Use the
Planning a Trip to Japan?
Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp
HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Snow Paradise in Tohoku
Get immersed in the snowy slopes and enjoy the benefits of the outdoor hot springs
Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization
The Tohoku region is known for having some of the coldest winters in Japan with reliable snowfall every winter, making it one of the most well-loved ski areas in Japan. Skiing can be experienced in all prefectures in the Tohoku region, with one of the finest quality and quantity of snow in Japan, due to the powder snowfall caused by cooler temperatures.
As one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, Appi Kogen offers 21 courses with excellent snow quality, including a designated area for advanced skiers (tree run zone) where you can enjoy powder snow to the fullest, as well as courses for beginners and families.
Most ski resorts in Tohoku, including those in the Appi Kogen region, are available for skiers of all skill levels, providing slopes perfect for beginners and families to challenging slopes for experienced skiers.
Many ski resorts are easily accessible from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet trains or buses and are less expensive than other ski areas.
Another special sight that can only be seen during the winter season is the juhyo, or fluffy mounts of snow-covered trees. These are formed when ice and snow are blown onto the trees and come in a thousand different shapes. They are often called snow monsters because they are much larger than humans. Juhyo can only be seen in limited environments, but in Tohoku, it can be seen at several ski resorts, including Hakkoda and Zao.
Numerous activities are available after skiing, such as unwinding in a hot spring or taking a stroll through the snow-covered streets. In particular, visitors to Ginzan Onsen can enjoy not only the hot springs but also the fantastic scenery of the hot spring resort.
We invite you to visit Tohoku in winter, where you can find your own way to enjoy the snowy season.
How to get there
Access to Tohoku's leading ski resorts
Hakkoda: From JR Aomori Station, take the bus for 80 minutes.
Appi: From Morioka Station, take the train for 60 minutes to Appi Kogen Station.
Zao: From JR Yamagata Station, take the bus for 40 minutes.
Hakkoda: 1-34 Kansuizawa, Arakawa, Aomori-shi, Aomori-ken
Appi: Appi Kogen, Hachimantai-shi, Iwate-ken
Zao: Zao Onsen, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata-ken
