Snowbound: Discover the Best Snow Escapes in Japan
At the onset of the winter season, Japan transforms into a magical wonderland, drawing in both locals and international tourists who are seeking the thrill of snowy escapades. From pristine slopes to charming traditional towns, Japan offers a diverse array of winter destinations.
While Hokkaido is often the first place that comes to mind when winter is mentioned, Japan definitely has a lot more destinations to offer. In this guide, explore more of the best snow escapes in the country, as we introduce these three snow-covered destinations outside Hokkaido.
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort (Niigata Prefecture)
© GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
Located in Niigata, GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort stands out for its accessibility and excellent facilities. From Tokyo Station, visitors can easily reach the resort via the Shinkansen, making it a convenient snowscape to go to.
GALA Yuzawa boasts well-groomed slopes for skiing and snowboarding, ensuring a thrilling experience for winter sports enthusiasts. From beginners to experts, and from solo travels to families, the resort has courses and activities, such as the snowmobile sleigh tour and moon bike that are suited for everyone. Like most ski resorts, equipment can be rented at the facility too, so you don’t have to worry about bringing too much on your travels.
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
Address: 〒949-6101 Niigata, Minamiuonuma-gun, Yuzawa-machi, Ooaza Yuzawa Aza kayabira 1039-2
Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to GALA Yuzawa Station.
Full access guide here: https://gala.co.jp/winter/english/access-en/
Operating schedule (2024): December 16, 2023 - May 06, 2024 (Operating hours are subject to change depending on the weather.)
Official website: https://gala.co.jp/winter/english/
Hakuba Valley (Nagano Prefecture)
Photo by Hiroya Nakata
Hakuba Valley in Nagano emerges as one of Japan's premier winter sports destinations, boasting 10 diverse snow resorts with terrains for all skill levels, each one offering travelers a unique experience. As the venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Hakuba Valley has gained international recognition and is a great place for travelers thanks to the multilingual support in the area.
Explore the slopes during the day and immerse yourself in the lively après-ski scene in Hakuba Village at night. It hosts a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to cozy mountain lodges. Whether you prefer a slope-side chalet or a traditional Japanese ryokan, there's an option for every traveler.
Tip: Get the Hakuba Valley Day Pass if you want to access all 10 snow resorts and experience what each has to offer!
Hakuba Valley
Address: Happo Information Center: 5734-1 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Access: From Tokyo Station take the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line to Nagano and switch to an express bus. You can get to Hakuba from Nagoya by catching the limited express train. From Osaka to Nagano, take the JR Thunderbird Limited Express and change at Kanazawa Station to the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, then make the bus transfer to Hakuba.
Full access guide here: https://www.hakubavalley.com/en/access_en/
Operating hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm daily.
Official website: https://www.hakubavalley.com/en/
Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Yamagata Prefecture)
Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata is renowned not just for its amazing snowy slopes, but also for its natural hot springs and distinctive Juhyo or "Snow Monsters" formed by the freezing winds and abundant snowfall on trees. There are 25 slopes or courses you can choose from, each with varying levels of difficulties. Some of these courses offer you the chance to ski or snowboard down the slopes against a backdrop of these snow-covered trees.
Beyond winter sports, visitors can enjoy the rejuvenating onsen baths at Zao Onsen and explore the charm of the surrounding area. Zao Onsen has been around for over 1900 years, and its waters are known as the “Spring of Beauty”. Its strong acidic hot springs are said to rejuvenate and strengthen the skin and blood vessels.
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Address: 708-1 Zao Onsen, Yamagata-City, Yamagata 990-2301, JAPAN
Access: Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata City and transfer to a bus heading to Zao Onsen. The total journey time is around three hours. From there, the ski resort is a 15-minute walk.
Full access guide here: https://www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/access/
Operating hours: The lifts open from 8:30am until 5:00pm during the daytime. Night skiing, when available, is from 5:00pm until 9:00pm in the Uwanodai area. It is scheduled daily from December 23, 2023 to February 24, 2024. There is no night skiing in the Yokokura area for the 2023-2024 season.
Official website: https://www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/
A Snowy Paradise
More than these recommended places, Japan's winter delights extend far beyond well-known destinations. Whether you seek the thrill of winter sports, the tranquility of snow-covered landscapes, or the cultural richness of historical sites, exploring Japan's diverse snowscapes promises a truly enchanting experience.
Winter in Japan is a must experience and should be added into your bucket list for your next adventure.
