Japan's Best Ski Spots by Rail

Published on : 26/06/2022
by : Japan Experience

Niseko Grand Hirafu
©Frederick Wallace, unsplash

Skiing in Japan during your Winter trip

Five of the best ski resorts in Japan, plus their great rail pass package deals. Order your Japan Rail Pass online today - 7, 14, & 21-day Passes available.

One of the best ways to make the most of your winter trip to Japan is to go visit one of its incredible ski resorts! Here are a few of our favorite places to ski using your Japan Rail Pass, Hokkaido Pass, or JR East Pass.

Gala Yuzawa - Niigata

Located in Echigo Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, this spot even has its own dedicated Shinkansen station! Buy your pass at the station and head straight to the mountain. You can even show your JR East Pass when buying your ski pass at the station for a great discount.

Nozawa - Nagano

The ideal place for great skiing and famous hot springs. This resort is well-known for skiers relaxing in the onsen after a hot day, as well as its mostly Japanese-style accommodations.

Nozawa can be reached by taking Shinkansen to Nagano, then changing for a local train line to Togari Nozawa Onsen Station.

Niseko - Hokkaido

The largest ski resort in Japan is only a short distance from Sapporo, Hokkaido. As such, aside from amazing skiing, Niseko also has a wide range of accommodations and a fun-filled town with great nightlife.

Niseko is accessible from Sapporo by local train.

Gala Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture has its own Shinkansen station

Nozawa in Nagano Prefecture combines great skiing with hot springs

Niseko in Hokkaido Prefecture is Japan's largest ski resort

Kiroro in Hokkaido Prefecture is more low-key while offering a lot of snow activities

Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture is a former Winter Olympics event spot

Kiroro - Hokkaido

A more low-key ski destination compared to the neighboring Niseko, Kiroro has great skiing as well as many other snow activities, including snow-shoeing and sledding. It also includes a great ski school geared towards children only.

Kiroro can be reached from Sapporo by taking express train to Otaru, a nearby seaside town, then changing for a shuttle bus.

Hakuba - Nagano

Located in Nagano, this former Winter Olympics event spot is a great location for overseas travelers. Hakuba boasts lots of English speakers, including instructors and child caregivers, making it very family friendly. The surrounding village also has great shops and many restaurants.

Hakuba can be reached by taking the Shinkansen to Nagano, then taking a shuttle bus.

More travel tips

Your ticket to Hokkaido's famous ski resorts!

Trees covered in snow in front of Mt Yotei

JR HOKKAIDO Pass Regional Rail Passes in Japan

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Regional Japan Rail Pass

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