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Cover photo: © HakubaValley
Photography: Dan Power Photography, NAGANO-NIIGATA Snow Resort Alliance,
New Furano Prince Hotel, Rusutsu Resort, Niseko Photography, Niseko HANAZONO Resort,
Scott Tovey, Yasufumi Nishi, Matsumoto, Kanazawa City, JNTO, JTA
JAPAN SKI GUIDE
Contents
Why Japan?
Reasons to ski /snowboard in Japan........................................................................... 4
Hokkaido
Overview ............................................................................................................................ 6
Niseko
One Mountain, Four Resorts.......................................................................................... 8
Furano
Family Friendly Resort with Amazing Backcountry Options............................... 10
Rusutsu
Hokkaido’s Largest Single Ski Resort........................................................................ 11
Nagano and Niigata
Overview........................................................................................................................... 12
Hakuba
Japan’s Premier Alpine Resort ................................................................................... 13
Shiga Kogen
Japan’s Largest Winter Resort..................................................................................... 14
Nozawa Onsen
Modern Resort in a Perfect Hot Spring Village Setting........................................ 15
Myoko
Your Invitation to a Stay in Japan’s Snow Country................................................ 16
Naeba
A Wonderful Selection of Snow, Springs and Local Delicacies.......................... 17
Tohoku
Overview........................................................................................................................... 18
Zao
Come to Japan’s Premiere Ski Slopes and Historical Hot Springs Town.......... 19
Appi Kogen
Be Happy in Appi! .......................................................................................................... 20
Urabandai
Worthy International Powder Snow Resort............................................................. 21
More Snow Resorts in Japan.................................................................... 22
Further Information on SKI & BOARD JAPAN........................... 23
2 Contents
All information is based on data as of September 2016 and is subject to change without notice.
Contents 3
● Sapporo
Sendai
●
● Niigata
● Nagano
Tokyo ●
Hiroshima
Kyoto ●
●
● Nagoya
●
Osaka
●
Fukuoka
Experience some of the finest powder
snow in the world. Japan offers great
runs, varied terrain and amazing alpine
scenery. Soak up the culture, indulge in
the local cuisine and relax in the natural
hot springs after a day on the powder.
Flights from the UK take 12 hours
and arrive in Tokyo, making it easy to
combine your skiing and snowboarding
with a city break. Once you are in Japan
the snow resorts are just a short flight
or bullet train ride away.
4
Experience Amazing
Powder Snow!
Chilly winds from Siberia translate
to heaps of quality powder snow
being dumped on Hokkaido from
November to April. The Tohoku,
Nagano and Niigata areas on
Honshu also receive consistent
high quality snow throughout the
season.
Enjoy delicious cuisine and
Japanese hospitality
Fabulous food and friendly faces.
Japan is renowned for its excellent
cuisine and the warmest hospitality.
Onsen (Hot Springs)
A winter holiday like no
other!
One of Japan’s greatest assets.
Nothing beats a relaxing soak after
a day in the snow.
In addition to fantastic skiing, winter
holidays to Japan offer visitors
a completely different cultural
the ground won’t break the budget.
Please see P23 for more information.
experience that they do not get
from skiing in the USA or Europe.
Japanese cuisine, temples, natural
hot spring spas, the adorable snow
monkeys and a huge range of
exciting winter festivals will make
your trip to Japan unforgettable!
Exceed your expectations!
It’s affordable
Useful websites:
There are loads of reasonable ski
packages available and prices on
Japan has a wide variety of snow
resorts to meet and exceed all your
expectations.
www.snowjapan.com
www.seejapan.co.uk
WHY JAPAN? 5
HOKKAIDO
● Niigata
● Furano (P10)
● Nagano
Tokyo ●
Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido
has some of the best quality snow in
Japan. It has long been recognised as
a fantastic winter sports destination
with the first Winter Olympics in Japan
having been held in Hokkaido’s capital,
Sapporo, in 1972.
The island is an all-season nature
paradise and home to many natural
wonders
including
Daisetsu-zan
National Park in the far north, the
secluded Shiretoko Peninsula, the
UNESCO World Heritage site of Kushiro
Marsh that is home to a range of wild
life including the Japanese crane,
the volcanic Shikotsu-Toya National
Park with its many lakes and the ever
changing Shakotan Coast. There are
also countless hot springs, like
Noboribetsu Onsen, Jozankei Onsen
and Sounkyo Onsen, where you can
relax and rejuvenate after your journey.
Hokkaido boasts one of the busiest
event calendars in Japan, with over
1,200 festivals and events throughout
the year. In winter there is the Sapporo
Snow Festival and the Monbetsu Drift
Ice Festival. In summer there is the
Furano Lavender Festival, as well as
port festivals held in every coastal
town to pray for a good catch and
safe fishing.
● Nagoya
Kiroro ●
●
Niseko
(P8 - 9)
● Rusutsu (P11)
Access from Airports in Tokyo area
Airport Limousine Bus from Narita AP to Haneda AP: 75 minutes.
Fly from Haneda AP to Shin-Chitose AP:  90 minutes.
Fly from Narita AP to Shin-Chitose AP: 90 minutes.
Further information on Hokkaido, visit
• Visit Hokkaido: en.visit-hokkaido.jp
• Hokkaido Tracks: www.hokkaidotracks.com
• Hokkaido Ski Promotion Council: www.skiing-Hokkaido.com
• Kiroro Resort: www.kiroro.co.jp
6
HOKKAIDO 7
Niseko: Hokkaido consistently produces large quantities of some
of the world’s best quality snow. Notably, Niseko’s four resorts:
Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Niseko
HANAZONO Resort and Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort, enjoy these
top snow conditions. On top of the great snow, locals pride
themselves on sharing their authentic culture and providing the
finest Japanese hospitality, making every stay memorable. All
aspects of the area’s four resorts are briefly outlined below.
Niseko United
One Mountain, Four Resorts
Ski Areas: Niseko HANAZONO Resort’s varied terrain and access
to massive off-piste areas has made it popular amongst visitors
to Niseko. Offering gentle long slopes and dedicated learning
areas for beginners, as well as three terrain parks and an FIS half
pipe for the adventurous, Hanazono has something for the whole
family to enjoy.
Grand Hirafu operates the largest number of lifts amongst the
four Niseko resorts, offering visitors fast and easy access to
the vastest and most diverse terrain in the area. Lifts open at
8:30am and for those who still have energy at the end of the
day, the powder can be skied until 8:30pm in Japan’s largest
night skiing area.
Niseko Village boasts some of the best and longest powder skiing
and snowboarding terrain in the country. Scenic courses lead
through beautiful natural forests and family focused activities
are abundant.
On piste, Niseko Annupuri caters for novice to intermediate levels
of skiers, while its access to a huge backcountry area that also
permits skiing makes it popular with more advanced skiers too.
8 HOKKAIDO - Niseko United
The Niseko area is located between the Niseko Annupuri Mountains and Mt.Yotei. These two mountains create a haven
of fresh, dry powder snow. The town centre is 15 minutes drive from the mountain base and has several supermarkets,
lots of bakeries, cafes and pubs, providing anything that you may need on your ski vacation. Local buses easily connect
the various ski resorts with the town centre.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
Airport Limousine Bus from Narita AP
to Haneda AP: 75 minutes. Fly from
Haneda AP to Shin-Chitose AP: 90
minutes. Fly from Narita AP to ShinChitose AP: 90 minutes. Chuo bus and
Donan Bus companies operate buses
daily between Shin-Chitose Airport and
Niseko: 2 hours 30 minutes. Japan Rail
runs services from Shin-Chitose Airport
to Kutchan: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Eating
There are over 80 restaurants and
drinking establishments in Hirafu Village,
offering an array of cool bars, delicious
noodle houses, scrumptious Italian pizza
houses and restaurants serving Hokkaido’s
freshest seafood. There are three bars
and a total of seven
restaurants in Niseko
Village offering wide
varieties of gourmet
cuisines from Japanese to
western. In the Annupuri
area guests can enjoy
Japanese, Chinese and
western cuisine at the
restaurants situated in
Niseko Northern Resort,
An’nupuri and NOOK
Annupuri. A barbecue
dinner is also available
at Mokumokutei in Hotel
Niseko Ikoino Mura.
HANAZONO 308 offers
an array of western and
Japanese lunch options,
including the famous
Kani (crab) Ramen.
Après-ski
Guests can choose their favorite bar in
Hirafu Village and enjoy talking with
the locals and travellers from all over
the world. At Niseko Village guests can
enjoy hot springs, spa treatments or
karaoke. Horse riding, snowmobiling
and snow shoe trekking are ideal
activities in Annupuri. The HANAZONO
Activity Park has a range of fun and
exciting snow-play activities for all
ages, including the Winter Zipline, snow
tubing and sledding.
Accommodation
Hirafu village has many kinds of
accommodation, including hotels,
condominiums, lodges & pensions.
Especially recommended is the Hotel
Niseko Alpen which features a ski-in skiout location, 130 rooms (from ¥10,500
per person including breakfast), shops,
heated swimming pool, hot springs
(inside & open air), bar, foot & body
treatments, as well as a day care center.
Niseko Village is the perfect base
from which to enjoy a huge variety
of outdoor activities. The Green Leaf
Niseko Village and the Hilton Niseko
Village both offer ski-in ski-out access
throughout winter. Be sure to check out
the happy hour deals for après ski at
the Hilton or the Tomioka White Lounge
& Bar at The Greenleaf Niseko Village.
Guests can enjoy the natural hot springs
located at each hotel. Soak in the
natural hot spring bath before choosing
from one of seven gourmet restaurants.
In Niseko Village, a perfect base from
which to enjoy a huge variety of
outdoor activities, is The Hilton Hotel
which offers ski-in ski-out access
throughout winter. After a day on the
slopes soak in the natural hot spring
bath before enjoying teppanyaki in the
hotel’s stylish Ren restaurant.
In the Annupuri area, a recommended
p lac e t o st ay is t h e N ise ko N o r t h e r n
Resort, An’nupuri. Located at the base of
Niseko Annupuri Ski ground, the hotel
has 152 rooms (rooms from ¥15,000 for
2 people including breakfast) as well as
Japanese & western cuisine (buffet style,
set course meals and other reasonably
priced dishes).
Official websites
•Grand Hirafu: www.grand-hirafu.jp
•Niseko HANAZONO Resort:
www.hanazononiseko.com
•Niseko Village:
www.niseko-village.com/en
•Annupuri: annupuri.info/winter/english
•Niseko United: www.niseko.ne.jp/en/
•Niseko Promotion Board:
www.nisekotourism.com/en/
Regional Specialities
Niseko is not only famous
for its powder snow, but also for its hot springs
(onsen), so the area provides the perfect opportunity to
experience this favorite Japanese pastime and soak in
natural steaming water while enjoying the breathtaking
snowscape. Hotel Niseko Ikoino-Mura is famous for its
rotenburo (open air hot spring), and other famous hot
spring areas such as Konbu-Onsen & Yukichichibu can
also be easily accessed.
• Number of Courses:
Grand Hirafu: 30
Hanazono:11
Niseko Village: 27
Annupuri:13
Niseko United All Mountain:
(Beginner 36%, Intermediate
38%, Advanced 26%)
• Number of Lifts:
Grand Hirafu: 16
Hanazono:3
Niseko Village: 8
Annupuri:6
• Longest Course:
Grand Hirafu: 5.6km
Hanazono:3.3km
Niseko Village: 5km
Annupuri:4km
• Lift Pass:
Niseko All Mountain Pass:
8-hour ticket.....¥6,300
1 day ticket (8:30am – 9pm)
................................¥7,400
2 day ticket........¥13,600
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono only:
8-hour ticket.....¥4,700
1 day ticket (8:30am – 9pm)
................................¥5,200
Niseko Village only:
5-hour ticket.....¥3,900
8-hour ticket.....¥4,600
Annupuri only:
5-hour ticket.....¥4,000
8-hour ticket.....¥4,600
• Rental Equipment:
Grand Hirafu:
ski/board set 1-day..... ¥ 4,650
2-day.................................. ¥ 8,250
3-day.................................. ¥10,350
Niseko HANAZONO Resort:
Demo ski/board set
1- day................................ ¥ 5,200
2-day.................................. ¥ 8,500
3-day.................................. ¥13,000
Niseko Village:
ski/board set 1-day..... ¥ 5,000
Annupuri: ski/board set
5 hours.............................. ¥ 3,800
HOKKAIDO - Niseko United 9
Furano
Rusutsu
Family Friendly Resort with Amazing Back
Country Options
Famous for having some of the lightest and driest powder in the world, Furano offers so much more than just a
resort experience. Furano is a town of 25,000 people panning out from the base of the ski area. The town delivers
an authentic cultural experience and the resort is a favourite with families due to its uncrowded slopes and friendly
atmosphere. The ski area is part of the of the Hokkaido Powder Belt, and day trips to other Hokkaido Powder Belt ski
areas from Furano provide backcountry options and plenty of variety for the more adventurous. In Furano you can
enjoy a world class ski area as well enjoying the local food, drink, sights and culture.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
From Haneda or Narita take a connecting
flight to Shin-Chitose Airport and then a
direct bus transfer (2 hours 15 minutes),
or a connecting flight to Asahikawa
Airport then a direct bus transfer (65
minutes).
Eating
With over 100 bars and restaurants in
the town and the resort, the options
are seemingly endless. Choose from
Japanese, Chinese, or Korean, as well as
curry, Italian and other western options.
Be sure to pick up a copy of the Furano
Area Guide which has local restaurant
listings in English.
Après-ski
Après ski activities include onsen tours,
the Ningle Terrace arts & crafts village,
the Kan Kan Mura ice bar and snow
s c ul ptur e a ttr a c tio n , F ur ano Wi nery,
Furano Cheese Factory, relaxing in cafes,
snow mobiling, snow shoeing and
exploring the downtown area.
Accommodation
A full range of accommodation options
are available in Furano, including the
two ski-in ski-out Prince Hotels, budget
hotels, Japanese inns, pensions, selfcontained condominiums and facilities
for back packers. Most accommodations
are within a short walk of the lifts.
Official website
www.princehotels.com/en/ski/furano
10 HOKKAIDO - Furano
• Opening Times:
Late November until early May
• Longest Course: 4km
• Number of Runs: 23
(Beginner 40%, Intermediate
40%, Advanced 20%)
• Number of Lifts:
1 x 101 person cable car, 1 x 6
person gondola, 7 x chair lifts,
2 x magic carpets
• Night Riding: Yes from late
December until late March
• Lift Pass:
1-day adult pass ¥5,200. Kids
12 & under ski for free
• Rental Equipment:
Adult ski rental starts at
¥5,600 per day for skis, boots
and poles, with multi-day
packages offering greater
value. Carving skis & powder
skis are also available, as well as
backcountry equipment rental
including touring skis, skins and
avalanche safety equipment.
Hokkaido’s Largest Single Ski Resort
Rusutsu Resort is situated in a beautiful natural highland covering 1,700 hectares near the base of Mt. Yotei. In winter
it is Hokkaido’s premier ski resort, with three mountains (East, West and Isola) serviced by four gondolas, seven quads
and seven lifts. The ski area, with a total run distance of 42 km including a 3.5 km legburner, has 37 beautiful courses.
The board park is filled with challenging hits and the amazing pipe extends to a length of 100m. The night skiing,
restaurants and shopping mall will certainly keep everyone busy during the evening as well.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
The Airport Limousine takes you from
Narita Airport to Haneda Airport in
75 minutes. Shin-Chitose Airport is 90
minutes from Haneda Airport and the
bus from Shin-Chitose Airport to Rusutsu
Resort is around 2 hours (Rusutsu Resort
to Niseko: 60 minutes).
Eating
Options range from casual fast food
shops and fun filled diners to authentic
western, Chinese and Japanese
restaurants. There are twelve restaurants
in Rusutsu Resort, where you will find
an abundance of dining options, from
grilled burgers and chips at Daniel’s
Street to sushi and sashimi at Sekkatei
and comforting Italian at Costa Terazza.
wave pool and karaoke rooms. You can
also enjoy local beer while watching
sports on TV at sports pub Cricket.
Accommodation
You can choose from a diverse range of
room types that together accommodate
over 3,000 guests. They are spread
across four lodgings: the informal
Highland Lodge, the Travel Lodge,
the European style North and South
Wings and the 24 storey Rusutsu Tower.
Authentic log houses and cottages
suitable for ski groups and families are
also available.
Official website en.rusutsu.co.jp
• Number of Courses: 37
(Beginner 30%, Intermediate
40%, Advanced 30%)
• Number of Lifts: 18
• Longest Course: 3.5km
• Lift Pass:
Lift pass prices are relatively
cheaper than those at the
major ski resorts in the USA,
Canada and Australia.
1-day ticket......¥5,500
Night Skiing ticket (4 – 8pm)
...............................¥2,300
Discounted rates are available
for hotel guests.
• Rental Equipment:
Full sets of equipment for rent
are available for ¥10,500, which
consist of a three-piece ski set,
outwear and accessories.
Après-ski
Among the facilities that can be enjoyed
after returning from the slopes are the
shopping mall, game centre, ‘Rusutsuno-yu’ big bath with sauna, the indoor
HOKKAIDO - Rusutsu 11
The prefectures of Nagano and Niigata
are dominated by many 2,000-3,000
metre-class steep mountains and, as
such, are home to a variety of resorts
and diverse ski runs.
The year round natural beauty of
Nagano Prefecture is spectacular,
with the snowscape in winter, when
skiers and snow sport enthusiasts
flock to the prefecture’s many ski
resorts, being particularly beautiful.
The prefecture’s capital, Nagano
City, even hosted the 1998 Winter
Olympics. In addition to its snow fields,
Nagano is famous for hot springs
including Nozawa Onsen and Shibu
Onsen, the latter being well known
for the snow monkeys which bathe
in the hot spring at Jigokudani Wild
Monkey Park. The Echigo Mountain
Range runs across the south east
part of Niigata Prefecture, with 2,000
metre class mountains standing one
after another to form a stretch of
highlands across the prefecture.
The areas between mountains are
dotted with ski resorts and hot
springs. Niigata is also home to
many of Japan’s leading sake
labels, whose products are
made using the finest
quality rice and water.
There are many
restaurants where
you can
Nozawa Onsen (P15)
Myoko (P16) ● ●
enjoy the
● Naeba (P17)
●
●
local sake with
Hakuba
Shiga Kogen
fresh seafood.
(P13)
(P14)
● Niigata
● Nagano
Tokyo ●
Kyoto ●
● Nagoya
●
Osaka
Hakuba
Japan’s Premier Alpine Resort
This magnificent alpine region comprises eleven ski resorts including Happo-one, Goryu, Hakuba 47 and Iwatake,
featuring more than 200 runs spread out along the 3,000m high ranges of the Japan Alps, making Hakuba one of Japan’s
largest and most respected world-class winter resorts. With over 10m of seasonal snowfall and a 1,071m vertical rise,
Hakuba delivers superb powder skiing and riding at each resort. There is such variety within this one area, including
many exciting trails ideal for all levels, from novices through to experts, as well as park terrain and backcountry fields
ideal for snowshoe expeditions or cross-country skiing. All this makes Hakuba a great location for your next ski holiday.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
Take the JR Narita Express from Narita
Airport to Tokyo (approx. 60 minutes)
then the JR Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano
(95- 110 minutes) and finally the express
bus from Nagano Station to Hakuba (from
60 minutes depending on the resort).
Shared taxis are also available and are a
convenient and viable option between
Nagano Station and Hakuba. A chartered
coach direct from Tokyo takes 5 hours.
Eating
Enjoy dining out at more than 150
restaurants, shops, cafes and bars. A
fine choice of dishes from all over the
world is served to our guests including
Japanese, French, Italian, Mexican,
Indian and Austrian menus. Experience
the local cui si ne i n a Jap an e se - st yle
atmosphere at many local “izakaya”
Japanese pubs or soba noodle
restaurants.
Après-ski
Access from Tokyo station
To Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Myoko:
JR Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki, Hakutaka or Asama) to Nagano: 90 minutes. From Nagano
station, 60 minutes to Hakuba by express bus, 90 minutes to Shigakogen by express bus, 40
minutes to Myoko by local train.
To Nozawa Onsen:
JR Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka) to Iiyama: 100 minutes. From Iiyama station, 25 minutes to
Nozawa Onsen by bus.
To Naeba:JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa: 100 minutes. From Echigo-Yuzawa station, 50 minutes to
Naeba by bus.
The night shuttle bus “Genki-go” will
transport you around the village to
many shops, restaurants, bars and pubs
for your après-ski entertainment.
Accommodation
The village has around 700 different
types of accommodation on offer, with
a wide selection of hotels ranging from
one-star through to five-star resort
hotels, as well as traditional Japanese
“ryokan” hotels, “minshuku” Japanese
inns, pensions, cottages, private cabins
and budget dormitories for backpackers.
Official website
www.hakubavalley.jp
• Number of Courses: 81
(Beginner 30%, Intermediate
50%, Advanced 20%)
• Number of Lifts: 18
• Longest Course: 3.5km
• Lift Pass:
Happo–one 1-day ticket: ¥5,000.
A variety of
consecutive and
nonconsecutive 2-day
and
3-day passes, Hakuba Valley
Passes and senior tickets are
also available.
• Rental Equipment:
Good quality ski & snowboard
equipment is available from as
little as ¥4,500 per day.
Regional Specialities
When you gaze at the mountains in Hakuba Valley, you will see why this resort
stands apart from the rest. Huge 3,000m high jagged peaks tower above the town below, with the ridges
of the most magnificent snow drenched mountains protruding into the sky where they are exposed to wind,
snow, sun and ice, making the awe-inspiring view from the valley floor look just like a picture postcard.
Indoor and open air hot spring baths are abundant and foot baths can be found near Hakuba station and in the
centre of town. All are great for relaxing and rejuvenating your body after a day out on the mountain, and this
essential Japanese experience will surely make your stay all the more memorable. We hope you will also visit
our historical sports venue, the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium, where you can go up to the top observation deck
to inspect the launch area and marvel at the view of the town below.
The Winter Olympic Memorial will take you back to the year 1998 and the Nagano Winter Olympic Games.
Happo Mountain History and Culture Museum is located in the centre of town behind Happo Information Center
and introduces you to our 60 year ski history timeline as well as local fauna and flora to be found in the region.
Further information on Nagano & Niigata, visit
• Nagano Prefecture Tourism Information:
(Ski)www.snowlove.net/japan/
(General) www.go-nagano.net
• Enjoy Niigata:enjoyniigata.com/english/
• Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park: www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp
12
NAGANO & NIIGATA - Hakuba 13
Nozawa
Onsen
Shiga Kogen
Japan’s Largest Winter Resort
With 19 ski fields, 52 lifts (including gondolas) and more than 80 courses, Shiga Kogen is the biggest snow resort in
Japan and caters for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. It is located in Joshinetsu National Park and blessed with
powder snow equal to Hokkaido in quality. There is no doubt you will enjoy skiing and unwinding at Shiga Kogen.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to
Tokyo: approx. 60 minutes. JR Hokuriku
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano:
80 minutes. Express bus from Nagano
station to Shiga Kogen: approx. 70
minutes.
Eating
There are a variety of restaurants in
Shiga Kogen serving original Japanese
di she s as we l l a s Fr ench, I ta lian an d
various other cuisines.
Après-ski
B a r s , e t h n i c f o o d re s t a u ra n t s a n d
Japanese izakaya-style pubs can be
found in some hotels.
Accommodation
There are approximately 100 hotels,
ryokan, B&Bs and minshuku in Shiga
Kogen, with prices from ¥7,000.
14 NAGANO & NIIGATA - Shiga Kogen
Official website
www.info-yamanouchi.net/english
Regional Specialities
Shiga Kogen has eight
hot springs: Kumanoyu, Kidoike, Hotaru, Shigayama,
Takamagahara, Hoppo, Makuiwa and Maruike-Hasuike. It
also has breathtaking scenery, most notably the beautiful
view of the North Alps, so-called "snow monsters" that
appear as snow and ice forms around the trees at the resort,
and the setting sun over a sea of clouds. A range of events
are held during winter, and don't miss the famous snow
monkeys in the rock bath at Jigokudani Monkey Park.
• Number of Courses: 84
(Beginner 48%, Intermediate
40%, Advanced 14%)
• Number of Lifts: 52*
* including gondolas
• Longest Course: 3.5km
• Lift Pass:
1-day ticket......¥5,000
2-day ticket......¥9,300
Allows access to all lifts and
includes shuttle buses.
• Rental Equipment:
Hotels supply good quality ski
and snowboard equipment
from ¥3,000.
Modern Resort in a Perfect Hot Spring Village
Setting
Since 1930, Nozawa Onsen has always been at the top of the Japanese skiing scene, and more recently snowboarding
has also become popular in the area. It was the first place in Japan to install ski lifts and also holds numerous major
skiing and snowboarding tournaments each year. Although the snow resort of Nozawa Onsen offers modern facilities
for both skiers and snowboarders, the village of Nozawa Onsen strives to maintain a traditional atmosphere. During
the 1988 Nagano Olympics, Nozawa Onsen hosted the Biathlon competitions.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
Accommodation
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to
Tokyo: approx. 60 minutes. JR Hokuriku
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Iiyama:
approx. 110 minutes. Bus from Iiyama
Station to Nozawa Onsen: approx. 25
minutes.
More than 250 hotels, traditional
Japanese ryokan inns and “minshuku”
B&Bs welcome you with the warmest
hospitality.
Eating
There are 43 restaurants in the area
where you can enjoy local dishes
including soba noodles, onsen-manju
(steamed buns), wild vegetables such
as nemagari-dake (bamboo shoots) and
mushrooms. A pickled green vegetable
dish called Nozawana-zuke is one of the
local specialties.
Après-ski
Nozawa Onsen has a lots of cafes, bars
and restaurants packed into its compact
area, ideal for pub crawls!
Official website
www.nozwaski.com/winter
• Opening Times:
Mid December – Early May
• Snow Depth: 2m
• Longest Course: 10km
• Number of Runs: 36
(Beginner 40%, Intermediate
30%, Advanced 30%)
• Number of Lifts: 21
• Night Riding: Yes*
* Saturdays only with some
exceptions
• Lift Pass (Adult):
1-day pass........¥ 5,000
2-day pass........¥ 9,300
3-day pass........¥13,400
• Rental Equipment:
The resort has several ski and
snow­board rental shops.
Ski set
¥3,800 per day
Expert ski set ¥4,200 per day
NAGANO & NIIGATA - Nozawa Onsen 15
Myoko
Snow Resort
Naeba
Your Invitation to a Stay in Japan’s Snow
Country
The Akakura hot springs area of Myoko town is right next to the ski slopes and boasts a wealth of accommodation
facilities and restaurants. During the ski season the Mountain Shuttle Bus (fare required) runs every day to connect
the slopes.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport
(60 minutes) or the Tokyo Monorail or
JR lines from Haneda (40 minutes) to
Tokyo Station.
JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to
Nagano: 90 – 110 minutes approx.
North Shinano Line from Nagano to
Myoko Kogen: 40 minutes.
Taxi or shuttle bus: 10 – 30 minutes.
Eating
There are around 40 restaurants in the
Akakura hot springs area, allowing you
to experience many different cuisines
during your stay, from Korean barbecue
to okonomiyaki, noodle dishes such as
udon and ramen and even Italian food!
Accommodation
There are around 70 hotels and traditional
lodgings (ryokan) in the Akakura area,
offering great convenience.
16 NAGANO & NIIGATA - Myoko Snow Resort
Official website
www.myoko.tv/english
• Opening Times:
from 20th of December to 31st
of March
• Snow Depth:
Depth not sufficient for skiing
in November. 1.5m in early
December. Around 4m in
January to February 3m in
March.
• Longest Course:
Suginohara Ski Resort: 8,500m
Vertical drop: 1,100m
• Number of Runs: 5 resorts
(Beginner 30%, Intermediate
40%, Advanced 30%)
• Number of Lift: 33*
* including 2 gondolas
• Night Riding: Yes
• Lift Pass:
1-day pass: ¥4,600, 21-day pass
(Super Big-4): ¥38,000
• Rental Equipment:
1 set (per day): ¥8,000
A Wonderful Selection of Snow, Springs and
Local Delicacies
The town of Yuzawa has great access from the capital and provides a wonderful variety of ski slopes. It also offers
wonderful hot springs, local beverages and food. Local rice dishes are of a particularly high quality.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
Accommodation
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport (60
minutes) or the Tokyo Monorail or JR lines
from Haneda (40 minutes) to Tokyo Station,
then the Joetsu Shinkansen to EchigoYuzawa Station (1 hour 30 minutes).
From Echigo Yuzawa station:
For Prince Hotel guests only: shuttle bus
(30 to 50 minutes)
Non hotel guests: highway bus (50 minutes)
The town of Yuzawa has over 300
accommodation
choices
catering
to all needs, from large scale hotels
to traditional ryokan with their own
hot springs, private lodgings and
guesthouses.
Eating
The local noodle dish “hegi soba”
is a renowned delicacy, featuring a
generous portion of buckwheat noodles
in a unique dish known as a “hegi”.
Après-ski
There are many hot springs and public
baths to enjoy after you come down from
the slopes. The hot springs district also
boasts many drinking establishments
and guests enjoy spending their nights
eating and drinking here.
Official website
www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba
• Opening Times:
Mid-December until early May
• Snow Depth:
December 99cm, January 1.85m,
February 2.89m, March 2.73m,
April 1.3m
• Longest Course: 1,245m
• Number of Runs: 14
(Beiginner x 5, Intermediate x 5,
Advanced x 4)
• Number of Lifts: 13
•Night Riding: Yes (between
December and March)
• Lift Pass:
1-day pass........¥5,000 (Adult)
• Rental Equipment:
Full set (ski and snowboard):
............Adult ¥7,500, Child ¥5,000
Individual ski or snowboard set:
............Adult ¥5,000, Child ¥3,000
Skis or snowboard:
............Adult ¥3,000, Child ¥1,800
Ski or snowboard boots:
............Adult ¥2,500, Child ¥1,800
NAGANO & NIIGATA - Naeba 17
The Tohoku region located in the
northern part of Honshu receives
heavy snowfalls and has many resorts
scattered across its six prefectures.
Tohoku is also rich with a variety of
traditional festivals and onsen (hot
springs).
Hakkoda in Aomori Prefecture is one
of the best places for hardcore snow­
boarders, telemarkers and skiers. It
offers fantastic steep and deep powder
courses. There are also many magnificent
resorts located in Iwate Prefecture, such
as Appi Kogen and Shizukuishi, both of
which have great snowfields and many
attractions for visitors.
The Tazawako ski resort in Akita
Prefecture’s Tazawako Kogen boasts a
breath-taking view over Lake Tazawa,
the deepest lake in Japan, and has a
wealth of runs that everyone can enjoy,
from beginners right up to veteran
skiers. There are a number of hot springs
facilities in the local area too, such as
Tazawako Kogen spa village, Mizusawa
spa village and the especially popular
Nyuto spa village secluded deep in the
mountains. Many traditional festivals are
held close to here, such as the Yokote
Kamakura Festival and the Namahage
Sedo Festival in the town of Oga, as well
as August’s Kanto Festival, one of the
Zao Onsen
Ski Resort
Tohoku
Sendai ●
●
Appi
Kogen
(P20)
Come to Japan’s Premiere Ski Slopes and
Historical Hot Springs Town
Zao (P19)
●
three great festivals of
●
the Tohoku region.
Bandai Kogen
Sendai, th e
(P21)
capital of
Miyagi
Prefecture and also the centre of
Tohoku, is home to the Tanabata
Star Festival. Not far from Yamagata
City in Yamagata Prefecture is the
resort of Zao Onsen where you can
experience amazing powder snow
and the spectacular sight of famous
windswept and snow covered trees
known as snow monsters.
Fukushima Prefecture has more
than 130 hot springs and is home
to Lake Inawashiro and the Bandai
Kogen Highlands, both which offer
an abundance of seasonal tourist
attractions including skiing and
snowboarding.
The hot springs town of Zao boasts around 80 accommodation establishments, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.
Enjoy being surrounded by the art of nature with our beautiful frost rimed trees.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
• Opening Times:
Mid-December until early May
From Haneda: Fly to Yamagata airport
with JAL and then catch a local shared
van service direct to Zao Onsen (Booking
required).
From Narita or Haneda: Go to Tokyo
station and ride the Yamagata
Shinkansen to Yamagata station before
taking the bus to Zao Onsen (No booking
required).
Eating
Zao Onsen town is famous for its Mongol
style lamb barbecue dishes.
• Snow Depth:
November 20cm, December
90cm, January 1.7m, February
2.01m, March 1.6m, April 1m
• Longest Course:
Juhyobara course to Omori
piste approx. 10km
Après-ski
There are many traditional bars and
drinking houses around the town,
letting you experience Japanese izakaya
culture.
Accommodation
The town boasts around 80 different
accommodation options to suit any
budget, from luxury hotels down to
privately run B&Bs.
• Number of Runs:
(Beiginner 40%, Intermediate
40%, Advanced 20%)
• Number of Lifts: 39
• Night Riding: Yes
• Lift Pass:
1-day pass........¥5,000
2-day pass........¥9,200
• Rental Equipment:
Ski set.......................from ¥3,500
Snowboard set.....from ¥4,500
Ski wear...................from ¥3,000
Official website
www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/index.html
Further information on Hokkaido, visit
Access from Narita Airport
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo:
approx. 60 minutes
JR Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo to Akita:
approx. 4 hours
JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata:
approx. 2.5 hours
JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo
to Shin-Aomori: approx. 3 hours
to Morioka: approx. 2.5 hours
to Sendai: approx. 1.5 hours
to Fukushima: approx. 1.5 hours
18
• Travel to Tohoku:
www.en.tohokukanko.jp
• Aomori Sightseeing Guide:
www.en-aomori.com
• A Trip to Iwate:
www.japan-iwate.info
• Akita fan.com:
www.akitafan.com/en
• Miyagi Touring Navigation:
www.pref.miyagi.jp/kankou/en
• Welcome to Yamagata:
www.yamagatakanko.com
• Sights in Fukushima Japan:
www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/
TOHOKU - Zao 19
APPI Kogen
Urabandai
Be Happy in APPI!
Appi resort sits adjacent to Towada-Hachimantai National Park in northeast Honshu. Amazing powder covers Appi’s
entire 828 metre vertical from peak to base. Appi’s 21 trails are easily and comfortably accessible by two eight-person
gondolas and three high speed detachable hooded quad chairs. And you can’t beat Appi’s variety: there is everything
from bunny slopes to a 5.5 km cruiser to steep and deep! Appi has received the highest marks from a number of major
ski magazines and continues to be a mecca for skiers and boarders alike.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
Après-ski
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport
to Tokyo: approx. 60 minutes. JR
Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station
to Morioka Station: 130 minutes. JR
Hanawa Line from Morioka to Appi
Kogen: 50 minutes
Hotel Appi Grand has 2 Bars (open
untill midnight), and a bus runs to the
local town in the evenings for dinner,
drinking and shopping.
Eating
In addition to the relaxed atmosphere
and excellent view, guests can also
enjoy local produce and fine cuisine.
Appi’s hotels have eleven restaurants
ranging from Japanese, Chinese and
western offerings to Korean BBQ.
Accommodation
• Snow Depth:
December 41cm, January
62cm, February 91cm, March
1.05m, April 99cm
• Longest Course: 5.5km
Appi’s hotels, the Hotel Appi Grand and
Tower, Appi Grand Villa and Appi Grand
Annex, boast a capacity of 1,000 rooms
to accommodate 4,100 guests and a
fabulous array of facilities to fit any
preference or budget. And don’t forget
to wash away your fatigue at one or both
of our two natural hot springs! (Free
wi-fi available at all hotels and ski-in/out
at Hotel APPI Grand)
• Number of Runs: 21 courses
(Beginner 30%, Intermediate
40%, Advanced 30%)
Official website
• Rental Equipment:
Ski/Board Package
............................ from ¥4,600
Ski wear (Top & Bottom)
............................ from ¥3,800
Accessory Package (8-hour)
............................ ¥2,800
www.appi.co.jp/foreign_country/
english/winter/index.html
20 TOHOKU - Appi Kogen
• Opening Times:
December until May
• Number of Lifts: 18*
* including 2 gondolas
• Night Riding: Yes
• Lift Pass:
5-hour ticket..... ¥ 5,300
8-hour ticket..... ¥ 5,600
2-day ticket........ ¥10,900
3-day ticket........ ¥16,200
Worthy International Powder Snow Resort
The resort is situated in the village of Kitashiobara, stretching out across the highlands on the north side of mount Bandai.
Past volcanic eruptions have created a wondrous natural landscape of over 300 lakes that enthral people all year round.
In winter the resort is blessed by high quality clouds, making many winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding very
popular. Also, don’t miss smelt fishing on the frozen lakes, relaxing in the numerous hot springs or trying the delicious
“mountain salt ramen” noodles using the very salt that enlivens the hot springs and gives the town its name.
Access from Haneda and Narita AP
• Opening Times:
End of November to 1st of May
JR Narita Express from Narita Airport to
Tokyo takes around 60 minutes. From
Tokyo station to Koriyama station by
JR Tohoku shinkansen takes 1 hour
15 minutes. From Koriyama station to
Grandeco takes 1 hour and 50 minutes
by bus.
• Snow Depth:
November 80cm, Dececember
1.5m, January 2.4m, February
3m, March 3.4m, April 2.5m,
May 1m
• Longest Course: 3km
• Number of Runs: 21
(Beginner 35%, Intermediate
40%, Advanced 25%)
Eating
Many restaurants are available, such as
the Gondola Summit Bunabuna and the
Grandeco Restaurant, offering famous
local delicacies such as Aizu mountain
salt ramen noodles, Aizu sauce katsudon
and soba noodles, as well as stone-fired
pizza and a variety of Japanese and
European style set meals.
Après-ski
Swimming pool and hot spring bathing,
snowmobile rides and smelt fishing on
Lake Hibara.
Accommodation
Hotel Grandeco is a five-star resort hotel
situated beside the major ski course.
• Number of Lifts: 8
• Lift Pass:
1-day ticket (8.30am – 5pm)
....................................from ¥4,700
4-hour ticket........from ¥4,200
• Rental Equipment:
1-day for adult ski set or
snowboard set...............¥4,700
Official website
http://grandeco.com/
english/
TOHOKU - Urabandai 21
Further Information on
SKI & BOARD JAPAN
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Offering a vast area with over 20
outdoor activities and 28 ski courses
for you to enjoy.
Number of Courses
28
Number of Lifts
6
More Info
www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/en/
Tour Operators
Abercrombie & Kent
01242 547 914
www.abercrombiekent.co.uk
via website
Kiroro
Sahoro
Opening in late November and closing in
early May. Kiroro resort has a longer
operating period than most other ski
fields in Japan.
One gondola covers all 17
courses which are blessed
with quality powder snow.
Number of Courses
17
Number of Lifts
8
More Info
www.sahoro.co.jp/
language/english/
Number of Courses
21
Number of Lifts
9 including 1gondola
More Info
www.kiroro.co.jp/en/winter/
Kusatsu
Kusatsu is a hot spring and ski
resort town with heli-skiing and
a family oriented atmosphere.
Number of Courses
8
Number of Lifts
11
More Info
www.kusatsu-kokusai.com
www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/
gunma/kusatsu/kusatsu-kokusai
Enjoy one of the longest
trails anywhere in Japan.
Number of Courses
12
Number of Lifts
6
More Info
www.snowjapan.com/
japan-ski-resorts/iwate/
shizukuishi/shizukuishi
Ishiuchi
Tazawa-ko
A large snow area covered by the Three
Resort Ticket that is also valid at nearby
GALA Yuzawa resort and Yuzawa Kogen.
Ski by the lapis-blue waters of
Lake Tazawa.
Number of Courses
24
Number of Lifts
18
More Info
www.ishiuchi.or.jp
22
Shizukuishi
Number of Courses
13
Number of Lifts
6
More Info
www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/
akita/semboku/tazawako
Ampersand Travel
020 7849 9770
www.ampersandtravel.com
[email protected]
Ineedsnow
020 8123 7817
www.ineedsnow.com
via website
Samurai Snow
0203 151 7669
www.samuraisnow.com
[email protected]
Inside Japan Tours
0117 370 9751
www.insidejapantours.com
[email protected]
Ski Club of Great Britain
Freshtracks
020 8410 2022
www.skiclub.co.uk
[email protected]
British Airways Holidays
www.ba.com
Into Japan Specialist Tours
01865 841 443
www.intojapan.co.uk
[email protected]
Black Tomato
0207 236 9888
www.blacktomato.com
via website
Japan Journeys
020 7766 5267
www.japanjourneys.co.uk
[email protected]
Club Med
020 3811 1507
www.clubmed.co.uk
[email protected]
Jaltour
020 7850 4409
www.jaltour.co.uk
[email protected]
Crystal Ski
020 8939 0877
www.crystalski.co.uk
via website
Japan Ski Experience
020 8099 9034
www.japanskiexperience.co.uk
[email protected]
Different Snow
01242 242 505
differentsnow.com
via website
Japan Travel Centre
020 7611 0150
www.japantravel-centre.com
[email protected]
etours
020 7725 6774
www.peoples.travel
[email protected]
JTB Europe
020 8237 1605
www.japanspecialist.co.uk
[email protected]
Exses
020 7337 9010
www.exsus.com
via website
Kuoni
0800 144 8780
www.kuoni.co.uk
via website
Flexiski
020 8939 0862
www.flexiski.com
Magical Japan
0161 440 7332
www.magicaljapan.co.uk
[email protected]
G Adventures
0344 272 2010
www.gadventures.co.uk
[email protected]
James Orr Heli Ski
0333 006 5816
www.heliski.co.uk
[email protected]
Iglu Ski
020 3811 6415
www.igluski.com
Via website
Miki Travel
020 7507 5707
www.miki-visitasia.com
[email protected]
Original Travel
020 7978 7333
www.originaltravel.co.uk
[email protected]
Scott Dunn
020 3411 0692
www.scottdunn.com
via website
Ski Independence
0131 243 8097
www.ski-i.com
[email protected]
Ski Safari
01273 224 060
www.skisafari.com
via website
Skiworld
0330 102 8004
www.skiworld.co.uk
[email protected]
Snoworks
0844 543 0503
www.snoworks.co.uk
[email protected]
STA Travel
0333 321 0099
www.statravel.co.uk
via website
Steppes Travel
01285 601 758
www.steppestravel.co.uk
via website
Unique Japan Tours
020 3239 2519
www.uniquejapantours.com
[email protected]
ViaJapan Holidays
020 7484 3328
www.viajapan.co.uk
[email protected]
Warren Smith Ski Academy
www.warrensmith-skiacademy.com
[email protected]
FURTHER INFORMATION ON SKI & BOARD JAPAN 23