Top 10 Ski Resorts Near Tokyo

Published on : 30/01/2026
by : Mathieu

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Ski avec vue Mt Fuji — Ski with Mt Fuji view
@Keattisak on istock

Winter sports are popular in Japan. And there's no need to cross the archipelago to enjoy them. With Japan Experience, discover 10 ski resorts near Tokyo!

Echigo-Yuzawa

Approximately 1h30 from Tokyo, discover the Echigo-Yuzawa valley. Located in Niigata Prefecture, it's the perfect place for a weekend in the powder. The valley boasts a dozen ski areas, easily accessible by Shinkansen and bus from Tokyo.

Discover the region with the JR East Pass!

The East Nagano-Niigata Area Pass allows you to travel on JR East lines between Tokyo and the cities of Nagano and Niigata. It also allows you to take trains between Haneda or Narita and the capital. The pass is valid for 5 consecutive days, starting from the day of validity indicated at the time of exchange.

The Pass gives access to the following locations: Tokyo (including Ueno station), Ômiya, Utsunomiya, Nasushirobara, Nikko, Takasaki, Karuizawa, Sakudaira, Nagano, Jôetsumyôkô, Echigo-Yuzawa, GALA Yuzawa and Niigata.

The Pass is free for children under 6 and half-price for children aged 6 to 11.

Your JR East Pass

Echigo-Yuzawa's flagship resorts:

1. GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort

This resort, located between 358 and 1181 m above sea level, offers 17 runs (80% for beginners and intermediates) and 11 lifts, ideal for a day trip or short stay from the capital. Very popular with Tokyoites, it offers a wide range of services at the foot of the slopes (rentals, restaurants, lockers, and changing rooms) as well as a large GALA-no-Yu onsen, perfect for relaxing after skiing.

Télécabine au dessus des pistes — Gondola above the slopes
@unsplash

2. Naeba Ski Resort

Naeba is one of the largest ski resorts in the region, with an area of around 200 hectares, some 20 lifts and numerous runs. It is renowned for the quality and abundance of its powder snow. There are runs for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, supervised off-piste zones and a snowpark for freestyle enthusiasts. From the summit, a long ski run leads to the neighboring Kagura ski area.

3. Kagura Snow Resorts (Kagura / Mitsumata / Tashiro)

You've taken the slope from the summit of Naeba, and now you're in the Kagura area! Kagura Snow Resorts brings together the Kagura, Mitsumata and Tashiro areas, forming a vast ski area appreciated for its abundant snow and long season (Nov.-mid-May). The area is divided into 3 zones: Mitsumata and Tashiro, with easy runs for beginners, and Kagura, with more technical terrain and higher-altitude runs.

4. Ishiuchi Maruyama

Ishiuchi Maruyama is a neighboring hill connected to Gala Yuzawa, offering a much larger area with authentic charm. The Sansan Kyotsu package allows you to enjoy both resorts to the full.

5. Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort

Just 15 minutes from Echigo-Yuzawa, this resort is a perfect choice for families. There are 22 trails for beginners and intermediates. The resort is also worth a look for its half-timbered architecture.

Other must-see resorts near Tokyo:

6. Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort

Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort is the largest ski resort in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture . It is located on Mount Yagasaki and has 10 to 14 runs covering all levels: 5 for beginners, 2 intermediate, 3 expert and several night runs.

7. Hakuba Valley

Hakuba Valley is one of Japan's largest ski areas (960 ha, 137 km of slopes), only 3 hours by train from Tokyo. It comprises 11 interconnected resorts in the heart of the Japanese Alps. In 1998, the resort hosted the Nagano Winter Olympics. Its powder snow is ideal for freeride and off-piste skiing. Discover its authentic village with onsens, traditional restaurants and activities for non-skiers (skating rink, snowshoeing, monkey watching, onsens, temples).

Discover the Japanese Alps!

This Japan tour takes you to the heart of the Japanese mountains. A tour of the Japanese Alps means discovering a less touristy, more unspoilt and traditional Japan.

Not forgetting the must-sees: Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Kyoto. You'll also enjoy a guided tour of Matsumoto Castle and the unique experience of making your own soba.

Your tour

8. Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is a historic resort (since 1924) in northern Nagano, 2.5 hours by train from Tokyo. The 300-hectare resort combines an authentic spa village with traditional ryokans and modern skiing. Site of the 1998 Nagano Olympics, it offers 36 runs, 19 lifts and freeride zones in the forest. For total immersion and a perfect après-ski, try one of the 13 public baths with natural hot springs.

Singes Nozawa Onsen — Monkeys Nozawa Onsen
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9. Shiga Kogen

Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski area (607 ha, 80 km of runs, 19 interconnected resorts, 71 lifts), located in the heart of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. It was the site of the slalom event at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Just 1h30 by train and bus from Tokyo, it offers the longest ski season (mid-November to early May). Thanks to exceptional snow conditions, there are runs for all levels, off-piste and snowparks.

10. Myoko Kogen

Myoko Kogen can be reached in 2 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo, nestled on the slopes of Mount Myoko between Nagano and Niigata prefectures. The resort is famous for its light, abundant powder. It's a freeride paradise in the heart of vast forests (Akakura Onsen, Suginohara and over 5 areas), with long runs and impressive vertical drops (often over 1000m). Its après-ski is also a must: try its outdoor onsens with views of the snow-capped mountains.