10 Day Trip Snowboarding Slopes from Tokyo! Tours Included!

The appeal of snowboarding, a day trip from Tokyo

Why are more and more people enjoying snowboarding on day trips from Tokyo?

There are three main reasons.

Cost savings

If you take a day trip, you won't have to pay for accommodation at the ski resort.

Hotel prices can be high during the winter tourist season, but if you take a day trip, you can keep costs down. Trips with overnight stays can be expensive overall, but if you take a day trip, you can still enjoy yourself while keeping accommodation costs down.

With the money you save, you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine or buy souvenirs. Day trips are also a good option for those who want to enjoy the snowy mountains on a budget.

Easy to get to

A big attraction of day-trip snowboarding is that it's easy to prepare.

Since you don't need to prepare for lodging, you can bring less luggage. Many ski resorts offer rental clothing and boards, so you can go empty-handed.

You can enjoy snowboarding without the burden of carrying heavy luggage.

Easy to adjust schedule

Another feature of this day trip is that it is easy to incorporate into your daily schedule.

You can easily enjoy snowboarding in between sightseeing or on your free days. You can return to Tokyo in the evening, so it won't affect your sightseeing or travel plans the next day.

Another benefit of day trips is that you can easily make plans at the last minute, checking the weather and snow conditions.

Bus tours are convenient for day trips to snowboard from Tokyo

If you're planning a day trip from Tokyo to go snowboarding, a bus tour will make travelling smoother.

Japan's train network is complicated, and it can be difficult to transfer between lines. Traveling with large luggage can also be a burden. Bus tours go directly from the meeting point in Tokyo to the slopes, so there are no train changes. There's also no need to carry heavy luggage up and down stairs, reducing the burden of travel.

You can sit back and relax on the bus, enjoying the scenery outside the window and chatting with friends and family while you travel. Another advantage is that you can sleep during the trip and conserve your energy. After you're done skiing, you can just sleep on the way back to Tokyo, so it's a comfortable day trip.

10 Ski Resorts for Day Trip Snowboarding from Tokyo

Here we will introduce 10 popular ski resorts where you can go snowboarding on a day trip from Tokyo.

We will introduce the characteristics of each ski resort and reference information for Orion Tour's one-day bus tours.

[Nagano Prefecture] Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture has 14 courses for all levels, with a focus on beginner courses.

There is also a course with a direct view of Mount Asama, and on clear days you can enjoy snowboarding in the open under the blue sky. There is a shopping mall next to the slopes, so you can enjoy shopping and a meal after snowboarding. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants, so you can enjoy a comfortable break.

To go snowboarding from Tokyo to Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, it's convenient to take a day trip bus tour that departs Tokyo in the morning and returns in the evening.

Some of Orion Tour's day bus tour vehicles have spacious seats equipped with power outlets and USB ports, so you can check social media or watch videos while on the way to the ski resort. In addition to plans that include lift tickets, there are also day bus tours that include a board set, making it easy to reduce the hassle of preparation.

[Nagano Prefecture] Fujimi Panorama Resort

Fujimi Panorama Resort is a ski slope located in Nagano Prefecture, and is known for having many sunny days, with an 85% sunny day rate.

As the name suggests, it is famous as a ski slope from which you can see Mt. Fuji, and on clear days you can snowboard while enjoying the view of Mt. Fuji and the Yatsugatake Mountains.

The seven courses are mainly aimed at beginners to intermediate skiers, and many of them have gentle slopes, so you can practice safely. There is also a kids' park where children can play safely on sleds and snow striders, making this a popular ski slope with families.

A bus tour that takes you to Fujimi Panorama Resort for a day trip to snowboard departs from Tokyo in the morning and arrives at the ski resort in about three hours.

Orion Tour's day bus tours typically have a schedule that allows you to spend around six hours at the destination. In addition to plans that include lift tickets, you can also choose plans that include board sets and clothing rentals.

[Gunma Prefecture] Tambara Ski Park

Gunma Prefecture's Tambara Ski Park is located at a high altitude, so the quality of the snow is excellent, and one of its great attractions is being able to enjoy smooth powder snow. Approximately 80% of the eight courses are for beginners and intermediate skiers, so it's recommended even for those who are not used to snowboarding.

Tamba Land is an area dedicated to playing in the snow and sledding, and is popular with children as it offers a variety of sleds, snow striders, and tubing.

Orion Tour's day bus tours often have schedules that allow you to spend around six hours at the destination. Some plans also include board sets and clothing rentals, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

[Gunma Prefecture] Kawaba Ski Resort

Kawaba Ski Resort in Gunma Prefecture is known not only for the amount of snow it produces but also for its excellent snow quality, allowing you to try snowboarding on powder snow.

Start with the First Step Slope, which is perfect for your first time on the slopes, and once you get used to it, you can ski down the gently sloping Sakuragawa Course or the Crystal Course, which is up to 3,300m long.

Orion Tours also offers a one-day bus tour to Kawaba Ski Resort, departing from Tokyo in the morning. Among the six plans, there is one that includes full-day use of the relaxing "POWDER LOUNGE," allowing you to enjoy some special time between snowboarding.

[Nagano] Saku Ski Garden Parada

Saku Ski Garden Parada in Nagano Prefecture is a ski resort located near a highway interchange and easily accessible by car or bus.

There is also a practice slope for beginners, and if you apply in advance you can take part in a snowboarding school. There are both indoor and outdoor kids' areas, so children can play regardless of the weather, making this a ski slope that is easy for families to use.

Orion Tour also offers one-day bus tours that include ski school. There are also plans that include renting snowboard equipment and clothing, so it's convenient to make reservations all at once.

[Yamanashi Prefecture] Kamui Misaka Ski Resort

Kamui Misaka Ski Resort is located in Yamanashi Prefecture, and since it is close to Tokyo and travel time is minimal, you can spend more time on the slopes.

There are gentle and wide courses that are easy for beginners and those with no prior snowboarding experience to practice on. On the other hand, there are also challenging courses for intermediate and advanced skiers, making this a ski resort that can be used by people of all levels.

Orion Tour's one-day bus tour is scheduled to allow you to enjoy snowboarding for about seven hours. There is also a plan that allows you to rent snowboard equipment and clothing, so you can participate empty-handed.

[Tochigi Prefecture] Hunter Mountain Shiobara

Hunter Mountain Shiobara in Tochigi Prefecture is a large ski resort with 12 courses, offering a wide variety of courses that are easy to use for all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced skiers.

The longest run is about 3,000m, so you can enjoy the exhilaration of continuing to ski for a long time. The snowboard park is also professional, and even advanced snowboarders will be satisfied.

Day trips to Hunter Mountain Shiobara by bus typically depart Tokyo in the morning and allow for around six hours on site. Orion Tours also offers day trip plans that include board and clothing rentals, making it easy to go snowboarding without the hassle of preparation.

[Niigata Prefecture] Maiko Snow Resort

Maiko Snow Resort is located in Niigata Prefecture and is a large-scale ski resort boasting 26 courses and the longest run of approximately 6,000m.

There is a wide range of courses that are suitable for beginners to advanced skiers, so you can enjoy snowboarding all day long. Banana boat and snowmobile experiences are also available for children, and there is even a hot spring within the ski center. Another great thing about this resort is that you can warm up your body after snowboarding or playing in the snow.

You can also take a day trip from Tokyo on a bus tour, and Orion Tours also offers a day trip bus tour that includes board school. The travel time is a little long, at about four hours, but you can expect a fulfilling experience that only a large-scale ski slope can offer.

[Niigata Prefecture] Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort

Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort in Niigata Prefecture is a ski resort that features a variety of courses, from gentle courses for beginners to courses where you can ski with a panoramic view of the mountains, and courses that are not groomed.

The beginners' area has a 100m-long snow escalator, so even those who are not used to getting on and off lifts can feel at ease.

In the "FUN RIDE ZONE," you can master the feel of snowboarding while having fun by completing attractions and sliding through the trees.

You can also take a day trip bus tour from Tokyo to Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort. Orion Tours offers plans that include board and clothing rentals and lift tickets, making it easy to choose a tour that suits your needs.

[Niigata Prefecture] Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is a historic ski resort located in Niigata Prefecture that opened in 1949.

There are 27 courses and a snow park perfect for snowboarding. Another attraction is the wide variety of experiences available, including a tree run course where you can glide through the trees, and the Snow Play Park where you can enjoy sledding and air boarding.

Orion Tour offers plans that include lift tickets, as well as day bus tours where you can rent board sets, clothing, and even accessories. Gloves, goggles, and hats are also available for rental, making it easy to participate empty-handed.

Enjoy snowboarding on a day trip from Tokyo | Orion Tour with a translated guide

If you're planning on going snowboarding for a day trip, we recommend using Orion Tours.

Orion Tour offers many ski bus tours departing from Tokyo.

Bus tour makes transportation easy

Orion Tour buses depart and arrive from major departure points in Tokyo. This reduces the hassle of travel, as there is no need to change trains or arrange for a rental car. By taking the bus, you can get to the ski resort without having to transfer, making it easy to use even for those who are worried about driving on snowy roads or complicated transportation.

There are plans that include lift tickets and rentals.

Orion Tour offers plans that include round-trip bus fare and lift tickets. You can also choose a plan that includes rental clothing and boards. This makes preparations easy as you can complete the reservation in one go, eliminating the need to make separate arrangements on site.

Plans with foreign language guides are also available

To make it easier for those who are not confident in their Japanese language skills to participate, there are also plans available in which an English- or Chinese-speaking guide accompanies you. The guide will explain how to use the slopes and basic etiquette, so even those who are using Japanese slopes for the first time can feel at ease.

From here, we will introduce one-day bus tours accompanied by a guide.

Tambara Ski Park Snow Play + All-You-Can-Eat Crab & Strawberry Picking Tour

There is a one-day bus tour that combines all-you-can-eat crab and strawberry picking after playing in the snow at Tambara Ski Park.

This tour is open to anyone, even if they don't snowboard, and allows you to enjoy both winter mountain experiences and gourmet food in one day. English- or Chinese-speaking guides accompany you, making it an easy tour even for those new to snowy mountain experiences in Japan.

Tour details and reservations here

Snow fun at Tambara Ski Park + All-you-can-eat crab & Ashikaga Flower Park illumination tour

After enjoying playing in the snow and eating all-you-can-eat crab at Tambara Ski Park, we will visit Ashikaga Flower Park, which is known as one of Japan's three major illuminations.

You can enjoy the fantastical illuminations that are unique to winter, and experience the combination of snowy scenery and light displays. A guide who speaks English or Chinese will accompany you and show you the highlights of the illuminations.

Tour details and reservations here

Tambara Ski Park Day Trip Bus Tour | Ski or Snowboard Rental + Lift Ticket Included

There are also day bus tours for people who want to focus on snowboarding. You can choose a plan that includes clothing rental and lift tickets, so it's easy to participate empty-handed and reduce the hassle of preparation.

You can ski for about 5 hours at Tambara Ski Park, and it features gentle courses for beginners that make it easy to practice the basics.

A guide who speaks English or Chinese will accompany you and explain how to use the slopes and how to pick up rental equipment.

Tour details and reservations here

Enjoy a day trip snowboarding with Orion Tour

Winter in Japan is incredibly beautiful. While sightseeing in Tokyo is fun, why not take a little trip a little further and explore the world of snow? Bus tours make it easy to get to ski resorts from Tokyo on a day trip, so you don't need to worry about staying overnight.

Orion Tours also offers tours accompanied by guides who speak English or Chinese, so even if you don't speak Japanese, you can participate with peace of mind.

Why not try Orion Tours and enjoy a day that combines snowboarding in the snowy mountains with a meal?