Tokyo Ski GuidePopular ski resorts in Niigata, Nagano, and Gunma, plus one near Tokyo, all in one place

#Ski resorts where you can ski at night

NASPA Ski Garden is a full-service ski resort directly connected to Hotel New Otani, and it's one of Japan's few ski resorts exclusively for two-plank skiing. With eight runs, it offers a diverse range of options, from gentle slopes for beginners to ungroomed trails, moguls, and snow hills, ensuring that intermediate and advanced skiers can fully enjoy the thrill of the sport.

The snow play area at the resort also features activities like snow tubing, snowmobile driving experiences, and snow rafting, providing fun for both adults and children. If you stay at the ski hotel, you'll find a full range of facilities, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spacious 250-tsubo hot spring, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate after a day on the slopes!

• Official website: https://www.naspa.co.jp/ski/
• Address: 新潟県南魚沼郡湯沢町湯沢2117-9

#Skiing just 70 minutes from Tokyo

GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is a popular choice for ski enthusiasts near Tokyo, boasting a mere 77-minute journey from Tokyo Station, making it ideal for a day trip. With 16 diverse slopes, it caters to skiers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Everyone can enjoy skiing to their heart's content here.

This ski venue near Tokyo also features a dedicated Snow Park for snowboarders. Overall, GALA Yuzawa is compact yet well-designed, and it connects to Yuzawa Kogen and Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort. A full-mountain pass grants access to all three ski venues. If you plan to stay longer, there are comfortable hot spring ryokans nearby, offering a relaxing soak after a day on the slopes.

• Official Website: https://gala.co.jp/winter/tc/
• Address: 1039-2 Aza Kayadaira, Oaza Yuzawa, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture

#Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort: The Top Choice for Family Skiing

Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort is a popular destination for family skiing in Japan, consistently ranking among the top-rated resorts. Although it's a smaller venue, it offers numerous beginner-friendly slopes and wide, gentle inclines, allowing both new skiers and families to comfortably enjoy the snow.

This Tokyo-area ski resort comes highly recommended, providing extensive rental services and snow activities suitable for children, ensuring fun for the whole family. However, it's important to note that Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort is separate from the nearby Nakazato Ski Resort, which belongs to a local hotel. Lift tickets are not interchangeable between the two, so visitors should be mindful of this when planning their trip.

• Official Website: https://www.yuzawa-nakazato.com/winter/
• Address: 5044-1 Tsuchidaru, Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata

#26 Slopes to Let Loose On

Maiko Snow Resort is a medium-to-large ski area with 26 slopes across three distinct zones. The Nagamine area is ideal for intermediate skiers, offering a variety of runs. The Maiko area, with its flatter terrain, is perfect for families. The Okusoechi area features a bowl-shaped landscape with subtle inclines that advanced skiers love.

This recommended Tokyo-area ski venue is also one of the few that offers ski-in/ski-out access, connecting to nearby hotels and three surrounding ski venues. Lift tickets are interchangeable, making it perfect for travelers who want to spend several days enjoying the slopes. After a long day, you can unwind and rejuvenate at Maiko Onsen and Iishinoyu hot springs!

• Official Website: https://www.maiko-resort.com/
• Address: 新潟県南魚沼市舞子2056-108

#An 80-year-old Japanese ski resort

Iwahara Ski Resort is a traditional Japanese ski resort with over 80 years of history, renowned for its magnificent scenery and expansive slopes. Though a medium-sized resort, it boasts 20 runs and varied terrain, including a scenic mountain trail, and 11 lifts for skiers to explore at will.

The runs at this ski resort near Tokyo are exceptionally well-connected, allowing skiers to navigate effortlessly. Numerous on-slope shops are also available, inviting you to pause for a hot drink and a brief rest before continuing your descent.

What sets this ski resort near Tokyo apart from others is that its hotel is located "within the ski area." Hotel guests must walk into the ski area to reach the hotel, and luggage transport requires an electric snow cart for pickup and delivery.

• Official Website: https://iwa-ppara.com/
• Address: 新潟県南魚沼郡湯沢町土樽731-79

#Nine integrated ski resorts are definitely enough skiing for you

Myoko Kogen Ski Resort is a famous ski destination in Japan, comprising 10 ski resorts, including Madarao Kogen and Madarao Tokyu Ski Resort, which the Myoko Tourism Association has integrated in recent years. Three of these resorts are named "Myoko," offering diverse ski trail designs to meet the needs of various skill levels, along with day and night skiing.

Myoko Kogen is not only famous for skiing but is also one of Japan's six major hot spring ski resorts. The ski village is rich in traditional hot spring culture, allowing skiers to enjoy a soothing hot spring bath after hitting the slopes, making it especially suitable for visitors who appreciate a traditional Japanese countryside atmosphere. The area has many hotels and guesthouses, so whether you prefer a resort experience or a guesthouse, Myoko Kogen Ski Resort has you covered.

This ski paradise near Tokyo offers many choices, but tickets are generally sold separately. Although some ski resorts offer common passes, the overall system can be a bit complex. If you plan to visit Myoko Kogen Ski Resort, you can consult Snowdiving's ski instructor courses. They collaborate with Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, and Suginohara, so you won't have to worry about transportation or tickets—Snowdiving can handle everything for you!

Official Website: https://myokotourism.tw/ski_resort/

Address: 新潟縣妙高市田口309-1

#A long-standing ski resort not to be missed by advanced skiers

ISHIUCHI, with over 70 years of history, is one of the most iconic and long-standing ski resorts near Tokyo, conveniently located adjacent to Gala and Yuzawa Kogen ski resorts. It's easily accessible from Tokyo by Shinkansen in just about 90 minutes, with free shuttle buses available from the station.

The resort boasts Japan's largest night ski slope, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy skiing after dark. In 2018, the resort introduced the world's most advanced gondola-chairlift hybrid, offering non-skiers breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains.

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort features modern facilities and has continuously grown and improved in recent years, with amenities comparable to Gala Yuzawa. Equipment rentals, slope maintenance, and dining options are diverse and plentiful, ensuring skiers can enjoy delicious meals alongside their time on the slopes. Ishiuchi Maruyama is also renowned for its Park area and half-pipe, making it ideal for skiers looking to push their limits.

Official website: https://ishiuchi.or.jp/

Address: 1655 Ishiuchi, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture

#High-altitude spectacular snowscapes and hot springs: pure bliss

Kagura Ski Resort, located on Kagura Peak at an elevation of 1,845 meters, connects with Naeba Ski Resort to form a vast and magnificent skiing area, making it one of Japan's largest ski resorts. The entire resort comprises three areas—Tashiro, Mitsumata, and Kagura—with a total of 30 ski runs. Whether you're a beginner, a family, or an expert skier, you'll find suitable challenges and fun here.

One of the highlights of this ski resort near Tokyo is the "Dragondola," an eight-person gondola connecting the two mountains. As you ride, you can take in the spectacular panoramic views of the entire snow-covered mountain area, especially the ice-like formations and majestic snowy forests along the way, making the skiing experience even more enjoyable.

Unlike other ski areas where hot springs are typically nearby, Kagura Ski Resort boasts an outdoor hot spring area "within" the venue itself. Soaking in the hot springs while admiring the snow-covered scenery is truly a luxurious experience. Additionally, the venue offers a wide array of dining options; for example, Tashiro Hut serves popular dishes like fried chicken, curry, ramen, and donburi. If you're looking to ski near Tokyo, soak in hot springs, and enjoy delicious food, Kagura Ski Resort welcomes you!

Official Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/kagura/winter/

Address: 〒 949-6211新潟縣南魚沼郡湯澤町三俁742

#Skiing with views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay

Snow Park Yeti, located at the second station of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, is renowned as "Japan's earliest-opening ski resort." It typically welcomes skiers around October each year, and in 2019, it set a record for opening earliest in Japan for 21 consecutive years.

While this ski venue near Tokyo doesn't have many slopes, it boasts excellent snow quality, spectacular views of Mount Fuji, and abundant natural resources. Skiers can enjoy the thrill of the slopes surrounded by nature, which is why it attracts many visitors annually. If you want to ski while admiring Mount Fuji, Yeti is an excellent choice.

• Official Website: https://www.yeti-resort.com/tw/
• Address: 2428 Fujiwara, Suyama, Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture

#A tourist destination for summer escapes and winter skiing

Karuizawa is a popular day trip from Tokyo, about a 3-hour drive away. It's famous both domestically and internationally for its many surrounding attractions, serving as a summer retreat in addition to its skiing, and is home to numerous celebrity and imperial villas. Among them, PRINCE SNOW RESORTS KARUIZAWA is a highly renowned ski resort in Japan, featuring 16 runs, half of which are beginner-friendly, making it ideal for first-timers and families.

This ski resort near Tokyo is located close to Karuizawa Station's South Exit, just a 3-minute drive from the shopping mall, allowing skiers to enjoy shopping in addition to hitting the slopes. The runs here are well-maintained, boasting 100% groomed snow for consistent conditions. However, it can get windy at times, making the perceived temperature quite low, so those sensitive to cold should take extra precautions!

• Official Website: https://www.princehotels.com/
• Address: 1016-75 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture

#Hot Springs, Skiing, and Dōsojin Matsuri: All in One Trip

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is one of Japan's most famous hot spring ski destinations, attracting countless skiers. With 44 runs and 19 lifts, the resort offers diverse slopes suitable for all skill levels. It boasts a 10-kilometer run directly from the summit of Mt. Kenashi, as well as a 7-kilometer gentle slope for beginners, making it one of the longest ski runs in Asia.

Beyond skiing, the hot spring experience near Tokyo is a major draw. The area features 13 free public baths and several paid onsen venues, allowing skiers to relax and enjoy traditional Japanese hot springs after hitting the slopes.

Every January, the area hosts the Dōsojin Matsuri, one of Japan's three great fire festivals, with the climax of the celebration on January 15th. This allows visitors to experience a lively traditional festival firsthand. If you plan to ski and soak in the hot springs here in mid-January, this festival is not to be missed!

• Official Website: https://nozawaski.com/winter/
• Address: 長野県下高井郡野沢温泉村豊郷7653

#Ski resort with hot springs just a 1-minute walk away

Togari Onsen Ski Resort is nestled in a quiet town. In summer, you can camp and stargaze; in winter, when it snows, there are 13 slopes with a total run length of about 12 kilometers. Approximately 80% of this ski resort near Tokyo is designed for beginner and intermediate skiers, and you can reach hot springs for a relaxing soak in just a 1-minute walk.

This ski resort doesn't see many Taiwanese visitors, and its facilities are generally older, offering a different vibe from modern ski resorts—it's like experiencing skiing as people did in ancient times. The resort accommodates both snowboarding and skiing, with an equal split of slopes for each, catering to different preferences. If you're looking to try a different kind of skiing experience, Togari Onsen Ski Resort is worth a visit!

• Official Website: https://togari.jp/winter/
• Address: 長野県飯山市大字豊田6356

#Wide, gentle slopes make this a beginner's paradise

Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort (HAKUBA VALLEY), located in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is one of the three major ski resorts in the Hakuba area. It's famous for hosting the Winter Olympics and attracts many ski enthusiasts from Japan and abroad. The region comprises several renowned ski resorts, including Happo-one, Iwatake, and Hakuba Goryu.

This ski resort near Tokyo is known as a "beginner's paradise," boasting wide, gentle slopes up to 1,200 meters across with an average gradient of just 8 degrees, making it extremely suitable for first-time skiers. The wide and flat slopes ensure skiers don't have to worry about colliding with others, offering high safety and making it perfect for families and those with children. Additionally, most accommodations in Tsugaike Kogen are very close to the ski resort, often allowing for ski-in/ski-out access, which is convenient for skiers.

While Tsugaike Kogen primarily targets beginners and has fewer intermediate and advanced slopes, it is an ideal place for new skiers and families to enjoy skiing. If you are a beginner, you will certainly not be disappointed here; more advanced skiers seeking greater challenges might consider other nearby resorts.

Official Website: https://www.tsugaike.gr.jp/

Address: 長野県北安曇郡小谷村栂池高原

#Ski Resorts for Expert Skiers

Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort is one of Japan's premier ski destinations, having hosted events during the 1998 Winter Olympics. It boasts expansive grounds, excellent facilities, and even a hot spring area for relaxation. In recent years, it has also attracted numerous international competitions.

This ski venue near Tokyo is situated at an elevation of 1,830 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Hakuba Sanzan, Mount Asama, and the Yatsugatake mountain range from its summit. It is renowned for its challenging slopes; 70% of its 16 runs are intermediate to advanced, making it ideal for experienced skiers.

In addition to its famous ungroomed powder snow areas, the ski venue also features slopes suitable for beginners and children, with a wide array of equipment. However, overall, it is less beginner-friendly. If you are an expert skier, this venue will undoubtedly meet your needs, allowing you to fully enjoy the thrill and challenge of skiing.

• Website: https://www.happo-one.jp/winter/
• Address: Happo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture

#Skiing near Tokyo until midnight

NORN Minakami Ski Resort, located in Gunma Prefecture, is perfect for a day trip, just 100 minutes from Tokyo via the Kan-Etsu Expressway. While not large, the venue is well-equipped with wide, flat slopes ideal for beginners. It also features varied terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers.

A major highlight of NORN Minakami Ski Resort is its night skiing, open until 10 PM daily, and extended to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing for longer sessions on the slopes. The Snow Park area offers daily paid lessons, while the Snow Land area has numerous attractions for children to enjoy. It’s a snow paradise for all ages!

• Official Website: https://www.norn.co.jp/winter/
• Address: 479-139 Terama, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture

#Skiing and Hot Springs: The Perfect Tokyo Day Trip

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort, nestled in one of Japan's top three hot spring towns, perfectly blends skiing with hot springs. It's also incredibly convenient: a direct bus from Tokyo takes just 90-120 minutes, making it ideal for a Tokyo day trip.

With an elevation of over 2,000 meters, the ski resort boasts excellent snow quality and an 8,000-meter long-distance run that lets skiers glide from peak to base. All 100% of the runs are groomed, and the difficulty level is low, making it a highly recommended Tokyo ski resort for beginners.

Beyond skiing, Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort offers diverse entertainment for non-skiers too. You can soar over the snow on the "BanZipTENGU" zip line or challenge the 10-meter-high "SKY SWING." After hitting the slopes, head to the nearby Kusatsu Onsen town to soak in the steaming hot springs, soothe your fatigue, and experience authentic Japanese onsen culture.

• Official website: https://www.932-onsen.com/winter/index
• Address: 群馬県吾妻郡草津町大字草津字白根国有林158林班

#Varied natural terrain makes for diverse and exciting slopes

Kawaba Ski Resort is renowned for its diverse natural terrain and extensive facilities, boasting 10 different types of ski runs, including an impressive 3,300-meter-long super run to satisfy every ski enthusiast. Additionally, the resort features four distinct ski parks, ensuring both snowboarders and skiers can carve to their heart's content.

The resort caters specifically to beginners and families with a dedicated ski school offering lessons and related services. For advanced skiers, challenging areas like Side Country and ungroomed slopes provide an exhilarating experience, ensuring every skill level finds their perfect ski adventure.

Kawaba Ski Resort is also an excellent choice for a day trip from Tokyo, especially for those driving. This ski venue near Tokyo is home to Japan's first 8-story multi-level parking garage, so you'll never have to worry about finding a spot!

• Official Website: https://www.kawaba.co.jp/
• Address: Kawaba Kogen, Kawaba Village, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture

#Kanto's Largest Ski Resort

White World Oze Iwakura Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in the Kanto region, conveniently located just a 2.5-hour drive from Tokyo. It's renowned for abundant natural powder snow and excellent snow quality, allowing skiers to fully enjoy the thrill of the slopes.

The resort features 16 unique trails, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. Whether you're looking for family-friendly gentle slopes or challenging steeps and moguls, skiers will find a trail that suits their skill level.

Additionally, this Tokyo-area ski resort offers "Rock'n Plaza," a dedicated children's area with a snow escalator, making it easy for kids to play in the snow and adding more fun for families. It's a ski destination that combines entertainment, challenge, and family fun, where both novices and experts can enjoy a ski vacation. If you're planning a day trip for skiing from Tokyo, White World is an excellent choice!

• Official Website: https://www.oze-iwakura.co.jp/ski/
• Address: 2609 Hotsuchi, Katashina-mura, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture

#Enjoy fine powder snow in a high-altitude hot spring village

Manza Onsen Ski Resort is renowned for its high-altitude location and exceptional powder snow. Skiers can enjoy runs from the 1,994-meter summit, taking in magnificent views of Mount Fuji. While not a massive resort, it offers diverse slopes, from gentle to steep, along with beautiful tree-lined trails and ungroomed areas, catering to all levels of skiers.

Manza Onsen itself is a major highlight of the region. It is Japan's highest drivable hot spring, often called "the hot spring closest to the starry sky." The milky-white spring water is rich in sulfur, containing as many as 27 different components. Soaking in Manza's open-air baths, surrounded by nature and enjoying the snowy scenery, is an experience you'll never forget!

Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/manza/

Address: Manza Onsen, Tsumagoi Village, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture