As the snowiest country on Earth, Japan is a premier ski destination. Every winter, cold, dry air from Siberia passes over the warm Sea of Japan, where it picks up moisture and turns areas like the Japanese Alps, where annual snowfall often exceeds 400 inches, into a winter wonderland. And, with nearly 500 resorts packed into a country just slightly smaller than California, Japan is equipped to take full advantage of Mother Nature’s bounty.
With such a wealth of wonderful options, it can be difficult to decide which ski resort in Japan is the best for you. The country features some of the deepest snowpack, most immaculate tree runs, and most delicious ski resort food you’ll find anywhere on the planet. Not only that, but many of these resorts give you quite the bang for your buck due to their accessibility by public transit (including the legendary bullet trains), and affordable lift tickets, sometimes costing just one-tenth the cost of similar popular US resorts. While the options here are abundant, I’ve pared them down to a list of seven of our favorite spots in the land of the rising sun. Read on for the best ski resorts in Japan.
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Views from the ski lifts at Yotei, Niseko, in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido
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Niseko United
The undisputed epicenter of Japan’s mythical “Japow,” Niseko United is nestled high in the mountains of Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island. You might think of this constellation of four interconnected resorts (Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri) as Japan’s answer to Aspen, transforming Mount Niseko-Annupuri into a world-class ski destination. While the buzz and international feel mean lift lines can be long during peak season, the sheer quality and consistency of the snowfall here are arguably worth it. The famed gate system—a way for resorts to control daily access to backcountry terrain based on weather conditions—opens up vast swathes of legendary tree skiing and deep bowls, all serviced by a lift network that makes lapping the deep, dry snow one of those bucket-list experiences for any skier or snowboarder.
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Niseko United is a premier partner on the Ikon Pass—a multi-resort pass that grants passholders access to over 60 destinations worldwide, with no blackout dates, for a single fee. Passholders will get seven days of unrestricted access to Niseko United. For those purchasing tickets directly, a one-day all-mountain adult pass is approximately 10,500 Japanese yen (around $70). While this is premium pricing for Japan, it reflects the resort’s world-class scale and infrastructure.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
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The surrounding restaurants make Niseko a dream destination not only for powder hounds, but for foodies as well. Hokkaido is known for its noodles and seafood, and the meal I remember most fondly was at one of the most highly-regarded soba houses in all of Japan: the tiny 12-seat restaurant called Rakuichi Soba (once featured by Anthony Bourdain on No Reservations), where the buckwheat noodles are hand-made the traditional way by Soba Master Tatsuru Rai. Reservations are extremely hard to come by, but you may be able to get a walk-in seat at lunch. If you want premium sushi, then look to Sushi Shin by Miyakawa. It’s a 3-Michelin-star transplant from Sapporo, located in the Park Hyatt, offering an intimate, world-class edomae sushi experience.
For something theatrical, The Barn by Odin offers exceptional bistro fare and cocktails in a stunning glass building. For more noodle options, look to Soba Kaiseki Ichimura in Hirafu or local favorite Ramen Nakama, which features an ume-shio ramen you likely won’t find in the States. In Niseko Village, Gogyo by Ippudo dishes out legendary Tonkotsu ramen by day and transforms into a sophisticated izakaya (what you might think of as a Japanese gastro-pub) by night. For casual but flavorful to-go options, Hirafu has two food truck areas that shouldn’t be missed. For drinks, seek out the legendary Bar Gyu+ (a.k.a. the “Fridge Door Bar”) for its curated Japanese whisky list, or Toshiro’s Bar for inventive, award-winning cocktails in a sophisticated lounge.
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This area has a ton of options ranging from hostels and B&Bs to high-end hotels and townhouses. On the Niseko Village side of the mountain, I loved The Green Leaf (now part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton), which is ski-in, ski-out and features warm, plush rooms, a stunning onsen (Japanese hot spring) and spa right in the hotel, and a well-regarded bar and restaurant. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Higashiyama is a high-end option on that side of the mountain, featuring finely-appointed rooms, an onsen, and a refined Omakase-style restaurant, Sushi Nagi. If you’d like something a little more private, Kasara has gorgeous three-bedroom townhouses, each with a private onsen. On the Hanazono side of the mountain, Zaborin is a tranquil, Two-Key Michelin retreat with unrivaled luxury. It is a high-end ryokan (traditional inn) with 15 private villas, each boasting its own indoor and outdoor onsen, and a free shuttle to the slopes or into town. But for ski-in, ski-out hotels, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, which features beautifully furnished rooms (some with private onsens) as well as some of the best fine dining in the region.
If you prefer to stay in the heart of the action in Hirafu Village, I loved The Niseko Landmark View, with its spacious and nicely appointed two- and three-bedroom apartment-style rooms—and the best views of Mount Yotei (a mini Mount Fuji). It’s just a three-minute walk from the Grand Hirafu gondola. The new and luxurious ski-in, ski-out Sansui Niseko received Michelin One-Key status in 2024 and 2025 and is another excellent option. The AYA Niseko is another beautiful, upscale ski-in, ski-out property with a well-established reputation.
Sprawling mountain views when downhill skiing in Japan’s Hakuba Valley
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Hakuba Valley
Japan’s second-most popular ski area often gets more snow than anywhere else. Set against the dramatic, soaring peaks of the Japanese Alps on the mainland, Hakuba Valley feels worlds away from Hokkaido’s rolling hills. This is a sprawling collection of 10 distinct ski areas, each with its own fierce personality, all accessible on one pass. Happo-One, the valley’s crown jewel and former Olympic host, serves up immense vertical, with steep and challenging faces. Head to Hakuba 47 & Goryu for pristine groomers and park riding, or venture to the northern end for Cortina’s legendary, deep tree-skiing in a more permissive off-piste environment (though hiring a backcountry guide is recommended, especially when it’s deep). The valley is enormous—Happo-One alone features an impressive 3,500 feet of vertical drop. Across all 10 resorts, there are over 90 lifts and 130 runs, with a terrain breakdown that heavily favors intermediate and advanced skiers.
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Hakuba Valley is a key Japanese partner on the Epic Pass—another seasonal ski and snowboarding pass that provides access to a variety of resorts globally—offering five consecutive, unrestricted days to passholders. The Hakuba Valley all-mountain one-day pass costs approximately 10,400 Japanese yen (about $69) for adults and includes access to the inter-resort shuttle buses. Like Niseko United, this is one of the most expensive resorts in Japan, but it is still relatively affordable by US standards. Multi-day pass packages are available at a discounted daily rate as well.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
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The valley’s culinary scene is a sophisticated mix. Mimi’s Restaurant and Bar at The Phoenix Hotel is a fine-dining standout, offering an exquisite Italian-Japanese fusion menu and a superb wine list in an intimate setting. Hummingbird is a Western-Japanese fusion izakaya with just a handful of tables, seasonal ingredients, and impeccable flavors (book well in advance to score a seat). For a broad swatch of authentic Japanese foods, including sushi, yakiniku (Japanese barbecue), hotpot, and more, you can’t go wrong with Ohyokkuri or Kikyo-ya. If noodles are what you’re craving after a long day on the slopes, Soba Sake Bar Zen is a great spot to refuel.
For authentic, high-end izakaya fare, Izakaya Hie is a local favorite. The epicenter of après-ski is in Echoland, with craft cocktails at Mockingbird or local brews at the Hakuba Brewing Company Taproom.
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For traditional elegance, the Hakuba Tokyu Hotel is a classic spot, offering spacious rooms and its own beautiful onsen. The Mominoki Hotel is another beloved, full-service institution perfectly located at the base of Happo-One. For a luxurious private stay, One Happo is an ultra-exclusive five-bedroom chalet with a gourmet kitchen and a stunning covered onsen. The Ridge Hotel & Apartments in Wadano offers sophisticated, contemporary apartments with ski-in access and an on-site restaurant. Also in Wadano, the Phoenix Hotel provides a boutique, East-meets-West experience, complete with a beautiful onsen and mouthwatering complimentary breakfast.
Riding down a ski cable car at Japan’s snowy and picture-perfect Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort
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Hakkaisan Ski Resort
Located in the heart of Niigata and Japan’s historic “Snow Country” is the Hakkaisan Ski Resort (a.k.a. Muikamachi Hakkaisan), just outside the lively town of Yuzawa. Just a couple of hours from Tokyo, this spot is a revelation for the discerning skier who values epic vertical and an authentic, sake-soaked culture. This resort is dominated by a massive 81-person ropeway that whisks you up more than 2,600 vertical feet in five minutes. From the top, you have access to breathtakingly long, steep groomers and some of Japan’s most revered (and challenging) ungroomed powder fields. While the trail map looks small, its runs are exceptionally long, with a terrain breakdown of 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced. The highlight is the deep but generally approachable backcountry area, but access through the gate is only allowed if you are with a Canyons guide or one of the resort’s own guides.
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Hakkaisan is an independent resort, not currently on the major international passes. This maintains its local, uncrowded feel. A one-day adult ropeway & lift ticket is a fantastic value at approximately 5,700 Japanese yen (about $37). The resort also offers a premium First Tracks service for guests who want to skip the long lift lines, available by reservation and on limited dates.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
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The region is an epicurean hotbed, and Yuzawa specifically has a ton of great options. Some of the best meals I had on my entire trip were at the hotel Ryugon’s main dining room. The kaiseki dinners made by chef Noboaki Kuwana utilize local ingredients and inventive preparations, all cooked to perfection; reservations are required, but staying at the hotel isn’t (though you’ll certainly want to). Miyanoya Soba is a fantastic traditional soba house just minutes from Hakkaisan’s slopes, but if you’re looking for freshly made ramen noodles, head to Ishin and get an incredibly flavorful (and inexpensive) bowl of tsukemen. There are plenty of delightful bars and izakayas in town, but if sake is your thing, then don’t miss the famous Hakkaisan Sake Brewery. Some of their sake spends years aging in barrels in a large, snow-filled warehouse that keeps things cold year-round. The brewery also boasts a restaurant with a spectacular tasting menu with sake pairings.
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The ski resort doesn’t have any large hotels nearby (though there are a few affordable, B&B-style “pensioners”), so I would recommend staying in Yuzawa. The premier luxury stay is Ryugon, a magnificently restored traditional estate that has been reborn as a luxury ryokan, blending historic snow country architecture with modern design and a superb spa. Each room has a private outdoor onsen, and the breakfasts and dinners are spectacular. It’s in a central, walkable part of Yuzawa with easy access to all the town has to offer. If you want to stay in a piece of history, the Takahan Ryokan has been family-run for over 900 years, and was the start of Yuzawa itself. It has a lovely communal onsen and features well-regarded kaiseki meals. For an elevated experience, consider Kagetsu, which has excellent food and indoor/outdoor onsens (some rooms even have their own).
In Niseko, Japan, find Mount Yotei—an active stratovolcano (also known as Yezo Fuji or Ezo Fuji)—and one of the highest peaks in Hokkaido.
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Rusutsu Resort
Back up on Hokkaido and just across the valley from Niseko, Rusutsu offers all of Hokkaido’s legendary snow with a fraction of the crowds. Spread across three mountains (West, East, and the powder paradise, Mount Isola), the resort is a self-contained wonderland, famous for its world-class lift-accessed tree skiing. Rusutsu is a large, modern resort served by 18 lifts (including four gondolas). It has an impressive 2,800 feet in vertical drop and is blessed with a staggering 550+ inches of average annual snowfall.
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Rusutsu Resort is a partner on the Epic Pass, offering five consecutive, unrestricted days of access. A standard one-day adult lift ticket is approximately 14,500 Japanese yen (about $95), reflecting its scale and premium lift system.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
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The resort’s dining is largely consolidated within its luxury hotels. The top experience is Teppanyaki Kazahana at The Westin, offering an intimate counter-service dinner of premium Hokkaido beef and seafood. For high-end French cuisine, Belle-Vue at the main Rusutsu resort hotel offers elegant multi-course menus. Kazahana provides a refined, traditional Japanese multi-course kaiseki with local vegetables and seafood from the nearest port, while Sekkatei has a delicious and warming shabu-shabu hotpot experience. For après, the Lobby Lounge Atrium at The Westin has sophisticated cocktails, or you can embrace the quirky, lively Pub Cricket in the main Rusutsu hotel.
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The premier spot is The Vale Rusutsu, a new luxury, ski-in/ski-out condominium hotel offering beautifully designed apartments and its own onsen. For a full-service, five-star experience, The Westin Rusutsu Resort is a top choice, connected to the main Rusutsu resort by a monorail and featuring spacious, split-level rooms and a serene spa. The Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention is the classic, sprawling hotel that houses an onsen, sauna, cave bath, and a two-story carousel, providing direct access to the West Mountain slopes.
A tree-framed sight of Shiga Kogen, where Japan’s purest snow falls in the Japanese Rockies
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Shiga Kogen
As Japan’s largest and highest-altitude ski area, Shiga Kogen is a universe of its own. A single lift pass connects all 18 of its different ski resorts. This resort is one of the most learner-friendly in Japan, with approximately 40% beginner trails and 40% intermediate. That means it’s not so much a place for steep, gated backcountry, but it’s a paradise for skiers who love cruising for miles across varied peaks and valleys, often without seeing another soul. Because of its relatively high elevation (topping out at 7,568 feet), it guarantees some of the best and most reliable snow quality on the mainland. It’s also famously located near the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
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New to the 2025-26 season, Shiga Kogen is now a partner on the Ikon Pass, offering seven days of unrestricted access. Given its immense size, the standard one-day adult all-mountain pass is an excellent value at approximately 9,000 Japanese yen (about $60).
Where to après, eat, and drink:
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The pinnacle of local fine dining is the multi-course kaiseki dinner reserved for guests at top-tier ryokans. For those venturing to the towns, Goen in Yudanaka is a sophisticated izakaya for Shinshu beef and curated sake, while Sobadokoro Yariya offers handmade soba noodles. For sushi, Isami has traditional preparations of some of the freshest fish you’ll find in town. For après, check out the modern bre pub at Yudanaka Brewery Complex U, which has upscale pub fare, or opt to sip a Japanese single-malt whiskey at the Prince Hotel’s Bar Le Etoile.
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For traditional luxury, stay in Yudanaka Onsen at Jinpyokaku, a registered cultural property that has hosted the Japanese Imperial Family, features exquisite rooms with private onsens, and has high-end kaiseki dinners. Kanaguya in Shibu Onsen is another historic marvel. It’s a 250-year-old ryokan said to be an inspiration for the film Spirited Away. On the mountain, the Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga is the most elegant, European-style ski-in/ski-out hotel. The Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel (specifically the East Building) offers the most modern convenience and premier access in the Yakebitaiyama ski area.
Glimpses of mountain snow in Hokkaido, at Kiroro Ski Resort
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Kiroro Resort
Kiroro, located in Hokkaido, is a modern, self-contained powder sanctuary that is blessed with some of the most profound snowfall on Earth, sometimes receiving over 800 inches annually. It is quieter, more refined, and often deeper than its neighbor, Niseko. The resort is comprised of two main peaks with a modern lift system, including a high-speed gondola and hooded “couple” chairs, that efficiently moves skiers to its pristine powder fields and immaculate groomers. It’s a destination for those who prioritize uncompromised snow quality and luxury above a bustling nightlife scene, and it offers night skiing as well.
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Kiroro is not on the Ikon or Epic pass, but it is a Japanese partner for the Indy Pass—a multi-resort ski pass with properties in both North America and Japan—which offers pass holders two free days of skiing. For those purchasing tickets directly, a one-day adult pass for Kiroro in the high season is typically 8,800 Japanese yen (approximately $59), though discounts are available when purchasing a multiday pass.
Where to après, eat, and drink:
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Kiroro is fairly isolated, so the best dining is found in the resort’s luxury hotels. The YU Kiroro hotel features Yukashi, a contemporary Japanese restaurant offering refined local cuisine. At Club Med Kiroro Grand, you’ll find the main international buffet restaurant, Yoichi, as well as The Ogon specialty restaurant. At Club Med Kiroro Peak, the main restaurant Otaru serves a variety of international and Japanese fare. For a sophisticated après-ski drink, The View Bar at Kiroro Peak offers cocktails with panoramic mountain vistas.
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The resort’s lodging centers around three main properties. The crown jewel of Kiroro is YU Kiroro, a premier, independent, ski-in/ski-out luxury condominium hotel that offers stunning apartments, a private onsen, and impeccable service. The new, all-inclusive Club Med Kiroro Grand (formerly The Kiroro Tribute) is the largest hotel, designed for families with kids of all ages, providing a full suite of services. The adjacent, ski-in/ski-out Club Med Kiroro Peak (formerly the Sheraton) is also all-inclusive but caters to a slightly older clientele (guests 12 and up).
The summit of Mt.Tanigawadake, otherwise known as Mt. Tm in the snowy corridor of Gunma
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Mt. T
Just a few hours from Tokyo, this is not a resort for the casual skier—it is a pilgrimage for the powder purist. Now rebranded as Mt. T, Tanigawadake Tenjindaira averages a staggering 50 feet of snow each year. Located in the heavy snow corridor of Gunma, it acts like a catcher’s glove for precipitation. The in-bounds terrain is small and serviced by a handful of fairly slow lifts, but that’s not the main draw. The best reason to visit Mt. T is the lift-accessed backcountry, where you’ll find some of the most challenging and deepest terrain in all of Japan. Experience, avalanche gear, and a buddy are absolutely mandatory, but if you want to do it right, hire a Canyons guide. Canyons is the only permitted guide operation at Mt. T, and it comes with a major perk: You’ll get to go up the gondola about a half-hour before the general public. I scored two powder days there under Canyons’ guidance, and each day we got in about seven chest-deep hot laps before anybody else arrived, at which point we headed to the extraordinary backcountry.
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Mt. T was just added to the Ikon Pass roster ahead of the 2025-2026 season. A one-day adult lift ticket (which includes the historic ropeway) is exceptionally affordable, typically around 9,000 Japanese yen (approximately $60).
Where to après, eat, and drink:
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Mt. T is small and somewhat isolated, but it sits just outside the beautiful town of Minakami, which is where you’ll want to stay and do most of your eating. Kadoya is a soba restaurant where they’ve been hand-making buckwheat cold noodles for more than 250 years, and the broth is spectacular. Tanto Kuwassai is a truly special spot where Chef Tatsuya Abe prepares delicious local meats and mountain vegetables that he hunts and forages himself. The venison and boar were both perfection. The high-end kaiseki dinner at Bettei Senjuan offers a sublime blend of local, seasonal ingredients and artistic precision prepared by Chef Mitsuhiro Tomioka, but the restaurant is for hotel guests only. Truthfully, if you’re staying at just about any traditional ryokan, the meals are likely to be wonderful.
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The aesthetic here is traditional and serene—the Minakami onsen area, where geothermally heated hot springs are abundant, is peppered with excellent ryokans. The most luxurious example is the above-mentioned Bettei Senjuan, a One-Key Michelin hotel and Relais & Châteaux property with 18 exquisite rooms, each featuring a private open-air onsen. For a journey into history, Hoshi Onsen Chojukan is a 140-year-old property with a mesmerizing, grand wooden bathhouse. Ryokan Tanigawa offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional aesthetics with beautiful river views, sumptuous meals, and both communal and private onsens. If you happen to be staying at a rental that doesn’t have its own onsen, there are some gorgeous public options, too. The most impressive is Takaragawa Onsen, which is famous for its massive, picturesque series of outdoor baths set along a snowy river.
FAQ:
When is the best month to ski in Japan?
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January and February tend to be the best months to ski in Japan since they are the most reliable months for snow (though, of course, every year is different). Early or late-season storms make December and March good options for shoulder-season skiing as well.
How far in advance should you book a skiing trip to Japan?
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I recommend you book your skiing trip to Japan as early as possible. Depending on which region you’re going to and at what time of year, this may be a bit more difficult, but in the high season, things can book up fast near popular resorts. For some highly-regarded restaurants, you’ll also want to make reservations at least three months in advance.
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