Beyond the Hotspots: Hidden-Gem Ski Resorts in Japan to Explore
You’ve probably heard of the likes of Niseko and Hakuba but there are over 500 different ski resorts across Japan. Here are a few of our top recommendations.
If you’re looking to escape the westerners and experience another side of Japan, take a look below at some of our recommendations for smaller, more traditional resorts across Japan. Whether you’re wanting to spend a week at one of these resorts, or just a few nights we can tailor a custom package for you.
Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen is one of the top mountain tourist spots in Japan, surrounded by splendid mountains rich in nature, and with 1900 years of venerable hot springs tradition.
Zao is famous for its “Snow Monsters”, trees coated with ice and snow that take on a surreal appearance, a rare winter phenomenon that you’ll want to experience.
Appi Kogen
Appi Kogen is gaining more popularity with western guests. After a day skiing the uncrowded slopes It gives loads of chances to submerge in culture & hot springs!
The resort has large hotels, ski-in-ski-out at the base of ski region, Appi Grand Hotel. You can take night & day trips into the neighbourhood Morioka city, which is a great culture rich recommendation when staying in Appi!
Shizukuishi
Shizukuishi Ski Resort is famous for its stunning view of Mt. Iwate, the highest mountain in Iwate prefecture. Shizukuishi consists of 11 superbly maintained trails including a full-scale downhill race course and two outstanding terrain parks plus plenty of powder.
Traditional Takakura Onsen is conveniently located in the Prince Hotel at the bottom. Shizukuishi also has some of the cheapest CAT skiing in all of Japan.
Lotte Arai
Lotte Arai Ski Resort is a luxury boutique resort in Myoko, Japan that re-opened in December 2017 under new ownership. Featuring 11 ski slopes, a spa, pool, restaurants, cafes, and a business center, the resort also provides a wealth of activities, including a 1,501 meter zip-line tour that is Asia’s longest and other leisure facilities that are in the continent’s top class.
Lotte Arai underwent a complete renovation of the lifts and other infrastructure making it a must visit destination either as a day trip or a week long stay.
Naeba
Naeba Ski Resort is connected with neighbouring Kagura Ski Resort by Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola. The entire area is called “Mt. Naeba”, which consists of 4 ski areas.
Naeba Prince Hotel is located at the bottom of the ski area and offers gourmet dining, shopping and hot springs. The resort can be conveniently accessed from Tokyo in 2.5 hours by train or car.
Kiroro Resort
Kiroro ski area offers 21 trails, with the longest run an amazing 4,050m. In addition to a diverse line-up of trails for beginners to experts Kiroro has an insane amount of powder that Hokkaido is famous for.
Kiroro is a very well established resort and caters families and kids with lessons in English lessons. Kiroro also has excellent backcountry terrain on offer.
If you would like a quote for any of these fantastic ski resorts then make an enquiry and we will be happy to put together the best ski package for you.
