How to ski in Japan – a Complete Guide
Ski vacation in Japan is all about endless powder, tasty food, hot springs, and complete immersion in a culture unlike anything else on earth.
As there are around 400 ski resorts in the country and countless backcountry skiing areas, it can be difficult to figure out where, when, and how to get there.
You don’t have to worry about it being hard to pull off, so here are a few pointers before booking that flight to Tokyo.
Skiing bottomless powder snow is something we’re passionate about here at POWDER, so Japan should definitely be on your bucket list.
The western coast of the country normally gets blanketed with massive amounts of powder snow in January and February because of prevailing northwesterly winds that cross over the frigid Sea of Japan. In January, the islands get Japanuburied.
Speaking of Japan, there are actually 14,125 islands, but the only two you need to worry about for skiing are Honshu (the main island) and Hokkaido (its smaller neighbor to the north).
There are a chain of tall mountains on Honshu’s western side called the Japanese Alps, which, along with perfectly conical volcanoes on Hokkaido and further inland, catch all the snowfall for incredible skiing.
What’s the skiing in Japan actually like?
Skiing in Japan is unlike anything else in the world. When skiing in a foreign country, you are probably doing something you are familiar with (skiing).
In many ski resorts, you will find funny signage, bizarre gondolas and lifts, and customs you won’t find anywhere else. Ski-through cafes and slopeside ramen are among the options, as are gondolas that require little hats for your skis to protect the tips.
Japanese skiing isn’t always about riding deep powder; in fact, it’s pretty enjoyable to cruise around on groomers if the sun shines and there hasn’t been any snow for a few days. Many resorts groom their inbounds terrain excellently.
However, when it’s deep, it gets really deep, so keep that in mind. Snow quality is largely determined by temperature, and a few degrees can make a huge difference to how light and fluffy it feels. You need big skis on those days.
How is the ski season in Japan?
In Japan, the peak ski season is between mid-January and the end of February. Mountain towns are usually at their best in winter when there is the most snow, the best conditions, and the best atmosphere.
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How expensive is skiing in Japan?
Japanese lift tickets generally cost much less than those at large American resorts. Many tickets can be purchased online for a reasonable price in the local currency, the Japanese Yen. Multi-resort passes, such as the Hakuba Valley Pass, are available to gain access to multiple resorts.
In this mountain town, lodging and food are relatively affordable, but you can save a few bucks by staying slightly off the beaten path. In many mountain towns, you can find Izakayas (pubs) that offer cheap booze, great food, and a fun local atmosphere.
You can also find sushi places, ramen restaurants, and other choices. Budget for karaoke is important.
Taxis and buses to remote areas can be very expensive, particularly if you are traveling within the country. The Shinkansen is the most efficient method of traveling between Hakuba and Myoko, as well as to and from the airport.
I use my Ikon or Epic Pass?
The Ikon Pass and Epic Pass are becoming increasingly popular among North American resorts.
Ikon Pass is currently available in Niseko and Lotte Arai, while Epic Pass is available in Hakuba and Rusutsu.
Backcountry skiing in Japan is possible?
The most efficient way to find the deepest, untracked snow is to hire a local guide for a day or two. Many backcountry zones feature stunning tree skiing in deciduous forests, but they are also accessible for more technical skiing and for freeriding in a high-alpine manner.
In many resorts, there are strict policies on backcountry access, so you should inquire locally about accessing out-of-bounds terrain.
Some resorts (Happo-One and Hakuba 47, for instance) have dedicated gates off their summits, while others have more relaxed policies when leaving their boundaries.
Ski touring gear will still be needed for much of the sidecountry skiing, so be prepared, and carry and use avalanche safety gear whenever possible.
A number of cat-skiing operations and heli-skiing operations operate on Hokkaido, including the popular Hokkaido Backcountry Club guide service.
In particular on Hokkaido, there are many opportunities for more remote ski touring. Mt. Yotei is a large volcano that offers excellent high-alpine skiing.
Many popular areas in Japan have avalanche forecasts published by the Japan Avalanche Network. Here are those forecasts.
In Japan, what are the best skis to bring?
If you don’t plan to ski exclusively in the backcountry or know there will be a week-long storm coming, it might be a better idea to bring more versatile skis.
If you are planning on both powder skiing and resort skiing, bring two sets – a powder touring ski set (110-120mm underfoot) and a resort ski set (110mm underfoot).
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What is the best thing to eat in Japan?
Everything and anything. Japanese food goes way beyond sushi and ramen–although they’re both great choices! Soba, Ramen, Udon, and Sukiyaki are among the traditional noodle dishes in the mountains.
Yosenabe is a hot pot dish. Delicious street foods such as grilled Yakitori skewers, fried Gyoza dumplings, and Okonomiyaki, a grilled pancake with cabbage, seafood, or meat, are also available. Ski resorts often have on-mountain cafeterias that serve traditional dishes such as ramen and curry.
Resort towns are home to excellent sushi joints and traditional pubs called Izakayas that serve smaller plates and limitless sake. Several western-style restaurants can be found in Hakuba and Niseko, which offer good Mexican food and burgers.
When you go out, make reservations for restaurants. You may have trouble finding a place to eat without them. It will be a pleasure to assist you with these at your hotel front desk.
How about 7-Eleven convenience stores in Japan?
Japanese convenience stores (konbini) like Lawson’s, 7-Eleven, and Family Mart are not to be missed if you love eating on the go.
You can get ski snacks like Onigiri (rice balls), Japanese candies, pizza buns, fully-packed to-go meals such as Katsu Curry, and a variety of cool canned drinks here.
Vending machines aren’t to be missed either. The tea is warm there!
In What Ways does Skiing on Honshu and Hokkaido differ?
Japan’s main island, Honshu, has a wider variety of ski destinations and, in general, has bigger mountains. In the Hakuba Valley, the Myoko area, and elsewhere, there are thousands of small resorts hidden away.
Hakuba has Japan’s biggest and baddest backcountry skiing lines, with peaks and runs comparable to those in Alaska or the Alps. The Freeride World Tour has been hosting events here for many years because it’s gnarly, steep, and challenging.
Ten resorts are located there, as well as an Olympic village, excellent hot springs, and a fun local culture. The only difference between it and Hokkaido is that it usually doesn’t get nearly as much snow as Hokkaido, so it’s not purely a powder skiing destination.
Myoko Kogen, Lotte Arai, and Seki Onsen offer excellent resort skiing and backcountry ski touring opportunities nearby Mount Myoko.
A small but bustling mountain community surrounds the world-class tree skiing and endless groomers. Snow quality can be similar to Hakuba but can be colder and drier.
On the other hand, the best snow is always found in Hokkaido. Its mountains and ski resorts are smaller, closer to the ocean, and generally colder than Honshu’s.
Ski resorts Niseko and Rusutsu are the most popular ones in this region, both about an hour and a half away from Sapporo.
Mt. Yotei and unusual terrain make these trails seem very Western, though they have a breathtaking view and deep snow.
How can I find the best small resorts in Japan?
Hakuba and Hokkaido regions, some of the best skiing can be found at the smaller, less popular resorts. There are two great ski resorts nearby that have excellent backcountry access and fun inbounds skiing during a big snowfall: Hakuba Cortina and Norikura Onsen.
The Myoko region is a short drive northeast, where you can visit Seki Onsen and other places. A similar experience can be found on Hokkaido in Furano or Asahidake resorts north of Sapporo.
What is the best time to spend in Tokyo for a ski trip?
If you’re going to travel via Tokyo anyway, spend at least a few days exploring the city while you’re there. A temple, a museum, an anime culture exhibit, food, nightlife, and everything in between.
It’s one of the largest cities in the world, and it’s fascinating. Enjoy yourself by getting lost!
You can drop your ski bags at the airport and not have to worry about them until you reach your skiing destination because Japan has a great luggage forwarding network.
Ski bags and other gear are only funny once in the Tokyo underground metro system.
Can I rent a car in Japan?
It is not required, but can help you get around, especially in the mountains. You can get most places by trains and buses, but it’s nice to be able to explore, particularly on rest days or in bad weather.
In Tokyo, renting a car is probably not the best idea, but once you leave the city, renting a vehicle is pretty easy.
Conclusion
Japan has world-class powder snow, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences, making it one of the best skiing destinations worldwide.
There is something for everyone to enjoy skiing in Japan, no matter what your interests are. Now is the time to pack up your gear and hit the slopes!
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