Contrary to my headline, skiing in Japan is nothing new (but, no, this isn’t clickbait). Dating back to the 19th century, local people used some form of skis – typically long pine planks and bamboo poles – to navigate up to seven metres of snow in the mountainous regions of Hokkaido, Nagano and the Japanese Alps. But skiing wasn’t deemed a sport and it certainly wasn’t a leisurely pastime; it was a means of survival.
The notion of skiing as a sport, rather than mere transportation, shifted at the turn of the century, when technology and machinery enabled those living in the mountains to get from A to B without planks of wood stuck to their feet. However, the history books are slightly vague about the exact person who popularised the sport in Japan and, instead, point to the year 1911 and three Austrian gents as its pioneers.
When Major General Theodor von Lerch was posted to Takada in 1911 as part of his work with the local infantry regiment, he was invited to teach skiing as a sport to the soldiers and officers, before also introducing it to the locals. Hosting regular ski lessons in Mount Kanaya, Lerch, whether he knew it or not, was establishing Takada as the birthplace of skiing in Japan. In the same year, fellow soldier Egon Edler von Kratzer visited and skied the ninth stage of Mount Fuji which, when reported in the local newspaper, sparked huge excitement among locals.
The final piece of the Austrian-crafted puzzle was completed by Hannes Schneider. Dubbed the ‘father of modern day skiing’, having pioneered the Arlberg skiing technique, the Japanese government invited him to teach skiing in several locations throughout the 1930s. His influence can still be felt on the slopes today; case in point, the steep Schneider Course at Nozawa Onsen.
By the late 1930s, Japan’s ski scene had become renowned among athletes and was set to be propelled into the spotlight as the host of the 1940 Winter Olympics – until they were cancelled because of the Second Sino-Japanese War. By the 1950s, however, Japan’s trajectory as an international ski destination was back on track, with Chiharu ‘Chick’ Igaya winning Japan’s first Olympic medal for skiing in 1956 in Italy. Hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo Teine and the 1998 competition in Nagano cemented Japan’s place on the world ski stage.
Alongside its immersive culture – dip in the onsen for après, anyone? – and incredible scenery, Japanese slopes are synonymous with wonderfully powdery snow, nicknamed Japow. A meteorological combination of cold, dry and fierce northwesterly winds from Siberia and tepid temperatures over the Sea of Japan, the country receives frequent powdery dumps in the winter months, especially in January and February.
Unsurprisingly, then, bookings for Japanese ski resorts are increasing, with the last year’s ski season recording a 33 per cent rise in foreign visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels. As one of the most snow-sure destinations in the world, Japan’s ski scene is at its best in Hokkaido – the northernmost of Japan’s largest islands and one that’s dotted with volcanoes, natural hot springs (onsen) and ski areas – and within several mountainous resorts on the main island of Honshu. Not sure where to book? Discover the most popular ski resorts in Japan below.
Rusutsu, Hokkaido
Image: Shutterstock
2025/26 season: 29 November 2025 – 31 March 2026
Best for: An authentic taste of Japow
Where to stay: The Westin Rusutsu
The largest resort in Hokkaido, Rusutsu spans three mountains – West Mountain, East Mountain, and Mount Isola – to offer 47 runs. It’s for those who take skiing seriously (there’s little in the way of nightlife here) and is renowned as a powder paradise and for tree skiing that attracts both seasoned skiers and families with young kids learning the ropes of the slopes. As it receives a guaranteed 500 inches of dry, soft powder per season, it’s one of the most snow-sure destinations in the world and strikes the perfect balance between off-piste runs and groomed courses for both experts and beginners. Eschew pints and raves for onsen dips and family-friendly activities – you can even ski through a snow-capped amusement park.
Furano, Hokkaido
Image: Shutterstock
2025/26 season: 29 November 2025 – 6 May 2026
Best for: Japanese charm and snow-sure slopes
Where to stay: Shin Furano Prince Hotel
Offering one of the longest ski seasons in Japan, Furano is also one of the most traditional resorts in the country, striking the balance between international appeal and Japanese charm. Known for hosting World Cup races and benefitting from at least 360 inches of snowfall annually, Furano is also a hotspot for bluebird days: dry, bright weather that enhances visibility.
It is split into two main areas – Furano and Kitanomine – totalling 24 trails that range from exhilarating off-piste runs to family-friendly slopes across 975 acres, ensuring an all-round skiing experience. Plus, the vibrant city of Furano is just 15 minutes away and a destination in its own right, home to a plethora of top-notch traditional cuisine, from ramens and sushi to family-run izakayas. That’s what we call the best of both worlds.
Shiga Kogen, Nagano
Image: Shutterstock
2025/26 season: 6 December 2025 – 6 May 2026
Best for: Beginners and corduroy runs
Where to stay: Shoraiso
Situated on the main island of Honshu, 90 minutes north of Tokyo (via bullet train), Shiga Kogen is a huge, interconnected ski area that sits at the centre of Nagano. Feeding into 18 individual ski resorts (all accessible with a single ski pass) and boasting more than 80km of slopes, it is one of the largest and most famous ski areas in Japan, having hosted the country’s last Winter Olympics in 1998.
It’s most popular with beginners and intermediates, priding itself on manicured corduroy runs and restricting off-piste trails. One thing to note is that the culture offering here is limited, as Shiga Kogen doesn’t have a central town and therefore lacks shops, restaurants and bars. Think of it more as a family-friendly, self-catered stay, rather than a late-night, all-rounder destination like Furano, but it remains one of the best places to learn the basics of the sport.
Niseko, Hokkaido
Image: Shutterstock
2025/26 season: 29 November 2025 – 6 May 2026
Best for: An all-singing, all-dancing ski resort for all abilities
Where to stay: Higashiyama Niseko Village
For some, Niseko needs no introduction. As Japan’s most popular ski resort – more than 11.3 million tourists flocked here for the 2024-2025 season, with estimates suggesting up to 90 per cent were international tourists – Niseko receives more than 600 inches of snowfall annually. Undoubtedly one of the busiest resorts in the country, it also benefits from the most amenities: think shuttle buses and direct trains feeding into the area, a lively apres village and English-speaking ski schools catering for the overseas crowd. The resort straddles four areas – Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, and Hanazono – which are collectively known as Niseko United, while all of its slopes, ranging from groomed runs to tree skiing, are connected by lifts and covered by a single lift pass.
Happo One, Hakuba
Image: Shutterstock
2025/26 season: 1 December 2025 – 6 May 2026
Best for: Experienced skiers and Olympic-worthy slopes
Where to stay: Hotel La Vigne Hakuba
Situated in the Japanese Alps, just outside of Nagano, Hakuba Valley is a winter sports haven, home to several mountain resorts designed for skiing, snowboarding and hiking. One of its largest resorts, and therefore most popular, is Happo One which was put on the world map when it hosted the alpine skiing downhill and super giant slalom at the 1998 Winter Olympics. Adrenaline junkies and seasoned skiers will enjoy the resort’s sidecountry terrain and unrivalled access to steep alpine bowls, couloirs and gladed areas, while the Sakka region is ideal for families and novices thanks to its gentle slopes, tubing courses and well-equipped children’s area. Happo Village also offers a lively mix of good bars, Japanese eateries and Western-style restaurants.
Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
Image: Shutterstock
2025/26 season: 29 November 2025 – 6 May 2026
Best for: A unique combination of varied slopes and onsens
Where to stay: Ryoken Sakaya
More of a quaint Japanese village than an uber-modern ski resort, Nozawa Onsen presents the perfect dichotomy for skiers: natural thermal onsens and cold, uncrowded slopes. Home to 36 trails – the majority are tailored for beginners while a quarter are the reserve of advanced skiers – the resort boasts an extensive terrain that is connected via an efficient lift system, meaning it has fewer crowds and more room to put your skills to the test. The Japanese deem Nozawa to have one of the country’s best après scenes but families will find it equally accommodating, with English-speaking ski schools and a range of free children’s activities such as tubing and sledding. Beyond the slopes, warm up in the village’s 30 public onsens which are guaranteed to soothe your ski legs.
Read more: These are the 10 best hotels in the world right now
AloJapan.com