Travel Tips

Japan’s ski season is heating up — Here’s where to find the best ski resort in Japan in 2025

Searching for the best ski resort in Japan? From Niseko’s legendary powder to Hakuba’s Olympic heritage, Japan’s slopes offer something for everyone. Here’s the best destinations for every type of skier, from beginner to pro.

If you’re chasing the world’s best powder, Japan should be at the top of your list.

With its legendary “Japow” (light, dry snow that falls steadily from December to March), Japan offers some of the most consistent and breathtaking ski conditions on Earth.

Unlike the crowded ski resorts in Europe or the steep price tags in the US, Japan’s slopes blend world-class terrain with cultural charm, set in peaceful mountain villages with soothing onsens.

Skiers and snowboarders flock here from all over for the 10-15 meters of annual snowfall, high-elevation runs reaching up to 2,300 meters, and crisp winter temperatures averaging –6°C (21°F).

And with shuttles from major cities like Sapporo or Tokyo, the best ski resort in Japan is more accessible than you think.

In this article

The 6 best ski resorts in Japan

Japan has ski resorts for every type of traveler, from first-timers to pros. From deep snow and challenging runs to hot springs and postcard-perfect mountain views, here’s the best ski resort in Japan for your unique needs:

Resort	Nearest airport	Day pass price	Key features	Best for
Niseko United (Hokkaido)	New Chitose Airport (2.5 hrs)	¥12,000 ($78)	4 interconnected resorts, legendary powder snow, luxury chalets	International travelers & all levels
Hakuba Valley (Nagano)	Tokyo Haneda (3 hrs via bullet train)	¥10,400 ($67)	10 interlinked resorts, Olympic heritage, hot springs	Families & mixed-skill groups
Nozawa Onsen (Nagano)	Matsumoto (2.5 hrs) / Tokyo Haneda (4 hrs)	¥7,500 ($49)	Traditional onsen village, cultural festivals, authentic ski town vibe	Intermediate skiers & culture lovers
Furano (Hokkaido)	Asahikawa Airport (1 hr) / New Chitose (2.5 hours)	¥8,000 ($52)	Quiet slopes, night skiing, panoramic mountain views	Families & couples
Rusutsu Resort (Hokkaido)	New Chitose (1.5 hrs)	¥16,200 ($105)	Tree-lined runs, amusement park, luxury hotels	Resort-style travelers & snowboarders
Shiga Kogen (Nagano)	Matsumoto (2.5 hrs)	¥9,000 ($58)	19 interlinked resorts, long season (Nov–May)	Serious skiers & long stayers

Niseko United, Hokkaido: Japan’s ultimate powder paradise

Best for: International travelers of all levels

Nearest airport: New Chitose (2.5 hours)

Source: Shutterstock

If you want to experience the legendary “Japow” snow, Niseko United is the place to go, as it’s blanketed in over 15 meters of snowfall each winter.

Niseko United consists of four interconnected areas, linked by a lift system and a shuttle bus. You can access all four resorts with a single pass, allowing you to experience the unique vibe and terrain of each one.

The scenery at Niseko United is just as breathtaking as the runs, with Mount Yotei’s majestic

peak towering over the snowy landscape. Away from the slopes, you’ll find luxury chalets and a vibrant après-ski scene, designed with international tourists in mind.

Hakuba Valley, Nagano: Olympic heritage meets modern comfort

Best for: Families and mixed-skill groups,

Nearest airport: Tokyo Haneda (3 hours)

Source: Shutterstock

Once the stage for the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba Valley is a world-class skiing destination with 10 interconnected ski resorts. The expansive ski area has everything, from gentle beginner runs to steep backcountry trails.

Situated at the base of the Northern Japan Alps, Hakuba Valley boasts magnificent alpine views. The valley’s cozy lodges and hot springs add further to its charm, and with easy access from Tokyo via the bullet train, this slice of winter magic couldn’t be easier to reach.

Nozawa Onsen, Nagano: Where skiing meets tradition

Best for: Intermediate skiers

Nearest airport: Matsumoto Airport (2.5 hours) or Tokyo Haneda (4 hours)

Source: Shutterstock

Tucked away in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Nozawa Onsen blends world-class skiing with soothing hot springs.

The resort offers a great mix of gentle and challenging runs, ideal for intermediate skiers seeking adventure. Meanwhile, the historic village has 13 centuries-old hot baths where you can soak your sore muscles after a long day on the slopes.

Nozawa Onsen is extra magical in January, when the Nozawa Fire Festival takes place. This torch-lit spectacle is one of Japan’s most popular winter events and an excellent cultural experience.

Furano, Hokkaido: Quiet slopes, perfect snow

Best for: Families and couples

Nearest airport: Asahikawa (1 hour), New Chitose (2.5 hours)

Source: Shutterstock

Located in central Hokkaido, Furano is the best ski resort in Japan for those who want high-quality powder without the crowds.

Furano’s perfectly groomed runs are far quieter than Japan’s more famous resorts. It also has a laid-back atmosphere, making it popular among couples and families seeking a relaxed ski vacation.

Plus, the resort’s panoramic views of Mt. Tokachi and night skiing experiences under a starlit sky add an intimate and magical touch you won’t find in busier resorts.

Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido: All-in-one ski experience

Best for: Resort-style travelers and snowboarders

Nearest airport: New Chitose (1.5 hours)

Source: Shutterstock

A quiet alternative to Niseko is Rusutsu Resort, which is just a short drive away. This all-in-one ski escape blends comfort and fun, complete with luxury ski-in ski-out hotels, an indoor amusement park, and even a carousel!

The skiing and snowboarding at Rusutsu are just as impressive as the resort’s facilities. Rusutsu has the largest ski area in Hokkaido, with wide, tree-lined slopes and some of the lightest, driest powder in Japan.

Shiga Kogen, Nagano: Japan’s largest ski area

Best for: Serious skiers and long stayers

Nearest airport: Matsumoto (2.5 hours)

Source: Shutterstock

Shiga Kogen is often considered the best ski resort in Japan, thanks to its massive interconnected terrain across 19 resorts and 80 kilometers of runs, totaling 400 to 600 hectares of skiable area!

Another reason Shiga Kogen is so favored is its long ski season. The high elevation ensures reliable snowfall, so skiing is often possible from late November to early May.

A nearby must-visit is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where wild macaques soak in steaming hot springs. Winter is the best time to witness this uniquely Japanese spectacle!

Planning your Japan skiing trip

If it’s your first time heading to Japan, we know that the trip logistics can feel a little overwhelming. So in this section, we’re sharing how to plan a trip to Japan, including choosing accommodation and getting around the country.

Where to stay

Many ski resorts in Japan, especially the larger ones, offer luxury ski-in chalets just a few steps from the lifts, as well as Western-style lodges right at the base of the slopes. These accommodations are perfect if you want to maximize your time on the mountain.

Smaller resorts, such as Nozawa, Furano, or Shiga Kogen, typically have more traditional options. For example, you can stay in town in one of the family-run ryokans for the most authentic experience. Alternatively, you can opt for a boutique lodge for easier access to the lifts.

Getting around

Getting to the best ski resort in Japan is simpler than you might expect:

Hokkaido resorts (Niseko United, Furano, Rusutsu) have shuttle buses running from New Chitose Airport.
Nagano resorts (Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen) are accessible from Tokyo’s airports via the Shinkansen bullet train and then a short bus or taxi ride to your accommodation.

There are many excellent apps for your Japan trip, which make traveling between towns easy and stress-free. For example, Japan Travel by NAVITIME, gives transit information and helps you plan routes. Meanwhile Uber and GO Taxi let you hail safe and affordable rides and taxis.

Stay connected on the slopes with Holafly

From the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the majestic mountain valleys in Nagano, Japan’s ski resorts feel wonderfully remote. But that can also make roaming in Japan expensive and unreliable.

Thankfully, with a Holafly eSIM for Japan, you can stay connected throughout your entire trip at one set price—no hidden fees!

With unlimited data and reliable coverage across Japan’s top resort regions, you can check snow forecasts, navigate to your resort, and share those epic mountain views in real time!

For more travel inspiration and insider tips, follow Holafly on Google Discover.