Niigata's Murakami City: Enjoy Fun Events, Sightseeing, and Local Cuisine!

Comfortably go straight from the airport! 5 ski resorts you can go to using the Snowliner

This service includes sponsored advertisements.
article thumbnail image

Now is the time to enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Some people visit ski resorts every winter, and others may be wondering how to get to the ski resorts. Even if you are comparing the time required and cost when using public transportation, you may not be able to decide on the ...

Latest update :

Get to the airport efficiently and easily using the Snowliner

Snowliner is an express bus that goes directly from the airport to the ski resort. There is no need to transfer trains while still feeling tired from a long plane trip, and you can just hop on the bus and arrive at the ski resort straight away.

This route mainly connects Narita Airport and Haneda Airport with ski resorts, so it can also be used by people visiting Japan on international flights.

Click here to reserve the Snow Liner

Ski resorts you want to go to directly from the airport

Here we will introduce recommended ski resorts that you can go directly from the airport using the Snowliner. We will introduce you to the characteristics and charms of ski resorts, such as snow quality, facilities, and activities.

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

The official name of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is "Shiga Kogen MOUNTAIN RESORT", which is the general name for ski resorts in the Shiga Kogen area of ​​Nagano Prefecture. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is a vast ski resort with a total of 18 ski resorts, as well as 51 gondolas and lifts.

Direct access from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport

If you use the Snow Liner, you can go directly from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport to the Shiga Kogen area.

It also stops at Odaiba, Tokyo, and Yokohama along the way, but for those visiting the airport, it is convenient to have a direct bus that departs from and arrives at the airport.

Recommended points of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort is scheduled to be open this winter from Friday, December 1, 2023 to Monday, May 6, 2024. (As of October 2023)

Nearby areas include Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Madarao Ski Resort, Tangram Ski Circus, Togakushi Ski Resort, and Ryuo Ski Park, and there is also a lift season pass that can be used in all 6 areas. For those who are thinking of moving from Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, we also recommend a season pass that is common to the area.

The Shiga Kogen area is also home to Yokoteyama/Shibutoge Ski Resort, which is known as the longest operating ski resort in Japan.

Last season, we were open from November 9, 2022 to May 21, 2023, the longest time ever for 194 days. This year, we plan to open on Friday, November 3rd, which is earlier than last season.

Snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park, a nearby tourist spot

Speaking of Nagano Prefecture, there is Jigokudani Monkey Park, which is famous for seeing monkeys soaking in hot springs. The Japanese macaques bathing in the open-air bath amidst the snowy scenery are affectionately known as "snow monkeys."

Originally, Japanese macaques inhabit the entire Shiga Highlands. They still sometimes appear in front of people, so you may come across a large herd while walking around Shiga Kogen.

If you see a Japanese macaque outside during your walk, don't approach or try to feed it, just watch it from a distance.

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort

Madarao Plateau is a plateau that stretches over 1,000 meters above sea level and straddles Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture and Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture. In addition to enjoying the high-quality 100% natural snow that can only be found in areas with heavy snowfall, the tree run, which offers uncompacted powder snow through the forest, is also popular.

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort is an all-season resort that is open during the green season even when there is no snow.

Direct access from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport

To get to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort, we recommend using the Snow Liner from the airport. With the Snowliner, you can go directly from Narita/Haneda Airport to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort.

Recommended points of Madarao Kogen Ski Resort

We would like to introduce Madarao Kogen Hotel, where many people stay because it is located right in front of the slopes of Madarao Kogen Ski Resort.

A variety of accommodation plans are available, including lodging plans that do not include meals, as well as overnight stays that include half board. In addition, the in-house natural hot spring in the hotel is a colorless sodium and calcium chloride spring that has the effect of relieving muscle pain and fatigue, so you can rest your body after a long day of winter sports.

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort has a total of 32 courses, and if you include Tangram, the number of courses is 51. Everyone from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy the course on both compacted and uncompacted snow. It also has the largest number of tree run courses in Japan.

Other activities such as ``backcountry ski tours'' are also available, and veteran guides will guide you according to the level of the participant.

Restaurant introduction inside the ski resort

Let me introduce you to the restaurants located on the slopes of Madarao Kogen Ski Resort.

    Heidi

The main restaurant has a seating capacity of 800. We offer a wide variety of menus, from classics such as curry and rice to sweets such as crepes. There are also raised seats, so you can rest your tired body after skiing or snowboarding.

    AKI'S BURGER in Tyrol

Satisfy your hunger with a juicy double cheeseburger made with Angus beef. There are sofa seats and a billiards table that you can use for free, so why not use it when you take a break after your meal?

    AKI'S pub & café

If you want to take a break, why not take a break while drinking the owner's special coffee? Pizza is also recommended for lunch. We also accept requests for ski school and backcountry tours.

Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Resort

Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Resort, located in Myoko Kogen, Niigata Prefecture, is a place where you can not only enjoy snow sports, but also hot spring facilities, mountain climbing, and trekking.

Direct access from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport

From Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, you can take the Snow Liner bound for Madarao or Akakura directly to the ski resort.

Considering the convenience of being able to transfer from a plane to a bus and arrive at the ski resort immediately, it's a good idea to make reservations early.

Recommended points of Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Resort

Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Resort is scheduled to operate this winter from December 16, 2023 to March 31, 2024. There are various courses available on the slopes.

There are beginner courses popular with beginners and families, courses for intermediate and advanced players, and even full-fledged long courses where official tournaments are held, so you can choose according to your purpose and level.

There is also a children's play area for children visiting the slopes for the first time. It's perfect for making memories with your family as you can build a snowman and play on a sled.

There are pensions, hotels, inns, etc. around Myoko Kogen, and for those staying at the ski resort, there are lodging plans that include lift tickets, and there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants.

"Akakura Onsen Ski Resort" is also nearby.

Akakura Onsen Ski Resort is also located near Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Resort. All ski slopes are made with natural snow, and there are also uncompacted snow courses.

We are also the only ski resort in the Myoko area that offers night skiing, so it is suitable for people who want to enjoy the ski resort until night.

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture is popular for its 100% natural powder snow. The ski slopes are right in front of the hotel, so you can fulfill both your desire to relax at the hotel and have fun at the ski resort.

Direct access from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport

You can board the Snow Liner bound for Hakuba Village from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport. The train bound for Hakuba Village also makes stops at Odaiba, Tokyo, and Yokohama, but once you board the train, it will take you directly to your destination, Hakuba Village.

*Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort is only available by night bus.

Recommended points of Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort has a total of 16 courses, suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The slope has a height difference of 530m, with the top 1,402m and the bottom 872m. You can enjoy courses up to 3.5km long.

This winter's business is scheduled to begin on December 16, 2023, but the end date has not been determined. (As of October 2023)

Also, during business hours, you can check the ski slope course and lift operation information on the website, so you can rest assured that you can check it immediately in case of sudden bad weather.

Also, because the course is pot-shaped, most of the courses converge in front of the hotel. It is a luxurious structure where you can ski on the slopes right after leaving the hotel.

We also recommend the nearby "Snow Play Park"

Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba has a snow theme park called ``Kids Park/Snow Play Park.''

It's close to the hotel and parking lot, so if your child gets tired or sleepy, you can quickly return to the hotel.

The appeal of the snow play area is that you can play freely, such as building a snowman. In addition, various activities such as sledding (charges apply) are available at the Chaping Area, Sledding Area, and Snow Rafting Area.

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort is adjacent to Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort and has a course that continues toward Hakuba Alps Hotel.

Direct access from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport

The Snow Liner bound for Hakuba Village can be boarded from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, and also stops at Odaiba, Tokyo, and Yokohama.

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort is adjacent to Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, so those who want to go to either will use the same bus.

Recommended points of Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort

The winter season is usually open from mid-December to late March of the following year, but depending on the amount of snowfall, it seems that it is scheduled to be open from mid-December 2023 to late March 2024 ( (as of October 2023).

Please check the latest information for details.

In addition, Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort also has the Hakuba Norikura Ski School, so there is no need to worry if you want to learn how to ski seriously or if you are skiing for the first time.

Even beginners will be able to enjoy skiing with confidence thanks to the hands-on instruction from instructors from the All Japan Ski Federation.

The ski school also offers private lessons. We have classes for beginners, advanced level classes, and even expert classes, so we can answer any questions you may have for those who want to enjoy snow sports for the first time, or those who don't know where to start.

All necessary equipment such as ski boots, snowboards, and skis can be rented. We recommend that you contact the venue in advance to confirm the size.

Hakuba area, home to popular ski resorts

Hakuba Village is one of the villages in Kitaazumi District, located in the northwestern part of Nagano Prefecture. In addition to overlooking the Northern Alps, this is a place where many people come to enjoy snow sports during the winter season.

In addition to the Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort and Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort introduced in this article, there are many other ski resorts in the Hakuba area, including Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield, Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort, and Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort. It's connected.

We also sell ``All-Mountain Season Tickets,'' which allow you to use lifts throughout the area throughout the season. For those who are thinking of going to various ski resorts in Hakuba Village, this is a great value and recommended lift ticket.

[Summary] From the airport to the ski resort using the Snowliner

This time, we introduced recommended ski resorts that you can go to using the Snowliner from the airport.

Snowliner is a high-speed bus service recommended for those who want to go directly to the ski resort, as all you have to do is transfer to the bus after arriving at the airport. It's easy to get around because you don't have to drive or find directions on public transportation.

[Ski resorts that can be accessed directly from the airport by Snowliner]

    Able Goryu
    Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park
    Happoone Ski Resort
    Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
    Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort
    Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
    Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort
    Madarao Kogen Ski Resort
    Akakura Onsen Ski Resort
    Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Snow Liner's homepage is available in English, Chinese, and Korean. Check the website for details such as prices and routes.

When going from the airport to the ski resort, please consider using the Snow Liner.

Click here to reserve the Snow Liner

Written by

We operate direct buses from Haneda/Narita Airport to each ski resort. https://spur.jamjamliner.jp/

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.