Believe it or not, the best snow isn’t found in the Canadian or Colorado Rockies. It’s not found across the pond in Europe, either. Sure, they’re all great, but to find the absolute best powder, you have to head to Japan. That’s right, Japan! Japan gets an average 600 inches of snow annually. The powder is deep, dry, and an absolute must-ride for every skier and snowboarder. Read more about the best Japan ski trips to take this season.
Here Are the Best Japan Ski Trips
1. Niseko
For avid skiers and snowboarders, Niseko is a must-visit on any and all Japan ski trips – and for many reasons. The first of which is that dry powder we were referring to earlier. Niseko has it…a lot of it! Another reason riders flock to Niseko is for its variety of terrain. There are plenty of marked slopes for beginners and intermediate riders, but there are tons of backcountry opportunities, too.
Arguably the highlight of a ski trip to Niseko, however, is the views. The slopes of Niseko serve up some of the most incredible vistas of nearby Mt. Yotei – an active stratovolcano!
Niseko is also one of the best ski resorts in Japan for English speakers. English is widely spoken in the area and there are several Western-style restaurants for you to enjoy, too. Now, because Niseko is such a popular destination, the slopes can get crowded and prices can get expensive. So, keep that in mind when planning your trip.
2. Shiga Kogen
If Niseko was tourist-central, Shiga Kogen is the complete opposite. Despite being the largest ski area in Japan with 19 interconnected resorts, the slopes remain relatively uncrowded. The closest airports are four hours away, so it’s a bit of a hike to get to Shiga Kogen. But, once you’ve arrived, you won’t want to leave.
Shiga Kogen is a great spot for novice and somewhat experienced skiers. There is not an abundance of steep drops or off-piste skiing, so expert riders may want to look elsewhere. The area is known for its convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodations with several lifts and trails connecting you to the other ski resorts in the area.
3. Kiroro
With nearly 800 inches of annual snowfall, Kiroro is a rider’s paradise. It’s a modern resort with virtually no crowds and generous backcountry skiing acreage. It’s a great spot for other winter activities, too, like snowmobiling, snow rafting, snowshoe tours, and more. There’s plenty to appreciate off the slopes as well like a shopping mall, hot springs, and luxurious accommodations. Ski season typically runs from November to May, so there’s tons of time to savor all Kiroro has to offer this winter.
4. Rusutsu
To experience the same fluffy powder as Niseko without the massive crowds, hop on over to Rusutsu located on the North Island of Hokkaido. Rusutsu receives roughly 500 inches of annual snowfall – likely, some of the deepest powder you’ll ever get to encounter. There’s a great mix of terrain here, too, with heaps of room for novice skiers but also lots of off-piste and tree skiing opportunities.
An on-site ski school makes it even easier for beginning skiers to enjoy some of the best snow on Earth. If you’re traveling with family, Rusutsu offers many activities for kids, too.
To make the Rusutsu experience even more stellar, they boast a high-quality lift infrastructure and dozens of English-speaking staff and English signs around the resort.
5. Nozawa Onsen
There are several top-tier ski resorts in Japan that lack one of the best things about the sport: apres-ski! But, Nozawa Onsen is truly the whole package…and then some! It’s a charming traditional ski resort that truly offers something for everyone. For the powderhounds in your group, they’re sure to revel in the area’s more than 30 feet of powder each season. And the kids will be entertained by English-speaking ski instructors, a dedicated kid’s park, tubing, sledding, and more.
Nozawa is made up of one massive ski area with more than 700 acres of skiable terrain. And at the base of it all is the apres-ski setup of your dreams! A wide array of bars, restaurants, and karaoke spots make for the perfect place to unwind after an epic day on the mountain. The village is also home to tons of hot springs (onsens), hence the name!
6. Sapporo Teine
Sapporo Teine is yet another premier destination to visit on any Japan ski trips. But, there are quite a few things that make it far different from the rest. Firstly, it’s located just outside Hokkaido’s largest city so it’s pretty easily accessible. But, despite its accessibility, it doesn’t see the same huge international crowds as other renowned ski resorts ensuring a secluded day on the slopes. It’s also far more affordable than the other big resorts but boasts the same high-quality powder.
Steep slopes aren’t exactly the easiest to find in Japan. So for the more experienced skiers and snowboarders, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that Sapporo Teine is home to some of the steepest vertical in the country.
7. Tomamu
There are dozens of ski resorts in Japan where off-piste skiing is banned. Tomamu is definitely NOT one of them! The ski area is actually located within a national park and boasts that legendary Japanese snow we’ve talked so much about. Tomamu doesn’t attract the Western crowds, despite having available English-speaking staff, so the slopes don’t get too packed. They’re even less crowded in the off-piste areas.
The only downside about a ski trip to Tomamu is that there is zero nightlife. There is, however, still plenty to enjoy after skiing like an indoor wave pool, delicious restaurants, and your luxurious accommodations at the skyscraper-like hotels.
8. Happo One
As Japan ski trips go, Happo One has just about everything you could ask for. Shops? Check. Nightlife? Check. Restaurants? Check.
Happo One was first made famous by the Nagano Winter Olympic Games in 1998. The area offers a wide variety of terrain including formal Olympic trails that you can still ski today. Along with their array of trails along the Japanese Alps, they also boast some serious sidecountry and alpine backcountry. It is the most popular resort in Hakuba so it can get quite crowded, but that’s really the only downside.
If you have children in your group, consider signing them up for Happo One’s world-class ski instruction or leave them with English-speaking child caregivers if they’re not quite ready to hit the slopes.
9. Hakuba 47 & Goryu
Hakuba 47 and Goryu are actually two different ski resorts that share a lift pass and are connected at the summit. The mountain views are pretty spectacular here, as is the terrain. There’s plenty for every level of skier or snowboarder to enjoy. Hakuba 47 is also famous for its park which offers various jumps and a half-pipe. Goryu, on the other hand, is perfect for beginning skiers and even has a massive night skiing area.
10. Furano
Like many other Japanese ski resorts, what Furano lacks in nightlife is quickly made up for in the quality of terrain and the quality of snow. It also caters to English-speaking tourists without sacrificing any of its authentic Japanese appeal. It’s a fantastic all-around ski resort with fabulous on-piste trails as well as tons of off-piste riding. It’s also one ski resort you can ski again and again and never get bored.
Thanks to its close proximity to Furano, you’ll find it easy to locate a plethora of dining and accommodation options, too.
These Japan ski trips are sure to please! It’s time to start planning your winter vacations and be the first one to the slopes this season. For stress-free travel to your destination, don’t forget to ship your skis and luggage ahead instead of checking it at the airport. Learn more about Ship Skis today!