Skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports in Japan
- Published on : 09/03/2018
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
At the start of the Zao onsen ski slope among the 'yuki monster'
Jérôme Laborde
Japan is a mountainous archipelago whose special climate makes it one of the snowiest countries in the world. Thanks to this exceptional snow cover, winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are very popular here, both among the Japanese and among ski enthusiasts from all over the world.
The history of winter sports in Japan
Skiing was introduced to Japan at the end of the Meiji era (1868-1912), passed on by the Austro-Hungarian army to the Imperial Japanese Army. Its development was subsequently boosted by post-war economic growth, the expansion of road and rail networks, and the organization of two Olympic Winter Games, in Sapporo in 1972 and Nagano in 1998.
Skiing in Hokkaido
@Miki Yoshihito on Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Today, winter sports occupy an important place in Japan, with over 500 ski resorts located mainly in the north of the country. The range of activities on offer is extremely varied: in addition to skiing and snowboarding, numerous snow festivals feature impressive ice sculptures, while the famous juhyō transform frozen trees into veritable natural works of art.
Night skiing also captivates with its magical atmosphere, as the slopes light up at dusk. Not forgetting the iconic image of monkeys basking in hot springs. After a day on the slopes, there's nothing like relaxing in an onsen before spending a peaceful night in a traditional ryokan.
All this explains why Japan has become Asia's leading destination for winter sports, attracting travelers from countries where snow is rare or non-existent, or whose winters take place at the opposite end of the Japanese calendar.
Winter sports culture in Japan
The culture of winter sports in Japan is deeply influenced by geography, tradition and a strong attachment to respect for the seasons and good manners. Abundant snowfall - particularly in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps - has given rise to a highly developed ski and snowboard scene, where modern infrastructures coexist with typically Japanese elements such as onsen, local cuisine and peaceful mountain villages.
In contrast to the festive and sometimes unbridled atmosphere of some Western resorts, Japanese winter destinations offer a calm, orderly and respectful atmosphere. Here, people come to enjoy nature as much as to practice sports. Resorts like Niseko have introduced the world to Japan's famous powder, while maintaining a culture based on respect for the environment and other skiers.
Compared to the USA, France or Switzerland, winter sports in Japan are often more affordable and more accessible, thanks in particular to a highly efficient public transport network and human-sized resorts. Where European resorts rely on a strong après-ski culture, and North American resorts on the size and diversity of their areas, Japan stands out for the consistent quality of its snow cover, its sense of hospitality and a high level of safety.
Beginners find the resorts reassuring, while experienced skiers and snowboarders enjoy powder and forest runs. All in all, Japanese winter sports culture offers a calmer, more immersive alternative than in other countries, where performance is balanced with respect for nature.
Zao Onsen
@raitafuto on Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Must-see winter sports destinations in Japan
Discover some of Japan's most famous ski resorts, which attract both Japanese travelers and visitors from all over the world.
Zao (Yamagata Prefecture)
The Zao Onsen ski resort, located at Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, is one of the most emblematic winter destinations in the Tōhoku region. It is renowned not only for skiing and snowboarding but also for a spectacular natural phenomenon: the "snow monsters," the ice- and snow-covered trees that form on the peaks every winter.
The resort boasts a vast ski area, with runs of up to 10 km in length, numerous trails suitable for beginners and advanced skiers alike, and over 30 lifts and cable cars providing access.
Nozawa (Nagano Prefecture)
Nozawa is one of Japan's most popular and historic ski resorts. It is renowned for its quality skiing and snowboarding while retaining the charm of a traditional spa village. The resort stretches across the slopes of Mount Kenashi with 36 runs and 50 km of varied terrain, from beginners to experienced skiers, and enjoys abundant snow cover, often in excess of 10 meters each season.
What makes Nozawa unique is the combination of winter sports and Japanese culture: the village offers local restaurants and numerous public onsen for relaxing after a day on the slopes.
Ski slope at Nozawa Onsen, Nagano region, Japanese Alps
©veenus/123RF
Hakuba (Nagano Prefecture)
Situated in part of the Northern Alps, Hakuba is home to 10 ski resorts with over 200 runs to suit all levels: from gentle slopes for beginners to steep Olympic-level runs like those at Happo-One, site of the 1998 Winter Games.
The valley is particularly prized for its abundant snow cover and diverse terrain: long runs for cruisers, off-piste for the more adventurous, and powder that attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
Hakuba in Nagano
@Koemu on Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0
Niseko (Hokkaido)
The interconnected resorts of Niseko offer a varied terrain suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike, with wide slopes, forest trails and lift-accessed off-piste areas comparable to the best resorts in North America and Europe.
Off the slopes, Niseko offers a lively international atmosphere, with restaurants from all over the world, ski-in/ski-out accommodation and nearby onsen, all in a spectacular setting facing Mount Yotei. Niseko has thus become a benchmark for modern Japanese resort culture, while retaining the local hospitality and natural beauty of the region.
Skiing in the Niseko resort
Jnto
Travel to Japan for winter sports!
Although these resorts are often considered the most important for winter sports in Japan, they are not the only ones to offer quality powder. In our article below, discover other lesser-known ski resorts that are well worth a visit!
Enjoy the snow and spend an unforgettable day on the slopes! It's a fun way to discover the culture and landscapes of the Japanese countryside.
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