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The best Japanese Ski Resorts

Skiing and Snowboarding in Japanese Ski Resorts

Japan - Ski Resorts

Japan boasts some of the world's best ski areas, renowned for their light, powdery snow and stunning landscapes. With over 500 ski resorts across the country, regions like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps offer diverse terrains suitable for novices to seasoned experts. The unique cultural experience adds to the allure, with onsen (hot springs) and delicious local cuisine available throughout ski towns.

Most Forecast Snow

Ski Resorts in Japan with most snow forecast in the next 7 days.
Ski Area 7 Day
Kagura14in
Akitaken Tazawako Kogen12in
Yuzawa Nakazato12in
Hachimantai10in
Naeba10in
Myoko Akakura / Shinakakura10in

Forecast updated : 17 Nov 2025 18:38 PST

Japanese Snow Forecasts

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 Ski resorts for Beginners in Japan

Resorts such as Naeba and Niseko are excellent choices for beginners, featuring gentle slopes and ski schools with experienced instructors. With easy access and a friendly atmosphere, these resorts make learning to ski a delightful experience.

 Ski resorts for Families in Japan

Families will find Hakuba Valley particularly accommodating, with a range of activities beyond skiing, such as snowshoeing and sledding. The family-friendly facilities and variety of slopes ensure a memorable trip for all ages.

 Ski resorts for Experienced Skiers in Japan

For advanced skiers, the challenging terrains of the Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen are ideal, offering steep runs and backcountry options. These resorts provide a thrilling experience for those looking to test their skills against Japan's rugged mountain landscapes.

 Ski areas with off-piste, freeride and out-of-bounds terrain in Japan

Resorts like Hakuba and Niseko are popular for off-piste skiing, providing ample opportunities to explore untouched powder. Expert guides are available to help navigate the backcountry safely while enjoying the stunning scenery.

 Ski Areas for reliable snow in Japan

For guaranteed snow, head to resorts like Niseko and Furano, known for their reliable snowfall and extensive season. These high-altitude locations ensure great skiing conditions from late November to early May.

Find out about the skiing in Japan, in our comparison of Japanese Ski Resorts, below. Sort by suitability, altitude, piste length, etc.

 Japanese Snow Reports

November 18, 2025

Snow is next forecast to fall in Japan over the next 2 days, in at least 50 Ski Resorts including Furano, Kiroro, Niseko, Nozawa Onsen and Rusutsu.

See all Snow Forecasts for Japan.

The Best Ski Resorts in Japan

Ski Resorts in Japan
Ski ResortTrailsTopBeginn.Interm.Experts
Adatara Kogen-4,429ft---
Aizu Kogen Daikurayama-3,937ft---
Aizu Kogen Nango-3,281ft---
Aizu Kogen Takahata-4,068ft---
Aizu Kogen Takatsue10 miles5,413ft---
Ajigasawa-3,022ft---
Akabirayama-1,211ft---
Akazawa-3,281ft---
Akazurayama-4,921ft---
Akitaken Tazawako Kogen-3,937ft---
Alts Bandai-4,199ft---
Amihari-4,429ft---
Appi Kogen28 miles4,281ft3*-3*
Arai-4,199ft---
Asahidake Onsen-2,165ft---
Asarigawa Onsen-1,739ft---
Ashibetsu-899ft---
Aso Choei Jinko1 miles3,609ft---
Bandai Kokusai6 miles3,445ft---
Biwako Valley4 miles3,852ft---
Cupid Valley-3,215ft---
Daisen Kokusai-3,740ft-4*-
Dynaland11 miles4,692ft-4*-
Furano16 miles3,967ft3*4*4*
Gala Yuzawa-3,871ft---
Geihoku Kokusai-3,694ft---
Geto Kogen-3,510ft-3*4*
Gokase Highland-5,315ft---
Hachimantai-4,757ft---
Hachimantai Resort-3,281ft---
Hakuba 4715 miles5,315ft3*3*3*
Hakuba Cortina Kokusai-4,724ft---
Hakuba Norikura-4,265ft---
Hakusan Sena Kogen-3,642ft---
Happo One24 miles6,007ft3*3*3*
Hiba Valley-3,773ft---
Hotaka Olympia4 miles4,298ft5*-1*
Inawashiro12 miles3,937ft-3*-
Ipponsugi-1,542ft---
Ishizuchi Ski Hill-4,265ft---
Iwappara-3,232ft---
Kagura-6,053ft---
Karuizawa4 miles3,789ft---
Kawaba7 miles6,135ft---
Kijimadaira-4,170ft-4*-
Kiroro-3,871ft---
Kusatsu Onsen-5,249ft---
Madarao-4,429ft---
Maiko Kogen14 miles3,018ft---
Minowa-4,921ft---
Myoko Akakura / Shinakakura19 miles4,954ft-3*-
Myoko Ikenotaira12 miles3,970ft---
Myoko Pine Valley6 miles3,100ft---
Myoko Suginohara15 miles6,086ft--4*
Naeba27 miles5,869ft4*4*2*
Niseko-4,291ft3*3*4*
Niseko Annupuri8 miles3,793ft3*3*4*
Niseko Grand Hirafu-4,291ft3*3*4*
Niseko Hanazono-3,609ft3*3*4*
Niseko Kokusai Moiwa4 miles2,625ft---
Niseko Village/Higashiyama12 miles3,839ft3*3*4*
Norikura Kogen Onsen13 miles6,562ft---
Nozawa Onsen19 miles5,413ft4*4*4*
Numajiri-4,003ft---
Owani Onsen-2,326ft---
Oze Iwakura12 miles5,587ft4*-4*
Rusutsu25 miles3,261ft4*-3*
Sahoro Resort12 miles3,379ft4*3*1*
Shiga Giant1 miles5,184ft---
Shiga Hasuike1 miles5,233ft---
Shiga Higashitateyama4 miles6,463ft---
Shiga Hoppo Bunadaira4 miles5,194ft4*-4*
Shiga Ichinose Diamond2 miles5,610ft---
Shiga Maruike1 miles5,246ft---
Shiga Okusiga Kogen7 miles6,562ft3*-5*
Shiga Yakebitaiyama11 miles6,562ft4*3*4*
Shizukuishi21 miles4,495ft4*-2*
Sun Marina Tamaniwa-1,969ft---
Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata22 miles6,053ft4*4*2*
Teine Olympia4 miles1,739ft---
Tengendai Kogen-5,971ft---
Togakushi13 miles5,735ft---
Togari Onsen12 miles3,445ft4*-2*
Tsubetsu4 miles3,100ft---
Tsugaike Kogen21 miles5,512ft-3*-
Ushidake Onsen-2,789ft---
Utopia Saioto-3,773ft---
Yonezawa-2,625ft---
Yuzawa Kogen-3,839ft---
Yuzawa Nakazato-2,303ft---
Yuzawa ParK-2,133ft---
Zao27 miles5,449ft4*3*3*

The Ski Resorts of Japan

Compare the top ski areas for ski area size, altitude, and suitability for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers.

 Top 10 Largest ski areas in Japan

The most extensive downhill ski areas in Japan, by total downhill piste length.

Largest ski areas in Japan
Ski ResortTrails
Appi Kogen28 miles
Happo One24 miles
Myoko Akakura / Shinakakura19 miles
Naeba27 miles
Nozawa Onsen19 miles
Rusutsu25 miles
Shizukuishi21 miles
Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata22 miles
Tsugaike Kogen21 miles
Zao27 miles

 Top 10 Highest altitude ski resorts in Japan

The highest altitude ski resorts in Japan, by base / resort altitude.

Highest altitude ski resorts in Japan
Ski ResortResort
Gokase Highland4,626ft
Kawaba4,232ft
Kusatsu Onsen4,085ft
Norikura Kogen Onsen5,085ft
Shiga Giant4,396ft
Shiga Higashitateyama5,052ft
Shiga Ichinose Diamond5,249ft
Shiga Okusiga Kogen4,790ft
Shiga Yakebitaiyama5,052ft
Togakushi4,003ft

 Top 10 Highest lift-served ski areas in Japan

The highest lift-served skiing in Japan, by the highest lift (top) altitude.

Highest lift-served ski areas in Japan
Ski ResortTop
Happo One6,007ft
Kagura6,053ft
Kawaba6,135ft
Myoko Suginohara6,086ft
Norikura Kogen Onsen6,562ft
Shiga Higashitateyama6,463ft
Shiga Okusiga Kogen6,562ft
Shiga Yakebitaiyama6,562ft
Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata6,053ft
Tengendai Kogen5,971ft

 Top 10 Best ski areas for Beginners in Japan

The best beginner ski areas in Japan, rated according to the availability of easy slopes and ski schools.

Best ski areas for Beginners in Japan
Ski ResortBeginn.
Hotaka Olympia5*
Naeba4*
Nozawa Onsen4*
Oze Iwakura4*
Rusutsu4*
Sahoro Resort4*
Shizukuishi4*
Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata4*
Togari Onsen4*
Zao4*

 Top 10 Best ski areas for Intermediate Skiers in Japan

The best intermediate ski resorts in Japan, rated by the length and number of easy to moderate ski runs.

Best ski areas for Intermediate Skiers in Japan
Ski ResortInterm.
Daisen Kokusai4*
Dynaland4*
Furano4*
Happo One3*
Kijimadaira4*
Naeba4*
Nozawa Onsen4*
Tashiro Kagura Mitsumata4*
Tsugaike Kogen3*
Zao3*

 Top 10 Best ski areas for Expert Skiers and Snowboarders in Japan

The best ski areas for Advanced and Expert skiers and boarders in Japan, rated by the availability of steep pistes and/or the accessibility of freeride and off-piste terrain.

Best ski areas for Expert Skiers and Snowboarders in Japan
Ski ResortExperts
Furano4*
Myoko Suginohara4*
Niseko4*
Niseko Annupuri4*
Niseko Village/Higashiyama4*
Nozawa Onsen4*
Oze Iwakura4*
Shiga Hoppo Bunadaira4*
Shiga Okusiga Kogen5*
Shiga Yakebitaiyama4*

Japan

Our Japanese Ski Resort pages include Skiing Facts, Snow Reports and Forecasts (for most major ski resorts), local accommodation and online ski hire booking (where available) for 92 Ski Resorts in Japan.

You can find the major ski stations listed on the Top Japanese Ski Resorts page, ranked according to various criteria.