo. Some passes even combine train and ski lifts, as at Gala Yuzawa.
- Bring warm, waterproof clothing suitable for the cold and heavy snow. If necessary, you can rent all your ski equipment on site.
- Book your accommodation in advance, preferably in a hotel or ryokan at the foot of the slopes, with onsen if possible for even more relaxation. Linger over breakfast, a hearty buffet to get the day off to a good start!
- Download the Ski Japan app to get all the information on snow conditions, weather and slopes open in real time on your smartphone. Finally, sample the delights of Japanese mountain cuisine: ramen, udon, stewed dishes, not forgetting a glass of sake or beer to toast after skiing!
