The Best Spots for Winter Sports in Japan
If you love skiing, snowboarding, or skating, then Japan is the perfect place to be in the winter. While southern big cities like Tokyo may only see one or two snowfalls a year, the rest of the mountainous country is perfect for winter sports. There are hundreds of spots across the country perfect for skiing, snowboarding, skating, and snowshoeing, so let's take a look at some of the best spots to check out if you want to try your hand at winter sports in Japan.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Japanese ski resorts, particularly those in Hokkaido and Nagano, are world-renowned for their powder snow. This light and fluffy snow is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, so you'll be able to have a smooth and fantastic time flying down the slopes. Many ski resorts in Japan are close to hot springs as well, so after a cold day in the mountains you can rest your tired body in a hot, soothing bath.
On top of all that, the average price for a lift ticket at ski resorts in Japan is around 5000 yen per day, so skiing and snowboarding are much more affordable in Japan compared to some popular spots in Europe and North America.
The best time to go skiing or snowboarding in Japan is roughly December-April. There are hundreds of ski resorts across Japan, which is far too many to cover in one article, so here are three of the most popular spots for skiing and snowboarding in Japan.
・Niseko United (Hokkaido)
One of the most famous locations in Japan for skiing and snowboarding, Niseko is renowned for its beautiful scenery and fantastic powder snow on the slopes. There are four main resorts in Niseko, which all together are known as Niseko United and can all be accessed with one single lift pass. With a combined 47 kilometers of slopes, Niseko is a fantastic spot for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to pro.
For more information, click here.
・Furano Ski Resort (Hokkaido)
This picturesque ski resort has served as the backdrop for many Japanese dramas because of how beautiful it is. There are 28 trails in total split across two zones, and there are also skiing and snowboarding lessons offered in English for beginners if you're new to the world of winter sports. Depending on the season, there are also different activities you can take part in at Furano Ski Resort, such as a stargazing tour from a 900-meter altitude point, hot air balloon rides, ice fishing experiences, and more. There are even unique attractions like the "Snow Dome" and "Ice Bar," which is exactly what it sounds like.
・Happo-One Ski Resort (Nagano)
One of Japan's largest ski resorts, Happo-One is often the host of international ski and snowboarding competitions, including the 1998 Winter Olympics, thanks to the excellent conditions on its slopes. It features a diverse range of courses, including the "Skyline Course:" a 6,000-meter downhill run from the summit of Mt. Kurobishi to the Sakka slope at the base. There are also famous expert-level courses like the "Urakuro Off-Piste" which has a maximum slope gradient of 31 degrees. There are also many facilities and activities for families as well as hot springs, making Happo-One a great option for people in cities like Tokyo or Nagoya looking to take a trip out of the city to hit the slopes and relax.
Skating
Skating is very popular in Japan, seen usually as an accessible sport that's fun for anyone. If you head to a skating rink in Japan, you'll likely see families and friends laughing, smiling, and having a wonderful time skating together. There are many outdoor skating rinks across Japan, and some skating venues organize events in collaboration with famous fashion brands, which can be a truly unique, fun experience. Here are some skating venue options in Japan that will give you entirely different skating experiences.
・Kera Pond Skating Rink (Karuizawa, Nagano)
This outdoor skating rink in Karuizawa is a natural rink formed purely by sub-zero temperatures with no cooling devices. With the snow-covered Mt. Asama as a backdrop, skating here will make you feel like you are skating in a forest deep in nature. There are hot springs and restaurants nearby, so you'll be able to relax and warm up after spending time skating outside.
・COACH Midtown Ice Rink (Tokyo)
The ice rink at Tokyo Midtown is Tokyo's largest outdoor skating rink with real ice. This year, the rink is collaborating with the global fashion brand COACH, featuring limited-time decorations and installations. The rink is open until 9 pm every day, so you can enjoy skating during the day or at night.
Click here to check out Tokyo Midtown's website for more information.
To learn more about the Coach event specifically, click here.
Snowshoeing
Japan is also host to some excellent trails you can take to explore snowy mountains and forests. The specialized equipment you'll need, in particular snowshoes, can be rented from shops, but you'll still need to prepare warm clothes and supplies to keep yourself warm and safe as you hit the trails. Here are two snowshoeing spots worth checking out in Japan.
・Shiroteko Piccio (Hokkaido)
Shiroteko is a World Natural Heritage site and a pristine region where nature has been preserved. In winter, you can join tours to snowshoe through the region and observe wildlife such as Ezo deer, squirrels, and foxes. Taking a tour here will be a truly unique experience you can't have anywhere else in Japan.
・Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort (Gunma)
This ski resort has a snowshoeing trail that will take you up to the top of the course. You can go up, enjoy a meal at the lodge, and then snowshoe back down. After heading back down the course, you can go relax at the famous Kusatsu Onsen which is only a ten-minute walk from the ski resort. You can also go skiing and snowboarding here on top of snowshoeing if you're looking for even more winter fun.
Take Advantage of Winter in Japan!
Japan is beautiful in the winter, and with a wealth of spots to take part in winter sports across the country, you should absolutely get out of the big city and into nature to enjoy your winter sport of choice. With some of the best ski resorts in the world, you're sure to have an amazing time if you decide to try some winter sports in Japan.
