Japan's Best Ski Spots by Rail
Niseko Grand Hirafu
©Frederick Wallace, unsplash
Skiing in Japan during your Winter trip
Five of the best ski resorts in Japan, plus their great rail pass package deals. Order your Japan Rail Pass online today - 7, 14, & 21-day Passes available.
One of the best ways to make the most of your winter trip to Japan is to go visit one of its incredible ski resorts! Here are a few of our favorite places to ski using your Japan Rail Pass, Hokkaido Pass, or JR East Pass.
Gala Yuzawa - Niigata
Located in Echigo Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, this spot even has its own dedicated Shinkansen station! Buy your pass at the station and head straight to the mountain. You can even show your JR East Pass when buying your ski pass at the station for a great discount.
Nozawa - Nagano
The ideal place for great skiing and famous hot springs. This resort is well-known for skiers relaxing in the onsen after a hot day, as well as its mostly Japanese-style accommodations.
Nozawa can be reached by taking Shinkansen to Nagano, then changing for a local train line to Togari Nozawa Onsen Station.
Niseko - Hokkaido
The largest ski resort in Japan is only a short distance from Sapporo, Hokkaido. As such, aside from amazing skiing, Niseko also has a wide range of accommodations and a fun-filled town with great nightlife.
Niseko is accessible from Sapporo by local train.
Kiroro - Hokkaido
A more low-key ski destination compared to the neighboring Niseko, Kiroro has great skiing as well as many other snow activities, including snow-shoeing and sledding. It also includes a great ski school geared towards children only.
Kiroro can be reached from Sapporo by taking express train to Otaru, a nearby seaside town, then changing for a shuttle bus.
Hakuba - Nagano
Located in Nagano, this former Winter Olympics event spot is a great location for overseas travelers. Hakuba boasts lots of English speakers, including instructors and child caregivers, making it very family friendly. The surrounding village also has great shops and many restaurants.
Hakuba can be reached by taking the Shinkansen to Nagano, then taking a shuttle bus.
