One-day ski trips from Tokyo | Recommended ski resorts and tours by access

Ski Day Trips from Tokyo | Features and Differences of the Three Access Methods

There are three ways to get to the ski resort from Tokyo: by bus tour, by Shinkansen, or by car.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that suits your style.

1. Bus Tour

Bus tours generally include lift tickets and equipment rentals in addition to transportation costs to the destination, making them more cost-effective than arranging things individually.

However, the disadvantage is that the departure and return times are fixed, so you cannot adjust the time as you like. This is suitable for people trying skiing for the first time, people who do not own a car, and people who want to reduce the amount of luggage they carry.

Some bus tours include support from guides and staff, so you can participate with peace of mind along the way and at the destination.

Orion Tour's one-day bus tour allows you to join empty-handed!

Orion Tour's one-day bus tours include lift tickets, ski sets, and ski wear rentals, so you can participate empty-handed. It's a good idea to prepare small items such as gloves and goggles in advance.

Orion Tours also offers tours where you can spend around five hours on the slopes, allowing you to fully enjoy skiing. They also offer guided tours in English and Chinese, making them easy for those who are worried about language barriers. Even beginners who don't have any equipment can easily experience skiing or snowboarding, so be sure to check it out.

2. Shinkansen

The Shinkansen's major advantages are its short travel time and comfortable travel. There are multiple departure times to choose from, making it easy to plan your trip according to your schedule. Another great thing about it is that it's not affected by traffic congestion, so you can arrive on time.

The cost is slightly higher than by bus. If the ski resort is far from the station, you will need to secure a separate means of transportation from the station, which may incur additional transportation costs. This is a recommended method for those who want to make the most of their time and want to be comfortable while traveling.

3. Cars (including rental cars)

Cars are a great way to travel when you want a flexible schedule, as you can decide your departure and return times. You don't have to worry about the amount of luggage you need, so they're also ideal for those who want to bring their own ski equipment.

If you share a car with three or more people, you may be able to reduce the cost per person. However, it can be difficult for those who are not used to driving on snowy roads, so be aware that you will need to prepare winter tires and chains.

This is a recommended option for those who are accustomed to driving, those traveling with multiple people, and those who want to use their time freely.

Why day ski trips from Tokyo are so popular

From here, we will explain three reasons why day ski trips from Tokyo are so popular.

1. Easy for beginners to start with a trial

Day trips are easy for beginners who just want to try skiing or snowboarding. Trips that involve overnight stays can seem like a big hurdle in terms of preparation and cost, but day trips allow you to go whenever you feel like it.

If you rent equipment locally, you don't need to buy it, so you can participate empty-handed. The ease of participating if you just want to try it once is one of the reasons for its popularity.

2. Less luggage required and easier preparation

If you are going for a day trip, you don't need to bring along any clothes, toiletries, or other items you would need for an overnight stay.

If you rent ski equipment and clothing locally, you only need to bring small items such as gloves and goggles, which reduces the amount of preparation required.

Another attractive feature is that you don't have to worry about packing the night before, you can leave in the morning and return home in the evening, and you can enjoy yourself without worrying about your plans for the next day.

3. Good value for money as there is no need to pay for accommodation

Since day trips to the ski resorts don't require overnight stays, you can avoid the cost of hotels and inns, which can significantly reduce your budget. You can use the money you save for other things, such as enjoying local meals or buying souvenirs.

One-day bus tours offer relatively affordable plans that include transportation, lift tickets, and rentals. The great thing about a one-day ski trip is that it's still enjoyable even on a limited budget.

[Bus Tour] 2 Recommended Ski Resorts for a Day Trip from Tokyo

Here we will introduce two ski resorts that are easy to get to by bus tour and that even beginners can enjoy. Both are easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area and feature a wide range of facilities.

Tambara Ski Park (Gunma)

Tambara Ski Park is a ski resort that is accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area in about two hours and is easy for beginners to use. With an altitude of 1,250m to 1,550m, there is an abundance of snow and you can enjoy powder snow.

Approximately 80% of the courses are designed for beginners and intermediate skiers, making it perfect for those trying out skiing for the first time. Among the courses is a very gentle family course with an average slope of 5 degrees, so even first-time skiers can ski without any fear.

There are trees lining the side of the course, and there are spaces where you can take a break and play in the snow, making it a fun place for the whole family.

If you're going to Tambara Ski Park, a day trip bus tour is convenient!

Tambara Ski Park is easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and by taking a day trip bus tour you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding without the hassle of travel and arrangements.

Many day bus tours include round-trip transportation as well as lift tickets and rentals, making them easy for even beginners to participate in.

Orion Tours, in particular, offers guided tours in English and Chinese, and the schedule is easy to understand, so even first-time visitors can participate with confidence.

Tour details and reservations here

Hunter Mountain Shiobara (Tochigi)

Hunter Mountain Shiobara, located in Shiobara, Tochigi Prefecture, is one of the largest snow resorts in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It features a vast slope with 12 courses and downhill runs up to 3,000m long. It is known for its beautiful facilities, convenience, and courses that are always kept in good condition.

Hunter Mountain Shiobara has a kids' park where you can enjoy sledding and playing in the snow, allowing everyone from adults to children to experience the snow. The kids' park is a safe area with a slope specifically for sledding, so even small children can play safely.

We also recommend joining a tour where you can enjoy playing in the snow!

If you're going to Hunter Mountain Shiobara, we recommend a one-day bus tour that lets you enjoy both snow play and sightseeing.

There are plans that include transportation, activities, and sightseeing, so you can easily participate without the hassle of traveling or making arrangements.

Orion Tours offers a tour that includes a stop at Ouchijuku, a traditional Japanese townscape, after playing in the snow, allowing you to experience Japanese culture along with the snowy scenery.

In addition, the tour is guided in English and Chinese, so the itinerary and transportation on the day are easy to understand, making it easy for tourists from overseas to participate with peace of mind.

For details on Orion Tour's snow play day bus tour that visits Hunter Mountain Shiobara and Ouchijuku, please check the tour page below.

Tour details and reservations here

[Shinkansen] 3 Recommended Ski Resorts for a Day Trip from Tokyo

From here, we will introduce three ski resorts that are easily accessible by Shinkansen and close to stations.

The appeal is that you can enjoy a comfortable day ski trip while keeping travel time to a minimum.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort (Nagano)

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is known as a ski resort with excellent access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. It is about a 10-minute walk from Karuizawa Station on the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, and a free shuttle bus is also available. The journey from Tokyo Station takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it an easy location for a day trip.

Equipped with artificial snow-making machines, the resort offers stable skiing conditions from early November. Half of the courses are for beginners, and the resort is characterized by its many gentle slopes. The 800m-long course, where you can ski with a direct view of Mount Asama, is also popular for its beautiful scenery.

There is a comprehensive rental service, so you don't need to carry your own equipment. The slopes are adjacent to one of Japan's largest outlet malls, so you can enjoy shopping there too.

GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort (Niigata)

GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort is a ski resort with a variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers. Its greatest appeal is its easy access. It is directly connected to Gala Yuzawa Station, which is about an hour and 10 minutes away from Tokyo Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, and the ski center is right outside the ticket gates. A major benefit is that there is no need to travel from the station.

The ski center is large and has a wide selection of rental equipment. Not only ski sets and ski wear, but also accessories can be rented. There are also many tourists from overseas, so information is available in multiple languages, and there are also ski schools in English and Chinese, which is a nice feature.

The slopes are divided into three areas: North, Central, and South, and there are a variety of courses to enjoy. Because it is at a relatively high altitude, there are many days when you can enjoy powder snow.

Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort (Niigata)

Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort is a ski resort characterized by its gentle, wide runs and excellent visibility. There are many runs that even beginners can ski on safely, making it a great place for snowboarding debuts. The Angel slope for beginners has a snow escalator installed, allowing you to debut on the slopes without having to take the lift.

Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort has a wide range of family-friendly facilities, including a family park, a free Blue Train rest area, and free bathing facilities. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from classics like curry and hamburgers to authentic pizza baked in a wood-fired pizza oven.

To access the resort, take a free shuttle bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the JR Joetsu Shinkansen line, and it takes about two hours from Tokyo. This ski resort is perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy playing in the snow.

[Car] 5 recommended ski resorts you can reach on a day trip from Tokyo

Finally, we will introduce five ski resorts that are easily accessible by car and close to highway interchanges.

A must-see for anyone who wants to enjoy a day of skiing on a flexible schedule.

Kamui Misaka Ski Resort (Yamanashi)

Kamui Misaka Ski Resort is a compact ski resort that can be accessed from the Tokyo metropolitan area in about 80 minutes. It is also close to the interchange, so you can reduce travel time and ensure you have plenty of time to spend on the slopes.

The course has a gentle layout overall, making it suitable for beginners and families. There are five beginner and intermediate courses with good visibility, and the slopes are wide, so even children who are just practicing can ski safely.

Another feature is that the resort is equipped with artificial snow machines, which helps maintain stable conditions throughout the season.

Located close to Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, this ski resort makes it easy to plan a day trip that combines skiing with sightseeing in the surrounding area and a visit to the hot springs.

Fujiten Snow Resort (Yamanashi)

Fujiten Snow Resort is located at the foot of Mount Fuji, where you can enjoy skiing while looking out at the majestic Mount Fuji. It can be accessed from Tokyo via the Chuo Expressway, via Kawaguchiko IC, in about an hour and a half.

There are seven courses in total, suitable for beginners to advanced skiers, and there is also a snow park, a snow play area for children, and an observation lift that you can ride in your own clothes. It caters to a wide range of people, from families who want to casually enjoy playing in the snow to those who want to enjoy serious skiing.

All ski and snowboard equipment and clothing can be rented, so you can experience the experience empty-handed.

Saku Ski Garden Parada (Nagano)

Saku Ski Garden Parada is the only ski resort in Japan that is directly connected to the expressway. It is easily accessible, just a 5-minute drive from the Sakudaira Smart Interchange. From the ski resort, you can enjoy views of Mount Asama, the Northern Alps, and the Yatsugatake Mountains.

Approximately 80% of the courses at Saku Ski Garden Parada are for beginners to intermediate skiers. At the "First Slope" exclusively for beginners, you can practice before getting on the lift by sliding down on a moving belt. Once you've mastered skiing, you can move on to the gentler Largo course, allowing you to gradually step up.

The outdoor kids' land, where even small children can play, has a sledding slope, a tubing course, and a playground, making it an ideal environment for families.

Kawaba Ski Resort (Gunma)

Kawaba Ski Resort is located at an altitude of 1,870m and is known for its abundant snowfall. It is a place in the Kanto region where you can enjoy soft, fluffy powder snow.

It is about 25 minutes from Numata Interchange on the Kan-etsu Expressway and about 2 hours from Tokyo, making it easily accessible even for day trips. You can go directly to the slopes from the multi-story parking lot.

The slopes have 10 courses, each designed to take advantage of the terrain. They range from gentle slopes for beginners to courses for advanced skiers, allowing you to improve your level according to your skill level.

There is also a relaxing lounge space (for a fee) where you can take a break and enjoy drinks and snacks. Recommended for those looking for powder snow or wanting to try out a variety of runs.

Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort (Gunma)

Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort is a ski resort that boasts high-quality powder snow. It is about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and about 45 minutes from Numata Interchange. Although the ski resort is located at a high altitude, it is located along a national highway, so the roads are easy to follow and safe.

The slopes have courses for all levels, with the longest run being 4,000m, allowing you to enjoy long rides surrounded by magnificent nature.

There is also a snow park where you can improve your skills, and a kids' park for families and children. The center station is also attractive for its extensive facilities, including a day spa that you can use after you've finished skiing, changing rooms, and a shop.

Enjoy a day trip from Tokyo to skiing on an Orion Tour bus tour

In this article, we introduced recommended access methods for a day trip ski trip departing from Tokyo, as well as recommended ski resorts based on access.

Bus tours, bullet trains, and cars all have their advantages, so choose the method that best suits your style.

The bus tours in particular are attractive because they include lift tickets and rentals, making it easy for even beginners to participate empty-handed. Orion Tour's one-day bus tours also include plans with language support, so even first-timers can participate with peace of mind.

Enjoy winter leisure activities to the fullest on a day trip skiing from Tokyo.