The Top Ski Resorts In Japan For An Unforgettable Winter Trip

While millions around the world flock to mountains throughout Europe and the United States for epic ski days, another stunning location often goes overlooked. Japan — while known for its amazing food, stunning landscapes, and unique architecture — is also home to some of the best snow conditions in the world. Perhaps unexpectedly, this is a country home to great skiing with 565 ski resorts — coming in second behind Germany's 678.

The amazing fine snow conditions found in the mountains throughout Japan have been nicknamed "Japow" by ski and snowboard enthusiasts — "pow" being slang for fresh, fluffy snow. The science behind this phenomenon is all thanks to a warm current that runs off the coast of Hokkaido (Japan's second-largest island), keeping the waters warm even in wintertime. Steam from the water is cooled by northerly winds coming down from Siberia, which then form clouds that are blown inland, making the mountains of Japan a winter paradise. The season typically runs from November to May, though the best months for skiing are January (nicknamed "Japanuary") and February due to their more consistent snowfall. Known for fabulous food, amazing terrain, ample snow, relaxing hot springs, and off-mountain activities, ski resorts in Japan are ideal for an epic winter holiday. The following is a list of the top ski resorts visitors can find throughout Japan.

Coming in at the top of the list is Niseko, a gorgeous mountain comprised of four interconnected resorts: Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri — all operated by the Niseko United Ski Resort. Set on the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido, this is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country for good reason. The 2,800 skiable acres slopes here offer some incredible views of Mt. Yotei and perfect conditions, averaging over 600 inches of snowfall annually. The season here lasts from December through March, but for some of the best powder, aim your visit between late December and mid-February. According to awards assigned by the ski enthusiasts at Powder Hounds, Niseko has the best powder, best off-piste terrain, and best backcountry skiing.

Although each resort is interconnected, its uniqueness offers a variety of different terrain suitable for skiers and boarders of all ability levels — with 25% of the terrain dedicated to advanced runs, 34% to intermediate, and 41% to beginner. Niseko is a great resort for those looking to enjoy the slopes of Japan in a more westernized setting, as English is widely spoken. After a physically-demanding day on the hills, guests can unwind in one of the several onsen hot springs in the area. (Just don't forget to tie your hair up when you visit an onsen!) The resort is accessible with an Ikon Pass, which acts as a season's pass to over 50 resorts around the world and can make this a busy destination during peak season. Alternatively, a standard day pass will cost around $70 per adult.

Located about 40 minutes from Niseko is another resort offering world-class powder skiing with options for all levels: Rusutsu. With over 500 inches of dry, fluffy snowfall annually, Rusutsu is a great option for those looking to enjoy mass amounts of fresh powder without the crowds of Niseko. Rusutsu is also the largest all-season resort in Hokkaido, meaning not only does it offer incredible skiing and other winter activities like snowmobiling, snow rafting, dogsledding, and ice fishing, but tons of fun in the summer months as well. Think camping, hiking, and even rides at Rusutsu's very own amusement park! Because of its unique position south of Mount Yotei, the resort sees many more sunny days than Niseko as well. The ski area of the resort is spread across three different peaks and offers four gondolas, 14 lifts, and 37 runs ranging in levels suited to all abilities. Tree skiing is a highlight at this location and easy to reach. 

Visitors have many fabulous dining options to choose from (over 30 with varying cuisines) — though the nightlife at Rusutsu isn't as bustling as Niseko. However, what it lacks in nightlife it makes up for in relaxation, as visitors can end their day on the slopes at one of the resort's onsen hot springs. Based on the number of activities year-round, Rusutsu is the perfect resort for those with or without families looking to enjoy a world-class experience that caters to guests of all ages. An adult day pass costs around $75, but the resort also offers an hourly pass structure.

Known for its blend of world-class skiing with authentic Japanese culture, next on the list is Furano. Located in Central Hokkaido about a two-hour drive from New Chitose Airport, the resort consists of two zones, Furano and Kitanomine — offering diverse terrain across 975 acres, with 24 trails catered to all abilities. The resort averages about 360 inches of light fluffy snow annually, and the terrain is split so that 40% of the runs are beginner-friendly, 40% are suitable for intermediate skiers, and 20% are advanced.

Furano's location makes it a great base to visit nearby ski resorts (such as Kamui, Asahidake, Tomamu, and Sahoro) as well. The town is known for its cultural authenticity. Visitors will find well-developed amenities and services and can choose from an array of delicious restaurants. An adult day pass costs about $50, and a huge benefit for families is that children 12 and under can ski here for free. The resort offers fun-filled activities such as sledding on banana boats, snow rafting, snowmobiling, and dogsledding, and there's an ice village to explore.

Next on the list is Tomamu —  another Hokkaido ski area that offers a stellar experience for visitors of all ages. It's smaller than some of the other resorts in Japan with only 29 runs and five lifts, but the courses here are divided to cater to all experience levels from first-timers to advanced powder chasers. The resort has over 1,200 acres of skiable terrain, including backcountry and tree skiing routes, and receives about 250 inches of snow annually.

The resort itself has tons of great activities, amenities, and restaurants for families with activities like snow karting, sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snow rafting, horseback riding, and an indoor wave pool. There is even an ice village complete with a bar, ice rink, restaurants, and an ice chapel — in case the icy temperatures inspire some romance. Visitors can also pay a visit to The Terrace of Frost Tree, a great viewing location offering beautiful views of the Hidaka Mountains. Just a few steps away, you can head to the Cloud Walk, another stunning observation deck. This ski area is much quieter than some of the more popular resorts, and is one of the more affordable options at just $50 for an adult day pass. For families not on a budget, the all-inclusive Club Med Tomamu is a great accommodation option as they have packages including group lessons for kids, a kids club, and childcare services so parents can have some time to relax.

Next up is a resort that draws visitors with not just its fabulous skiing, but also its unique village full of Japanese charm. The Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is located just outside of Nagano, about four hours from Tokyo by car or train. It's a great place for those looking to spend their days skiing and evenings relaxing. The resort itself offers 36 trails spanning across 740 acres, with 40% of the area designated for beginners, 30% for intermediates, and 30% for advanced skiers. An adult day pass costs under $50, and the resort is popular for its inclusionary terrain, family friendliness, steep backcountry skiing, and its easy-to-use facilities for English-speaking guests. The resort also has a ski school with English-speaking instructors, and a free kid's park on weekends complete with a bouncy house, tubing, and sledding.

Though the skiing here is a major attraction, visitors come all over to this resort to enjoy its traditional village with interesting architecture and Japanese charm. One of the more popular reasons for visiting this particular ski resort and its nearby village are the onsens —free-to-use outdoor hot springs that were discovered in the eighth century. The resort town also has a stunning après ski scene with a wide range of restaurants and karaoke bars. To venture a bit further afield, visit Japan's hidden gem city of Nagano to see beautiful temples, shrines, and the art museum nearby.

The Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort in Nagano is Japan's largest ski area and second-highest resort. It gained popularity in 1998 when it was used as the site for the Winter Olympics. Today, visitors can come and explore the area's 18 resorts (all accessible with a single lift pass) and acres of pristine terrain. Because of its high altitude (up to 7,568 feet), the resort has excellent snow quality. Experts may find the slopes here less challenging, but they are scenic and well-groomed, making the trip well-worth it and perfect for beginner or intermediate skiers. An adult day pass costs around $50.

Shiga Kogen is not the resort to go to if you're looking for a wild night out after skiing — there is not much in the way of shops, restaurants, or bars, and the areas where people can stay are a bit spread out. Shiga is much less westernized than many of the other mountain resorts, making it a great place for those looking to enjoy a traditional Japanese experience. For a break from the slopes, check out the nearby wild monkey park to see snow monkeys enjoying hot springs, or take a fun snow-shoe tour to explore the local wilderness.

Last on the list, sitting only 2.5 hours from Tokyo, makes for a perfect day trip and an excellent winter paradise for skiers and boarders. Known for its deep-powder snow (the area receives around 45 feet during winter) Myoko Kogen ski area is great for those looking to experience Japanese culture in a less Westernized setting. Myoko Kogen is also home to a variety of ski areas within its four linked resorts, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Whether you're a beginner looking for gentle slopes or an expert seeking challenging runs, the diverse terrain ensures that there's something for everyone at the Myoko Kogen ski resorts.

The main ski area is Myoko Akakura, made up of two adjoined resorts: Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko. A combined day pass for these two areas costs about $55. Visitors here will find the most accommodations, restaurants, and an international ski school here. However, Ikenotaira Onsen, also known as Alpenblick Snow Resort, is a good spot for beginners and intermediates due to its smaller stature. Suginohara Ski Resort features long-groomed slopes, and great back and side country skiing. Little Seki Onsen is a boutique, family-run resort perfect for advanced skiers, as it's well known for its steep terrain and tree skiing. 

To create this list of the top ski resorts in Japan, we combed through numerous blogs, travel and winter sport websites, reviews on Google and Tripadvisor, "best of" lists and awards, and the resorts' websites.