One of the biggest attractions to visit Japan is the scenery and activities that each season offers, and if you are coming during winter, skiing must be on your list of activities during your stay. Here are some ski resorts
1. Gala Yuzawa (Niigata Prefecture)
Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort is one of the popular ski resorts accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. The shinkansen ride is about 75 minutes from Tokyo Station to Gala Yuzawa Station, which is connected to the ski center where you find ticket booth/information counter, ski gear rental counter, changing rooms, lockers and even spa facilities. JR East Japan Railway Company, the operator of Shinkansen and many other travel agencies have offers that include Shinkansen fares and lift & gondola pass.
Operating period: December 17, 2022 – May 7, 2023
Number of runs: 16
Travel time from Tokyo: 90 minutes
Reference: https://gala.co.jp/winter/
2. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort (Nagano Prefecture)
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is located just an hour Shinkansen ride away from Tokyo Station via Nagano Station. It takes about 10 minutes on foot from the nearest Karuizawa Station for those who want to do some warming up before skiing, but for those who come with their own ski gear, there is a free shuttle bus service to the ski resort. This family-friendly resort offers free lift tickets for kids below 12.
Operating period: November 3, 2022 to April 2, 2023
Number of runs: 16
Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour+
3. Fujimi Panorama Resort (Nagano Prefecture)
Fujimi Panorama Resort offers a panoramic view of Yatsugatake volcanic group, stretching from Nagano to Yamanashi Prefectures. It has many sunny days (85% according to the website) throughout the ski season. It is located just 7 minutes away from Suwa Minami Interchange on the Chuo-do expressway, and about 2 hours 15 minutes from Shinjuku Station to the nearest Fujimi Station, where you can take a free shuttle bus to the resort.
Operating period: December 15, 2022 to April 2, 2023
Number of runs: 7 + kids play park
Travel time from Tokyo: 2 hours 15 minutes
Reference: https://www.fujimipanorama.com/snow/
4. Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti is known as the first ski resort that opens in the season thanks to their snowmaking machine. On a sunny day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mr. Fuji and Suruga Bay. There are direct bus services from major train stations in Tokyo/Yokohama to the resort.
Operating period: October 21, 2022 to March 31, 2023
Number of runs: 4 + kids play park
Travel time from Tokyo: 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes
Reference: https://www.fujimipanorama.com/snow/
5. Norn Minakami Ski Resort (Gunma Prefecture)
Norn Minakami Ski Resort is another ski resort that has great accessibility. It is located about 5 minutes away from Minakami Interchange on the Kan-etsu Motorway and 95 minutes by Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. From the Jomo Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line, there is a free shuttle bus service to the resort but it requires booking by 3pm of one day before your visit. During the peak season (January 6 to March 18), the resort has long operating hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 0 am.
Operating period: December 19, 2022 to March 26, 2023
Number of runs: 5
Travel time from Tokyo: 95 minutes
Reference: https://www.norn.co.jp/winter/
6. Kandatsu Snow Resort
Kandatsu Snow Resort is the nearest 100% natural snow resort from Tokyo. It is located 3 minutes away from Yuzawa Interchange on the Kan-estu Motorway, and you don’t need to arrive early to fight for a parking slot because the resort has a huge carpark capable of accommodating about 2,000 vehicles. If you are not used to driving in snow, the resort is also accessible by Shinkansen. After taking Joetsu Shinkansen for about 70 minutes from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, the resort has free shuttle bus service from there to the resort.
Operating period: December 19, 2022 to March 26, 2023
Number of runs: 5
Travel time from Tokyo: 95 minutes
Reference: https://www.norn.co.jp/winter/
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