Explore Winter Sports near Tokyo this Christmas Season
During winter, Japan’s stunning mountains are covered with snow, and wherever you go, the conditions are ideal for exhilarating winter activities. With Christmas approaching, this is the perfect time to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family. Although Hokkaido and northern Honshu have secured illustrious reputations for winter sports, there’s still plenty to enjoy closer to Tokyo. For the winter sports enthusiasts, here are five places to check out this winter!
Kamui Misaka
Operating since 1988, Kamui Misaka is a ski area located in Yamanashi Prefecture that can be enjoyed year round thanks to its snowmaking machines. The courses are intended for beginners and lower-level intermediates, and the ski area is the perfect place to start out if you have a hankering to learn. Snowboarders are also welcome at almost all courses, aside from the family course. Additionally, Kamui Misaka has a family-friendly sledding course called Kid’s Town, which is free for adults and ¥700 for elementary school students, with an additional fee for sled rental at ¥1,000. With the air growing crisper and colder, now’s the perfect time for winter activities at Kamui Misaka.
Hakuba Valley
As one of the most well-known and largest resorts in Japan, Hakuba Valley draws skiers and snowboarders from around the world to enjoy Japan’s famous powder snow. Located within the northern area of Nagano Prefecture at the base of the Northern Japanese Alps, Hakuba boasts 10 ski resorts with more than 200 runs, with Happo One and Shiga Koen being the most popular. From gentle runs to eight-kilometer-long cruising courses, Hakuba Valley offers an exciting experience for novice and experienced skiers and snowboarders. The resort is exceptionally foreigner-friendly, being staffed by many English speakers. This is a winter wonderland that you don’t want to miss, and its landscape is reminiscent of the ski lodges found amidst the European Alps.
Nozawa Onsen
Nestled at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level in the northern section of Nagano Prefecture, Nozawa Onsen is reputed for its lengthy history as a center for hot spring-goers, as well as one of the first ski resorts in Japan. A scenic portrait of rugged mountains sprinkled with traditional Japanese inns, some of which date back to the Edo era, the resort is also noted to be less touristy than other nearby hotspots. Nozawa has more than 50 kilometers of perfect snow, ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Furthermore, for amateur skiers hoping to improve their skills, there is a ski school led by knowledgeable, English-speaking instructors. Make sure to stop by the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park nearby, where monkeys relax together in the onsen for warmth during the cold winter months.
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
An esteemed ski resort hidden away in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, Zao Onsen Ski Resort offers activities for both skiers and snowboarders with beginner-friendly courses and multiple ski and snowboarding schools. The snow quality is reminiscent of Niseko in Hokkaido, but is much easier to access from Tokyo. On the upper slopes, visitors can bask in the panoramic views of snow-covered trees and snow-capped mountains. The trees, known as “snow monsters” due to their creature-like appearance, are a main attraction of the resort. For those wishing to sightsee, the resort also offers guided tours to visit these snowy spectacles.
Snow Town Yeti
On the southern slopes of Mt. Fuji lies a quaint ski resort, featuring wooden chalets framed by the iconic backdrop of Japan’s most famous landmark. Snow Town Yeti is one of the first resorts to open each ski season, with pistes designed for beginner and advanced skiers. The resort features four runs and two lifts. It’s also very family-friendly, offering winter activities for children, including a playground and sledding. With its own ski and snowboarding school for both adults and children, Snow Town Yeti is the perfect place for beginners to quickly improve their skills. A visit here is an unforgettable and exhilarating experience complemented by splendid views!
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time snowboarder, the winter sports destinations near Tokyo offer something for everyone. As Christmas approaches, take the opportunity to explore Japan’s winter wonderlands and create lasting memories with loved ones. There’s no better way to embrace the magic of the holidays than by hitting the slopes and enjoying the crisp mountain air.