5 Recommended Ski Resorts Near Tokyo! Including One-Day Bus Tours with Foreign Language Services

Why ski resorts near Tokyo are so popular

Ski resorts near Tokyo are visited by many tourists, both from Japan and abroad. Why are they so popular? The main reasons are their convenient access and the friendly environment, even for beginners. Here, we will explain their appeal in detail.

It's close to Tokyo and can be easily enjoyed as a day trip.

A major attraction of ski resorts near Tokyo is the short travel time from the city. If you leave Tokyo in the morning, you can arrive at the ski resort before noon. You can then enjoy plenty of time until the evening and return to your Tokyo hotel that night.

One of the attractions of day trips that don't require overnight stays is the flexibility to plan your itinerary. For those who want to make the most of their limited travel time, day trips to ski resorts are the perfect option.

The environment is easy to participate in even if it's your first time playing in the snow.

Ski resorts near Tokyo are well-equipped for beginners, and you can rent ski and snowboard equipment and clothing locally, so it's no problem to show up empty-handed.

There are also activities where you can simply walk on the snow, and a play area for small children. You can enjoy touching the snow without actually skiing, so even those who have never experienced snow before can feel at ease.

Now, let us introduce some recommended ski resorts that are easily accessible from Tokyo and can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to families on vacation.

[Gunma Prefecture] Tambara Ski Park

Tambara Ski Park in Gunma Prefecture is known for its excellent snow quality. Located at a high altitude, the park has stable snow accumulation, allowing you to enjoy smooth powder snow. It is open from late November to early May, meaning you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding not only in the winter but also during spring break and Golden Week.

The attractive feature is the abundance of courses that can be skied by beginners to advanced skiers.

Approximately 80% of the courses at Tambara Ski Park are for beginners and intermediate skiers, making them ideal for practicing skiing and snowboarding. Many of the courses have gentle slopes, so even first-timers can ski safely and without fear. Of course, there are also courses for advanced skiers, making it a ski resort that can be enjoyed by people of various levels.

A kids' park that's great for families

For families with children, we recommend Tamba Land, an area dedicated to playing in the snow and sledding. You can play in the snow safely without worrying about bumping into people skiing or snowboarding. You can also enjoy sledding, making snowmen, snow striders, and tubing. Another great feature for families is that the resort center is nearby, with easy access to toilets and restaurants.

Enjoy a convenient day trip with a guide in English or Chinese

If you're visiting Tambara Ski Park from Tokyo, the Orion Tours one-day plan, which includes an English or Chinese guide, is convenient. You can travel directly from the meeting point to the ski resort, and you don't have to worry about driving on snowy roads.

Additionally, guides will assist with lift tickets and rental procedures, so even travelers experiencing skiing in Japan for the first time can participate with peace of mind. Another great thing about this tour is that the equipment and clothing are included in the set, so you can enjoy the experience without having to carry around large amounts of luggage.

In addition to playing in the snow, there are also plans that include an all-you-can-eat crab lunch and strawberry picking. This is a popular and affordable tour that lets you experience the flavors of Japanese winter and playing in the snow all at once.

Tour details and reservations here

[Tochigi Prefecture] Hunter Mountain Shiobara

Hunter Mountain Shiobara in Tochigi Prefecture is a large ski resort easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area. With a wide variety of runs, it's popular with a wide range of skiers, from beginners to advanced skiers. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops, so you can spend the whole day comfortably. This ski resort is recommended not only for those who want to enjoy serious skiing near Tokyo, but also for those who want to enjoy the snowy scenery.

The uniform snow quality and compacted snow make it easy to ski.

Hunter Mountain Shiobara has introduced the latest automatic snow-making machines, which ensure a stable amount of snow regardless of the weather.

The course is well-packed and easy to slide on, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy carving turns and skiing at high speed.

The 3000 meter downhill is very exciting!

The highlight is the long course, which is up to 3,000 meters long. The ability to take a gondola to the top of the mountain and then ski down the long distance to the base is a unique attraction of Hunter Mountain Shiobara. The view from the summit is spectacular, and you can also enjoy an exhilarating feeling. The sense of accomplishment when you finish skiing a long distance is exceptional, so if you're confident in your stamina, try the long course.

Enjoy a convenient day trip with a guide in English or Chinese

If you're visiting Hunter Mountain Shiobara, the Orion Tour day trip plan, which includes an English or Chinese guide, is convenient. You can go directly from the meeting point to the ski resort, and after arriving, the guide will help you with rental procedures and how to spend your time, so even first-time visitors can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

Furthermore, after the ski resort, this tour also includes a visit to Ouchi-juku, a popular tourist destination in Fukushima Prefecture. This historic post town, with its thatched roofs, is also popular as a photogenic spot. This plan is recommended for those who want to enjoy both skiing/snowboarding and sightseeing.

Tour details and reservations here

[Nagano Prefecture] Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture is a ski resort located in Karuizawa, one of Japan's most famous resort areas. It's located very close to the Shinkansen station, making it extremely accessible. There's a large shopping mall right next to the ski resort, allowing you to fully enjoy the resort atmosphere. Another appealing feature is that the resort uses artificial snow machines, allowing you to enjoy stable skiing conditions from November, at the beginning of the season.

Skiing while enjoying the spectacular view of Mount Asama is an exceptional experience.

From Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, you can get a close-up view of the majestic Mount Asama. Skiing while looking at the beautiful snow-capped mountains is a truly pleasant experience. The courses are wide and well-maintained, so even beginners can ski with confidence. Taking photos with the spectacular view as a backdrop will be a wonderful memory of your trip. Recommended for those who want to enjoy both the scenery and the slopes.

Enjoy shopping after skiing or snowboarding

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is located right next to the ski resort. The attractive location means you can walk to the shops after enjoying skiing or snowboarding.

This large outlet mall has around 200 stores where you can purchase not only clothes, bags, and shoes, but also pet supplies, miscellaneous goods, and even souvenirs. There are also famous brand stores and restaurants, making it the perfect spot for people who want to enjoy both sports and shopping in one day.

[Nagano Prefecture] Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort

Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture is known for the quality of its snow, thanks to its location at a high altitude. One of its attractions is being able to enjoy natural snow. Although it is not large, it is characterized by its uncrowded nature, allowing you to ski at a leisurely pace. It is a hidden ski resort, perfect for those who want to ski in a tranquil atmosphere while enjoying nature.

A unique skiing experience surrounded by a birch forest

A major attraction of Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort is the opportunity to ski through a beautiful birch forest. The scenery created by the white snow and white birch trees is unique, allowing you to experience the natural beauty that is unique to Japan. Another benefit is that the courses in the forest are less affected by the wind, making them easier to ski on. The experience of skiing through beautiful scenery is something special that you won't find at any other ski resort.

Free advice for beginner snowboarders

Another reason for the popularity of Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort is that it is beginner-friendly. To ensure safe and enjoyable skiing, they offer free one-point lessons, so even beginners can easily give it a try. The atmosphere is homey and the staff are friendly. There are also courses for beginners, making it the perfect environment for those who want to start snowboarding.

[Nagano Prefecture] Fujimi Panorama Resort

Fujimi Panorama Resort is a ski resort in Nagano Prefecture that is easily accessible from Tokyo. It is located close to a highway interchange, making it easy to reach even on a bus tour. Its location, with views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mt. Fuji, is a major attraction, and it boasts a high rate of sunny days, allowing you to enjoy skiing under blue skies. There are also plenty of activities other than skiing and snowboarding, such as a kids' park and snow trekking, making it popular with families and couples.

Enjoy the magnificent panorama of Yatsugatake and Mt. Fuji

Once you reach the summit, the magnificent view of the Yatsugatake Mountains will unfold before your eyes. If the weather is good, you can even see Mt. Fuji. The clear weather rate is said to be 85%, and the unique appeal of this ski resort is being able to ski under a blue sky while looking at Japan's most famous mountains. Along with the magnificent panorama, you can also enjoy the long course that takes you from the summit to the bottom of the slopes by gondola. Recommended for those who want to ski while taking in the scenery.

Plenty of activities other than skiing and snowboarding

There are plenty of activities to enjoy even if you're not a skier or snowboarder. For example, a popular winter activity is a trekking tour through the snowy mountains on snowshoes. Walking through the quiet forest with a guide allows you to experience the natural beauty of the snowy mountains up close. There is also a kids' park for children, where they can enjoy a variety of activities, including sledding and tubing.

Orion Tour: Skiing and snowboarding near Tokyo

If you want to enjoy skiing or snowboarding near Tokyo, Orion Tours is a convenient option. Arranging transportation and scheduling on your own can be surprisingly difficult, but with a tour, you can leave everything from transportation to rental procedures to us.

For travelers from overseas, Japan's transportation system and reservation system can be difficult to understand. The appeal of Orion Tour is that it helps you enjoy your trip while eliminating such concerns.

Bus tours make travel easy

With Orion Tour's bus tour, you don't have to transfer while carrying heavy luggage. Simply board the bus from the designated meeting point and you'll be taken directly to the ski resort. It can be dangerous for people who are not used to driving on snowy roads to drive a rental car, but you can rest assured with a bus driven by a professional driver. If you get tired from playing in the snow, you can take a relaxing rest on the bus on the way back. You can even sleep and rest on the bus on the way back.

No need to worry about language

Orion Tours offers tour plans for foreign tourists visiting Japan. If you choose a tour that supports English or Chinese, you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about language barriers. Your guide will also help you find the meeting place, handle the procedures at the rental shop, and recommend lunch, so you can rest assured. Even in an unfamiliar place, knowing that you have someone to consult with when you run into trouble is a great source of security.

You can book it together with hotels and flights

Orion Tour not only allows you to book bus tours, but also hotels and flights all in one booking. You can combine a Tokyo hotel with a ski tour, or create an itinerary that includes enjoying the Tokyo area and then moving on to another region. Another great thing about Orion Tour is that they will support you throughout your trip, so you can enjoy your trip in Japan smoothly.

Orion Tours bus tours to ski resorts near Tokyo

If you want to fully enjoy Japan's winter, we recommend ski resorts that are easily accessible from Tokyo. And for those who want to make hassle-free transportation and rental arrangements, Orion Tour's bus tours are convenient. They also offer plans with support in foreign languages, so even first-time visitors to Japan can participate with peace of mind.

There are plenty of winter activities to enjoy, from beautiful snowy scenery and gourmet food to skiing and snowboarding. Be sure to check out Orion Tours as an activity to enjoy during your stay in Tokyo.