SKI JAPAN
Japan's snowy wonderland, where culture meets the slopes.
Ski & Snowboard Trips
Your Japan Ski & Snowboard Specialists
A Journey Through Deep Powder, Mountain Charm, and Timeless Tradition
From the legendary powder of Niseko to the serene alpine beauty of Hakuba, skiing in Japan offers a unique blend of world-class snow, rich culture, and relaxing hot springs. With years of experience in these incredible regions, we know the best resorts, ideal travel seasons, and how to craft every detail to match your style. Whether you're carving fresh tracks or soaking in an onsen after a day on the slopes, we design custom ski journeys that combine adventure, comfort, and tradition — so you can explore Japan’s winter wonderland with total confidence.
🗓️ Flexible Dates
Plan your trip around your schedule — no fixed dates required.
🧭 Expert Planning
Our specialists craft every journey with insider knowledge and care.
💳 Secure with $200 Deposit
Reserve your trip now and pay the rest later.
Best Ski Resorts in Japan
Discover Japan’s premier ski resorts, where world-class powder, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together. From bustling international hotspots to serene mountain villages, each destination offers a unique winter experience tailored for every skier and snowboarder.
NISEKO
Niseko is Japan’s most famous ski resort, known for world-class powder snow. Located in Hokkaido, it offers vast terrain, modern facilities, lively après-ski, onsens, and views of Mount Yotei.
Resort details
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Elevation: 1,200 m
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Vertical drop: 920 m
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Ski area: 2191 acres
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Avg snowfall: 15 m
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Season: December to April
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Nearest airport: Sapporo Chitose
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Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes
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Transport: Transfer
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Ski lifts: 32
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Runs: 70
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Grade: 37% beginners, 43% intermediates, 30% advanced
HAKUBA
Home to the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba offers multiple interconnected resorts like Happo-One and Goryu. It caters to all levels and combines challenging runs with stunning alpine views.
Resort details
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Ski lifts: 138 (across 9 resorts)
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Grade: 30% beginners, 40% intermediates, 30% advanced
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Season: December to Early April
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Nearest airport: Tokyo Narita / Haneda
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Transfer time: 4 hours
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Transport: Rail / Transfer
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Elevation: 1,831 m
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Vertical drop: 1,071 m
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Ski area: 500 acres
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Avg snowfall: 11 m
NOZAWA ONSEN
A charming traditional village famous for its historic hot springs and welcoming atmosphere. Nozawa Onsen pairs excellent skiing with authentic Japanese culture.
Resort details
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Season: December to April
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Nearest airport: Tokyo Narita / Haneda
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Transfer time: 2 hours
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Transport: Rail / Transfer
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Elevation: 1,650 m
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Vertical drop: 1,085 m
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Ski area: 43 km
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Avg snowfall: 8.4 m
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Ski lifts: 20
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Runs: 36
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Grade: 40 beginners, 30% intermediates, 30% advanced
RUSUTSU
With endless tree skiing and some of Hokkaido’s best snow, Rusutsu is ideal for powder lovers. Wide terrain, uncrowded slopes, and modern facilities make it a favorite for both skiers and families.
Resort details
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Season: December to April
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Nearest airport: Sapporo Chitose
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Transfer time: 2 hours
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Transport: Transfer
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Elevation: 994 m
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Vertical drop: 594 m
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Ski area: 420 ski acres
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Avg snowfall: 14 m
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Ski lifts: 18
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Runs: 37
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Grade: 30% beginners, 40% intermediates, 30% advanced
SHIGA KOGEN
Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest ski area, offering interconnected slopes, scenic runs, and great variety for all levels. With vast terrain and reliable snow, it’s a true winter paradise.
Resort details
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Elevation: 2,307 m
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Vertical drop: 982 m
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Avg snowfall: 12 m
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Ski lifts: 50
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Runs: 80
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Grade: 45% beginners, 40% intermediates, 15% advanced
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Season: December to April
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Nearest airport: Tokyo (Haneda or Narita)
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Transfer time: 4-5 hours
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Transport: Train / Transfer
FURANO
Known for its pristine powder and less crowded slopes, Furano offers a family-friendly environment and well-maintained runs ideal for intermediate skiers.
Resort details
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Elevation: 1,074 m
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Vertical drop: 964 m
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Ski area: 470 ski acres
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Avg snowfall: 9 m
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Ski lifts: 10
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Runs: 23
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Grade: 40% beginners, 40% intermediates, 20% advanced
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Season: Late November to Early May
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Nearest airport: Asahikawa / Sapporo Chitose
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Transfer time: 1 hour / 2 hours 15 minutes
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Transport: Car hire / Transfer
Low $200 deposit
when booking
Stress Free Travel
with transport
Ski Pass included
hassle-free access
Equipment Rental Available
with package
Why Japan?
Skiing in Japan means more than just world-famous powder. It’s a complete experience of culture, cuisine, and adventure.
Japan is home to some of the best snow on Earth, with deep, dry powder and long, consistent winters. Here, you’ll enjoy wide-open slopes without the crowds, magical night skiing, and the charm of traditional villages. Off the mountain, soak in steaming onsens, taste incredible Japanese cuisine, and discover a culture that is as welcoming as it is unique. With world-class resorts, affordable prices, and unforgettable experiences, Japan is the ultimate ski destination.
Best time to Ski in Japan
Japan’s ski season runs from December to April, with the heaviest snowfalls blanketing the slopes in January and February. Resorts buzz with energy during this time, particularly when Chinese New Year overlaps with the Australian school break. Temperatures often drop close to -10°C, and the skies can stay cloudy for long stretches—making low-light goggles a smart addition to your gear. As spring approaches in March, days become brighter and slightly warmer, offering a mix of great snow conditions and the chance for unforgettable bluebird days.
See the Adventure
Get a glimpse of what your next adventure could look like. Watch the video below and start imagining yourself there.
Japan Ski Vacations & Packages
Experience legendary powder, vibrant culture, and breathtaking alpine adventures with curated, flexible itineraries.
What's included:
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Round-trip Flights;
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7 Nights at Hotel Aya Niseko (4*) in Grand Hirafu;
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Daily Breakfast;
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Private Transfers from Sapporo Chitose Airport;
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Lift Pass;
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Ski & Snowboard Equipment Rental;
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24-hour Support;
What's included:
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Round-trip Flights;
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7 Nights at Hotel Aya Niseko (4*) in Grand Hirafu;
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Daily Breakfast in Niseko;
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Private Transfers from Sapporo Chitose Airport;
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Lift Pass;
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Ski & Snowboard Equipment Rental;
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3 Nights at Hotel Gracery Asakusa (4) in Tokyo*
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Daily Breakfast in Tokyo;
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Tokyo Shinjuku Food Tour;
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24-hour Support;
What's included:
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Round-trip Flights;
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2 Nights at Hotel Gracery Asakusa (4*) in Tokyo;
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Daily Breakfast in Tokyo;
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Tokyo Shinjuku Food Tour;
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Private Round-Trip Transfers from Tokyo;
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7 Nights at Hakuba Tokyu Hotel (4*) in Hakuba;
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Daily Breakfast;
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Lift Pass;
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Ski & Snowboard Equipment Rental;
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24-hour Support;
Get in touch for your own personalized quote!
Stay in the Best of Niseko – Hotels We Love
VISA
U.S. citizens can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. A valid passport is required.
Currency
The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is recommended.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Great service is already included, and a polite thank you is always appreciated.
Language
Japanese is the official language. English is commonly spoken in ski resorts, hotels, and major tourist areas.
Japan’s Winter Bucket-List Experiences
Sapporo Snow Festival: Where Winter Comes Alive
One of the planet's greatest snow spectacles
Every February, Sapporo transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland for the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival. Marvel at massive snow and ice sculptures, from life-sized landmarks to intricate art pieces, all illuminated beautifully at night. Wander through the festival’s multiple sites, enjoy local winter delicacies, and experience traditional Japanese winter culture in the heart of Hokkaido. Whether you’re a photography lover, adventure seeker, or just in for the magic of snow, the Sapporo Snow Festival promises an unforgettable winter adventure.
Shirakawa-go: Japan’s Winter Wonderland!
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Discover the Famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani
Tucked away in the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. In winter, these steep thatched-roof homes are blanketed in snow, creating a magical landscape straight out of a fairytale. Visitors can stroll through the charming village, admire the glowing night illuminations, and immerse themselves in a timeless winter atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Tucked away in the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. In winter, these steep thatched-roof homes are blanketed in snow, creating a magical landscape straight out of a fairytale. Visitors can stroll through the charming village, admire the glowing night illuminations, and immerse themselves in a timeless winter atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Experience the Fiery Magic of Nozawa Onsen
Tokyo Shines Bright in Winter
Every January, the quiet mountain village of Nozawa Onsen bursts into life with one of Japan’s most spectacular winter events — the Fire Festival (Dosojin Matsuri). This dramatic celebration features towering wooden structures, blazing bonfires, and villagers engaging in centuries-old rituals to pray for good fortune, health, and a bountiful harvest. The mix of roaring flames, snowy surroundings, and deep cultural traditions creates an unforgettable atmosphere. For travelers, witnessing the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is a rare chance to step into the heart of Japanese heritage and experience winter in its most vibrant form.
When winter arrives, Tokyo transforms into a dazzling city of lights. From the sparkling displays along Omotesando and Roppongi Hills to the breathtaking illuminations at Shibuya and Tokyo Midtown, every corner glows with vibrant colors and festive cheer. These urban light shows create a magical atmosphere, perfect for evening strolls, romantic moments, and capturing unforgettable photos. Experiencing Tokyo’s winter illuminations is a must for anyone looking to see the city in its most enchanting season.
