JAPAN

HOKKAIDO

SKI &
The Best Powder
on the Planet

NAGANO

SNOW
NIIGATA
Heart & Soul of
Japanese Skiing

G UID E TOHOKU
The Deep North
Honshu’s Wild Side

jnto.org.au
VisitJapanAU
 Contents
WHY JAPAN?
03 Beyond the world’s best snow
04 Useful information
05 Access

HOKKAIDO
06 Overview
08 Niseko
One mountain, four resorts
09 Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention
Hokkaido’s largest single ski resort
10 Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Hokkaido’s No. 1 family ski resort
11 Kiroro Snow World
Five star skiing in a pristine natural setting
11 Furano Resort
Great snow, real Japanese town

NAGANO AND NIIGATA

12 Overview
14 Hakuba Valley
Japan’s premier resort, 9 areas on one pass
15 Shiga Kogen
Japan’s largest inter-linked ski region
16 Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort
Classic snow, classic onsen town
16 Myoko
Great snow and a lively village
17 Madarao-Tangram
MadaPow! Tree ski heaven
17 Naeba-Kagura
Massive ski areas only 90 minutes from Tokyo

TOHOKU
18 Overview
20 Appi Resort
Powder perfect family favourite
21 Alts Bandai
Discover 22 ski areas in the Aizu Region
21 Zao Onsen
© Shaun Mittwollen; JNTO; Owain Price

Ski with the snow monsters!

22 Hakkoda
A deep powder paradise
22 Shizukuishi
Powder Prince

MORE
23 Day Trips
24 Tour Operators & Japan Travel Info

2 SKI & SNOW JAPAN

© Front cover image snowboarding at Yakebitaiyama, Shiga Kogen © Prince Hotels
WHYJAPAN?
is the bottom line.
co ns ist ent powder snow
os t a generation ag o.

S
st an d m
ur e, the world ’s be gn ise d by Au ss ie sk iers
‘Japowder ru le s!’
wa s fir st re co pa n as well. But
er ic an an d A sia n sk iers f lo ck to Ja
m
Now Eu rope an, A
ow is ju st th e sta rt .
gr eat sn sy to experience.
cu ltu re is so di ffe rent, and yet so ea
» The nest and helpful.
op le ar e po lite, welcoming, ho e the many region
al
» Th e pe
d be er ar e wo rld famous. Experienc
, sake an
» Japanese cuisine riety.
, freshness and va sses are
flavours, spec ia lties
he r go od re as on to sk i Japan. Lift pa
e for money is anot resorts elsewhere.
» Except ional valu s th an yo u pay at similar size
a relative bargain,
half or les an to deluxe
tru m , fro m ch ea p comfortable ryok
covers the spec
» Accommodat ion also good value.
Sk i sc ho ol an d kids’ facilit ies are
hotels. to big savings.
Ti pp in g is di sc ou raged, adding up
»
amazing! k and excellent bu
s
» The shopping is cr ed ible rail networ
is fu n, us in g th e in nd ition s.
» Getting around aware of w inter co
O r se lf- dr ive on good roads, just be fli ghts.
serv ices. g free, w ith lots of
direct
an d jet la
» Getting to Japan
is str es s er been, w ith no
Yo u’ ll be th e cleanest you’ve ev
mention on se n? bath. Especially
» Oh, and did we a tra di tio na l Ja panese hot spring
a soak in
sore muscles, after
sn ow softly falling..
outdoors w ith

SKI & SNOW JAPAN 3

Useful Information
ATMS
You can withdraw cash using your
international credit, debit, prepaid and cash
cards nationwide at ATMs at post offices
and most convenience stores.
Lawson, Family Mart & 7/11 convenience
stores often have ATMs that accept overseas
issued cards. The number of ATMs that
accept overseas issued cards is growing.

INTERNET ACCESS
Free Wi-Fi Spots are available throughout
Japan, and in most transportation hubs,
such as airports and larger railway stations,
as well as many individual businesses such
as convenience stores. Search for Wi-Fi
spots using the Japan Official Travel App
http://www.jnto.go.jp/smartapp/eng/

MOBILE PHONES
You can use your smartphone in Japan on
SoftBank Mobile or DOCOMO’s 3G or
4G/LTE service areas.
SIM cards can be rented from airports, or
ordered online and delivered to hotels.
Wi-Fi router rentals, also known as ‘Pocket
Wi-Fi’ usually offer unlimited data for a
daily flat fee. Multiple devices can connect
to the same hot-spot, so it’s great for groups.
© Owain Price

4 SKI & SNOW JAPAN

 EASY ACCESS
Japan is Australia’s most accessible northern ski destination.
asahikawa airport

Tokyo is 7.5 hours from Cairns, or 10.5 from Melbourne. new chitose airport
It’s a similar time zone, so ski from your first day to the last!

TOHOKU
Airports to Tokyo by rail/monorail HOKKAIDO
Narita Airport to Tokyo 60 minutes
Haneda Airport to Tokyo 20 minutes Fly to New Chitose Airport
Haneda/Narita 90 minutes
JR Tohoku Shinkansen Kansai Airport 110 minutes
Tokyo to Aomori from 189 minutes
Tokyo to Morioka from 137 minutes Fly to Asahikawa Airport
Haneda/Narita 100 minutes
JR Yamagata Shinkansen Kansai Airport 135 minutes
Tokyo to Yamagata from 148 minutes
JR Hokkaido
Shinkansen
Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate from
242 minutes
narita international airport
tokyo international airport (haneda)

NAGANO & NIIGATA

Airports to Tokyo by rail/monorail
Narita Airport to Tokyo 60 minutes
Haneda Airport to Tokyo 20 minutes
JR Hokuriku Shinkansen
Tokyo to Nagano from 80 minutes
Tokyo to Iiyama from 100 minutes

RAIL PASSES DRIVING IN JAPAN

At speeds of up to 320km/h the shinkansen Car rental requires a Japanese driving license or
bullet train is the quickest way to get to an international driving permit issued in the
most of the best ski destinations in Honshu. driver’s own country. In Australia the NRMA,
Best value way to use the system is with JR RACV and associated Members of the Australian
East Rail passes, from ¥17,000 for 5 days Automobile Association (AAA) issue international
unlimited travel over 14 days. driving permits.
There are 2 main options for skiers in In snowy areas vehicles come with winter tyres.
Honshu; the JR East Tohoku area pass & Snow clearing is very efficient, but always drive
the JR East Nagano Niigata area pass. to conditions.
The shinkansen now extends as far as Prepaid expressway passes save plenty on tolls,
Shin-Hakodate in Hokkaido too, and the and can be picked up with rentals from major
JR East South Hokkaido area pass, from operators. For Japan Expressway Pass, Tohoku
¥26,000, allows 6 days unlimited travel in Expressway Pass & Hokkaido Expressway Pass;
14 days, reaching as far as Sapporo and http://en.driveplaza.com
New Chitose Airport.
All the above include the Tokyo Monorail
to/from Haneda or NEX to/from Narita.
You can reserve seats free online and plan RESORT ICONS RESORT TERRAIN
your whole itinerary to coordinate with
resort buses etc. 30% 40% 20%
More details: www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass
NIGHT SKI NIGHTLIFE CULTURAL FAMILY EASY INTERMEDIATE ADV-EXPERT

SKI & SNOW JAPAN 5

HOKKAIDO T HE BEST P O WDE R O N T H E P L A NE T

OV ER VIEW
Hokkaido has exploded onto the world snow Those in the centre of this large island (bigger
stage over the past 20 years as one of the best than Tasmania, smaller than Ireland), like
powder snow destinations. Furano, Tomamu and Sahoro, average a bit less
Sure, other places get good snow sometimes. snow but more sunny days to enjoy it.
Hokkaido gets good snow consistently, often day Hokkaido is blessed in other seasons too. It’s a
after day, from early December to late March. rural paradise famous for fresh produce, superb
Why is it so? The ‘Siberian Express’, the seafood, and the vast wilderness areas.
prevailing winter wind blows down from the Space is the key word, this is the most sparsely
dry, freezing interior of north Asia. It picks up populated part of Japan. Enjoy uncrowded
© Asahikawa; Lion Adventure

moisture crossing the Sea of Japan, then drops resort slopes at the numerous ski areas.
it slam bang on the island’s ranges, which For even more, try great backcountry powder
delivers Hokkaido’s uniquely perfect conditions. skiing in the Tokachi Mountains.
The resorts closest to the west coast, like Niseko, With the shinkansen now whisking you from
Kiroro and Rusutsu, and those right behind Tokyo to Hokkaido in just over 4 hours, or fast
Sapporo, like Kokusai and Teine, all receive connecting flights to New Chitose or
ridiculous amounts of snow. Asahikawa, it’s never been more accessible.

6 SKI & SNOW JAPAN

 Niseko
Kiroro
SAPPORO

Rusutsu
Furano
Tomamu

HOKKAIDO
NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT
ASAHIKAWA AIRPORT

PO W D E R TI M E
Nothing else compares to surging through fresh deep snow.

SKI & SNOW JAPAN

7
Nowhere else gives you more opportunities for that than Hokkaido.
© Darren Teasdale / Niseko Photography & Guiding
 36%

NISEKO
One mountain, four resorts
SKI AREA
886,000m2
38%

26%

SNOW STUFF
Niseko just gets better, with new
facilities on the mountain helping keep
pace with the ever growing popularity.
The new Ace Family quad lift at
Niseko Grand Hirafu greatly improves
access from the village.
Niseko Annupuri has just added a
dedicated beginner’s quad chair to
their excellent learner slopes.
These follow improvements at Niseko
Village and the launch of Niseko
Weiss Powdercats from Hanazono.
The four individual resorts that make
up Niseko United are conscious of
improving their individual products to
maintain Niseko’s status as a leading
international ski resort.
Tip: the night skiing till 8.30pm at
Grand Hirafu is highly rated. When
it’s snowing heavily you can actually
have better visibility at night!

STAY & PLAY

New hotels and apartments are
opening every season, especially at the
deluxe level on or close to the slopes at
Hirafu. The lower village still has

© JNTO; Go snow Gondola Snowsports

many more moderate options, and the
ski shuttle service now goes to Kutchan
for tighter budgets.
With over 80 restaurants and bars, NISEKO
Hirafu is aprés ski central. If you know anything about Niseko,
Niseko Village has developed into an you know it has great powder snow.
alternative option over the past few It also has fantastic international
years. There’s some nightlife, excellent snow sport schools that make it
restaurants, and direct slope access. perfect for families.
Or if you like things quiet, with far less
international visitors, stay at Annupuri.

DON’T MISS
There are lots of non-ski outdoor
activities for a change of pace like snow-
shoeing, snowrafting, snowmobiling
and scenic winter rafting.
Check out one of the 15 local onsen,
like the 100 year old Kombu Onsen.
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST
70 ¥7,400 ¥5,500 COURSE
FURTHER INFO ¥4,500 child 7-12 ¥3,000 child/senior 5.6KM
www.niseko.ne.jp/en/ ¥5,600 senior 60+ Skis, boots, poles or
snowboard & boots

8 SKI & SNOW JAPAN Rates full day, main season • Easy • Intermediate • Advanced/Expert
 30%

RUSUTSU RESORT
Hokkaido’s largest single ski resort
SKI AREA
1,700,000m2
40%

30%

SNOW STUFF
Sprawling over 3 peaks hooked up by
an impressive lift system, Rusutsu
offers endless variety for all levels.
Magical ‘snow mushroom’ forests and
powder glades are as good as it gets.
Long, wide, and often empty
immaculately groomed courses are
perfect for relaxed family skiing.
Park rats get beginner to expert parks,
plus a spectacular ‘side country’ park.
Night skiing till 9pm is a bonus: hire a
‘glow suit’ for extra fun at night!

STAY & PLAY

The completely self-contained resort
village offers ski-in/ski-out
convenience to the West Mountain
slopes and kid’s ski school facilities.
Even better for families is the Disney-
themed indoor entertainment village,
full of shops, attractions and a
magnificent carousel.
Aprés bars, restaurants, onsen and
activities are numerous here.
At the resort centre choose from the
budget Rusutsu Travel Lodge,
mid-range to deluxe Rusutsu Resort
Hotel, or Log Houses & Cottages.
Or stay at the prestigous Westin
Rusutsu Resort Tower, connected by a
funky monorail to the resort centre, RUSUTSU
with its own restaurants and aprés. The superb skiing is
The little village beside the ski area complemented by a unique
© Rusutsu Resort

has a Lawson convenience store, a Disney-style indoor theme village

couple of pensions with cheap with wonderful attractions for
accommodation, and the locals’ families, restaurants and aprés
favourite bar/restaurant, Rodeo Drive. entertainment.

DON’T MISS
Snowmobiling from kids beginner to
‘Expedition Course’ levels, snow-
shoeing, horse trekking around
beautiful nearby Lake Toya, and ice
fishing for trout are easily accessed.
Put the local produce to good use and
have fun making ice cream or cheese.
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST
37 ¥5,900 ¥5,500 COURSE
FURTHER INFO ¥3,000 child 4-12 ¥3,000 child/senior 3.5KM
www.hokkaido-rusutsu.com ¥4,900 senior 60+ Skis, boots, poles or
snowboard & boots

SKI & SNOW JAPAN 9

 40%

RESORTS TOMAMU
SKI AREA 40%
HOSHINO
Hokkaido’s No.1 family friendly ski resort
145,000m2
20%

SNOW STUFF
Tomamu is pretty much the perfect all
round ski resort - everybody gets well
looked after at their own level.
Powder chasers should register (tip: do
it online before you arrive) for an
armband, and rental helmet if they
don’t have one, to allow access to the
extensive Powder Area. For more deep
snow thrills try Tomamu’s cat-skiing.
Nice long wide-open groomed runs
and family trails keep beginners and
cruisers very happy.

STAY & PLAY

Four soaring (up to 32 storeys!) towers
at the resort centre provide superb on
snow accommodation options:
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu The
Tower; the all suites RISONARE
Tomamu; and the new Club Med.
Mina-Mina Beach is one of Japan’s
largest indoor wave pools, the complex
maintained at a balmy 30°C.
Gao Outdoor Activity Centre has
adult and kid’s snowmobiles, banana
boats, sledding, snow-shoeing and
more. Indoors, try the iconic Winter
Olympic sport of curling.
The Ice Village is magical for all ages,
complete with a popular Wedding
Chapel - made from ice of course. TOMAMU
© Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
For the ultimate, upgrade with a night Powder skiers love the Experts Only
at the Ice Hotel during your stay. Powder Area, while families get
Twenty restaurants provide varied beautiful cruising runs and the
dining and aprés options linked by amazing Mina-Mina Beach indoor
enclosed walkways to the hotels. wave pool complex.
Tomamu is also the home to Hotaru
(‘Fireflies’) Street, claimed as Japan’s
first ski-in/ski-out shopping and
restaurant area.

DON’T MISS
Tomamu is the closest major resort to
New Chitose Airport, and it’s easy to
day trip to other areas like Furano and
Sahoro for more variety.
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST
28 ¥5,400 ¥5,700 COURSE
FURTHER INFO ¥3,800 child ¥4,000 child 4.2KM
www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/en/ Silver Bell

10 SKI & SNOW JAPAN Rates full day, main season • Easy • Intermediate • Advanced/Expert
 33% 29% 38%
SKI AREA

KIRORO SNOW WORLD

Five star skiing in a pristine setting
120,000m2

SNOW STUFF STAY & PLAY

Kiroro gets more snow than Enjoy high levels of comfort
any major resort anywhere, and service at the slopeside
an incredible average of Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro
21.5m per season! Resort, and the Kiroro
But don’t worry, much of the Tribute Portfolio Hotel
terrain is easy, so it’s a great Hokkaido one kilometre
choice for first time or less below the mountain. They
confident powder skiers. offer fine and casual dining,
© Will Wissman Stellar Media - Kiroro

Better riders can challenge the Lobby Lounge for aprés,

their skills in the sidecountry, a large resort pool and
via designated Access Points. indoor/outdoor onsen.
Sign up for the Kiroro Kiroro Town beside the
Mountain Club program & Tribute has shops and kids
submit a Mountain Climbing indoor activities.
Registration Form first.
The Annie Kids Ski DON’T MISS
Academy has great programs The historic port of Otaru is
for 3 years and up. just 30 minutes away for
With just two hotels, Kiroro crafts, shopping and seafood.
is uncrowded, although day
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST trips from Niseko are getting FURTHER INFO
21 ¥5,800 ¥5,000 COURSE very popular. www.kiroro.co.jp
¥3,000 child ¥3,300 child 4KM

40% 40% 20%

SKI AREA

FURANO RESORT
Great snow, real Japanese town
168,000m2

SNOW STUFF Furano’s second Kitanomine

Furano offers some of Japan’s base area village has very
most consistent fall-line affordable accommodation
skiing on trails so good they options, and funky
have hosted numerous World restaurants and bars.
Cup Downhill races, across 2
inter-linked mountain zones. DON’T MISS
Don’t ski quite that fast? Furano town, just down the
Don’t worry, the uncrowded road, is a real working rural
progressive beginner and town serving the thriving
intermediate terrain is agricultural area.
excellent too. Even better, Local tourism groups have
sunny days are common. made a huge effort to make it
Recently Furano opened up very accessible to enjoy a
their off-piste, for some range of fun and fascinating
incredible powder skiing. cultural experiences there,
apart from the restaurants
STAY & PLAY and bars.
The fully self-contained new
Furano Prince Hotel is a
FURTHER INFO
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST classic ski-in/ski-out www.snowfurano.com/resort.htm
23 ¥5,500 ¥5,600 COURSE experience, ideal for families.
child free to 12 years ¥3,700 child 4KM
SKI & SNOW JAPAN 11
 NAGANOAND
NIIGATA GREAT SKIING SINCE 1911

OVERVIEW
Home to Japan’s highest mountains,
Nagano and Niigata have been the
heart and soul of Japanese snow
sports since the Austrian officer
Theodore Van Lerch introduced
skiing in 1911. With so many
mountains and so much snow, it was
the obvious choice. Locals loved the
new way of getting around on snow
that he introduced, and he lives on as
a cartoon character on everything
from keyrings to underwear.
Today your problem is choosing
where to go: the choice is amazing.
Nagano is the primary gateway, just
85-100 minutes shinkansen from
Tokyo. From here buses depart for
the multi resort areas of Shiga Kogen
or Hakuba Valley.
Or stay on the shinkansen to Iiyama
for Nozawa Onsen, Myoko and
Madarao-Tangram.
© Shaun Mittwollen

Between them they offer a

tremendous diversity of ski options,
linked by the common theme of
plenty of great snow.
The region is full of fascinating sights
and cultural experiences for a
fantastic all round holiday.
Feel the power of the Samurai at
Matsumoto. Discover the soul of Zen
at Zenkoji temple. Laugh at the
antics of Jigokudani snow monkeys.
Get sake savvy at a brewery.

12 SKI & SNOW JAPAN

 Shiga Kogen has Japan’s highest ski lifts, for great
conditions over a long season. © Prince Hotels
H I GHE R TI M ES

NIIGATA NIIGATA

Nozawa Onsen
Myoko
Madarao-Tangram Naeba-Kagura
Hakuba Shiga Kogen
NAGANO
NAGANO NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

TOKYO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (HANEDA)

SKI & SNOW JAPAN 13

 30%

HAKUBA VALLEY
Magnificent mountains! 9 resorts, 1 lift pass
SKI AREA
941,000m2
40%

30%

SNOW STUFF
Welcome to the Japan Alps! Soaring
peaks tower over 3000m, for a
magnificent alpine vista that fills
Hakuba Valley’s horizon from east to
west. The stunning view sweeps past 9
fantastic ski resorts, all available on
the one Hakuba Valley lift pass.
Some are linked by lifts, but the
efficient shuttle bus system connects
all areas. You really need at least a
week here to enjoy Japan’s most varied
multi resort experience. It’s way bigger
than anything in North America.
From long groomers at Happo, to
sensational steep trees at Cortina, or
endless cruising at Tsugaike, to name
just 3 of the areas, Hakuba has it all.
But it does not stop there: unlimited
back-country with excellent local guides,
and even heli-skiing in spring too.

STAY & PLAY

Hakuba Valley boasts Japan’s most
complete and varied ski resort
accommodation, aprés, restaurant and
shopping scene.
Stay in your choice of ski-in/ski-out

© Tsugaike; Evergreen International Ski School

hotels, modern apartments, traditional
ryokan or western run lodges. Spend
big for 5-star pampering, or do it on
the proverbial shoestring. Popular HAKUBA VALLEY
areas include Wadano, next to Happo; Simply the largest one ticket ski
Echoland a bit further away; slopeside option in all of Asia, plus heli-skiing!
at Goryu 47; or Cortina’s iconic hotel. That’s backed up by the best aprés
Party as hard as you want at a host of and restaurant variety.
character filled bars and nightclubs. International snow sports schools
Many offer free hotel pick up/return. make life easy for families.

DON’T MISS
Hakuba is surrounded by fantastic day
trip opportunities. Matsumoto Castle
gives you a taste of the Samurai era.
Nagano’s Zenkoji temple dates back to
the 7th century origins of Buddhism
in Japan. The Jigokudani Snow
Monkey Park is a favourite for all ages.
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST
128 ¥6,400 ¥4,500 COURSE
FURTHER INFO ¥3,400 child Indicative, there are 8KM
www.hakubavalley.com/en/ Hakuba Valley Ticket = numerous rental Ski the 1998 Nagano
9 areas & shuttle bus. options in the valley. Olympic’s Downhill Course
to stretch your legs.

14 SKI & SNOW JAPAN Rates full day, main season • Easy • Intermediate • Advanced/Expert
 46%
Mt. Uraiwasugeyama 2,337m
Mt. Iwasugeyama 2,295m 18 Yokoteyama
Mt. Yakebitaiyama 2,009m Ski Area
Mt.Terakoyayama 2,125m Mt.Akaishiyama 2,075m
11 Yakebitaiyama Ski Area
12 Okushigakogen Ski Area

15 Terakoya Ski Area

11

19 16 15
10 9 6 23

SHIGA KOGEN
Mt. Higashidateyama
18 12 2,030m
17
5 14 Higashidateyama Ski Area
13 Tannenomori
12 9 11 8 Okojo Ski Area

40%
13
7
14 10

SKI AREA
10 Ichinose Yamanokami Ski Area 22
8 8 Ichinose Family Ski Area
21
6
6 Takamagahara Mammoth Ski Area
5
4 3 Nagaike
Kidoike
7 2 5 Hoppo Bunadaira Ski Area

607,000m2
9 Ichinose Diamond Ski Area 1
20
4 Giant Ski Area 16 Kidoike Ski Area
Mt. Nishidateyama 1,756m
Mt.Kasadake 2,075m

3 Hasuike Ski Area

14%
Skiers Only 7 Nishidateyama Ski Area 1 Sunvalley Ski Area
Hasuike
Ski & Snow Board 2 Maruike Ski Area
Shigakogen Tourism Association
3 4 2
● Beginner Course Hotel Association
Maruike

● Intermediate Course 1

Japan’s largest inter-linked ski region

Lift Association

● Expert Course Ticket Information

Single Lift Pair Lift Parking Bus Stop
Biwaike
Triple Lift Quad Lift Restroom Ski Area
Gondola Lift Rental shop Restaurant

SNOW STUFF
Shiga Kogen links 19 individual ski
areas that sprawl across the beautiful
forested highland of Joshinetsu Kogen
National Park. They spread over 5
main valleys and more than 600ha.
The views may not be as spectacular
as in the Japan Alps, but the lifts go
higher, Japan’s highest in fact, to
2300m, or 500m higher than in
Hakuba. That extra altitude
guarantees consistent snow quality
over a long season.
Cruise endless rolling scenic trails
between the areas, and enjoy lots of
uncrowded family slopes.
Or plunge into the powder in the pine
forests. More Shiga areas are opening
up more powder options, especially
Okushiga Kogen, where back and side
country tours are also on the menu.
Midweek many Shiga areas are very
quiet, so there’s less competition for

© Prince Hotels
first tracks.
One pass takes in the whole area,
including buses that run end to end,
which takes over an hour by road. For
a challenge, try and ski it end to end in
one day, and get the bus back.

STAY & PLAY

For western visitors the northern end SHIGA KOGEN
is the best place to stay. You have ski- Japan’s highest lift-accessed skiing
in/ski-out Prince & Okushiga hotel provides excellent snow conditions
options, and a cluster of hotels and across a long season.
pensions at Ichinose. This is the heart Nagano sights like the Jigokudani
of the available restaurants and Snow Monkeys are nearby.
nightlife. It’s not party central, but
from izakaya to Nepalese cuisine
complete with tandoor oven, there’s a
growing choice. If you like a quieter
all round experience, Shiga is ideal.

DON’T MISS
Iconic Nagano sights like the Snow
Monkeys, Zenkoji temple, and sake
breweries are close by.
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST
81 ¥5,000 ¥5,000 COURSE
FURTHER INFO Challenge yourself to ¥3,000 child all areas ¥3,000 child 6KM
http://en.shigakogen-ski.com/ ski as many different *child free to 12 years The all area pass includes
areas as you can. at Yakebitaiyama. free buses. Can you ski
Shiga end to end in a day?

SKI & SNOW JAPAN 15

 40% 30% 30%
SKI AREA

NOZAWA ONSEN
Classic snow, classic onsen town
297,000m2

SNOW STUFF the 8th century, where

Nozawa gets regular big festivals and culture are all
dumps of powder snow as it is part of the mix. Where else
close to the Sea of Japan. can you stay in a traditional
The skiing stacks up with ryokan whose owners can
Japan’s best with one of the trace back 18 generations
longest vertical drops at living there? Hotels and
1085m. There are beginner apartments do fill up, so
runs higher up the mountain, book early for main season.
so all levels can enjoy the Or go in March for lots of
views and families/friends of snow and less people.
@GrantGunderson

different abilities can catch There are great restaurants,

up at the slopeside mid- many shops, and lively bars.
mountain restaurant area.
Nozawa Ski Resort is run by DON’T MISS
a local co-op, not a company. There are 13 free community
They are focused on ensuring run public onsen around
guests have a great time. town, so take your onsen set
and go exploring.
STAY & PLAY
Nozawa Onsen is a classic FURTHER INFO
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST blend of tradition and great www.nozawaski.com/en
24 ¥4,800 ¥4,300 COURSE skiing, an onsen town since
¥2,200 child 10KM

40% 40% 20%

SKI AREA

MYOKO
Great snow and a lively village
300,000m2

SNOW STUFF STAY & PLAY

Mt Myoko volcano is home The Japanese royal family ski
to 4 major ski areas, available from the 5-star Akakakura
on the Big-4 pass, plus the Kanko Resort & Spa, which
smaller powder snow dominates the slopes.
paradise of Seki Onsen. Just down the hill, Akakura
Myoko Suginohara reaches Village has plenty of hotels,
highest, with runs over 8km pensions and western-owned
long. Their top lift has the lodges that cater for all
best gradient, and most snow. budgets. A thriving
It and Ikenotaira Onsen next restaurant and aprés scene
door have opened great tree has sprung up over the past
© Owain Price

ski zones in recent years. few years, without losing the

Akakura Kanko and Onsen town’s Japanese character.
are separately owned, but
flow together above the main DON’T MISS
base village at Akakura to Joetsu City is a short bus or
make one large single area. train trip away for shopping,
They all get lots of snow. sightseeing and dining.
Hiking higher opens up more
FURTHER INFO
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST opportunities. Local guides www.myoko.tv/english
80+ ¥4,800 (BIG-4) ¥3,900 COURSE offer a range of trips.
8.5KM
16 SKI & SNOW JAPAN (Suginohara)
Rates full day, main season • Easy • Intermediate • Advanced/Expert
 30% 40% 30%
SKI AREA

MADARAO-TANGRAM
MadaPow! Tree-ski heaven
100,000m2

SNOW STUFF STAY & PLAY

Madarao was one of the first Madarao village straddles a
ski areas in Japan to open up small forested ridge, and has
‘Tree Courses’, designated woken up over the past
powder runs in formerly couple of years as new
no-go terrain. restaurants, cafes, pubs and
Results were immediate, lodges have popped up.
western skiers and boarders They add to the top value
flocked to try them out. What Madarao Kogen Hotel.
was a quiet backwater is now At Tangram, the Madarao
a firm favourite. Tokyu Resort Hotel
Recently Tangram Resort, Tangram offers a more up
which occupies the other side market option complete with
© Madarao

of Mt Madarao, also opened a large indoor pool complex.

up tree courses. The joint
area, skiable on one pass, DON’T MISS
now claims 13 of them - the Iiyama City is just half an
most in Japan. hour bus or taxi ride to check
The 44 regular trails include out the shops and izakaya.
70% suited to beginners and
intermediates, so everyone FURTHER INFO
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST will have fun in the relaxed www.tangram.jp/eng/outdoor/
44 ¥5,000 ¥5,000 COURSE smaller resort environment. www.madarao.jp/ski/_en/
¥3,000 child (Tangram) 2.5KM

40% 35% 25%

SKI AREA

NAEBA-KAGURA
Massive inter-linked ski area
365,000m2

SNOW STUFF cruising runs. The 6km long

Ski powder mid-morning off Dragondola, Japan’s longest
an overnight flight into gondola, links the two areas.
Tokyo! It’s just over 70
minutes via shinkansen to STAY & PLAY
Echigo Yuzawa, then 20 The Naeba Prince complex is
minutes on the bus to the like a large cruise ship parked
Mitsumata base at Kagura. on the snow for your
It’s another 35 minutes by enjoyment. Restaurants, bars,
road to bustling Naeba, the onsen, entertainment and
© Prince Hotels

jewel in the crown of Prince even an indoor kids-learn-to-

Resorts ski areas. ski-area are features. There
Naeba is best known for great are some other options in the
groomed runs accessed by town, only a 500m walk away.
fast lifts. It’s busy weekends,
but surprisingly quiet for the DON’T MISS
size of the complex midweek. Echigo Yuzawa has great
Kagura offers more of a shopping at the station and
wilderness feel, and a sake breweries in town.
sign-out-the-gate back
FURTHER INFO
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST country powder zone at the www.princehotels.com/en/ski/kagura/
45 ¥5,700 ¥5,000 COURSE top, plus a broad network of
child to 12 FREE ¥3,000 child 6KM
SKI & SNOW JAPAN 17
 TOHOKU TAK E A SL ID E O N J A PA N’ S WI L DE R S I D E

OV E R V I E W
Head north from Tokyo to Tohoku
and discover another world, a wilder
world. Mountains, lakes and forests
dominate the landscape.
They are home to some of the best
ski resorts in the country, many of
which are still off the radar for
international visitors.
Yet the shinkansen makes them as
accessible as those further south, so
you lose nothing in convenience.
Start in the Aizu Region, which is
promoting 22 ski areas with perhaps
the world’s best lift pass deal:
international visitors aged 19 - 24 ski
free; other ages pay only ¥3,500 for a
day pass, just by showing your
passport.
Next comes Yamagata, home to
famous snow monsters and great
skiing at historic Zao Onsen.
Keep speeding north to Morioka and
you are an easy bus ride from Iwate
Prefecture’s ‘Aspirin Powder’ snow at
Appi and Shizukuishi.
Then outside Aomori, Honshu’s
northernmost city, is the Holy Grail
for deep snow skiers, Hakkoda.
Along the way, don’t miss the
regional cuisines, the castles (see
where The Last Samurai story came
from in Aizu), and some relaxed
small city shopping between ski
© Appi

areas, which are easily combined

using rail passes or self-driving.

18 SKI & SNOW JAPAN

 NO R TH ER N EXP O SUR E
Head north in Honshu to Tohoku, escaping the crowds and
discovering great ski resorts in wild settings. © Owain Price

TOHOKU
Hakkoda

Zao
Lake Tazawa
Ani

SENDAI
Shizukuishi
AOMORI

Appi

Alts Bandai
MORIOKA

SKI & SNOW JAPAN

19
 30%

APPI RESORT
Powder perfect family favourite
SKI AREA
282,000m2
40%

30%

SNOW STUFF
Appi is an uncrowded all round resort
that delivers on many fronts.
Start with plenty of famous Iwate
Prefecture ‘Aspirin Powder’ snow. It’s
further north here, and being a bit
further from the west coast the snow
gets even drier. Their pro-powder
policy, with several tree zones, helps
you make the most of it, both within
the resort and beyond thanks to
backcountry and cat-skiing options.
The main mountain is steeper on the
top half and mellow lower down,
neatly dividing the terrain.
Japan’s best grooming keeps the main
courses in prime condition. They even
re-groom some runs at lunchtime, and
again prior to night skiing, so for the
non-powder skier it’s a lot easier.
The ski-in/ski-out base complex with
kids and beginners facilities right out
front is ideal for families.
Appi runs a free bus to nearby
Shimokura ski area twice a week.

STAY & PLAY

The self-contained resort/hotel
complex at the base features
restaurants, bars, an izakaya steak
house, onsen, and an indoor pool and
sports complex. APPI
Accommodation ranges from Famous ‘Aspirin Powder’ snow and
standard rooms to deluxe suites, and fantastic family facilities make Appi
new apartment options with a favourite.
kitchenettes. Hachimantai City, a They work hard to constantly
short ¥500 local bus ride away, has update and improve the offering
© Appi

cheaper accommodation options and for western guests.

a range of izakaya and traditional sake
breweries, plus cultural activities.

DON’T MISS
Traditional Matsukawa Onsen in
Hachimantai National Park offers old
school outdoor mixed bathing.
Iwate Ice Festival in February has
great food and ice sculptures.
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST
21 ¥5,300 ¥4,600 COURSE
FURTHER INFO ¥3,000 child 6-18 ¥3,300 child/senior 5.5KM
www.appi-japan.com ¥3,600 senior 60+ Skis, boots, poles or From Summit via Yamabato
snowboard & boots. Run to Shirakaba Run.

20 SKI & SNOW JAPAN Rates full day, main season • Easy • Intermediate • Advanced/Expert
 35% 45% 25%
SKI AREA

ALTS BANDAI
Discover 22 ski areas in Aizu
121,000m2

SNOW STUFF or free bus takes you to

The historic Aizu region is Nekoma, skiable on the same
still an undiscovered gem, ticket. Nearby Grandeco is
amid beautiful lakes and also well worth skiing and
mountains a couple of hours staying at.
north of Tokyo. It boasts
some first class medium size STAY & PLAY
ski resorts, and many smaller Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan
ones, 22 areas available for a Onsen Hotel offers self-
special low lift pass rate of contained ski-in/ski-out at
¥3,500 daily for international the base. Cheaper options
guests. If you are 19 - 24 available in Bandai town
years old the lift pass is free! down the road. Grandeco
© Grandeco

That’s as good a deal as you has excellent ski-in/ski-out.

will find skiing anywhere,
and a great reason to discover DON’T MISS
the delights of Alts Bandai, Visit Tsuruga Castle in
which boasts glorious views Aizuwakamatsu City and
over Lake Inawashiro and is Higashiyama Onsen Village.
the largest of 6 ski areas on
the region’s dominant peak, FURTHER INFO
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST Mt Bandai. Enjoy runs for all www.alts.co.jp/en
29 ¥3,500* ¥4,600 COURSE standards, great parks, and www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en
4KM free cat-skiing. A short hike
*AIZU Region international guest special, show passport; 19-24 ski FREE!

40% 40% 20%

SKI AREA

ZAO ONSEN
Ski with the snow monsters!
305,000m2

SNOW STUFF STAY & PLAY

Even if you don’t ski you will Zao Onsen Village is a
love to check out Zao’s historic onsen town whose
famous snow monsters, the therapeutic hot springs have
snow covered pines that cover been known since 110AD.
the upper slopes. View them Three public baths are
floodlit at night and ski past available, as well as many in
them by day. the big selection of hotels and
The ski area is one of Japan’s ryokans. The town straddles
oldest, with a strong Austrian the side of the mountain,
connection, and largest, with views over Yamagata in
sprawling over several the valley below. Not much
distinct zones with runs up to nightlife, but several izakaya.
an astonishing 10km long.
Having snow monsters is a DON’T MISS
sign they get lots of snow, and Yamagata City is famous as a
there is good powder (though castle town. The castle and
access to it remains limited), its walls are well-preserved.
plus great beginner and
intermediate runs with lots of
FURTHER INFO
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST variety discovering the www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/
26 ¥5,000 ¥3,000 COURSE different areas.
• Easy • Intermediate • Expert * Imus et utectur apicitatem10KM
¥3,300 child
fuga. SKI & SNOW JAPAN 21
 20% 30% 50%
SKI AREA

HAKKODA
A deep powder paradise
Large backcountry areas

SNOW STUFF STAY & PLAY

Aomori Prefecture at the The mid-range Hakkoda
northern tip of Honshu gets Resort Hotel and budget
the same great quantity and Hakkoda Sanso Lodge are at
quality of snow as Hokkaido, the base, there is no village.
most famously at Hakkoda. Several delightful hotels are
A single ropeway takes you to along the road past Hakkoda.
a lonely powder ski paradise. These include historic
There are no groomed runs, Sukayu Onsen, where you
just a series of marked back bathe in a 300 year old
country courses that run traditional mixed onsen.
down from the top. You can When the ski routes are open
© Owain Price

ski the two main courses you can ski back to these
following the trail markers, hotels, and they run shuttles.
but get a local guide -
available at the base - to DON’T MISS
safely discover the full Sukayu Onsen is a must as
potential here. A small area above. Aomori City has great
with a short chairlift and seafood and good shopping.
couple of groomed runs
operates next to the ropeway, FURTHER INFO
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST but Hakkoda is really suited http://hakkoda-ski.com
5 plus ¥5,050 Limited hire COURSE for keen powder riders.
back country routes 5 ride ticket facilities at base 7KM

40% 40% 20%

SKI AREA

SHIZUKUISHI
Powder Prince!
65,000m2

SNOW STUFF STAY & PLAY

Shizukuishi gets similar Shizukuishi is a self-
‘Aspirin Powder’ snow as contained Prince Hotels
nearby Appi. It’s still resort, with the hotel the only
undiscovered, so you can accommodation option.
enjoy it with less competition. Packages with meals are
There are nice tree runs at great value. There’s no
the top, long open runs, plus nightlife, apart from sharing
old courses above and to the the day’s experiences with
side of the resort that provide friends, but for couples and
plenty of powder turns. families it’s a quiet getaway.
The long groomed courses The excellent Kobushi
© Owain Price

suit all standards, including a French restaurant is just a

kid’s area and easy course out ¥1,000 upgrade from a
front of the hotel that is open package with buffet dinner.
for night skiing too.
For something special take DON’T MISS
the Sunrise Cat Ski Tour on Morioka city is only 50
the otherwise now closed minutes away by bus.
Downhill Course from the
FURTHER INFO
COURSES LIFT PASS EQUIPMENT LONGEST 1993 FIS Ski World www.princehotels.com/en/ski/shizukuishi/
11 ¥4,200 ¥4,300 COURSE Championships.
child free to 12 years 4.5KM
22 SKI & SNOW JAPAN Rates full day, main season • Easy • Intermediate • Advanced/Expert
 DAY TRIPS SN O W CLO SE !

GOT A DAY TO SPARE IN TOKYO?

If you are in Japan on business, a stopover, or a more general holiday and want to see what all the snow
buzz is about, why not just take a day or half-day trip? When time is short try these.

GALA YUZAWA
Echigo-Yuzawa, then transfer to the JR
Snow special trains to Gala Yuzawa,
just 90 minutes from Tokyo, depart Joestu Line to Joetsu Kokusai Ski Jo
every few minutes on winter weekends. Mae station, 110 minutes from Tokyo.
The resort base station is built right www.enjoyniigata.com/en/detail/
on top of the shinkansen station - big page/detail/4440
lifts take you up to the plaza level,
where a massive gear hire and English KUSATSU
language snow sports school operates. Kusatsu Kokusai Ski Resort is situated
With gear sorted, hop on the gondola a short walk from Kusatsu Onsen, one
up to the ski area, which is quite a of Japan’s best hot spring resort areas.
decent size and connects to two It has 12 lifts and is a nice, small resort
neighbouring ones.
perfect for part-time skiers. The best
Echigo Yuzawa, 5 minutes before Gala
Yuzawa, is a thriving town with 11 way to finish a tiring day on the slopes
close ski areas, one a short walk away, is to soak in the onsen.
Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort the rest accessed by buses or taxis. Highway buses to Kusatsu depart from
Gala Yuzawa The station has a great shopping and Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya Station.
restaurant complex. Highlight is the The journey takes approximately 4 hours.
White World Oze Iwakura
Minakami
sake tasting centre with over 90
Kusatsu varieties on offer via token machines. WHITE WORLD OZE IWAKURA
It’s easy to store ski gear if you are Oze Iwakura is one of the biggest ski
Karuizawa lugging it, or just hire everything.
narita international airport
areas in Kanto, a ski resort with 16
www.gala.co.jp/winter/english different courses and offers various
Tokyo choices for a wide range of visitors,
KARUIZAWA including skiers, snowboarders, experts
Even closer than Gala, Karuizawa is and families.
tokyo international airport (haneda) just over 60 minutes from Tokyo on the
From Tokyo take the shinkansen to
Hokuriku shinkansen, with the slopes
a short walk from the station. Jomo Kogen and then the Oze Kikou
The ski area has 10 cruisy runs up to bus to the resort. Total travel time is
1.2km long and terrain parks. The approximately 150 minutes.
snowmaking is potent, enabling it to be
one of the first areas to open in Japan MINAKAMI TOWN
in November each year. Sitting just south of the Tanigawa
Around 200 shops, including outlets, mountain range, there are many ski
are on offer at Karuizawa Prince resorts in the Minakami region.
Shopping Plaza. Minakami is a year-round destination
www.princehotels.com/en/ski/ as well, with a variety of other outdoor
karuizawa/ activities during the green season too.
JOETSU KOKUSAI SKI RESORT Take the shinkansen from Tokyo to
With 25 lifts and a wide variety of Jomo Kogen, from where there are a
courses, plus half-pipes, parks and a variety of shuttle buses to Minakami
kids area, there’s something for Onsen or the ski resorts directly. Travel
everyone from beginners through to time from Tokyo is around 2.5 hours.
advanced. The variety of restaurants http://www.visitgunma.jp/en/
mean you are able to relax with your
choice of Japanese or Western food. Midweek all the above areas are
Take the shinkansen from Tokyo to usually quiet.
SKI & SNOW JAPAN 23
Travel Agencies
MORE INFO/BOOKINGS
ALL JAPAN SKI MINT TOURS
www.alljapanski.com www.minttours.com
ASIA ESCAPE HOLIDAYS MOGUL SKI WORLD
www.asiaescapeholidays.com.au www.mogulski.com.au
AWL PITT AUSTRALIA NISEKO SKI TOURS
www.japanpackage.com.au www.nisekoski.com.au
BLUE POWDER TRAVEL NIPPON TRAVEL AGENCY / SACHI TOURS
www.bluepowder.com.au www.sachitours.com.au
DEEP POWDER SNOW HOLIDAYS SAIZEN TOURS
www.deeppowdertours.com www.saizen.com.au

T HE BE ST SN OW I N T H E WO R L D
EPIC SNOW TOURS SKI TRAVEL COMPANY
www.epicsnow.co www.skitravelcompany.com.au
EXPERIENCE JAPAN SKIJAPAN.COM
www.experiencejapan.com.au www.skijapan.com
INSIDEJAPAN TOURS SKIMAX
www.insidejapantours.com www.skimax.com.au
H.I.S. AUSTRALIA SNO‘N’SKI HOLIDAYS
www.travelsnow.com.au www.snonski.com.au
JAPAN HOLIDAYS SNOWSCENE HOLIDAYS
www.japanholidays.com.au www.snowscene.com.au
JAPAN POWDER SKI HOLIDAYS TRAVEL & CO　

© Niseko Hanazono Resort

www.japanpowder.com www.travelandco.com.au
JTB AUSTRALIA TRAVELPLAN AUSTRALIA
www.japanski.com.au www.travelplan.com.au
LIQUID SNOW TOURS WHITEROOM TOURS
www.liquidsnowtours.com www.whiteroomtours.com

More Japan Travel Info Printed December 2018 © JNTO

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

www.jnto.org.au

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