SKIING IN Japan

Overview

The past 10 years has seen an explosion in the number of international skiers and boarders heading to Japan. And while the Japanese ski resorts have a lot to offer in terms of facilities, restaurants and cultural experiences, there is one main reason why everyone is drawn here – the powder. Coming direct from Siberia, this is some of the lightest, driest powder to be found on Earth.

The ski resorts in Japan get around 10-18 meters of snowfall per year, and the powder factor is much higher than many other destinations in the world. That said, it’s never guaranteed. It seems the constant these days is variabilty, particularly from mid-February onwards. One day it can be raining at the base of the resorts (which are fairly low altitude) and the next you will have a dump of 50cms+ of light dry fluffy snow. So, like any trip to a ski resort, you can never be guaranteed of the conditions – but still, in Japan you’ve a more than decent chance of getting snow up to your knees, if not over your head.

Scout also loves skiing in Japan because it provides an opportunity to experience a different culture. Firstly there’s the food, which is incredible, healthy, delicious and generally good value. Secondly, the service is extremely friendly and efficient – which alone is enough to make you fall in love with the place. For an authenitc experience stay for a while in a traditional Japanese hotel. Thirdly, there are a lot of options for fun side trips – such as a visit to Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo or Kanazawa.

Some of Japan’s ski resorts have become significantly Westernized in recent times, particularly Niseko and Hakuba which have seen a huge deal of overseas investment in luxury properties and apartments. Japan is now so popular with international guests that it is difficult to find a decent ski resort that doesn't have a good amount of westerners skiing.

But don’t let that stop you from skiing in Japan. Hakuba and Niseko are still wonderful resorts, and there are also hundreds of others to choose from – in fact, Japan has over 500 resorts scattered throughout Honshu (the main island) and Hokkaido (the north island). Not sure where to start? Check out our Resort Finder and guide to the Best Time to Ski Japan!

Scout Picks

Best Resorts for Families: Tomamu, Myoko Kogen, Niseko, Madarao, Appi Kogen, Furano, Kiroro, Sahoro

Best Powder: Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Tomamu, Asahidake, Seki Onsen, Arai

Best Places for Back & Sidecountry Skiing: Niseko, Hakuba, Asahidake, Furano, Kiroro

Best In-Resort Tree Skiing: Rusutsu, Kiroro, Hakuba (Cortina), Madarao, Tomamu, Arai, Niseko

Best Terrain Parks: Hakuba 47, Naeba

Best Resorts for Authentic & Traditional Japanese Experience: Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Zao Onsen, Miniakami Area

Best Resorts for a Modern Japanese Experience: Appi Kogen, Kiroro, Tomamu, Rusutsu, Arai, Shizukuishi

Resorts with Fewer Western Skiers: Zao Onsen, Appi Kogen, Shiga Kogen, Shizukuishi, Naeba, Minakami area

Best Value for Money: Furano, Madarao, Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, Zao Onsen

Best Restaurants & Nightlife: Niseko, Hakuba, Myoko Kogen, Nozawa Onsen

What to Expect on the Slopes

The skiing and snowboarding experience in Japan is different to other countries. You won’t find incredibly steep terrain, couloirs and cliffs. Instead, the runs are relatively gentle and the skinny birch trees are easy to glide through. Of course there are still some steeper runs, but thrill seekers are mainly drawn to Japanese slopes for the opportunity to float through bottomless powder. Bring your fat skis! It should be noted that some resorts don’t allow tree skiing, so if this is something you’re after, choose carefully.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of runs for beginners and intermediates, and there are always giant mogul fields in every resort - the Japanese love their moguls! Most resorts have some terrain park features - though they are nothing like resorts in North America. Many also offer kids’ snow play areas.

The chairlift infrastructure isn’t as advanced as it is in North American or European resorts – development of on-snow facilities even in places like Niseko has not necessarily kept up with the growth in popularity. And although there are a few gondolas and covered chairs (to shield you from the elements), don’t expect lots of high-speed detachable quads.

Side and backcountry skiing has become increasingly popular over the last few years and it's some of the best in the world thanks to the copious amounts of powder snow. While avalanche danger is generally lower than in North America and Europe, it is still there so you must have appropriate safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) and of course saftey knowledge. Better still, take a guide who can show you where all the best stashes are, safely. It is important to be aware of local rules - often you won't get rescued if you are outside the boundaries (even if you go through an official gate) and they will only send a helicopter if it's a life and death situation. Be sure to check up on your insurance policy and whether it covers out of bounds skiing (particularly if going without a guide) - most of the time they don't cover you.

Resort Culture

Every ski resort in Japan is completely different. Some provide a more traditional Japanese cultural experience (such as Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Minakami and Zao Onsen), while others, such as Rusutsu, Tomamu, Kiroro, Shizukuishi and Appi Kogen offer an authentic Japanese experience but in a more modern "purpose-built" way. Then there are the resorts that have been well developed and heavily Westernized; the most notable among these being Niseko and Hakuba. Another thing you’ll notice if you travel to a few different resorts is that some will have a true village feel to them, while others are just a collection of buildings.

Apart from the happening après scene in Hakuba, Myoko and Niseko, nightlife isn’t one of the strengths of a Japanese ski holiday. However there’s always a great selection of restaurants (on and off the mountain) that serve up all sorts of Japanese delicacies. Some resorts are also home to a few fine dining restaurants that serve fantastic international cuisine.

If you need to relax after an exhilarating day on the slopes, it’s well worth donning your birthday suit and taking a soak in a natural hot spring onsen. Aside from the fact they’re perfect for soothing your tired muscles, natural hot springs also offer a host of health benefits. Be sure to read our guide to onsen etiquette before you go.

Services at most of the resorts are now well catered to Western skiers and boarders (some more so than others). Most (but not all) resorts offer a decent selection of shops where you can buy and rent ski gear. And the ski schools should have at least a couple of English-speaking instructors. (Although if you are choosing a small, lesser-known resort it may be worth checking if English language ski lessons are available, if this is what you require). There are now a plethora of ski guides ready to take you into the backcountry. We highly reccomend spending the money on a day or two with a guide (if you want to ski side or backcountry) as it will most definitely elevate your ski experience. They can be added as part of a Scout Japan Ski Package.

What it costs to ski in Japan

Skiing in Japan can be relatively cheap if you pick the right resort and right hotel or pension. In recent years accommodation prices in popular resorts, particularly Niseko, have significantly increased and when cominbined with a falling dollar (particularly the AUD) rates can easily go above those in North America, while moderately priced accommodation has become incredibly scarce. Lift tickets are usually around ¥5-6,000 per day (approx USD$50-60 and AUD$65-80) while a daily rental package is around the same price. On-mountain meals can be great value (anywhere between ¥600-¥1,500 (USD$6-10/AUD$8-17) and you can also stock up on filling Japanese snacks at a 7-11 for a few dollars. The cost of dining out in resorts varies wildly starting at around ¥1,000 ($10) for a steaming bowl of delicious ramen. Some of the more traditional hotels include amazing multi-course Japanese dinners as part of a package while many large resorts include ginormous buffets that generally cost around ¥4-5,000. 

To get the best deals travel in non-holiday and non-peak periods (such as the second half of February), and choose smaller, less popular resorts and local accomodation. If you want better prices and fewer crowds it is best to avoid NYE and Chinese NYE. Booking your ski vacation early each year gives you the advantage of having more lodging options to choose from, plus save on your ski package. Many early bird deals of savings up to 30% on lodging expire as early as April. Read our Top 5 Reasons to Book Your Ski Vacation Early, and contact Scout to help find the best deals as part of a Japan Ski Package. 

Getting There & Around

Tokyo has hundreds of direct international flights. There are two main international airports, Narita and Haneda. Narita is the biggest. Both airports have direct domestic flights to Hokkaido (including Sapporo's New Chitose airport and more) and both have direct shuttles to the Nagano Ski Resorts. It is about an hour by train (the Narita Express) to Tokyo. 

To get to any of the resorts in Honshu (the main island) from Narita or Haneda you can opt for using the highly efficient train system and Shinkansen High Speed trains (expensive but fast and fun!), with connecting buses to the resorts. These all leave from central Tokyo, and purchasing a JR Rail Pass can be good value if you plan on visiting several resorts and/or adding side trips to places like Tokyo or Kyoto. Or if going direct from Narita to the Nagano area resorts you can take a Nagano Snow Shuttle (approx 6 hours) or a Chuo Taxi (shared mini-buses that leave based on your arrival time, also about 6 hours). Scout can include these transfers as part of a Japan Ski Package.

There are some international flights that go direct to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido (including from Honolulu, Hong Kong, Seoul, Beijing, Bangkok and Sydney) as well as many domestic flights from Narita, Haneda and Osaka (for Kyoto). From New Chitose Airport the easiest way to get to your resort is via a shuttle bus (which can be booked as part of a Scout Package). You can also catch a train very close to many resorts. Adding a stopover in one of these cities is a fantastic way to add a little culture to your ski vacation. Read our guide to Tokyo's Top 5 Districts to Eat, Stay and Play. 

If you want to have some freedom to do a bit of travelling around and explore smaller, off-the beaten-path resorts, Hokkaido and the Nagano area are great places to rent a car. However given the huge amounts of snow they get you will want to be experienced in driving in poor conditions and have a flexible schedule in case you get stuck (or want to chase some powder!). Make sure you have an international drivers license, and a wifi device so you can use Google maps on your smartphone (believe us, this is far easier than using the supplied GPSs, even if they do offer them in English).

Weather & When to Go

Skiing in Japan can be bitterly cold and sometimes it will snow for days on end, particularly in January and February. Bring plenty of warm layers!

Some of the more popular resorts with Westerners (particularly Niseko, Hakuba, Myoko and Nozawa Onsen) can be very crowded with Australian families over Christmas and in January. Lift lines can be long, accommodation prices are higher and can be booked out more than six months in advance. Other times to avoid are weekends and the days around Chinese New Year (date varies each year) which can also be crowded and expensive.

The last week of January and the first 3 weeks of February (outside of CNY dates) are our picks for the most reliable snow, consistent powder dumps and fewer crowds. If you are looking to do side/backcountry February is best as there has usually been sufficient snowfall to form an amazing base.

The beginning of December and March can be less crowded with a still decent chance of powder dumps. These months are also a little warmer and accommodation is cheaper, however the snow is becoming less reliable each year for these dates.

Other Tips for Skiing and Travelling in Japan

• We recommend that you withdraw a decent amount of yen at the airport or in a major city before you head to your resort, because credit cards aren’t readily accepted and ATMs that accept international cards can sometimes be hard to come by. 
• Rent a wifi device from Tokyo or Sapporo airports. Not only will you be able to use your smartphone/iPad or computer, but many older Japanese style hotels do not have wifi in bedrooms. You can then use apps to stay in touch with home or make local calls. There are several booths at those airports that rent wifi devices or you can order them online and have one delivered to your first hotel.
• Most hotels (apart from those very specifically targeting Westerners) do not have English Lanugage TV in rooms. Another reason to get a wifi device or bring a few good books!
• If you're taking your own skis/boards or have a lot luggage use one of the amazing courier services in Japan to ship your luggage, especially if you plan on having a stop over in one ofthe cities. It's cheap, easy and means you don't have to deal with it on crowded trains. They have agents situated right in the arrival halls of Narita and Haneda airport and they speak enough English to get it working.
• Respect the culture and you will love it! Learn some of the language, read up on Onsen Etiquette and know the difference between bathroom slippers and hotel slippers by reading our guide to staying in a Japanese hotel. 

More insider tips, with contact details, are in our Scout resort Field Guides - free with any booking via Scout.

Recommended Stopovers

Tokyo

Tokyo is the largest city on the South Island of Japan and being the closest to the ski resorts, it is a popular stopover option for families in Japan. Deciding where to stay in Tokyo can be a challenge, especially with so many great districts to choose from. The best thing about this bustling city is that once you’ve locked in your home base, all the other must-see areas of Tokyo are only just a short train ride away. Check out our guide to Tokyo's Top 5 Districts to Eat, Stay, & Play and the best activities for families during their stay.

Sapporo

One of Japan’s largest cities and the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is a dynamic urban hub that offers stylish cafes, a booming food scene, shopping galore and a neon-lit bustling nightlife. Sapporo is a fantastic stopover for those heading to one of Hokkaido’s mountains. Access from New Chitose Airport is super easy via the local train, plus there are many coach operators providing transfers to/from each of the ski resorts. Our top activities include:

• Visit the famous Sapporo Brewery
• Check out Hokkaido Jingu at Maruyama Park
• Eat the best ramen at Ramen Yokocho
• Plan your trip to coincide with the Snow Festival (usually early Feb)
• Visit the Hokkaido Shrine in Maruyama park
• Kids will love the Maruyama Zoo and Sapporo Science Centre
• Shop up a storm at the giant shopping mall in JR Tower

Kyoto

Historic temples, zen botanic gardens, traditional teahouses and ryokan, and geishas – Kyoto is a perfect addition to a ski vacation for those wanting to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. Kyoto is a fantastic city to explore, and for families to experience the unique Japanese way of life. There are daily international flights to Kyoto, and you can easily jump on the Shinkansen through to the ski resorts. Our top activities include:

• Wander the streets of downtown and choose from an array of Michelin star restaurants
• Join a Japanese cooking class
• Head to Gion and look out for Geisha
• Nishiki Market for authentic cuisine
• Get up close & personal to hundreds of freely roaming deer at Nara Park
• Enjoy the cherry blossoms at Imperial Palace
• Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shinto shrine is a must-see.

Osaka

Japan’s third largest city is home to great food (from the best gyoza, soba, okonomiyaki, and everything in between!), even better shopping, and a great place to experience a modern Japanese city in all its glory, but without the price-tag. Compared to Tokyo, its laid back and down-to-earth vibe draws visitors to its trendy city streets, historic castles, traditional ryokan, and family-friendly attractions. Osaka is a perfect stop-over for families, with easy access from Kyoto & Tokyo and two airports located nearby. Our top activities include:

• Take a look at Sumiyoshi Taisha (one of Japan’s oldest shrines)
• Shop up a storm at Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
• Enjoy a fun night out in the Dotonbori district
• Take the kids to Universal Studios and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• Check out Osaka’s version of Harajuku, Amerikamura (Amemura)
• Day trips to Kyoto are super easy from Osaka

Kanazawa

Less well known, Kanazawa is like a small Kyoto on the western coast of Honshu Island. It's only about one hour by Shinkansen from Nagano so makes the perfect addition to a Nagano itinerary (for instance do a stay in one resort then 2 days in Kanazawa over the busy weekend while your luggage is shipped to the next resort, then head back to the slopes all refreshed). Kanazawa is a great walking city with plenty of parks, temples, shrines, galleries and even a ninja district. The seafood markets there are fantastic to wander and thanks to its seaside location, the seafood here can be some of the best you'll get in Japan.