Japan's ski resorts are attracting attention from around the world for their world-class powder snow.

The soft snow has a low friction when sliding, allowing you to enjoy skiing and snowboarding without stress, and it has gained such a reputation that it is called "JAPOW (Japan Powder)."

Also, unlike ski resorts in other countries around the world, it is easily accessible from major cities, which is another reason why many people enjoy skiing when they visit Japan.

So this time, we will introduce 5 ski resorts in Japan that have particularly good snow quality and are easily accessible from the airport.

Niseko Village Ski Resort (Hokkaido)

Niseko is a ski resort that can be said to be synonymous with "Japanese skiing."

Among Japan's high-quality powder snow, JAPOW (Japan Powder) is the highest quality, and it has been described as feeling like "gliding on clouds" with so little resistance when skiing, making it a mecca for skiers and snowboarders from all over Japan and the world.

There are 27 courses with an elevation difference of 890m, and it is well-known for offering the best skiing experience in Hokkaido's majestic location and breathtaking scenery.

As one of Japan's largest ski resorts, there is a wide range of accommodation options, including traditional Japanese inns and luxury hotels, and there are also plenty of activities available, such as river boating through the snowy scenery and reindeer sledding.

Hokkaido is known as one of the regions in Japan that has particularly delicious food, so not only is the food delicious, but Niseko's beer, wine, and sake are also well-known, and stays at the ski resort are known for being very enjoyable.

Location of Niseko Village Ski Resort

〒048-1521
Higashiyama Onsen, Niseko Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido

Access to Niseko Village Ski Resort

It is accessible by shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport.
The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours and costs around 6,000 yen.

Rusutsu Ski Resort (Hokkaido)

Among the many ski resorts in Hokkaido, Rusutsu Ski Resort is the largest.

The resort won the award for "Japan's Best Ski Resort 2024" at the World Ski Awards, which recognizes the world's best ski resorts. It has 37 courses within its 212 hectares spanning three peaks with an elevation difference of 594m.

The quality of the dry powder carried by the wind is excellent, and the area is blessed with a mild Pacific climate, giving it a reputation for having a high rate of sunny days in the winter.

This is an especially recommended ski resort, as it also has hot springs, restaurants serving Hokkaido cuisine, and a wide range of activities to experience Japanese culture.

Location of Rusutsu Ski Resort

〒048-1711
13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu Village, Abuta District, Hokkaido

Access to Rusutsu Ski Resort

It is accessible by express bus from New Chitose Airport.
The journey takes around 90 minutes and costs around 2,500 yen.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Yamagata Prefecture)

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a ski resort where anyone, from families to advanced skiers, can enjoy high-quality powder snow, regardless of their level of experience.

There are 12 courses and 14 slopes in an area with an elevation difference of 881m, and in the area closest to the summit you can enjoy skiing while viewing some of Japan's best frost-covered trees.

The frost-covered trees at Zao Onsen Ski Resort are a popular tourist spot also known as "Zao's Snow Monsters," and are at their best from late January through February.

Additionally, the adjacent hot spring town is known for being a place where you can experience the atmosphere of old Japan.

If it is ski season, we recommend staying at an inn that offers open-air baths where you can enjoy the snowy scenery while bathing, and shabu-shabu hotpots made with plenty of local ingredients.

Location of Zao Onsen Ski Resort

〒990-2301
Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture

Access to Zao Onsen Ski Resort

It is accessible by night bus from Haneda Airport.
The journey takes about eight hours and costs around 4,000 to 9,000 yen.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort (Nagano Prefecture)

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, like Zao Onsen Ski Resort, is a huge snow resort adjacent to hot springs.

There are 44 courses and slopes with an elevation difference of 1,085m (the largest in Nagano Prefecture), 40% of which are easy enough for beginners to ski on.

Despite its excellent location with easy access from the Tokyo metropolitan area, the surrounding area is designated as part of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, making it a very popular ski resort as you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of nature while skiing.

Location of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

〒389-2502
Nagano Prefecture, Shimotakai District, Nozawa Onsen Village, Toyosato 7653

Access to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

The shuttle bus from Haneda Airport to Nozawa Onsen Village takes about five to six hours and costs around 13,000 to 15,000 yen.

The shuttle bus from Narita Airport to Nozawa Onsen Village takes about five to six hours and costs around 14,000 to 16,000 yen.

Naeba Ski Resort (Niigata Prefecture)

Naeba Ski Resort has a slope with an elevation difference of 889m and offers 27 courses.

The resort has a well-balanced mix of courses: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced. Naeba SNOW PARK, located on the south side of the resort, also has slopestyle and banked slalom courses, making it especially popular with snowboarders.

The kids-only slopes not only offer ski and snowboard schools, but also allow kids to have fun on running bikes and sleds, making this the perfect ski resort for families with small children.

Location of Naeba Ski Resort

〒949-6212
202 Mikuni, Yuzawa-cho, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture

Access to Naeba Ski Resort

It is accessible by express bus from Ikebukuro Station.
The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours and costs around 4,000 yen.

summary

We have introduced five ski resorts that feature powder snow that you definitely want to experience if you are coming to Japan.

The season in Japan where you can enjoy skiing runs from late December to mid-March, but the best snow quality for skiing is in January and February.

By choosing a ski resort location that offers plenty of après-ski activities, including hot springs, you can kill two birds with one stone and experience Japanese culture.