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Ski Resorts in Japan
| Japan is made up of four main islands, The north island of Hokkaido is probably the most famous among Australian skiers, and has three outstanding resort areas: Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano. The main island of Honshu is home to Japan's other major areas, such as Shiga Kogen, Hakuba Resorts in Nagano, Myoko, Nozawa and Appi. |  |
Hakuba boasts the steepest runs of Japan’s 600 ski resorts. Hakuba is home to seven resorts, which encircle the massive Olympic Ski Jump Stadium. Many events of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, including the downhill skiing, were held on the slopes in Hakuba. Consistent powder snow on the many challenging runs at Hakuba make this region a high priority destination for serious ski travellers in Japan. The distinct small village atmosphere of this resort town is another major drawcard. Growing popularity among skiers and snowboarders around the world is testament to its charm.
Shiga Kogen - Japan's Largest Ski Area
Shiga Kogen is a mecca for skiing and winter sports enthusiasts. Located just a short distance from Tokyo, Shiga Kogen is easily the largest ski area in Japan, and offers an amazing 21 interlinked ski resorts all covered by one ski pass. The accommodation villages, scattered throughout the central ski areas, offer a wide variety of resort and lodge options, with a coach shuttle operating all day through the region (free with all ski passes).
The great selection of bars and restaurants in the area offer Australians a traditional Japanese eating experience, with hot food and sake a great bonus in a still largely undiscovered destination for international skiers.
In addition to fantasctic skiing, the Shiga Kogen areas offers a chance to see Japan's snow monkeys close up in their outdoor hot bath 'onsen'.
Myoko - Experience the Heart of Japan
Myoko is by no means a big city. A real mountain ski town, Myoko sits snug at the base of one of Japan's most beautiful mountains. Here you will find a profound, almost eerie silence that comes with the heavy blanket snows. The billowing steam of the local onsen (hot springs) promises warmth after a day in the snow. There are endless ways to enjoy skiing here, with powder snow, long scenic slopes and mogul courses for skiers to conquer.
Nozawa - An Old Time Japanese Little Village
Nozawa Onsen village is located at the foot of Kenashi-yama (1650m), among beautiful natural surroundings and a number of hot springs.
The snow resort offers the best of modern facilities for skiers and snowboarders, while the Nozawa Onsen village itself manages to maintain its traditional atmosphere.
When the snow arrives each year, so too do skiers and snowboarders keen to enjoy good snow cover, in a distinctly Japanese setting. Energy levels in the town reflect the influx of visitors, rising as each ski season brings new friends.
The highlands of Appi Kogen sit right next to Towada-Hachimantai National Park in northeast Honshu.
Amazing powder snow blankets each of Appi's mountains, with 828-metres vertical rise from peak to base. Appi's 21 trails are accessed with ease and comfort.
Appi Kogen offers fantastic variety, with everything from bunny slopes, a 5.5 km cruiser, to steep and deep runs for adrenaline seekers.
Appi Kogen has recently received top marks from a number of major ski magazines, and continues to be a popular choice for skier and snowboarder alike.
Niseko - Champagne Powder Capital
Niseko, currently the hot spot for Australian skiers, is the largest of the Hokkaido ski areas with 4 interlinked resorts; Annapuri, Hirafu, Higashiyama and Hanazono - areas famous for deep powder snow. Niseko also boasts some of the best après-ski nightlife in Japan- with an exciting mix of traditional Japanese restaurants, western food, bars and karaoke spots.
Rusutsu - More Trees - Less Tracks
Rusutsu offers some of the best tree skiing in Japan and its extensive terrain park is one of the countries best. The Rusutsu ‘Snowcat tour’ (a chance to ski Mt. Isola before the grooming machines) is legendary, and a must-do for the keen skier or snowboarder.
The après-ski options at Rusutsu Resort are wide and varied - a large selection of restaurants, game centres, an indoor wave pool, a large hot springs bath-house and the ever-present karaoke rooms make sure there is something for everyone.
Furano - Best Powder Snow In Japan
Furano is located four hours by coach from Sapporo, in the centre of Hokkaido.
This location is unrivalled as a ski destination, with snowfalls of up to 14 metres per season. Furano is famous for long blue-sky days and the ever-present Hokkaido powder, with long runs and magnificent views. You can also visit the local winery or cheese factory, or just stroll around this quaint town to get a feel for authentic Japan.