Skiing in Honshu Japan

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Honshu is the main island of Japan...most Honshu ski resorts are west & north of Tokyo
Honshu is the main island of Japan...most Honshu ski resorts are west & north of Tokyo
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is a fast, efficient & fun way to access the Honshu ski resorts
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is a fast, efficient & fun way to access the Honshu ski resorts
Nagano is the most famous region for ski resorts in Honshu (and Japan)
Nagano is the most famous region for ski resorts in Honshu (and Japan)
Nagano is home to the "must-see" snow monkey onsen
Nagano is home to the "must-see" snow monkey onsen
There are also many historic temples in and around Nagano
There are also many historic temples in and around Nagano
Hakuba is one of the largest Nagano ski resorts with 11 ski area in the one valley
Hakuba is one of the largest Nagano ski resorts with 11 ski area in the one valley
Shiga Kogen in Nagano has 19 interconnected ski areas making it the largest in Japan
Shiga Kogen in Nagano has 19 interconnected ski areas making it the largest in Japan
Niigata is renowned for huge snowfalls & many great hot springs
Niigata is renowned for huge snowfalls & many great hot springs
The biggest Niigata ski resorts are Myoko Kogen which is made up of multiple ski areas
The biggest Niigata ski resorts are Myoko Kogen which is made up of multiple ski areas
Yuzawa is also part of Niigata with 9 great ski areas & just over an hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo
Yuzawa is also part of Niigata with 9 great ski areas & just over an hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo
Gunma is a lesser known area with amazing historic onsens & a rich Japanese cultural experience
Gunma is a lesser known area with amazing historic onsens & a rich Japanese cultural experience
Tenjindaira is the most famous Gunma ski area for foreigners but there are many gems in this region
Tenjindaira is the most famous Gunma ski area for foreigners but there are many gems in this region
Aizu area is becoming a popular destination for foreigners due to its affordability & low crowds
Aizu area is becoming a popular destination for foreigners due to its affordability & low crowds
Aizu ski resorts include Inawashiro, Alts Bandai, Gran Deco, Nekoma & Minowa
Aizu ski resorts include Inawashiro, Alts Bandai, Gran Deco, Nekoma & Minowa
Yamagata is one of Japan
Yamagata is one of Japan's most famous sake regions along with incredible hot springs
The most famous Yamagata ski resort is Zao Onsen which is large & has many historic ryokans with hot springs
The most famous Yamagata ski resort is Zao Onsen which is large & has many historic ryokans with hot springs
Iwate is less frequented by foreigners but watch this space. This area has some epic skiing/riding.
Iwate is less frequented by foreigners but watch this space. This area has some epic skiing/riding.
Appi Kogen is the largest Iwate ski resort followed by Shizukuishi. Other resorts include Geto Kogen & Amihari.
Appi Kogen is the largest Iwate ski resort followed by Shizukuishi. Other resorts include Geto Kogen & Amihari.
Aomori is located at the northern tip of Honshu where the Shinkansen dives under the sea to connect to Hokkaido
Aomori is located at the northern tip of Honshu where the Shinkansen dives under the sea to connect to Hokkaido
The main Aomori ski areas; Aomori Spring & Hakkoda are famous for huge volumes of snow
The main Aomori ski areas; Aomori Spring & Hakkoda are famous for huge volumes of snow

Skiing in Honshu Japan

Skiing in Honshu

Honshu, the main island of Japan, has hundreds of ski resorts so you’ll be spoiled for choice with Honshu skiing.

Honshu Skiing versus Hokkaido

How does skiing in Honshu compare to Hokkaido skiing?

Honshu Snow
As a general rule, it doesn’t snow as much in Honshu compared to Hokkaido (especially the coastal resorts). The ski resorts near Nagano come close to the amazing snowfalls of Hokkaido. The main Nagano ski resorts have an average annual snowfall of 10 to 13 metres which is nearly the 14 to 15 metres of Rusutsu and Niseko in Hokkaido. One exception is Tenjindaira where it snows about 16 metres per season. Another exception is Hakkoda where there’s so much snow no one can really measure it. If it snows 8 metres per season at sea level in Aomori, you can start to imagine how much it snows up at 1,600 metres! Other Honshu ski resorts where it snows a lot include Geto Kogen, Tazawako and Ani.

The Honshu snow is usually not as dry and fluffy as in Hokkaido, and this includes the Hokkaido ski resorts that are in close proximity to the coast.

Deep and Steep?
Most skiing in Japan is rather mellow when compared to many ski resorts in North America, Europe and New Zealand. There are of course some exceptions in Japan. When comparing Honshu and Hokkaido, as a general rule, Honshu ski resorts are steeper but there is a wide variation between the ski resorts. If you're looking for steep, head to Tenjindaira.

Cultural Activities
One of the benefits of a Honshu ski holiday is that you don’t just have to ski or snowboard. The Nagano area in particular offers lots of culturally interesting activities such as visiting historical onsen villages such as Shibu Onsen with traditional Japanese architecture, temple hopping, and other fascinating sightseeing.

Once in Honshu it’s also easy to do side trips or stopovers in Tokyo or Kyoto, a real cultural eye opener.

Honshu Ski Resorts Japan

Nagano Ski Resorts
Many of the Honshu ski resorts are within the Japanese Alps in the prefectures of Nagano and Niigata, with quite a few situated near Nagano city (northwest of Tokyo) which hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and put some of these areas on the map. Some of the Nagano ski areas include:
  • The Hakuba area consists of various resorts that are interlinked via buses.
  • Shiga Kogen is a group of ski areas that are largely interconnected via the slopes.
  • Nozawa Onsen is the Kyoto of ski resorts, a historic hot springs and ski resort town in northern Nagano.
  • Myoko Kogen is a group of ski resorts located one hour north of Nagano in the Niigata prefecture.
  • Madarao Mountain Resort is located between Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen.
Yuzawa Ski Resorts
The Yuzawa ski resorts are also in the Niigata Prefecture and only 70-90 minutes from Tokyo on the Joetsu Shinkansen. The area is a treasure chest of ski areas with more than a dozen places to play near Yuzawa. A juggernaut with all the bells and whistles is the Naeba ski resort. Next door is Kagura ski resort which is quieter and it offers some nice backcountry.

Other Niigata ski resorts include Arai and Charmant Hiuchi.

Tohoku Ski Resorts
Tohoku, the north eastern region of Honshu, includes the prefectures of Yamagata, Fukushima, Iwate, Akita and Aomori. Tohoku skiing is renowned for negligible competition for the fresh powder because most foreigners haven't heard of many of the ski areas.

The Aizu Ski Resorts are ideal for road tripping around.

Zao Onsen is an onsen (hot springs) and ski resort town near Yamagata that is famous for its snow ghosts (ice rain covered trees).

Appi is a classy ski resort that keeps discerning skiers and boarders very ‘appi! Appi is located near Morioka in the Iwate Prefecture. Geto Kogen is also near Morioka and is renowned for the huge volumes of snow that descend upon it. Other Iwate ski resorts are also great for powder hounds.

Even Hakkoda in the Aomori Prefecture 710km north of Tokyo is easily accessed from Tokyo. The bullet train (Shinkansen) only takes 3 hours. Hakkoda isn’t so much a ski resort, but rather a cable car accessed backcountry experience where there’s so much powder you won’t know what to do with it.

Aomori Spring is also located in the very northern tip of Honshu, and is ideal for beginners, terrain park junkies, and tree skiing fiends.

Gunma Ski Resorts
The Gunma Prefecture is very mountainous and it lies to the east of Nagano Prefecture and south of the Niigata Prefecture. Most of the Gunma ski resorts sit in the northeast corner of the prefecture, and being a little further from the coast, the snow tends to be dryer and less voluminous compared to the Nagano ski resorts.

Tenjindaira is for backcountry powder hounds, and nearby Minakami Houdaigi is a good back-up for weather days. Oze Iwakura is a little gem for powder hounds, whilst Manza Onsen is superb for onsen hounds.

Honshu Skiing with the Family

Most of the high profile Honshu ski resorts have well developed facilities and a couple have an abundance of activities to keep the little folks entertained (e.g. Naeba, Appi). However they don’t necessary cater well to English speaking families. Many of the child care facilities don’t have English speaking staff (which may be a concern for some infants), and whilst it’s possible to get private ski or snowboard lessons, it’s atypical to have group lessons with an English speaking instructor. It’s also rare for a ski resort to have self-contained accommodation such as apartments or houses.

Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen are the only Honshu ski resorts that easily tick all these boxes. Check out the ski Japan with kids page for more information.

Travel to Honshu

Another benefit of skiing in Honshu is that for many international visitors, it’s much easier to fly into Tokyo than to travel to Hokkaido. The Japan railways are very sophisticated, so once in Honshu, the many bullet trains make travel fast and convenient.

There are lots of options for flights into Tokyo. Airlines include Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air, Air New Zealand, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines (you might want to consider a Singapore stopover).

Use one of the recommended flight search engines to find a great flight to Honshu.

If you need to stay overnight near Narita Airport (Tokyo International Airport), here are some listings for hotels near Narita Airport.
Honshu Ski & Snowboard Tours

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Tohoku Storm Chaser
GUIDED SAFARI - NORTHERN HONSHU
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Ski Areas + Cat Skiing
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Get away from the crowds & the tracked out snow, and also experience Japanese culture, food & unlimited powder on this Tohoku tour. Chase the best snow on the day in the far northern parts of Honshu, using the lifts as well as touring gear at times
Price p/p
USD 2,807
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The Legendary Roadie
HOSTED & GUIDED ROAD TRIP
11 Days | 10 Nights | 8 Days Skiing
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Experience Japan powder like no other on this legendary road trip where you will visit up to 8 resorts in 3 prefectures; Nagano, Gunma & Niigata! Join a tour as a solo traveler, couple or small group. Max 6 spots per tour so get in quickly!
Price p/p From price based on twin-share, standard package at Lodge Aibiya.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,343
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Japow Freedom Tour
CAMPER VAN TOUR
8 Nights | 7 Days Guiding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Explore in a camper van with the support of your guide & get the maximum exponent of freedom to be in the right place at the right time. The itinerary is completely flexible depending on snow forecasts and your guide can show you the best Japow spots in lift-assisted freeriding zones
Price p/p Based on a group tour for 2024 with a group of 4 people
USD 3,229
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Honshu here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Nagano Powder Chaser
HOSTED & GUIDED SKI & CULTURE PACKAGES
3, 4, 5 & 6 Nights | 2, 3, 4 & 5 Days Skiing/Boarding
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Don't let a lack of time, budget or resort knowledge hold you back from a ski/snowboard trip in Nagano this winter. Experience many of Nagano's best ski areas with guides who have an intimate knowledge; based in the culturally rich town of Yudanaka. Tours can be CUSTOMISED for 3 nights or more. Share
Price p/p From price based on 3-night stay with 2 days skiing/boarding) in a twin share Japanese room with private bathroom.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,065
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 5% Off tours between 13th and 31st March 2024
Nagano Beginner Packages
BEGINNER HOSTED INSTRUCTION PACKAGES
3, 4, 5 or 6 Nights
Ability: Beginner
This package is ideal for beginners (families, groups, couples and solos) who are looking to experience the great Japanese snow and culture, and have some support to learn to ski or snowboard. Packages include ski/snowboard hire, lessons, and the opportunity to visit the snow monkeys. Share
Price p/p
USD 1,065
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 5% Off tours between 13th March and 15th April 2024
Nagano Ski/Board Progression
SKI / SNOWBOARD GUIDED INSTRUCTION
10 Days | 9 Nights | 8 Skiing | Up to 8 Ski Areas
Ability: Intermediate to Strong Intermediate
Learn to ski and ride deep powder with more confidence or improve your on-piste technique whilst checking out some of Nagano's fabulous ski areas away from the masses of foreigners. In addition to the skiing and snowboarding, experience an area rich in culture and history.
Price p/p From price based on per person twin-share room with shared bathroom.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,008
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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Honshu here

Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area Tours

Zao Guided Day Tours
ZAO RESORT GUIDED DAY TOURS
Private groups only | Max 6 in a group
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Ski Gassan Guides offer a full day of resort guiding around Zao Onsen. Navigating Zao's huge terrain and 28 lifts can take days to master. Ski with local guides that know all of the secret stashes!
Price p/p Sample price is based on resort guiding at Zao Onsen with a private group of 5 people.
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Displayed price might vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 88
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Nagano Beginner Lessons
PRIVATE & GROUP BEGINNER LESSONS
Pick up at Yudanaka for Shiga Kogen
Ability: Beginner
Learn to ski or snowboard at Shiga Kogen with fully qualified English speaking instructors. Private lessons for the day or multiple days. Includes pick-up from your accommodation in Yudanaka (near the snow monkeys) or Shiga Kogen.
Price p/p Price based on single person joining a group.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 147
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Naeba Powder Guiding
DAY GUIDING | NAEBA & KAGURA
Lift Access Only or Lift + Touring or Touring Only
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Explore the powder stashes at Naeba or Kagura & get the best & safest experience with the knowledge of a local certified guide who has intimate knowledge of the terrain. Tours are for PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 5 guests per group.
Price p/p Price is per person based on a PRIVATE GROUP of 3
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed price might vary slightly from actual due to fluctuations in exchange rates.
USD 176
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See all Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area tours that visit Honshu here

Ski & Snowboard Camp Tours

NZSIA Ski Instructors Course
LEVEL-1 SKI INSTRUCTOR COURSE
5 Days Instruction | 6 Days Lifts | 7 Nights Lodging
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Come and ride in Japan as a solo or with a couple of mates and achieve your level 1 NZSIA ski instructors certificate. Professional NZSIA qualified coach, great accommodation & more...
Price p/p Based on bed in a shared room (max 3 per room)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed price might vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 1,936
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NZSIA Snowboard Instructors Course
LEVEL-1 SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTOR COURSE
5 Days Instruction | 6 Days Lifts | 7 Nights Lodging
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Come and ride in Japan as a solo or with a couple of mates and achieve your level 1 NZSIA snowboarding instructors certificate. Professional NZSIA qualified coach, great accommodation & more...
Price p/p Based on bed in a shared room (max 3 per room)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed price might vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 1,936
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See all Ski & Snowboard Camp tours that visit Honshu here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Lessons & Resort Tours
SHIGA KOGEN RESORT TOURS & LESSONS
From 1 to 5 hours
Ability: Beginner to Strong Intermediate
Learn to ski or snowboard on the beginner slopes of Shiga Kogen or improve your ability whilst exploring the massive 19 ski areas of Shiga Kogen. Options are available for people to travel from other nearby ski areas such as Nozawa Onsen.
Price p/p *based on per person in a private group for a 1 hour lesson for 23/24 season.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 67
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Shiga Backcountry Tours
PRIVATE SHIGA KOGEN BACKCOUNTRY GUIDING
Single & Multi-Day Tours
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Venture into the backcountry of Shiga Kogen with guides with your private group. Have the mountain to yourselves. Go for easy hikes, learn avalanche safety skills, or go ski touring to explore further afield.
Price p/p *based on per person in a private group of 3 for a full day tour for 2024.
base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
Displayed rates might vary to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 105
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Gassan Backcountry Day Tours
GASSAN BACKCOUNTRY GUIDED DAY TOURS
Private groups only | Max 5 in a group
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
If you are looking for something different & you love backcountry skiing, Ski Gassan Guides offer day guiding to Gassan ski resort in Yamagata. This resort gets so much snow the lifts don't spin until April so it is ideal for backcountry touring plus there is a snowcat for access as well.
Price p/p Sample price is based on backcountry guiding at Gassan resort with a private group of 4 people.
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Displayed price might vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 131
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See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Honshu here

Cat Skiing Tours

Gassan Cat & Zao Tour
GUIDED CAT ACCESS BC & RESORT TOUR
Customizable From 2 Nights
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
This short adventure tour incorporates a day of guided resort skiing at Zao Onsen & a day of snowcat backcountry access skiing/riding plus night skiing at a secret local resort that only opens at night! You will be guided by local English speaking Japanese guides who will provide an authentic cultural experience.
Price p/p Sample price is based on 3-night package, twin-share (2 in group).
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Displayed price might vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 1,608
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Gunma Cat Ski & BC Tour
GUIDED CAT SKIING & BC ADVENTURE
6 N | 2 D Catski | 2 D BC | 1 Day Resort
Ability: Advanced
Stay in Katashina in Gunma & enjoy 2 days of cat skiing, 2 days of lift-accessed backcountry with road pick-ups, & 1 day of resort riding at Oze Iwakura. Never heard of Katashina or Oze Iwakura? Head to this region where very few international riders go.
Price p/p Price is per person in a private single/twin/double room.
Base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed price might vary slightly from actual due to fluctuations in exchange rates.
USD 3,690
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See all Cat Skiing tours that visit Honshu here