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Snow! Skiing! Snowboarding! Enjoying Winter Activities in Eastern Japan.

July 9, 2024 09:00 AM update

Written by Haruka Kuriyama / Mapping by Miwako Kobayashi

The winter sports season is here! Experience the unique joys of snow country with this itinerary. All ski resorts are within driving distance from the city, so you can also enjoy nearby sightseeing and gourmet experiences in town. Please note that ski resort courses may change depending on the amount of snowfall, so be sure to check in advance before visiting. We'll introduce facilities where you can rent skiing, snowboarding, and snow play equipment and wear, but it is recommended to check in advance if rentals are available during the high season.

Starting at Otaru Station, take the Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station, then head to the airport from Sapporo Station and fly to Haneda airport. From Haneda, travel to Tokyo Station and then take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station. Further, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka Station. Another route from Sapporo to Nagano involves taking the conventional train from Sapporo Station to Hakodate Station, then transferring to the Hokkaido Shinkansen via the Tohoku Shinkansen to Omiya Station, and from there, taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station.

Otaru City's Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Resort: A Slope You Can Ride to a Stunning View, About 15 Minutes by Car from the City Center.

Otaru City, a popular tourist destination year-round, shines especially bright in wintertime with romantic events against snowy landscapes and has an abundant of outdoor activities. In February, the ‘Otaru Snow Light Path’ (February 10th - 17th) is an experience showcasing the charm of Otaru's retro streets and canals illuminated by candlelight, where you can also try your hand at making snow candles. A nearby recommended ski resort is the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Resort, just a 15-minute drive from the city center (pictured). It's a great spot to both enjoy the winter activities and explore the city.

Recommended sight seeing spot

Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Resort

The "Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Ski Resort" features 5 courses with varied terrain, including the newly added "New Course" with a maximum gradient of 40 degrees. The highlight is undoubtedly the stunning panoramic view from Mt. Tengu, where you can overlook the cityscape akin to a miniature garden below. The views extend to Otaru Port, Ishikari Bay, and on clear days, even the distant Shakanbetsu Mountain Range and Shakotan Peninsula. At the base of the mountain, there's a snow park where you can have fun sledding and tubing – the perfect activity for both adults and children alike. The Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway and Observation Deck have been awarded one star by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. During the high season (until February 25th, Sundays, and holidays), night skiing/snowboarding is also available until 7:00 PM on weekends. Ski equipment rental is also possible (please check in advance), so you can arrive empty-handed if needed.

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Address: 2-16-15 Mogami, Otaru City, Hokkaido

Snow Resort City Sapporo: Enjoy Powder Snow Just 30 Minutes from the City Center! Packed with Winter Attractions Like Snow Activities, Hot Springs, and Events.

Sapporo, host of Asia’s first Winter Olympics, offers powder snow just 30 minutes to an hour from downtown. With an annual snowfall of over 5 meters, the city boasts six ski resorts (Sapporo International Ski Resort - pictured, Sapporo Teine, Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Area, Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, Fu's Snow Area, and Takino Snow World Family Slope), catering to advanced skiers, beginners, and even non-skiers.

Recommended sight seeing spot

The Snow Resort City SAPPORO (Sapporo International Ski Resort, Sapporo Teine, Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Area, Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, Fu's Snow Area,Takino Snow World Family Slope)

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, winter in Sapporo offers a variety of activities such as snowshoeing, snow rafting, snow tent saunas, snow camping, and even snow horseback riding, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to interact with nature and animals and stay active. Why not explore the surrounding areas of the six ski resorts (pictured: Sapporo Teine) and enjoy these activities alongside skiing or snowboarding? With all six facilities offering rental equipment and gear, you can fully immerse yourself in winter activities while also exploring the city at your own comfort.

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Address: 593 Teinehoncho, Teine-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Sapporo International Ski Resort
Sapporo Teine
Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Area
Sapporo Bankei Ski Area
Takino Snow World Family Slope

Nagano City's Togakushi Ski Resort: 19 Diverse Courses & Stunning Views to Enjoy Authentic Skiing & Snowboarding.

Nagano City served as the stage for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and Paralympics, where even the current Mayor of Nagano, Kenji Ogiwara, also participated as an athlete. The "Togakushi Ski Resort" (pictured with Mayor Ogiwara) offers 19 courses suitable for everyone from skiing novices to expert competitors. The view of the Togakushi Mountain Range from the summit is astonishing. Incidentally, you can catch a glimpse of Mayor Ogiawa riding the slopes at Togakushi Ski Resort on a snowboard in Nagano City's promotional.

Recommended sight seeing spot

Togakushi Ski Resort

Togakushi Ski Resort (pictured), accessible from Nagano City by car or bus in about 40 minutes, offers a wide range of amenities in addition to its 19 ski runs. There are facilities like the Kids Park with moving walkways, the Ninja Slope, and courses for lessons and certification. For dining, there are two options: the lively and cozy "Shalman Togakushi" cafeteria and the modern and stylish "Alpen Dining Yanagiran." They serve not only Togakushi soba, but also the skiing classic: hearty curry. All original dishes are made with local ingredients, and a variety of kids' meals are on offer, too. Rental equipment and gear are also available, making it convenient for visitors.

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Address: 3682 Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

IOX-AROSA: Ski Resort with the European Resort Ambiance of Arosa, Switzerland, Nanto City's Sister City!

While Nanto City is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ainokura Gassho-style Villages, one of its popular winter tourist destinations is "IOX-AROSA" (pictured). The view of the Sankyo villages of Tonami Plain from the mountaintop is truly breathtaking, offering a picturesque vista year-round. In winter, it transforms into a ski resort catering to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Snowboarders can even enjoy full-slope access with well-equipped permanent features like kickers and rails.

Recommended sight seeing spot

IOX-AROSA

IOX-AROSA (pictured) is just a 10-minute drive from Fukumitsu Station. Modeled after the resort destination "Swiss Arosa" in southeastern Switzerland, which was close to the village where anime "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" was set. During weekends, night skiing is available (operating hours available on the website), giving riders ample time to enjoy the slopes. At the summit, the restaurant "Weisshorn," inspired by Swiss lodges, offers a recommended menu featuring cheese fondue, along with European cuisine and wines. The Experience and Interaction Center located at the base of the slopes is available for free use as a rest area. Additionally, the "IOX Kurum hotel" within the ski resort offers day-trip bathing in hot springs.

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Address: 115 Susukehara, Saikawashichi, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture

Ski Safely and Enjoy the Slopes: Follow the Rules!

At some ski resorts, certain slopes may be designated for skiing or snowboarding only, so have fun while adhering to the rules. Rental equipment and gear are available for skiing, but for city sightseeing, it's essential to stay warm so please wear appropriate clothing and especially footwear to prevent slipping.