Introducing the reasons why Japanese ski resorts are chosen by foreigners and the most popular slopes!

Why are Japanese ski resorts so popular with foreigners? A thorough explanation!

There are many reasons why Japanese ski resorts are attracting attention from overseas, in addition to the quality of the snow.

Here we will explain five reasons why Japanese ski resorts are popular with foreigners.

1. Enjoy some of the world's best powder snow, "JAPOW"

The biggest reason why skiers and snowboarders from overseas flock to Japanese ski resorts is undoubtedly the presence of some of the finest powder snow in the world , known as "JAPOW."

This is an abbreviated word that combines "Japan" and "Powder Snow," and it is said to have fans all over the world due to the high quality of its snow.

Ski resorts in Hokkaido and on the Sea of Japan coast in particular have low humidity levels and produce fine snow, allowing for a floating sensation when skiing, something that is hard to find overseas, making them extremely popular with foreigners.

2. Enjoy Japan's unique culture, food, and hot springs all in one place

A great attraction of a ski trip in Japan is that you can enjoy not only the snowy mountains but also the unique Japanese culture .

The fact that you can relax in a hot spring after skiing, or enjoy Japanese food such as ramen, sushi, and izakaya menu items in the hot spring town is also highly appreciated by visitors from overseas.

The fact that you can experience Japanese culture while skiing seems to be what sets it apart from ski resorts in other countries.

3. High cost performance

One reason for this is that Japanese ski resorts offer better value for money in terms of lift tickets and accommodation costs compared to Europe and North America.

Although prices have risen slightly recently, Japan's strength is that you can still enjoy world-class powder snow and facilities at a relatively reasonable price. Due in part to the weak yen, Japan seems to be gaining popularity overseas as a country where you can enjoy high-quality snow, facilities, and services at an affordable price.

4. Public safety and a safe place to stay

When traveling abroad, the safety of a country is a very important factor in deciding on a destination.

Japan is known worldwide for its high level of public safety, making it a safe country for even first-time travelers. Even in ski resort areas, there are few incidents, and the hospitality of the staff is highly rated. Lost or forgotten items are often returned, and the city has an atmosphere where you can walk around safely even at night, making it a popular destination overseas.

Another reason for its popularity is the well-maintained transportation system in snowy and mountainous areas.

5. Resort development is progressing and English support is improving

In recent years, due to the rise in inbound tourism demand, an increasing number of ski resorts in Japan are providing English-speaking staff, signs, and menus.

Another reason for its popularity is that English is easily spoken in restaurants, hotels, and rental shops, creating a less stressful environment for foreigners.

The international atmosphere on the slopes is one of the attractions, as it allows you to enjoy intercultural exchange , and there are apparently opportunities to make friends with people from other countries.

Top 8 Japanese ski resorts popular with foreigners

Here we will introduce a carefully selected list of Japanese ski resorts that are highly popular among overseas skiers and snowboarders . This winter, why not choose a slope where you can enjoy a global atmosphere while skiing?

1. Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort | Many overseas repeat visitors! One of the world's leading powder snow meccas

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort in Niseko Town, Hokkaido, is a popular ski resort overseas, attracting skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.

The resort is known for its high-quality powder snow and wide courses, and has many repeat visitors from overseas, so there are plenty of luxury condominiums and international restaurants in the surrounding area.

There are 13 courses for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, and you can enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Yotei. There is also a hot spring hotel nearby where you can take a day trip to enjoy the hot springs. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy not only skiing but also the hot springs.

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort [Address] Niseko 485, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

[Telephone number] 0136-58-2080

【access】

Approximately 10 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Niseko Station

Approximately 120 minutes by express Niseko from JR Otaru Station

[Business hours] 8:30-19:30 *Varies depending on the season

【Official website】 https://annupuri.info/

[SNS accounts]
https://www.instagram.com/nisekoannupuriskiarea/
https://www.facebook.com/nisekoannupuriskiarea/

2. Rusutsu Resort | A popular resort that has won the top prize in the "Japan's Best Ski Resort" category

Rusutsu Resort boasts a vast area and a variety of courses, making it an international resort that has received high praise in international ski awards.

It has received acclaim from around the world, including winning the top prize in the Japan's Best Ski Resort category at the World Ski Awards six times, and is visited by many people from overseas.

With a total of 37 courses, everyone from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy it, and you can also enjoy high-quality powder snow that rivals that of Niseko! The resort also has an amusement park, golf course, hot springs, and more, so there are plenty of other things to do besides skiing.

This ski resort is popular with a wide range of people, from families to young groups.

Rusutsu Resort [Address] 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu Village, Abuta District, Hokkaido

[Telephone number] 0136-46-3331

[Access] Approximately 120 minutes by shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport

[Business hours] 9:00-20:00 *Varies depending on the season

【Official website】 https://rusutsu.com/

[SNS accounts]
https://x.com/rusutsuitter
https://www.instagram.com/rusutsuresort_official/
https://www.facebook.com/RusutsuResort

3. Furano Ski Resort | Furano's unique powder snow is extremely popular with skiers from overseas!

Located in the inland area of Hokkaido, Furano Ski Resort enjoys extremely dry snow due to its location, allowing visitors to enjoy the dry powder snow that is unique to inland areas, making it a perennial favorite among core skiers and snowboarders from overseas.

It has two vast areas (Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone) and is directly connected to the New Furano Prince Hotel, making it extremely convenient for accommodation.

There are 28 diverse courses that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced riders, and the long cruises of over 4km are popular, but with good access to the town of Furano, it is also perfect for those who want to combine it with dining and sightseeing.

We also recommend enjoying the illuminations at Furano Kankan Village, or immersing yourself in the world of drama at the popular tourist spot, Furano Drama Museum.

Furano Ski Resort [Address] Nakagoryo, Furano City, Hokkaido

[Telephone number] 0167-22-1111

【Access】Approximately 12 minutes by car from JR Furano Station

[Business hours] 8:30-15:00 *Varies depending on the season

【Official Website】 https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/furano/winter/

[SNS accounts]
https://www.instagram.com/furanoski_official/
https://www.facebook.com/furanoskiarea/

4. Zao Onsen Ski Resort | Popular for its abundant hot springs and diverse courses! A snow resort with one of Japan's largest frost-covered fields

Zao Onsen Ski Resort , located in Yamagata Prefecture, is a snow resort where you can enjoy the combination of fantastic "frost-covered trees" and hot springs. "Frost-covered trees" are a rare natural phenomenon created by the unique weather conditions and vegetation of the Zao mountain range. Zao Onsen Ski Resort has a "Frost-covered Trees Course" where you can enjoy a vast panorama of frost-covered trees, and is popular with foreign visitors as well.

Zao Onsen has a long history, having opened in 1900, and the hot spring town boasts an abundance of hot spring water, which is located right at the foot of the slopes. After skiing, you can enjoy not only the hot springs but also a stroll through the charming hot spring town.

Be sure to enjoy one of Tohoku's largest snow areas, suitable for beginners to advanced skiers.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort [Address] 709-1 Doai, Zao Onsen, Yamagata City

[Telephone number] 023-694-9617

【Access】Approximately 1 hour by bus from JR Yamagata Station

[Business hours] 8:30-17:00 *Varies depending on the season

【Official website】 https://zaomountainresort.com/ski/

[SNS accounts]
https://x.com/jukkiikun
https://www.instagram.com/zao_onsen/

5. Naeba Ski Resort | Popular for its easy access from the city center and vast slopes!

Naeba Ski Resort , located in Niigata Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading winter resorts, boasting 24 diverse courses across a vast 134-hectare ski slope. The slopes offer a good balance of slopes, from steep slopes for advanced skiers to gentle slopes for beginners, and there are plenty of accommodations and restaurants! In addition to the ski resort, you can also enjoy over 20 restaurants in the adjacent hotel.

The "Day Ski Center" directly connected to the ski resort also has a natural hot spring, making it the perfect place to soothe your tired body after skiing! It's easily accessible, taking just two and a half hours from Tokyo, making it a popular ski resort for tourists from overseas.

Naeba Ski Resort [Address] 202 Mikuni, Yuzawa-cho, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture

[Telephone number] 025-789-4117

【access】

Approximately 45 minutes by bus from JR Echigo Yuzawa Station (free shuttle bus available for hotel guests only)

Approximately 30 minutes by car from Yuzawa IC

[Business hours] 8:00-17:00 *Varies depending on the season

【Official website】 https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba/winter/

[SNS accounts]
https://x.com/Naebanow
https://www.instagram.com/naebaski_official/
https://www.facebook.com/SnowNaeba

6. Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort | A popular ski resort overseas where you can enjoy authentic powder snow riding

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort receives the most snowfall in the Hakuba area and has a wide selection of ungroomed runs, making it a popular ski resort, especially among overseas skiers and snowboarders seeking authentic powder riding . The Hakuba area is internationally known as "Hakuba Valley." One of the attractions of Cortina Ski Resort is the view from the summit of the Northern Alps' Ushiro-Tateyama mountain range and the Hokushin Five Mountains, including Myoko.

It has everything from beginner slopes to advanced courses offering spectacular views from an altitude of 1,400m, so it's great for all levels. After skiing, you can enjoy the famous hot springs at Hakuba Cortina Beauty Baths.

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort [Address] 12860-1 Chikuni Otsu, Otari Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture

[Telephone number] 0261-82-2236

【access】

Approximately 20 minutes by bus from JR Minami-Otari Station (free shuttle bus available)

Approximately 50 minutes by car from Itoigawa IC

[Business hours] 8:30-16:30 *Night hours available depending on the season

【Official website】 https://www.hgp.co.jp/cortina/ski/

[SNS accounts]
https://www.instagram.com/hakubacortina/
https://www.facebook.com/hakubacortina/

7. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort | A hot topic on overseas social media! Lots of accommodations for foreigners and English menus available

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort , which boasts an area equivalent to approximately 63 Tokyo Domes, is one of Japan's largest ski slopes, offering high-quality powder snow and a traditional hot spring town. In addition to enjoying the longest run of 10,000 meters and a total of 44 courses that make use of the powder, the hot spring town also offers a tour of 13 outdoor baths that use 100% natural hot spring water.

The quality of the snow and hot springs have become popular on overseas social media, and in recent years, many overseas visitors have been visiting. The number of English-speaking accommodations and restaurants is also increasing, so it's recommended for those who want to enjoy cross-cultural exchange in addition to skiing.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort [Address] 7653 Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen Village, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture

[Telephone number] 0269-85-3166

【Access】Approximately 20 minutes by car or taxi from JR Togari-Nozawa Onsen Station

Approximately 25 minutes by car from Toyota Iiyama IC

[Business hours] 8:00-17:00 *Night hours available depending on the season

【Official website】 https://nozawaski.com/

[SNS accounts]
https://x.com/nozawanaski
https://www.instagram.com/nozawaski/
https://www.facebook.com/nozawaonsen.snowresort/

8. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort | Japan's largest ski resort with 18 ski resorts

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort , which brings together 18 ski resorts , is one of the largest in Japan. Its vastness and number of courses means you can't ski them all in one day, and the high altitude creates high-quality snow, making it a popular destination for skiers of all ages, from beginners to advanced skiers.

It is well known internationally as it hosts domestic and international competitions, and attracts many skiers and snowboarders from overseas. There are also plenty of restaurants within the ski resort, where you can enjoy not only Japanese food but also international cuisine .

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort [Address] 7148 Heijo, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture

[Telephone number] 0269-34-2404

【access】

Approximately 40 minutes by bus from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway

Approximately 30 minutes by car from Shinshu Nakano IC

[Business hours] 8:30-16:30 *Varies by ski resort

【Official website】 https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/

[SNS accounts]
https://x.com/shigaofficial
https://www.instagram.com/shigakogen.jpn/
https://www.facebook.com/shigakogen/

The pros and cons of Japanese ski resorts with a large number of foreign visitors

Ski resorts with many foreign visitors have an international atmosphere and offer opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. However, there are also times when you may feel the crowds and cultural differences.

Here we will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of ski resorts that are popular with foreigners, which you should know before actually visiting them.

Pros: Enjoy international restaurants and intercultural exchange!

The biggest advantage of Japanese ski resorts, which are popular with foreign visitors, is that you can experience different cultures while still in Japan . For example, in international areas such as Niseko and Hakuba, ski resort restaurants now offer a wide variety of international cuisine, allowing you to enjoy foreign dishes. Cashless payment is also becoming more common, creating an environment that allows for a comfortable stay.

Intercultural exchanges often occur naturally on the slopes or at your accommodation, and you can enjoy conversations with foreign tourists sitting next to you on the lift, or exchange information with young people from overseas at a bar at night. A major benefit is that you can enjoy real intercultural exchange, just like you would at a resort overseas.

Disadvantages: Beware of crowds and differences in etiquette and rules

On the other hand, the increase in tourists from overseas can mean longer wait times for lifts at popular ski resorts and crowded restaurants. Also, rules and etiquette can differ from those overseas , which can be confusing.

However, ski resorts are also working to make improvements, such as providing explanations of the rules in multiple languages. If you avoid busy times and understand the rules in advance, you can avoid too much stress, so be sure to be creative and enjoy yourself.

Enjoy "JAPOW" at a Japanese ski resort that is popular with foreigners

Japan's ski resorts are popular with people from overseas thanks to their diverse appeal, including "JAPOW," which is praised for its snow quality, which is said to be the best in the world, as well as culture, hot springs, safety, and value for money.

At ski resorts with many foreign visitors, you can enjoy an international atmosphere and intercultural exchange, offering a special experience while still in Japan.

Using the information on ski resorts introduced in this article, why not enjoy the ultimate snow trip this winter at a Japanese ski resort that is attracting attention from around the world, while soaking up the global atmosphere of "JAPOW"?