Whether you’re a solo skier or wanting to take a family holiday, Japan is one of the world’s best skiing destinations. Novices and experts alike will find slopes and runs to challenge them, while having the time of their lives. Here are 5 of the best ski spots Japan has to offer, which you can drive to.
Tomamu
Tomamu Resort is in Hokkaido, and is favourite spot for families thanks to its convenient location next to the slopes. It also has a 50-metre wave pool indoors, and an ice village. We all know kids can get bored quickly, so parents love having some variety to keep them entertained.
Furano
Not as famous around the world as it is within Japan, Furano is another family favourite skiing destination. It gets the driest and lightest snow in Hokkaido, which is also why it’s one of the most famous ski resorts in Japan. There’s terrain for every level of skier and snowboarder, so the whole family can have a blast.
Niseko
This is a great skiing spot, but it’s also surrounding by many onsen (hot spring resorts), which are perfect for those who want to relax after a long day of skiing. If you don’t want to ski or snowboard the entire trip, there are also white-water rapids, and quite a few golf courses that have stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks.
Yuzawa
Yuzawa has plenty of areas for skiing, and many hot springs as well, which is what the resort town is known for. You can take the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway to the ski trails, and also to the Alp no Sato botanical garden. There is also a sake museum at the Echigo-Yuzawa train station, called Ponshukan, where you’re invited to taste the sake.
Nozawa
The Nozawa Onsen hot springs and ski resort has trails for the whole family, from the beginners to the hardcore skiers. The ski resort holds lessons, and it’s the perfect place to start learning to ski. There’s also a kids park and a daycare/nursery, for those parents whose children are too young to ski.
