2020-2021 Snow Resort Guide in Japan: Asia’s Winter Wonderland

Located in the Northernmost part of Japan is the country’s largest prefecture and coldest region, Hokkaido, and it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to fresh seafood, spectacular scenery and snow resorts.

Tourists from all over the world flock the area during winter time, especially snow sports enthusiasts, because of its numerous snowy mountains perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

Hokkaido is famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival, usually held around the 31st of January to 11th of February, during this time over hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures are built around the area for people to see.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Derived from the Ainu language, Niseko means "a cliff jutting over a riverbank deep in the mountains".

Here you’ll find everything you need for a perfect winter vacation from budget to high end amenities, farm to table restaurants, drink all you can bars and clubs, traditional Onsen, to 47 kilometers of powdery snow-filled terrain – plus, the place is tourist-friendly too with its English-speaking townsfolk, you’ll find more English signboards than Japanese ones.

Heavily snowed Niseko is a powder bum’s dream come true: it has powdery snow that has just the right amount of water content - making it perfect for skiing and other winter sports. There are four main areas in the Niseko Ski Resort : Annupuri, Niseko Village, Hirafu, and Hanazono.

Season 2020/21
Hanazono
Open Day: Dec 5th 2020
Close Day: April 11th 2021

8:30-17:00
No night skiing

Hirafu
Open Day: Dec 5th 2020
Close Day: May 5th 2021
8:30-16:30
Night Skiing between 16:30-20:00

Niseko Village
Open Day: Dec 1st 2020
Close Day: April 4th 2021
Depending on the snow, may extend till May
8:30-16:30
Night Skiing between 16:30-20:00

Annupuri
Open Day: Postponed till further notice due to lack of snow
Close Day: May 5th 2021
8:30-16:30
Night Skiing between 16:30-20:00

Niseko

Hokkaido

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Right in the center of Hokkaido is the family friendly upscale ski resort,Tomamu by Hoshino Resorts.

Its 145-hectare ski area boasts of a 699-meter vertical drop, 28 trails and 4200 meters of skiing distance perfect for long runs, is covered with light powdery snow that you can get a kick out of. For thrill seekers, they are introducing half-pipe skiing and there is an area called “Freedom of Winter Mountain” where you can enjoy back country skiing.

There is 70% chance of fine weather rate in the area so the kids and kids at heart can enjoy various activities like the snow playground and snow boat rides or visit the Ice Village.

Season 2020/21
Tomamu by Hoshino Resorts
Open Day: Dec 1st 2020
Close Day: April 4th 2021
9:00-16:00
Night skiing 16:00-18:00
only available between Dec 26th 2020 to March 31st 2021

Tomamu by Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Hokkaido Yufutsu-gun Shimukappumura Nakatomamu

0167581111

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If you are looking for a more authentic Japanese Snow Resort experience, Furano Ski Resort is your best bet.

Exquisitely blessed with Central Hokkaido’s fluffy, powdery snow, it has 25 kilometer-long of excellently groomed ski slopes with best inclination angles it’s perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

It even has awesome backcountry areas such as Furano Dake and Tokachidake. Furano is also family and tourist-friendly, they have English-speaking child care centers and ski schools, a Family Snowland which offers ice hole fishing, snow shoeing and even dog sledding!

After a day of thrilling activities, experience warm Japanese hospitality and culture at the Tokachidake Onsen which has four hot spring “Ryokans” 1280 meters above sea level.

Season 2020/21
Furano Ski Resort
Open Day: Nov 27th 2020
Close Day: May 5th 2021

Furano Ski Resort

4.5

371 Reviews

Hokkaido Furanoshi Nakagoryou

0167221111

8:30-Sunset (or 19:30) * Spr…

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Rusutsu Resort is Hokkaido’s biggest ski area measuring 1,700 hectares has 37 courses, all covered by the finest dry powder snow with very little moisture, so it’s no surprise that the Rusutsu Resort has won World Ski Award – also known as the “Academy Award” of the Ski Industry – for two consecutive years.

The resort is so spacious that it has all sorts of accommodations like hotels, lodges and even log houses that lets you appreciate the rich nature of the area. You won’t run out of fun stuff to do here since Rusutsu offers a lot of family-friendly activities such as tubing, dog sledding and snowmobiling.

Season 2020/21
Rusutsu Resort
Open Day: Dec 4th 2020
Due to Covid 19, the resort operation has been changed. For more detail, check here.

Rusutsu Resort

4.0

811 Reviews

Hokkaido Abutagunrusutsumura Izumikawa 13

0136463111

Depends on facility

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Just a little off of Sapporo is the upscale Kiroro Resort.

It is the part of Hokkaido that receives an overwhelming amount of snowfall, it has 21 courses mostly suited for beginners and intermediates, the longest being 4 kilometers long, has stunning views of the North Japan scenery, it also has off-piste tracks where you can run on untouched powdery snow, or you can join Kiroro Mountain Club giving you the opportunity to enjoy official backcountry skiing or snowboarding.

Go out with the family to a snow cat sightseeing tour, snow tubing or dog sledding. One big plus is that the place feels less crowded than the other resorts in Hokkaido, even during the peak season.

Season 2020/21
Kiroro Resort
Open Day: December 5th 2020
Close Day: TBD

Kiroro Resort

3.5

64 Reviews

Hokkaido Yoichigunakaigawamura Tokiwa 128-1

0135347111

[Ski field] 9:00-(Nighter sa…

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Only a two-hour bus trip to Shinchitose Airport is the Sahoro Resort. Being the biggest Ski Area in Eastern Hokkaido, it has 21 courses for all levels of skiers or snowboarders though the ski slopes are reserved for middle to high level skiers and boarders.

The Club Med Sahoro offers an upscale, international level of convenience, attracting more foreign visitors.
Fine weather rate is high here and the temperature is always low, so the Japow’s powdery snow quality is well preserved. Lifts are also a little pricier than in smaller ski areas, thus there’s less skiers and snowboarders allowing for a smoother and more pleasant cruising.

In Sahoro, you can take your partner to a romantic evening with the majestic Tokachi Plane and experience a place full of a sense of openness by joining the snow-covered car tour.

Season 2020/21
Club Med Sahoro
Closed for this season between December 2020 to April 2021.

Sahoro Ski Resort
Open Day: Dec 12st 2020 (tentative)
Close Day: March 31st 2021 (tentative)

Sahoro Resort Ski Area

4.0

96 Reviews

Hakuba-gun, Shintoku-gun, Hokkaido Hakubatsu Kogen

0156644121

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Just a thirty-minute drive away from the popular Sapporo City, you can ski like a local in the easily accessible Sapporo Teine.

A beginner’s favorite, it has wide, gentle slopes with the breathtaking views of Sapporo so it is great for just chill cruising or night skiing.

Go to downtown Sapporo after skiing for a fun night of sightseeing and have a bottle or two of the famous Sapporo beer.

Season 2020/21
Sapporo Teine
Open Day: December 2nd 2020
Close Day: May 5th 2021 (May close early depending on the snow)

Sapporo Teine

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Teine-ku Teinehonchou 593

0116826000

[High Ride Zone] 9:00-17:00[…

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Nagano has hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and it’s easy to see why.

The modern Japanese city has several world class ski resorts and lots of traditional Onsens that gives you the picturesque silver winter view of the mountains.

This is also home to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park where you can watch endangered Japanese Macaques or “snow monkeys” go about their daily lives, chasing and playing with each other in the Jigokudani hot springs.

Jigokudani Yaen-koen

4.5

2715 Reviews

Nagano Pref. Shimotakaigunyamanouchimachi Hirao 6845

0269334379

[Apr.- Oct.] 8:30-17:00[Nov.…

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Powderhounds love the area for the vast terrains of 100% natural snow, where about 40% is reserved for beginners.

The longest slope is about 10 kilometers and is a gateway to see some surreal mountain views. However, Nozawa is not only known as one of the best Ski locations, but it is actually more popular as an Onsen village known for its traditional Japanese onsens and ryokans, like the Nozawa Onsen Sparena and “Gensen-kakegashi” or natural hot springs.

Have the best winter party of your life by coming to the Dosojin Fire Festival that is held here every year on the 15th of January.

Season 2020/21
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
Open Day: TBD

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

4.5

747 Reviews

Nagano Pref. Shimotakaigunnozawaonsenmura Toyosato 7653

0269853166

Depends on chair lift/gundra

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Hakuba Valley is the host town of 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Just a direct shuttle bus from the Narita – Haneda Airport, and you’ll get access to everything Hakuba Valley has to offer.

It has high peaks of up to 3,000 meters of Japanese North Alps and backcountry tracks using gondolas and lifts for the advanced skiers. The town is tourist friendly, having not only Japanese but also foreign residents and because of this you can enjoy restaurants where you can get English menu and talk to English speaking staff.

For a more cultural experience, take a dip into the relaxing onsens in the area like Hakuba-Happo, Shionomichi or Katakuri – each one with different water color and texture.

Season 2020/21
Jigatake Ski Resort
Open Day: Dec 19th 2020
Close Day: March 21st 2021

Kashimayari Ski Resort
Open Day: TBD
Close Day: TBD

Sanosaka Ski Resort
Open Day: TBD
Close Day: TBD

Hakuba Goryu
Open Day: TBD due to lack of snow
Close Day: TBD

Hakuba Goryu Imori
Open Day: Dec 12th 2020 (tentative)
Close Day: TBD
8:00-16:40

Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park
Open Day: TBD due to lack of snow
Close Day: TBD

Hakuba Happo-one
Open Day: TBD
Close Day: TBD

Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort
Open Day: TBD
Close Day: TBD

Tsugaike Kogen
Open Day: TBD due to lack of snow
Close Day: TBD

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
Open Day: December 19th 2020 (tentative)
Close Day: TBD

Hakuba Cortina
Open Day: December 19th 2020 (tentative)
Close Day: April 4th 2021 (tentative)

Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park

4.5

340 Reviews

Nagano Pref. Kitadumigunhakubamura Kamishiro 24196-47

0261753533

8:00-16:20 (changes dependin…

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Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort

Nagano Pref. Kitadumigunhakubamura Kamishiro 22184-10

0261752101

[Early Morning] 6:30-8:00[Su…

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Just around the Jigokudani Monkey Park, you’ll find this resort 2,000 meter above sea level with the biggest ski slopes that even advanced skiers take days to conquer.

Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort has a long ski season from mid-November to late-May because of its high altitude and it has the greatest number of ski lifts in the whole Japan too! Shiga Kogen gets high quality Japow thanks to its geographical and weather condition.

If you get envious of the snow monkeys skinny dipping in the gorgeous onsen of Jigkudani, stay at the Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen’s and experience traditional Japanese living. You can also indulge yourself with exquisite washouku or Japanese cuisine and go izakaya-hopping in the area.

Season 2020/21
Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort
Open Day: December 5th 2020 (tentative)
Close Day: May 5th 2021 (tentative)

Shigakogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Area

4.5

82 Reviews

Nagano Shimotakai-gun Yamanouchi Machi Shigakogen Yakebitaiyama

0269343117

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Spoil the foodie in you by going on a Day Trip in Niigata, have a bite (or two ) of sushi made of fresh seafood and delicious Koshihikari rice, or if you go during mid-March you can have the best sake of your life at the Sake no Jin Festival!

The best part is, this town is just a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, so you can’t say you’ve had a Tokyo Day Tour if you didn’t stop by here.

Kiyotsu Valley Tunnel

4.0

40 Reviews

Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Koide

0257634800

8:30-16:30 (Information desk…

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A powderhead’s paradise, Myoko Kogen is known for focusing on snow sports, not only skiing and snowboarding, but the area is big on snow shoeing as well.

A Akakura Onsen Ski Area in Myoko Kogen has about 60 courses varying in range, so novices and expert winter sport enthusiasts can both enjoy, and they offer lots of backcountry tours too.

After a day of exploring the traditional townscapes, and onsen-hunting, head to the town’s izakayas for a sip of locally brewed beer that will surely warm you up. If you want to learn a little more about Japanese Culture, head on to the Myoko Togakushi National Park.

Season 2020/21
Akakura Onsen Ski Area
Open Day: Dec 12th 2020 (tentative)
Close Day: April 4th 2021 (tentative)
8:30-17:00
Night Skiing: Dec 19th 2020 - March 13th 2020
17:00-22:00

Akakura Onsen Ski Area

4.0

191 Reviews

Nigata Pref. Myoukoushi Akakura Hot spring

0255872125

8:30-16:30 ¥ [Twitter] 1…

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Only eighty minutes off of Tokyo City Center by train and you can experience riding the longest Gondola in Japan, the Dragondora. Going on for 5,481 meters, it will take you to both the Naeba and Kagura Ski Resort.

These combined ski areas offer up to 45 courses covered with quality snow from the last week of November to the last week of May, all thanks to its high altitude. Get a buzz out of the endless activities Naeba has to offer, from onsens, rotenburos, kiddie parks, gondolas and other leisure facilities or have a romantic dinner in one of the twenty-four restaurants while enjoying fireworks lighting up the starry night skies during weekends or holidays.

Season 2020/21
Naeba and Kagura Ski Resort
Open Day: Dec 19th 2020 (tentative)
Close Day: March 28th 2021 (tentative)

Naeba Ski Resort

4.0

281 Reviews

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Mikuni 202

0257894117

8:00-17:00 ¥ [Nighter Sa…

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Kagura Ski Resort

Nigata Pref. Minamiuonumagunyuzawamachi Mitsumata 742

0257889221

[Weekday] 8:00-17:00 [Satur…

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APPI is definitely a snow lover’s “Appi” place – pun intended. With 43 skiing kilometers, lined up with 21 long slopes off up to 5.5 kilometers and 828 meter vertical – all surrounded with breathtaking snowcapped mountains, it has earned the moniker “Aspen of Japan”.

This ski resort caters to all levels of skiers and boarders, from child specific ski areas, novice’s wide gentle slopes to thrilling backcountry tours available.

Tourists will have no problem going around as the place is full of English signboards, restaurant menus, accommodations and even have English-speaking ski instructors and concierge for a more convenient winter vacation.

Season 2020/21
APPI
Open Day: December 4th 2020
Close Day: May 5th 20221 (May close early depending on the snow)

Appi Kogen Ski Resort

Iwate Pref. Hachimantaishi Appikougen

0195735111

Varies with time

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Located right above Mount Zao in Yamagata Prefecture, the historical Zao Onsen Ski Resort is the largest and maybe the oldest single ski resort in Japan dating back to AD110.

The ski area offers various courses designed for all levels of winter sport adventurers all of which are overlooking the world-class beauty of white silver rime in the Zao mountain range.

This ski resort is surrounded by prolific mountains and wilderness, and during winter when the fir trees gets covered with abundant quality powder snow creating Juhyo or Snow Monsters, it is undeniably a sight to behold while basking in the numerous ryokans and rotenburos in the area.

Season 2020/21
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Open Day: Dec 26th 2020 (tentative)
Close Day: March 6th 2021 (tentative)

Zao Onsen Ski Resort

4.5

336 Reviews

Yamagata Pref. Yamagatashi Zaouonsen 708-1

0236949328

[Sky Season Zao Central Rope…

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Right on the northeastern slopes of Mount Eboshi in Gifu Prefecture is the Meiho Snow Resort, towering 1,600 meters above sea level, you can wallow in the 360-degree panoramic view of the Northern Alps.

It offers 15.5 kilometers of skiing slopes with beginner level course runs from the summit, one of which is a 5,000-meter-long slope down the side of the mountain. The ski area has lots of family-friendly facilities and after a day of shopping in the numerous restaurants and shops in Meiho, relax with a free foot bath.

And you know what the best part is? It is easy to get here when you’re traveling at the Kansai region of "Kyoto " and Osaka.

Season 2020/21
Meiho Snow Resort
Open Day: Dec 12th 2020 (tentative)
Close Day: TBD

Meiho Ski Resort

4.5

36 Reviews

Gifu Pref. Gujoushi Meihouokuzumi Mizusawao 3447-1

0575872811

[Weekday]8:00-16:30[Saturday…

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