The Best Spots for Winter Sports in Japan
If you love winter sports then Japan is the perfect place to be this time of year. 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 other winter activities, 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 a few 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, and ice fishing experiences.
・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 a very popular, accessible activity in Japan. 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.
・Midtown Ice Rink (Tokyo)
The ice rink at Tokyo Midtown is Tokyo's largest outdoor skating rink with real ice. The rink is open until 9 pm every day, so you can enjoy skating during the day or at night. This year, the rink is collaborating with KOSE Corporation to create a unique and beautiful rink design.
To learn more, click here.
・Art Rink at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Kanagawa)
Set against the historic Red Brick Warehouse, this skating rink features a unique collaboration of art (including video installations, paintings, and graphic art) and ice skating by various artists. It's perfect for people who plan on going out to skate and post about it on social media.
Learn more here. (Japanese only)
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 or tour organizers. 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.
Ice Fishing
A unique experience that can only really be had in the cold regions of Japan, ice fishing is popular in northern parts of the country such as Hokkaido. By drilling holes into the ice, you can try to catch fish like smelt (wakasagi in Japanese). Many ice fishing locations offer rental equipment as well as facilities to cook any fish you catch on-site. Here are some spots where you can try your hand at ice-fishing in Japan.
・Yamanakako Marine House Momo (Yamanashi)
Here, you can enjoy ice fishing on Lake Yamanaka, traveling aboard a boat equipped with heating and toilets. This makes this location a good option for families who want to go ice fishing together. In warmer months, this facility offers other activities, like wakeboarding, water skiing, and jet skiing.
Learn more here. (Japanese only)
・Onuma Quasi-National Park (Hokkaido)
At this location, all-inclusive fishing sets with rods and bait are available, making it easy to spend as much time as you want out fishing on the ice. There are other activities at this park as well, such as snowmobiling, sledding tours, and ice mobile rides.
Learn more here. (Japanese only)
