Ski lovers will know all the best spots already, but for anyone looking to go skiing in Japan for the first time, it can be a daunting experience.
There is a lot that you might want to know, and you might be wondering if skiing in Japan is even worth it.
If you’re concerned about how your first skiing experience in Japan could go, you’re not alone!
It’s pretty normal to have questions and concerns, especially when doing something new in a foreign country.
However, we’re here to put those questions to rest, and tell you all about skiing in Japan.
If this is something that interests you, all you need to do is keep reading to find out everything that you need to know!
Is Japan Any Good For Skiing?
Japan is an amazing country to visit if you are interested in skiing.
Not only are there some amazing mountains and ski resorts, but the snow itself is fantastic. How? We’ll get into that shortly.
Of course, like anywhere, if you’re visiting Japan for a particular reason, the timing is always something to take into consideration.
Generally, the logical answer would be to visit Japan during the winter.
However, depending on where you want to go, it might be a little more complicated than that.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about skiing in Japan.
Why Japan Is So Great For Skiing
As we already mentioned, Japan has a number of great mountains and ski resorts.
However, the third thing that makes skiing in Japan an amazing experience is the snow itself.
That might sound strange, but if you’ve ever been skiing, you will likely already know the importance of what the snow is like.
Many countries have very “wet” snow. This makes skiing a little more difficult and sometimes less enjoyable.
Japan, on the other hand, typically has very “powdery” or “dry” snow – this is what makes the experience better than ever.
Dry snow, or “champagne powder” as the snow in Japan and Canada is known, is super fine and will make you feel like you’re flying down the mountain.
There is no resistance, and you can glide anywhere.
Although you can’t make snowballs or snow people with this snow, it is the preferred type of snow for skiing.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of skiing on dry snow or champagne powder, it will be an unforgettable experience.
You will barely have to work for the amazing feeling of flying down the mountain side.
Japan also gets a lot of snow. In some places, like the side facing the Japan Sea, it is estimated that anywhere between 300 and 600 inches of snow falls every year.
These numbers are likely to be even higher in the tall mountains, but even 300 inches is more than enough to have a great skiing experience!
When You Should Go
If you’re planning on enjoying a ski trip to Japan, the best time to go would probably be in January or February.
However, in some parts of the country, visiting as late as April or May can still get some amazing skiing experiences.
Winter time visits are the logical choice, but ski resorts on the Japan Sea are likely to experience a lot of snow in the colder months, including fall and spring.
Best Places To Ski In Japan
There are a couple of unmissable spots to visit if you want to have an amazing skiing experience in Japan.
Of course, it’s always best to do your own research for your travels, but taking a look at the locations below is a good start!
Hakuba Valley
This stunning spot covers an extensive area in the Japanese Alps. There are 10 ski resorts in Hakuba Valley, and the most stunning views.
You can easily make your way between resorts to get a full experience and take in the massive area.
On your travels, you are likely to come across a number of beautiful hot springs, making for the ideal way to relax after a long day.
Like most commercial resorts, every location in the valley is English-friendly, and you will feel perfectly welcome anywhere you go.
Nozawa Onsen
This is a great location if you want to enjoy skiing as well as onsens. Here, you will feel welcome, even if you don’t speak Japanese.
It’s a short distance from Niseko, and a lot quieter. Accommodation in the area is super charming and pleasant, made up of Japanese guesthouses.
This location offers diverse terrain and is overall a fantastic place to visit with the family.
Niseko
This location is often called the “powder capital of the world” – referring to the incredible powder snow it gets every year.
Niseko is popular for tourists as well as the locals, and is likely one of the most popular skiing destinations in the country.
The area is great for non-Japanese speakers, as most people know English well.
Whether you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, Niseko has amazing trails and activities to enjoy, as well as some great nightlife.
Shiga Kogen
If you aren’t sure when you’re going to make it on a ski trip in Japan, Shiga Kogen is a great option.
Here, the ski season lasts from mid-November to the end of May! Not only that, but this resort is also one of the biggest in the whole country, and has a total of 19 incredible ski areas to enjoy.
Here, you can find trails for every level, as well as luxury accommodation. It’s a very accessible place, and is only a train and bus ride from Tokyo.
Final Thoughts
Japan is amazing for skiing. Depending on where you’re going, the ski season can last from November to May, or just January and February.
No matter when you visit in the colder months, however, you can be sure to enjoy the dry snow and feel like you’re gliding down that mountain.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
