Everybody knows that Japan is a delightful country to visit in any season, including winter. Japan is well known as a world-skiing destination—no wonder the country is one of the favorite and main places to visit for skiing enthusiasts.

Japan has powder snow, which they say is a perfect snow condition for skiing. It caters all levels of skiers, both beginners and experts. So, as a skiing destination, it will be easy to find the best ski resorts in Japan. In fact, there are many of them, spreading all around the snowy areas, like Niseko or Hakuba.

Plan to go next winter? Check out our version of 5 best ski resorts in Japan below!

Location: 2-chome-9-1 Nisekohirafu 1 Jo, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0080, Japan
Opening Hours: 8.30 AM - 4.30 PM
Price: Starting from ¥7,800

Don’t be surprised when you find that Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu seems way more crowded than other best ski resorts in Japan, because it has everything: the scenic view, the best terrain, and then best powder snow too. People say it is also the best place to do night skiing.

Not only that you will have an amazing skiing time, but you can also experience the vibrant nightlife around the ski resort. Find the place you need: restaurant, cafe, bar, pub, izakaya and even onsen are available within easy reach. You can easily meet other ski travelers from other countries since this place is internationally popular.

The facilities in Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu are undoubtable. Accommodations are spreading around it too, from the cheap and small one to large condos for a large group of skiers.

Make sure you already have the trails map and know your level. Beginners should always follow the green trail for the easiest. Experts should try the black trail, the most difficult one, and don’t forget to always be careful.

Location: Suginosawa, Myoko, Niigata 949-2113, Japan
Opening Hours: 8.30 AM - 4 PM
Price: Starting from ¥6000

This is the best ski resort in Japan located in Myoko. Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort is a modern one, complete with the gondola and fast quad lifts that can carry you to the peak. When it’s clear, you can see Mount Fuji from the summit.

All types of skiers are welcome here, but it is strongly recommended for beginners to intermediate skiers. This resort actually has two zones that are only connected through several trails at the top of the ski area. On the right side is the Suginohara Zone, and on the left side is the Mitahara Zone.

The place is also surrounded by local eateries that will provide you with some authentic Japanese foods.

Location: Madaraokogen, Iiyama, Nagano 389-2257, Japan
Opening Hours: 8.30 AM - 4.30 PM
Price: Mountain Pass (Valid for Madarao Kogen Ski Resort & Tangram) starts from ¥7000

Only around 1 hour from the downtown of Nagano City, you’ll find Madarao Mountain Resort as your next best ski resort in Japan. The resort is quite big, with various kinds of slopes, both groomed and ungroomed. Advanced skiers will find this resort so enjoyable, while beginners can have fun too without feeling bored.

Madarao Mountain Resort also has a children's area called The Madarao Kids Park. It has snow tubes, sleds, and even Japanese style igloos! The Snow Fun Corner is available for people of all ages to have fun safely on the snow. If your kids are already done with playing in the snow, you can take them to the indoor playground, TSUMIKI, available in Madarao Kogen Hotel.

Hence, this resort is probably the most family friendly, aside from being the best ski resort in Japan. If you’re not an expert, don’t worry, you can join the course since they believe that you should make your tree run debut here!

Location: Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Opening Hours: 8 AM - 4 PM
Price: Starting from ¥6,900

Prepare yourself for the most amazing view of The North Alps! Back in 1998, Happo-One was a Winter Olympics area, so it must be a different experience skiing here. This best ski resort in Japan is suitable for any level. If you see the trail maps of Happo-One, you’ll see that there are 5 levels of trails: beginner, upper beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert.

The beginners area is safe even for kids and first-time skiers. Kids can play with snow, make snowmen, and build snow castles, until they are fully satisfied. First time skiers can learn safely here. Geard can be rented from the ski resort, and if you have enough skiing, you can visit the onsen. FYI, the onsen here is said to be the only one in Japan that has high alkaline levels of water and natural hydrogen. It is located at the foot of the Hakuba Mountain, offering you not only the freshness of the hot springs, but also the most mesmerizing view of the Northern Alps.

Accommodations and restaurants are available so close to this best ski resort in Japan!

Location: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1711
Opening Hours: 9 AM - 8 PM
Price: Starting from ¥8,500 (for 5 hour ticket and online purchase)

It’s going to be an amazing time spent in Rusutsu Resort! Everything here is perfect, as the resort is also perfect for any season. But, Rusutsu during winter is extraordinary. The powder snow, the sunny days even during winter—thanks to the location—and the almost never harsh wind of winter blows ruining your ski trip are what makes Rusutsu Resort exceptional.

Calling all advanced skiers as this best ski resort in Japan has so many advanced trails, with exciting challenges waiting all over the corner. Aside from having the regular facilities (like restaurants, rental station, onsen, and shopping center), Rusutsu Resort offers some fun snow activities like snowmobile rides, dog sledding, horse riding, snow rafting, snow drifting, nature tours, ice fishing, and snow tent sauna & Kamakura outdoor snow dive. That way, your winter days here won’t be boring. Don’t hesitate to join the snow school so you can ski better!

By choosing the best ski resort in Japan, we’re sure you will have an utterly memorable time of skiing with your loved ones. Explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flight and hotel. Visit Traveloka for more information! Have fun skiing all the way!