[From Tokyo] 10 Recommended Ski Resorts You Can Easily Visit for a Day Trip or Without a Car

Don't go wrong! How to choose a ski resort from Tokyo

If you're going to a ski resort from Tokyo without a car, it's important to consider not only how to get there but also how comfortable you will be at the resort.

Here we'll show you how to choose the right ski resort to make the most of your day or weekend trip.

Bus tour? Train? Choose by access method

If you're going to a ski resort from Tokyo without a car, the first thing you need to decide is how you'll get there .

We recommend bus tours. They have the advantages of not requiring transfers, requiring less equipment to carry, and are inexpensive. You can even sleep on the bus to the ski resort, so you can conserve your energy and enjoy skiing to your heart's content on the slopes!

On the other hand, if you use the Shinkansen or train, the fare may be higher, but depending on the ski resort, you can reach the nearest station to the slopes in about an hour and a half. There is also a free shuttle bus from the station, making it perfect for those who want to shorten their travel time.

Travel time of less than two hours one way is recommended

If you want to enjoy skiing or snowboarding comfortably on a day trip, we recommend a ski resort that is about two hours one way from Tokyo.

If it takes too long to travel, the time you can spend on the slopes will be shortened, which can reduce your satisfaction. For beginners and students in particular, it is important to choose a distance that is not too strenuous.

Karuizawa is an hour to an hour and a half away by Shinkansen, and the Yamanashi and Gunma areas are within two hours by bus, so they are easily accessible from central Tokyo and can be enjoyed on a day trip.

Be sure to check the course difficulty!

If you're a beginner or have been away from skiing for a while, be sure to check the course difficulty and specifications in advance, such as the ratio of beginner to intermediate runs, the longest run distance, and the maximum slope. Slopes with many beginner runs and gentle, wide runs make it easy to practice safely, even if you fall, and are a good place to start skiing or snowboarding.

For intermediate to advanced skiers, it is recommended to check whether there are steep slopes with a maximum gradient of over 30 degrees, long runs, and park items, so that you can enjoy skiing in a way that suits your level.

The quality of rental and school facilities is also important

If you don't have your own ski or snowboard equipment yet, be sure to check the rental options . Many ski resorts these days offer stylish, high-performance wear for rent, and many bus tours offer "empty-handed packs" that include skis, boots, and clothing, so be sure to check them out.

Furthermore, if you are a beginner, choosing a ski resort that has a ski or snowboard school will make it easier to improve your skills and is also safer.

It would be even better if there were plenty of nearby facilities (hot springs, etc.)

The fun of skiing and snowboarding doesn't end on the slopes. Warming up in a hot spring after a day on the slopes will instantly relieve your fatigue and put you in the mood for your trip. Be sure to research in advance whether there are any day spas attached to ski resorts or attractive hot spring resorts a little further away.

Additionally, ski resorts with large restaurants and rest areas are recommended as they are easy to enjoy even for beginners and those who are not confident in their physical strength.

[From Tokyo] 10 Recommended Ski Resorts for Day Trips and Car-Free Access

Here we have carefully selected popular and recommended ski resorts that are easily accessible from Tokyo without a car. Check out the features of each resort, such as ease of access, attractive courses, and comprehensive facilities, to find the slope that's perfect for you.

[Gunma] Tambara Ski Park | Excellent snow quality, perfect for beginners

Located about 30 minutes from Numata IC on the Kanetsu Expressway, Tambara Ski Park boasts powder snow. Located at a high altitude, it is a ski resort where you can enjoy high-quality snow. 80% of the courses are for beginners and intermediate skiers, making them easy even for beginners.

There is also a wide selection of rentals, and you can even get a complete set of ski wear, so you can come empty-handed! Bus tours are also available departing from Shinjuku, and if you take an overnight bus you can enjoy plenty of time skiing from early in the morning. This is a recommended ski resort that can be accessed from the Tokyo metropolitan area in about 2 hours by car.

Tambara Ski Park [Address] Tambara Plateau, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture

[Telephone number] 0278-23-9311

[Access] Approximately 30 minutes by car from Numata IC

[Business hours] 8:30-16:00 (varies depending on the season)

【Official website】 https://www.tambara.co.jp/winter/

[SNS accounts]

https://x.com/tambaraskipark
https://www.instagram.com/tambaratokyuresort/
https://www.facebook.com/tambaraskipark/

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort in Niigata: 23 diverse courses for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort , which represents the Joetsu area, is a large-scale ski resort with 23 diverse courses. It has everything from wide runs for beginners to steep slopes and park items for intermediate and advanced skiers, making it a great place for trips with friends of different levels.

If you're traveling by Shinkansen or train, it's about a 10-minute ride on the free shuttle bus from JR Echigo Yuzawa Station. If you're traveling by car, it's easily accessible, just a 5-minute drive from Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC. There are also bus tours from the Kanto region, so even those without a car can easily go skiing. There are also plenty of hot spring facilities around Ishiuchi Maruyama, so you can enjoy them in addition to the hot springs.

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort [Address] 1699 Ishiuchi, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture

[Telephone number] 025-783-2222

【access】

Approximately 5 minutes from Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC

10 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Echigo Yuzawa Station

[Business hours] 8:30-20:00 (varies depending on the season)

【Official website】 https://ishiuchi.or.jp/winter/

[SNS accounts]

https://x.com/ishiuchi_IM
https://www.instagram.com/ishiuchimaruyama/
https://www.facebook.com/ishiuchimaruyama/

[Nagano] Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort | About an hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo! If access is important, this is the place for you

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is about an hour away from Tokyo Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and is directly connected to the station and the outlet , making it the perfect ski resort for those who prioritize access. Another great thing about this resort is that it has a high rate of sunny days, meaning there are many days when you can ski in comfortable conditions.

In addition to courses that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers, the resort is characterized by its easy-to-ski conditions, even in the early season such as November, thanks to the stable snow quality ensured by artificial snow machines. Night skiing is also available, so it is recommended for those who want to ski until late into the night.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort [Address] Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture

[Telephone number] 0267-42-5588

【access】

Approximately 20 minutes by car from Usui-Karuizawa IC

Approximately 1 minute by taxi or 10 minutes on foot from JR Karuizawa Station (free shuttle bus available)

[Business hours] 8:00-17:00 (varies depending on the season)

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

[SNS accounts]

https://www.instagram.com/karusuki_official/
https://www.facebook.com/Karuizawaprincehotelsuki

[Yamanashi] Kamui Misaka Ski Resort | 80 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area! Plenty of courses for beginners and intermediate skiers ♪

Kamui Misaka Ski Resort , which is easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area in about 80 minutes , is a popular ski resort for beginners and intermediate skiers. The compact slopes, with a total of five courses, also have a school and kids' town where you can choose according to your level, making it a great place for students and families with children to enjoy themselves.

Morning bus tours are also available from the Kanto region, and even day trips can guarantee around seven hours of skiing time! There are also plans that include lessons, making this the perfect ski resort for your first time on the slopes.

Kamui Misaka Ski Resort [Address] 5321-1 Kamikurokoma, Misaka-cho, Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture

[Telephone number] 055-264-2614

[Access] Approximately 15 minutes by car from Ichinomiya Misaka IC

[Business hours] 9:00-16:30

【Official website】 https://misaka.kamuisp.com/

[SNS accounts]

https://www.instagram.com/kamuimisaka_official/

[Tochigi] Hunter Mountain Shiobara | 2.5 hours one way! The largest snow resort in the Tokyo metropolitan area

Hunter Mountain Shiobara is one of the largest in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It can be accessed from Tokyo in about 2.5 hours one way , and there are plenty of day trips by Shinkansen or bus, so it's easy to plan even if you don't have a car.

The resort has 12 attractive and diverse courses, including a long course up to 3,000m long, a mogul course, and a well-equipped snow park, so anyone from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy it.

After skiing, you can soothe your fatigue at the nearby Shiobara Onsen hot spring resort! It's also recommended to combine the experience with sightseeing, not just skiing on the snowy mountains.

Hunter Mountain Shiobara [Address] Yumoto Shiobara Maeguro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture

[Telephone number] 0287-32-4580

【access】

Approximately 60 minutes by car from Nishinasuno IC

Free shuttle buses are available from JR Nasushiobara Station and Utsunomiya Station, and Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station.

[Business hours] 8:30-16:00 (varies depending on the season)

【Official website】 https://www.hunter.co.jp/winter/

[SNS accounts]

https://x.com/huntama
https://www.instagram.com/hunter_mountain_jpn/
https://www.facebook.com/hunter.co.jp/

[Gunma] Kawaba Ski Resort | A layout that makes the most of the terrain, perfect for snowboarders

Kawaba Ski Resort is a popular slope in Gunma that boasts a diverse course layout that makes the most of the mountain's topography. With a wide range of courses, from gentle slopes for beginners to courses that allow snowboarders to explore the terrain, you can enjoy it all day without getting bored. The views from the summit are beautiful, and there are plenty of long courses for comfortable skiing! With its high altitude and excellent snow quality, it's also recommended for those looking for powder snow.

One-day bus tours from Tokyo are convenient , and it's easy to access even without a car. The park's compact layout makes use of the multi-story parking lot directly connected to the slopes, making travel less stressful, which is another great benefit.

Kawaba Ski Resort [Address] Kawaba Plateau, Kawaba Village, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture

[Telephone number] 0278-52-3346

[Access] Approximately 25 minutes by car from Numata IC

[Business hours] 8:00-16:00 (varies depending on the season)

【Official website】 https://www.kawaba.co.jp/

[SNS accounts]

https://www.instagram.com/kawabaresort
https://x.com/kawabaski
https://www.facebook.com/kawabaski

Maiko Snow Resort in Niigata | A snow resort where you can enjoy a long run up to 6,000m

Maiko Snow Resort is a popular ski resort in Niigata known for its long run course, which is approximately 6,000m long, and its expansive slopes, which are made up of three areas. It is easily accessible, being just one minute by car from Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC on the Kanetsu Expressway, and about two hours from Tokyo on the expressway. If you are using the Shinkansen, you can also easily access it by taking the free shuttle bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station.

There is also a rental corner with the latest models, so it is recommended to come empty-handed! After you're done skiing, you can soothe your fatigue at Maiko Onsen, which is available for day trips.

Maiko Snow Resort [Address] 1819-79 Maiko, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture

[Telephone number] 025-783-4100

【access】

Approximately 1 minute by car from Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC

Approximately 30 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station

[Business hours] 8:00-16:45 *Unconfirmed as opening has not yet begun

【Official website】 https://www.maiko-resort.com/winter/

[SNS accounts]

https://x.com/maiko_snow
https://www.instagram.com/maikosnowresort/
https://www.facebook.com/maikosnowresort/

[Nagano] Fujimi Panorama Resort | 85% chance of clear skies! We recommend this excellent location

Fujimi Panorama Resort in Nagano Prefecture is easily accessible, just seven minutes from the Suwa Minami Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. With an amazing 85% sunny weather rate, this ski resort boasts comfortable conditions. It's about 90-120 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen or car, and there are plenty of morning bus tours available.

The courses are mainly for beginners and intermediate skiers, and are popular with families and snowboarders. In addition to being able to enjoy a superb location overlooking the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mt. Fuji, and a long course from the summit, there is also the Fujimi Onsen "Yutoron Suijin no Yu" nearby, so it is recommended to stop by on your way back from the snowy mountains.

Fujimi Panorama Resort [Address] 6666-703 Fujimi, Fujimi-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture

[Telephone number] 0266-62-5666

【access】

Approximately 7 minutes by car from Suwa Minami IC

Approximately 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Fujimi Station

[Business hours] 8:30-16:30

【Official website】 https://www.fujimipanorama.com/snow/

[SNS accounts]

https://www.instagram.com/fujimipanorama/
https://www.facebook.com/fujimipanorama/

[Yamanashi] Fujiten Snow Resort | Enjoy skiing while taking in the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji!

Fujiten Snow Resort is a ski resort in Yamanashi Prefecture located at the foot of Mount Fuji, about 90 minutes from Tokyo . Its appeal lies in its location, where you can ski while enjoying a direct view of the majestic Mount Fuji, and it is popular with people in their teens and twenties looking to take photogenic pictures.

The courses are mainly for beginners and intermediates, but there is also a full-scale snow park with a wide range of equipment, making it popular with snowboarders. Night skiing is also available on weekends and holidays, so you can easily go skiing in the afternoon.

Fujiten Snow Resort [Address] 8545-1 Fujisan, Narusawa Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture

[Telephone number] 0555-85-2000

【access】

Approximately 90 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko IC or Fujiyoshida IC

Approximately 25 minutes by Fujiten shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station (fees apply)

[Business hours] 8:30-17:00 (varies depending on the season)

【Official website】 https://www.fujiten.net/

[SNS accounts]

https://x.com/fujiten_now
https://www.instagram.com/fujitenresort/
https://ja-jp.facebook.com/fujiten

[Niigata] Kamitate Snow Resort | After skiing, enjoy the large public bath with an open-air bath with a view!

Kandatsu Snow Resort is a ski resort that is easily accessible, just a 7-minute ride on the free shuttle bus from JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Its biggest draw is its long run, a variety of intermediate and advanced runs, a park area, and a large public bath with an open-air bath with a view that can be used even for day trips! The highlight is being able to enjoy a hot spring bath while admiring the snowy scenery after skiing.

Rentals and lessons are also available, and there are even plans that include Shinkansen tickets, so it's a great way to come empty-handed or make your debut on the slopes.

Kandatsu Snow Resort [Address] 4121-1 Kandatsu, Yuzawa-cho, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture

[Telephone number] 025-788-0111

【access】

Approximately 3 minutes by car from Yuzawa IC

Approximately 7 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station

[Business hours] 7:00-16:30 (varies depending on the season)

【Official website】 https://www.kandatsu.com/

[SNS accounts]

https://www.instagram.com/insta.kandatsu/

Tips for enjoying your ski trip from Tokyo even more

To make your day trip skiing from Tokyo more enjoyable, there are a few things you should keep in mind, such as ways to avoid crowds and taking advantage of convenient packages.

Please keep the following three points in mind to make the most of your trip.

Avoid busy times and dates

At popular ski resorts, the wait times for lifts can be long on weekends, holidays, consecutive weekends, and during the student spring break season, and the number of runs available for skiing is inevitably reduced. We recommend choosing a plan that departs on weekdays or Sunday nights and returns on Mondays .

Additionally, the lifts tend to be very crowded between 9:00 and 11:00 AM. For a comfortable ride, try to go right after opening in the early morning or around lunchtime. We also recommend checking the official website for expected busy times.

Using the hands-free pack makes travelling easy!

If you find it difficult to carry your gear around, we recommend taking advantage of the "hands-free pack" offered by ski resorts and bus tours. You can rent everything from ski and snowboard equipment to clothing, so you can go out without carrying heavy luggage. Since you'll have much less luggage, you can travel lighter and more comfortably.

Some people may think that renting is unfashionable, but there are more and more stylish designs available for rental clothing these days, so be sure to check them out.

After skiing, recover thoroughly in the hot springs!

Skiing and snowboarding use your whole body, so you tend to get more tired than you'd think. To avoid feeling tired the next day, it's very important to recover after skiing.

In that regard, we recommend choosing a ski resort that has a hot spring facility attached to or nearby the slopes, so you can warm up your body from the inside out before getting on the bus or train back home. Of course, it not only warms up your cold body, but it's also effective in relieving muscle fatigue. Many bus tours offer plans that include a hot spring, so be sure to check.

Enjoy the ski resort that's right for you and can be reached from Tokyo!

Ski resorts that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo have various features, such as access methods, course configurations, and the level of facilities. Many spots can be easily accessed without a car, making it easy for beginners and experienced skiers to find a slope that suits them. In particular, if you take advantage of bus tours and empty-handed packages, you can enjoy the snowy mountains even more easily, without the hassle of preparation and travel.

Using the tips on how to choose a ski resort and the recommended ski resorts introduced in this article, you can find a ski resort that suits your level and style, and enjoy the best snow scenery and exhilarating runs!