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5 Ski Resorts for a Day Trip From Tokyo 2024-2025
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Skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports are some of the greatest charms of winter in Japan. We introduce five ski resorts close to Tokyo in areas known for high-quality snow like Nagano, Gunma, and Shizuoka.
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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.
Skiing and Winter Sports Near Tokyo - Enjoy the Snowy Season!
Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in Japan. If you visit Japan in the winter and have at least one or two days at your disposal to travel to a ski resort, we highly recommend you go skiing, snowboarding, and playing in Japan's mountainous areas.
We introduce here seasonal information and five ski resorts great for day trips from Tokyo. Located in Niigata, Nagano, and other nearby prefectures, all boast 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
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1. GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort in Niigata Prefecture
Photo by Pixta
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is located right near a Shinkansen (bullet train) station, so it is a really convenient ski resort to go to. If you take the bullet train called Max Tanigawa which brings you directly to Gala-Yuzawa Station from Tokyo Station, you can reach it in only 75 minutes. At the exit from the ticket gate at the train station, a ticket counter of the ski resort will welcome you. You can change into your ski clothes and take a ski lift up to the top of the mountain right there.
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort has courses for all ability levels and a total of 17 ski trails are available. Gondolas for going down the mountain can become really crowded when people head home. It is possible to ski down the mountain but some of the paths might be difficult for beginners. If you are planning to ride a gondola on your way back, it is better to estimate that it would take a longer time than it usually takes.
2024 - 2025 Season: December 13, 2024 to May 6, 2025
Official website: https://gala.co.jp/en/winter/
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2. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area in Nagano Prefecture
Photo by Pixta
A one-hour bullet train ride brings you from Tokyo to Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area or "KaruSki" for short. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area offers free lift ticket service for kids as well as a snow stadium where you can try sledding and snow tubing. These features make Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Area a very child-friendly ski resort.
Above is a preview of some of the courses you can try at the resort. The East High-speed Lift also runs as a sightseeing lift and even for night tours, allowing visitors to ride the lift even if they don't ski at all.
2024 - 2025 Season: November 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025
Official website: https://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/karuizawa/
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3. Fujimi Panorama Resort in Nagano Prefecture
Photo by Pixta
Fujimi Panorama Resort is located in Nagano, two hours and 15 minutes away from Shinjuku if you take the limited express train Azusa. This resort is best known for its unique slopes such as a "heart-shaped slope" which is very popular with couples.
There is a saying that if you go to the Yatsugatake observation deck or to a fashionable restaurant on the top of the mountain and then ski down the heart slope, you will live happily ever after.
The closest station to the resort is Fujimi. It is around a 10-minute bus ride to reach Fujimi Panorama Resort from the station.
2024 - 2025 Season: December 14, 2024 to April 5, 2025
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 located two hours and 40 minutes away from Shinjuku by bus. In fact, direct buses from Tokyo to Snow Town Yeti are operated from 18 stations in total such as Hachioji, Shinagawa, Machida, Yokohama Station, and others. You can get on a bus at a station close to your place and you will soon be at the ski resort, which is really convenient, isn't it?
Snow Town Yeti is the only place where you can ski with Mount Fuji in the background. Snow Town Yeti opens the earliest in Japan because it uses devices for making artificial snow. You can ski here even during the fall foliage season.
2024 - 2025 Season: October 25 to March 31, 2025
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 can be accessed in one and a half hours from Tokyo by the Jōetsu bullet train. Norn Minakami Ski Resort is open until 22:00 from Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Various types of discounted tickets are available depending on which time of the day you ski, such as the early morning pass, twilight pass, and night pass. Norn Minakami Ski Resort has pretty steep slopes which are ideal for intermediate-level skiers and above.
2024 - 2025 Season: December 19, 2024 to March 23, 2025
Official website: https://www.norn.co.jp/winter/english_ski_information/
It takes around 20 minutes by free shuttle from Minakami Station.
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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 here? Getting out of Tokyo and going to ski on a day trip is a fun and relaxing activity. The mountains in Japan offer an amazing landscape in the winter. We hope you enjoy skiing and winter sports.
Read also
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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