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Snow Surf Travel Japan
Snowboarding, Surfing, Boarding
Information for Water Based Fun in Japan.
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Japan has some of the best snow powder for boarding…
When to go Boarding in Japan?
Japan’s snow season typically begins in mid-to-late December, just before Christmas, and continues through late March or early April. This will vary from resort to resort based on the actual snow conditions. The season peaks from mid-January to late February. Some winter resorts open in late October.
Mount Zao, Japan
Rising over 1800 meters along the border between Yamagata and Miyagi, Mount Zao is a popular Ski, Snowboarding, hiking, and hot springs destination.
Snow Monsters at Zao, Japan
The Zao Mountain is known for its conifer trees which become encrusted and solidified by January due to the hard rime phenomenon, which is caused by heavy snow and winds of freezing temperatures. These formations are known as “Snow Monsters” hoar frosts or Juhyo in Japanese. They are caused by the frigid storm winds of the Siberian jet stream. Visitors can take a cable car to enjoy views of the Juhyo from the top of the ski area in February. The area is illuminated at night when the view of sparkling Snow Monsters is beautiful. Enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath at Zao Onsen!
The Zaō Ropeway. Sancho Line, 蔵王ロープウェイ, Zaō Rōpuwei is the name of Japanese aerial lift system. The route, consisting of two lines, climbs Mount Zaō at Zaō Onsen, Yamagata, Japan. The lines transport skiers of Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort and rime spectators in winter, tourists and mountain climbers in summer. The Zao Ropeway is a 1.8km finite system in Yamagata, Japan. This cable car is a popular attraction for skiers, sightseers and hikers travelling from Juhyō-Kōgen to Zaō-Jizō-Sanchō. The route, consisting of two lines, climbs Mount Zaō at Zaō Onsen, Yamagata. The lines transport skiers of Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort and rime spectators in winter, tourists and mountain climbers in summer.
Sanroku Line, 山麓線, Sanroku-sen, Submontane Line, is an aerial tramway between Zaō-Sanroku ( 蔵王山麓, “The Foot of Mount Zaō”) and Juhyō-Kōgen ( 樹氷高原, “Rime Highland”), the cable length 1,734 metres (5,689 ft). Sanchō Line (山頂線, Sanchō-sen, “Summit Line”) is a funitel gondola lift between Juhyō-Kōgen and Zaō-Jizō-Sanchō (蔵王地蔵山頂, “Mount Zaō Jizō Summit”), the length 1,872 m (6,142 ft). Refurbished in 2003, Sanchō Line is the third funitel line to be introduced in Japan, or the first for Japanese ski resorts. The two lines are fairy crowded in winter, but skiers tend to use other chairlifts to reach Juhyō-Kōgen. From Juhyō-Kōgen, only Sanchō Line can reach the summit. Any trip to Mt. Zao is incomplete without a visit to Zao Okama. You can scale most of the mountain by car, bus, ropeway, or chairlift .
王温泉スキー場 〒990-2301 山形市蔵王温泉土合709-1
Phone: +81 023-694-9617 Website: zaomountainresort.com
Mount Zao Snow Resort Map
View Larger Map. Zao Ski Website: www.zao-ski.or.jp/map
Hot Springs in Japanese is called “Onsen”.
Zaō Onsen Town (蔵王温泉) is a famous hot spring area on Mount Zaō in the northern part of Honshū, the main island of Japan. Zao Onsen is known for its mineral rich water which helps to relieve fatigue and beautify the skin, and is also a famous ski resort during the snowy season.
Relax in Zao Onsen Town, Japan
Zao Onsen features abundant sulphuric hot spring water with strong acidity.
The town’s streets are lined with a number of hot spring inns and hotels amid atmospheric spring steams.
“Springs of Beauty.” Records of the Hot Springs / Onsen date back as far as 110 AD when a wounded warrior is said to have drawn an arrow out of his body and cleaned the wound at a spring only to find that the injury healed miraculously quickly and well. It is known locally as “Springs of Beauty.” The Hot Spring town of Zaō Onsen lies at an altitude of 880 meters above sea level on the slopes of the volcanic Mount Zao in Japan.
The hot mineral water has a really high acid and sulfur content, giving it the characteristic smell of rotten eggs from the Sulphur. and other minerals include iron, aluminum, sulfate and chloride. The water temperature at the open air public bathhouse is 113 °F/45 °C. The hot springs are accessible via the Tōhoku Expressway. Zaō Onsen is located in the Mount Zaō stratovolcano range. Although Mount Zaō stretches between Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures, the town where Zaō Onsen is located was recently merged into Yamagata City.
The hot springs are known by the nicknames of Hime-no-Yu (princesses’ bath) and “Kodomo-no-Yu” (children’s bath) for their beauty and health benefits. The town offers three public baths, Kami-yu, Shimo-yu and Kawara-yu, each of which is reasonably priced (200 yen each). These three baths are located very close to each other and are suitable for Onsen hopping.
Most Ryokan and many Hotels and pensions in Zao Onsen offer their staying guests hot spring baths. A few of them also open their baths to non-staying guests during daytime for a small admission fee.
Zao Dai-Rotemburo Large Outdoor Bath
Hours: 9:30 to 17:00
Closed: late November to mid April
Admission: 700 yen
Attractively situated in a forested valley right alongside a mountain river, these large, gender-separated outdoor baths are among Japan’s most attractive.
Zao Mountain Range lies the famous Okama Crater, a mystic crater-lake with beautiful green hues of water, an iconic view of Zao during summer.
Directions: 40 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station (take a bus bound for Zao Onsen and get off at the final stop)
35 minutes by car from Yamagata-Zao IC on Yamagata Expressway
Shinzaemon no Yu
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30)
Closed: Wednesdays
Admission: 1000 yen
Shinzaemon no Yu is an attractive public bath house with multiple, gender-separated indoor and outdoor pools. The modern facility also includes a restaurant.
Kawarayu Public Bath
Hours: 6:00 to 22:00 No closing days
Admission: 200 Yen – Deposit into box
The Kawarayu is the most unique of Zao’s three traditional public bath houses. The unmanned building stands right on top of a hot spring source with water gushing up directly into the pools. A wall separates the men’s from the women’s bath rooms, but the two genders’ pools are connected with each other under the water surface.
Shimoyu Public Bath
Hours: 6:00 to 22:00 No closing days
Admission: 200 Yen – Deposit into box
The Shimoyu (“lower bath house”) is one of three traditional, small public bath houses in the old town center. The unmanned facility offers two simple, gender-separated pools.
Kamiyu Public Bath
Hours: 6:00 to 22:00 No closing days
Admission: 200 Yen – Deposit into box
The Kamiyu, upper bath house, is another of Zao’s traditional bath houses. Like Shimoyu the facility is small and simple and has gender-separated pools.
17th May 2024
FreeCurrencyRates.comJapan Weather Forecast
ZAO WEATHER SAPPORO WEATHER
WE BRING THE GOOD FUN TO LIFE
Green Season
Food and Drink in Zao Onsen Town, Japan
Yamagata Sake Museum
Sake from over 49 breweries in Yamagata prefecture, the Yukemuri Bar Tsunami offers a great selection of the local Yamagata food.
51 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Website:
https://www.zao-sake.com
Phone: +81 23-694
Chamonix
Uenodai Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Website: https://www.concierge-zao.info/chamonix/
Phone: +81 23-694-9781
Craftbeer & Pizza Quantum
Microbrewery & Tasting room
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
955-10 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-674-0932
Dosanko Zao No Ie
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
904-4 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301 Yamagata Prefecture
Phone: +81 23-694-9093
Genghis Khan Lodge
1.9 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
758-2 Zao Onsen Kaminodai, Yamagata
Phone: +81 23-694-9546
Jupeer
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
18 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9417
Kiraku Sushi
$$ – $$$ Japanese Seafood Sushi
1.7 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
954-7 Zao Onsen, Yamagata
Phone: +81 23-694-9879
Lodge Scole
1.9 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
746 Zao Onsen Woodpecker, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9320
Matsushimaya
33 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9047
Okumura Sobaya
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
953 Zao Onsen, Yamagata Yamagata Prefecture
Phone: +81 23-694-9307
Oto Chaya
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
935-24 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9081
Putaro
934-26 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9872
Restaurant Sancho
1.7 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
229-3 Zaoonsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9196
Restaurantomori
1.7 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
1980 Ogura Aza Omori, Kaminoyama Yamagata
Phone: +81 23-694-9912
Rogu Cafe Snowdome
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
196 Zao Onsen, Yamagata
Phone: +81 23-694-9060
Robata
$$ – $$$ Japanese
1.7 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
42-5 Zaoonsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9565
Sangoro – Google
$$ – $$$ International
1 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
28 Kamihozawa Zao Onsen Ski Area, Yamagata 990-0017
Phone: +81 23-694-9330
Shiba Mama No Omise
1.7 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
939-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9697
concierge-zao.info/shibaski
Shokujidokoro Tomitaya
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
903-4 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9436
Toen Shuka
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
24-1 Zaoonsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-2080
Toen
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
188 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-2080
Tsumami
1.7 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
951 Kawara Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9052
Restaurant Fress Gasse
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
903-2 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9250
Unite Cafe
2 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
FrenchCafe
752-2 Zao Onsen Jonida Unite Zao Jonida Resort, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-665-1101
Yadoto Shoku No Rikyu
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
34 Zao Onsen, Yamagata
Phone: +81 23-694-9406
Yamaguchi Mochiya
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
35 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9088
Yukigura Uwanodai
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
758-21 Ueno-Dai Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-694-9238
Yunohana Chaya
1.8 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
905 Zao Onsen, Yamagata 990-2301
Phone: +81 23-693-1212
Website: https://zaospa.co.jp/
Zao Summit Rest House
1.9 miles from Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Kuraishidake Kokuyurinchi-Nai, Shichikashuku-machi, Katta-gun 989-0500 Miyagi
Phone: +81 224-34-4001
WE BRING THE GOOD FUN TO LIFE
Inside Sangoro Hotel Live: www.youtube.com/watch
Outside Sangoro Hotel Live: www.youtube.com/watch
Restaurants in Zao Onsen Town, Japan – Google Maps
Hotels in Zao Onsen Town, Japan – Google Maps
Travel to Zao Onsen Town, Japan
Zao from Tokyo
by Train & Bus via Yamagata
Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata (2.5 hours, around 11,500 yen, one train per hour) and transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes, 1000 yen, one bus per hour). The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass, but the bus ride is not.
By Train and Bus via Sendai (Winter only)
Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai (100-130 minutes, around 11,000 yen, frequent departures) and transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (100 minutes, 1800 yen, one round trip per day, seat reservations required, operates in winter only). The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass, but the bus ride is not.
By Direct Bus (Winter only)
During the winter months, there is are direct overnight bus between Tokyo (Busta Shinjuku) and Zao Onsen. The one way journey takes about eight hours and costs 4500 to 8000 yen depending on the travel date. Seat reservations are mandatory.
How to access Zao Onsen from Sendai
By Train and Bus
Take the JR Senzan Line from Sendai to Yamagata (70-90 minutes, 1170 yen, one train per hour) and transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes, 1000 yen, one bus per hour). The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass, but the bus ride is not.
By Direct Bus (Winter only)
During the winter months, there is one round trip per day between Sendai and Zao Onsen. The one way journey takes 100 minutes, costs 1800 yen and is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Seat reservations are mandatory.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Zao from Sendai
Yamako Bus operates a bus from Sendai Station East exit to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal once a week. Tickets cost ¥1100 – ¥1800 and the journey takes 1h 25m
Sendai-airport-yamagata-zao-bus-tokyo
Sendai – Zao Line (Reservation only）travel.yamakobus.jp/en/timetable
Make a Reservation
Sendai – Zao Line runs from December 23rd to March 17th.
Bound for Zao
| Bus stop name | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sendai Station East Exit No.76 | 8:00 | |
| Zao Onsen | 9:25 |
Bound for Sendai Station East Exit
| Bus stop name | ||
|---|---|---|
| Zao Onsen | 16:30 | |
| Sendai Station East Exit | 17:55 |
Bus fares 2024
| Section | One-way (adult) | One-way (child) |
|---|---|---|
| Sendai Station East Exit ~ Zao Onsen | 2,000 yen | 1,000 yen |
Zao Videos Live
Mount Zao & Snow Monsters Videos
Mount Moiwa Ski Resort Sapporo
The Mount Moiwa ski area resort has 1 lift within its 156 Acres of terrain that is suitable for all levels, including terrain park enthusiasts. Mt Moiwa ski area (Mount Moiwayama) is located near Sapporo city, Hokkaido. The ski area is accessed by a ropeway and offers skiers a respectable 360 metres (1181 feet) of vertical descent. Sapporo Moiwayama has 158 acres of terrain over 10 pistes. Mt Moiwayama is best suited to beginner skiers and snowboarders but there is some terrain for both expert and intermediates. For snowboarders, there is a terrain park. The nearest airport is at Chitose and the nearest train station to Sapporo Moiwayama is at Makomanai.
How far is Mount Moiwa from Sapporo?
The distance between Sapporo and Mount Moiwa Ropeway is 5 Km
The Jewels Restaurant
Website: mt-moiwa.jp
Vertical:
Top: 1742ft Run Length: 1181ft
Bot: 561ft
Ski rentals are only available at the north slope lodge.
How do I get to Sapporo, Mount Moiwa ski resort?
Take the Sapporo City Streetcar from Nishi 4-chome Stop to Ropeway Iriguchi Stop. Here, you will see a bus stop for the Free Shuttle Bus, which is about a two minute ride to the Moiwa Ropeway.
You may also walk from Ropeway Iriguchi Streetcar Stop, which takes about eight minutes on foot.
By Private Car – National Route 230 → Minami 36-jo Intersection → North Slope Parking Lot (below No. 1 Lift)
By – Taxi – 7 km from Subway Makomanai Station or Sumikawa Station. Takes about 10 minutes. Approximate fare ¥1,500.
Bus – A seasonal Mt. Moiwa Ski Bus is available from Subway Makomanai Station. For details, please call 011-581-0914 (during ski season).
Niseko, Japan
Niseko (ニセコ) is the most famous ski resort in Japan, known for having tons of light powder snow.
Known for receiving the world’s best powder snow throughout winter.
Niseko is located on Japan’s northern island prefecture of Hokkaido, 2 hours drive away from Sapporo – the largest city in Hokkaido. Niseko is a town located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture,Hokkaido, Japan.
Niseko as a resort area refers to the Niseko area (ニセコ地域).
Niseko United is comprised of four resorts on the one mountain, Niseko Annupuri (1,308m).
Niseko is synonymous with powder snow, and the resort area is said to have the best powder snow in the world. Visitors from all around the globe come to Niseko to discover the powder snow phenomenon that occurs each winter. Each winter around 14 meters of powder snow falls on average across the resort area, turning the fields and forests into a winter wonderland.
Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort, Japan
The easiest ski resort to get to from Tokyo is:
Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort
GALA Yuzawa is the only Snow Ski area in Japan with its own Shinkansen bullet train station. The station and gondola lift to the slopes are within the same building.
The Shinkansen station, GALA Yuzawa offers the ultimate convenience for skiing enthusiasts from Tokyo. This resort in Niigata boasts 17 ski trails, catering to everyone from beginners to professionals.
〒949-6101 Niigata, Minamiuonuma-gun, Yuzawa-machi, Ooaza Yuzawa Aza kayabira 1039-2
| Gelande About the display of restricted area at GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort … |
| Rental Single Item Rental Price ; Ski, ¥4,000, ¥2,000, ¥8,000, ¥4,000. |
| Lift Fee・Business Hours 2-Day Lift Ticket, Normal Price, ¥10,000, ¥4,500. |
| Activity Snowmobile Sleigh Tour Moon Bike スノーパーク GALA SNOW … |
| School Foreign Language Ski School 中国語 / タイ語 スクール Foreign |
Niseko is synonymous with powder snow, and the resort area is said to have the best powder snow in the world. Visitors from all around the globe come to Niseko to discover the powder snow phenomenon that occurs each winter. Each winter around 14 meters of powder snow falls on average across the resort area, turning the fields and forests into a winter wonderland.
Gala – Live
Nagano, Japan
Home to the majestic mountains of the Japanese Alps and host to the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is the place to go if you love skiing and snowboarding.
Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is an outdoor sports mecca particularly famous for skiing and snowboarding. Often called the “roof of Japan,” it boasts the highest mountain ranges in the country.
Nagano is home to 80 ski resorts, from the sprawling Shiga Kogen to the compact and family-friendly Fujimi Panorama Resort . Depending on local conditions, slopes start opening in late November and run until mid-April or even later at the higher elevations.
The Japanese Alps, also known as the “Roof of Japan” is divided broadly into 3 mountainous regions: northern (Hida Mountains), central (Kiso Mountains), and southern (Akaishi Mountains).
Japan Northern Alps lies along the prefectural borders between Nagano, Gifu and Toyama.
There are 99 ski resorts in the Nagano Prefecture. In the Nagano Prefecture, you can look forward to 799 kilometres of slopes: the ski resorts are served by 466 ski lifts.
the annual snowfall depth in Nagano, Japan amounted to around 48 centimeters
The ski resort Shigakogen Mountain Resort is the biggest ski resort in the Nagano Prefecture. The total slope length is 83 km.
5 Best Ski Resorts in Nagano
- HAKUBA 47 & GORYU
Quieter than Happo One, combining two mountains with ski terrain versatility
Family-friendly including indoor and outdoor play areas
Night skiing available suitable for kids and beginners
Home to the best terrain park in Nagano
Limited nightlife at base and shuttle require to get to Happo Village
Closest airports
Haneda Intl. Airport – 183 miles (4 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport – 213 miles (5 hour drive)
Goryu ski resort
Combining two stand-out mountains into one top-notch ski area, Hakuba 47 & Goryu quite literally serves up a little of everything to keep every type of skier and snowboarder happy. This ski resort is all about variety and finding freshies has never been easier. There’s no denying it, some skiers and snowboarders visit Hakuba 47 & Goryu for no other reason than for the epic terrain parks. On the downside, off the mountain there isn’t so much to do, with just a few places to stay, eat, and drink next to the slopes. However, the advantage of this is that the slopes rarely get crowded!
- HAPPO ONE
Largest ski area in Hakuba Valley with the most accommodation, dining and nightlife
Highlights
Lots of terrain variety including Olympic race trails
Happo Village has everything you need
Easily accessible from most resort accommodation
Slopes can get very busy on weekends and holidays.
Closest airports
Haneda Intl. Airport – 185 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport – 216 miles (5 hour drive)
Happo One ski resort
Happo One offers up Hakuba Valley’s largest ski area and home to some seriously snowy steeps (it’s where the Olympic Super-G event was held). If you’re looking for plenty of challenging terrain, Happo One is sure to satisfy, and with plenty of first-rate restaurants and bustling bars you’ll be entertained off the slopes too! Happo One really does cater for everyone, whether you’re looking for a top-notch restaurant or just somewhere to hang out and drink with friends. It’s without a doubt one of the most well-rounded destination ski resorts in Nagano, even the whole of Japan.
- NOZAWA ONSEN
Charming traditional village and amazing onsens
Consistent powder and terrain for all abilities
Village is jam-packed with onsens (hot springs)
Slopes are never crowded
Slopeside restaurants get very busy
Closest airports
Haneda Intl. Airport – 172 miles (4 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport – 201 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Kandahar East and West race trails in the distance at Nozawa Onsen
Kandahar East and West race trails in the distance at Nozawa Onsen
Why Ski Nozawa Onsen
Before skiing transformed this historic mountain village into a fantastic ski resort, people came to Nozawa Onsen for its healing hot spring baths. Now it combines these two attractions perfectly, along with retaining its small-town feel. One of Nozawa Onsen’s most convenient features is that everything in the village is clustered together. Accommodation is either on the mountain or just a few minutes’ stroll from the lifts, while restaurants, bars, and shopping at your doorstep no matter where you stay. Spectacular scenery awaits too, especially when the sun sets in front of skiers making their last run down the mountain!
4. SHIGA KOGEN
Perfect corduroy groomers and access to the largest connected ski area in Japan
Terrain for all skiing abilities
Ski-in/ski-out accommodation is the norm
Lifts and trails connect you to many neighboring resorts
No real ski village at the base area so dining venues are limited
Closest airports
Haneda Intl. Airport – 188 miles (4 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport – 214 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Shiga Kogen Nagano
Shiga Kogen offers a massive 19 stand-alone ski resorts
Welcome to the largest interconnected ski area in Japan! Shiga Kogen is made up of 19 separate ski resorts, with trails running between them through the mountains and a shuttle bus operating on the roads below. Our top pick from all of them is Yakebitaiyama where the white stuff stays in excellent condition for longer compared to some nearby resorts. It also enjoys bigger dumps than other ski spots in the region, and its high elevation guarantees some wonderful views. It’s also close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, which makes for an unforgettable day trip off the slopes.
- CORTINA
Deepest powder in Hakuba Valley, and some of the best tree skiing
Best family-friendly night skiing in the valley
Terrain is best suited for advanced skiers
Higher snowfall than nearby mountains
Only one hotel here with a few restaurants to choose from.
Haneda Intl. Airport – 194 miles (4.5 hour drive)
Narita Intl. Airport – 222 miles (5 hour drive)
Itadaira course black run at Cortina Japan
Itadaira Course (black run) at Cortina
Closest airports
Cortina has to be one of the best resorts in Hakuba Valley for its family-friendly night skiing. The long, wide, and gentle beginner course can be a bit of fun for skiers of all abilities. Advanced skiers will also love this place, and after a dump it’s a true powder junkie’s dream, just be prepared to share! The slope ends by the hotel at the bottom, and the bar makes for an ideal place to sit and enjoy a drink. There’s no ski town at Cortina but luckily the facilities here are top notch so you shouldn’t get bored, with the onsen being especially excellent.
Can you ski on Mount Fuji?
Top Ski Resorts Near Tokyo: 7 Best Spots Less Than 3 Hours Away from Tokyo
- Gala Yuzawa
- Fujiyama Snow Resort
- Sayama Snow Resort
- Maiko Snow Resort
- Norn Minakami Ski Resort
- Fujiten Ski Resort
- Naeba Ski Resort
Mount Fuji
Yamanashi
Oct 10, 2023 until Mar 31, 2024
2–3 hrs from Tokyo
Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi prefecture. There are two resorts on the famous mountain, albeit with man-made snow for part of the year. The family-friendly and amusingly named Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti has five small slopes and a kiddie area, while Fujiten is a bit larger.
Yamanashi (山梨市, Yamanashi-shi) is a city located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.
Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti
Opening in late October every year, the resort, situated at the second station of Mt. Fuji, is one of the earliest to kick off the ski season.
Shinkansen (新幹線) in Japanese means ‘new trunk line’ or ‘new main line’, but this word is used to describe both the railway lines the trains run on and the trains themselves. In English, the trains are also known as the bullet train. The term bullet train (弾丸列車, dangan ressha) originates from 1939, and was the initial name given to the Shinkansen project in its earliest planning stages. Furthermore, the name superexpress (超特急, chō-tokkyū), used exclusively until 1972 for Hikari trains on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, is used today in English-language announcements and signage.
Japan Nippon-koku or Nihon-koku,
“State of Japan” is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The kanji that make up Japan’s name mean “sun origin”, and Japan is often called the “Land of the Rising Sun”. Japan is a stratovolcano archipelago of 6,852 islands. The four largest are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, which make up about ninety-seven percent of Japan’s land area. Japan’s population of 126 million is the world’s tenth largest. Approximately 9.1 million people live in Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, which is the second largest city proper in the OECD. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the world’s largest metropolitan area with over 35 million residents.
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