5 Ski Resorts for a Day Trip From Tokyo 2025-2026
Discover five top ski resorts near Tokyo in Nagano, Gunma and Shizuoka, famous for great powder, easy access, and unforgettable winter escapes.
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Skiing and Winter Sports Near Tokyo: Enjoy the Snowy Season!
Skiing is one of Japan’s most popular winter sports. If you visit in winter and can spare a day or two to travel to the mountains, we highly recommend skiing, snowboarding, or simply playing in Japan’s snowy resorts.
Below we provide seasonal information and highlight five ski resorts that make great day trips from Tokyo. Located in Niigata, Nagano, and nearby prefectures, each offers high-quality snow and easy access from the city.
Ski Resorts near Tokyo
1. GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort in Niigata
2. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area in Nagano
3. Fujimi Panorama Resort in Nagano
4. Snow Town Yeti in Shizuoka
5. Norn Minakami Ski Resort in Gunma
1. GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort in Niigata Prefecture
Photo by Pixta
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is extremely convenient because it’s located right next to a Shinkansen (bullet train) station. If you take the Max Tanigawa service from Tokyo Station, you’ll arrive at Gala-Yuzawa Station in about 75 minutes.
A resort ticket counter is just beyond the station gates, where you can rent gear or change into your ski clothes. From there you can take a lift or gondola up the mountain.
GALA Yuzawa offers 17 trails for all ability levels. Note that gondolas can become very crowded in the late afternoon when people head back to the station. While it’s possible to ski down, some routes may be challenging for beginners. If you plan to return by gondola, allow extra time for queues.
2025 - 2026 Season: December 20, 2025 - May 5, 2026
Official website: https://gala.co.jp/en/winter/
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
1039-2 Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minami Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture...
Hotels near GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
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2. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area in Nagano Prefecture
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A one-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo takes you to Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area ("KaruSki" for short). The resort offers free lift tickets for children and a snow stadium with sledding and snow-tubing — features that make KaruSki very family- and child-friendly.
The East High-Speed Lift also operates as a sightseeing lift, including night runs, so visitors can enjoy mountain views even if they don’t ski.
2025 - 2025 Season: November 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026
Official website: https://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/karuizawa/
Karuizawa Princehotel Snow Resort
Karuizawa, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture 389-01...
Hotels near Karuizawa Princehotel Snow Resort
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3. Fujimi Panorama Resort in Nagano Prefecture
Photo by Pixta
Fujimi Panorama Resort is in Nagano, about 2 hours 15 minutes from Shinjuku by the limited express Azusa. The resort is famous for its distinctive runs, including a popular “heart-shaped” slope that attracts many couples.
Local lore says that riding up to the Yatsugatake observation deck or dining at the stylish mountaintop restaurant and then skiing down the heart slope will bring you lasting happiness.
The nearest station is Fujimi, and the resort is about a 10-minute bus ride from there.
2025 - 2026 Season: December 20, 2025 - April 6, 2026
Facility information: https://www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/nagano/fujimi/fujimi-panorama-resort
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4. Snow Town Yeti in Shizuoka Prefecture
Snow Town Yeti is about 2 hours 40 minutes from Shinjuku by direct bus. Direct services run from 18 stations, including Hachioji, Shinagawa, Machida, and Yokohama, so you can catch a bus near home and be at the resort quickly—very convenient.
Yeti is the only ski area with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. Because it uses snow-making equipment, it opens earlier than any other resort in Japan and can even offer skiing during the autumn foliage season.
2025 - 2026 Season: October 24, 2025 - March 29, 2026
Official website: https://www.yeti-resort.com/en/
For those taking the train, it is about a 56-minute bus ride from JR Gotemba Station or a 5-minute bus ride from JR Susono Station to the resort.
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5. Norn Minakami Ski Resort in Gunma Prefecture
Photo by Pixta
Norn Minakami Ski Resort is about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by Jōetsu Shinkansen. The resort stays open late—until 22:00 Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
A variety of discounted passes are available depending on when you ski, including early-morning, twilight, and night passes. The slopes at Norn Minakami are fairly steep and are best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers.
2025 - 2026 Season: December 18, 2025 - March 22, 2026
Official website: https://www.norn.co.jp/winter/english_ski_information/
It takes around 20 minutes by free shuttle from Minakami Station.
FAQ
What ski area is closest to Tokyo?
The ski area closest to Tokyo is usually Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture. It is popular for its proximity to Tokyo and the convenience of direct access via the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station. This resort is known for its easy accessibility, making it a favored destination for day trips or weekend skiing and snowboarding getaways from Tokyo.
How do I get to ski resorts from Tokyo?
Getting to ski resorts from Tokyo involves various transportation options depending on the resort's location. Accessible choices include taking the shinkansen (bullet train) for resorts like Gala Yuzawa with direct connections, utilizing express trains to reach nearby stations then transferring to local transportation like shuttle buses, opting for highway buses offering direct services from Tokyo to the resort areas, considering rental cars for flexibility in exploring multiple resorts, or booking tour packages that include transportation along with lift tickets and equipment rentals for a hassle-free ski trip. Checking the specific resort's transportation options or consulting local tourism resources can help determine the best way to reach your chosen ski destination from Tokyo.
Is 5 days of skiing too much?
Spending five consecutive days skiing can be a rewarding experience for enthusiasts seeking to maximize their time on the slopes. However, the suitability of this duration depends on individual factors like skiing proficiency, physical stamina, and overall fitness level. For beginners or those with limited skiing experience, it might lead to fatigue or muscle strain. Variety in slopes, weather conditions, and the need for adequate rest and recovery play significant roles when considering an extended skiing schedule. Balancing skiing sessions with breaks, monitoring physical well-being, and adjusting the pace to match personal comfort levels are essential for making the most of a five-day skiing excursion.
How do I get to Nagano ski resort from Tokyo?
Traveling from Tokyo to Nagano for access to renowned ski resorts like Hakuba Valley or Nozawa Onsen involves taking the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, with the journey lasting approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. From Nagano Station, travelers can transfer to local trains or buses connecting to specific ski locations such as Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen. Alternatively, renting a car in Tokyo offers flexibility for exploring Nagano and its surrounding areas. Direct highway bus services from Tokyo to Nagano are also available, providing a convenient and cost-effective transportation option. Once in Nagano, shuttle buses or taxis from local stations can transport visitors to their chosen ski resorts, making it essential to plan transportation arrangements in advance for a seamless journey.
How to ski cheap in Japan?
To ski affordably in Japan, consider visiting ski resorts during off-peak times, exploring package deals that combine accommodations and lift tickets at discounted rates, opting for smaller or less popular resorts for lower prices, using local transportation to reach the slopes, renting equipment offsite to save money, bringing your own food to reduce dining expenses, and staying in budget accommodations like hostels or guesthouses. By implementing these strategies and planning wisely, you can enjoy skiing in Japan without overspending.
How expensive is it to ski in Japan?
The cost of skiing in Japan can vary depending on factors such as the resort, the time of year, accommodations, lift ticket prices, equipment rentals, and dining choices. Generally, skiing in Japan can be comparable to or slightly less expensive than skiing in popular Western destinations like Europe or North America. Lift ticket prices typically range from ¥4,000 to ¥7,000 per day at most resorts, while rentals can cost around ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per day for skis, boots, and poles. Accommodation expenses vary widely based on the type of lodging chosen, with options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Overall, with careful planning, it is possible to ski in Japan at a reasonable cost compared to other international ski destinations.
Enjoy a Day of Skiing Near Tokyo!
How do you like the ski resorts we introduced? A day trip from Tokyo to the mountains is a fun, relaxing escape. Japan’s winter landscapes are spectacular — we hope you enjoy skiing and other winter sports.
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Main image by Pixta
This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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