Japan’s legendary ski season is about to kick off for another year, as thousands of Aussie tourists prepare to escape summer for a week or two on the slopes.
The Asian country has some of the best ski slopes in the world, with exceptional snow quality, diverse terrain, and great cultural experiences to boot.
Here’s everything you need to know, including the best places to ski in Japan.
Japan’s powder is legendary. (Getty)Where is the best place to ski in Japan?
The best place to ski in Japan depends on what kind of experience you want. But for deep powder snow that people travel across the globe to experience, Niseko, on Hokkaido, is a top choice.
Niseko also has legendary nightlife, is easily accessible, and English is widely spoken. For most Aussies, Niseko is the first port of call for a ski holiday.
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Here are some other options:
Hakuba Valley (Nagano, Honshu) – Easily accessible via bullet train from Tokyo, and has great family-friendly options.
Rusutsu (Hokkaido) – Famous for deep powder tree runs and is generally less crowded than Niseko.
Hakuba has great options for family ski trips. (Getty)
Nozawa Onsen (Nagano, Honshu) – If you want a hit of culture with your skiing. This charming village has many public onsens to soak in after a day on the slopes.
Shiga Kogen (Nagano, Honshu) – A huge area to explore, with 18 resorts accessible on one pass.
Where do Australians go to ski in Japan?
The overwhelming favourite destination for Australians skiing in Japan is Niseko in Hokkaido. In fact, some people call it the “Bali of the ski world” because of the sheer number of Aussies who flock there during ski season.
But there’s a good reason it’s so popular.
Niseko has great food and nightlife. (Getty)
The resort is known for deep powder, and has terrain for all levels, whether you’re a beginner or have been skiing since you were a kid.
It also has a lively town with plenty of food, nightlife, and all-ages entertainment – perfect for a holiday, even if you’re not super into the slopes.
Hakuba is another popular spot with Aussies: it’s a short train ride from Tokyo, and has 10 different resorts on one pass.
Niseko, Hokkaido comes alive at night. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Which is better: Hakuba or Niseko?
Both Hakuba and Niseko are great ski destinations in Japan. It all comes down to what you want from your holiday.
Niseko is famous for its legendary, consistent powder. It has fun and lively villages with high-end amenities, and is easy for foreigners to navigate.
Hakuba offers steeper, more diverse terrain across a large valley, and a more traditional Japanese cultural atmosphere. It’s also easy to access from Tokyo.
In short: If you prioritise powder above all else, choose Niseko; if you want a unique ski and cultural experience, choose Hakuba.
Soak in an onsen after a day on the slopes. (Getty)What month is the best for skiing in Japan?
The best time to ski in Japan is January and February.
The entire ski season runs from late December to March, so for lower prices and fewer crowds, visit in December or March.
For the best chance of deep powder snow, aim for January and February.
Best ski resort in Japan for beginners
The best ski resort in Japan for beginners is overwhelmingly considered to be Niseko.
Here you’ll find the lightest, driest powder snow, which provides a soft landing for beginners. The mountain itself is also relatively gentle: Annupuri and Hanazono have wide slopes specifically designed for building confidence.
Niseko has many options for beginners. (Getty)
Niseko also has plenty of English-speaking ski schools for anyone who wants to book in a lesson or two before hitting the slopes.
Finally, the area’s four interconnected resorts have heaps of ski-in/ski-out accommodation options, which keeps things easy for beginners.
Tsugaike Kogen, part of the Hakuba Valley, is a strong runner-up if you want to ski on the main island. It has the largest, flattest, and widest dedicated beginner area in the region, perfect for learning turns.
Winter activities you can try in Japan that aren’t skiing
AloJapan.com