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Ski slopes at Niseko with Mount Yotei behind

Seasons

Skiing & snowboarding

From Hokkaido powder to slopes just over an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen. The season runs roughly from December to March.

Travel tips

  • You can send skis and boots ahead to your hotel or the resort by courier.
  • Trains and buses run late in heavy snow, so leave extra time for connections.

5 places to go

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  1. 1

    Niseko Hirafu

    Area

    World-famous for powder snow. The bus from New Chitose Airport is the easy way in.

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  2. 2

    Furano

    Station

    In central Hokkaido, with fine snow and a town close by.

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  3. 3

    Gala Yuzawa

    Station

    The Shinkansen station is the resort entrance — a day trip from Tokyo (winter only).

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  4. 4

    Echigo-Yuzawa

    Station

    Many ski areas around the station, plus hot springs.

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  5. 5

    Nagano

    Station

    The gateway to Hakuba, Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen, with buses to each.

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From people who went

Tips about the places in this theme, most helpful first.

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Event dates, operating days, reservation rules and opening hours can change. Please check the official information before you go.

Photo and data credits

Ski slopes at Niseko with Mount Yotei behind MIKI Yoshihito (CC BY 2.0). Cropped and resized.