Published: November 20, 2025
Dreaming of carving through fresh powder snow but thought you had to travel all the way to Hokkaido? Think again! Japan has over 500 ski resorts, and some of the best are just a quick trip from Tokyo. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to make your first turns or a seasoned pro searching for a challenge, there’s a perfect slope waiting for you in the Kanto region.
This guide introduces 10 amazing ski resorts perfect for a day trip from Tokyo. We’ve gathered all the essential info—including opening dates, difficulty levels, and insider tips—to help you plan your ultimate winter adventure for the 2025-2026 season.
1. GALA Yuzawa (Niigata)
The Ultimate in Convenience
https://maps.app.goo.gl/41vMbkshPrPxhUn38
If you want maximum time on the slopes and minimum travel hassle, GALA Yuzawa is your answer. This resort is famously connected directly to a Shinkansen (bullet train) station, getting you from Tokyo to the gondola in as little as 71 minutes. It’s the perfect choice for those who don’t want to worry about snowy roads. The resort is well-equipped with extensive rental gear, hot springs (onsen), and even a swimming pool, making it incredibly friendly for beginners and those traveling light.
•Best for: Beginners, day-trippers, and travelers without a car.
•Access from Tokyo: As short as 71 minutes by Joetsu Shinkansen to GALA Yuzawa Station.
•2025-2026 Season: December 20, 2025 – May 6, 2026.
•Insider Tip: GALA is connected to two other resorts (Yuzawa Kogen and Ishiuchi Maruyama), offering a massive ski area for those who purchase a combined lift pass.
🎿 Visiting Yuzawa (Niigata)?
🏨 Stay near ski resorts, onsen ryokans, and cozy mountain hotels 👇
2. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort (Nagano)
Skiing and Shopping in Style
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUgHywkWvXzG7tKw6
Located in the upscale resort town of Karuizawa, this ski area is another Shinkansen-accessible gem, just an hour from Tokyo. It’s known for its high-quality artificial snow, allowing it to open earlier than most resorts. The slopes are wide and gentle, making it ideal for beginners and families. After skiing, you can indulge in some retail therapy at the massive Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza right next door.
•Best for: Families, beginners, and those who want to combine skiing with shopping and sightseeing.
•Access from Tokyo: About 1 hour by Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station, then a 1-minute shuttle bus.
•2025-2026 Season: November 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026.
•Insider Tip: While 58% of the courses are for beginners, the view of Mt. Asama from the top is a treat for everyone.
🌿 Visiting Karuizawa?
🏨 Discover luxury resorts, cozy cottages, and beautiful forest retreats 👇
3. Kawaba Ski Resort (Gunma)
Powder Snow Paradise for Experts
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DQhnfky5r5h3jpjx5
For those seeking some of Japan’s legendary powder snow (Japow) without the long journey, Kawaba is the place to be. Located just two hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area, this resort is a favorite among intermediate and advanced skiers, boasting one of the Kanto region’s best mogul courses. For convenience, it features a multi-story parking garage directly connected to the slopes—a rare and welcome feature. After a day on the mountain, you can visit the nearby Kawaba Den-en Plaza, an award-winning roadside station (michi-no-eki).
•Best for: Intermediate to advanced skiers, powder hounds.
•Access from Tokyo: About 90 minutes by car from Nerima IC. Or, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen Station and then a 50-minute shuttle bus (reservations required).
•2025-2026 Season: Early December 2025 – Mid-April 2026.
•Insider Tip: Don’t miss the 3,300-meter-long run through the trees, a thrilling experience for intermediate skiers.
⛰️ Staying near Kawaba Village? Check Minakami!
🏨 Explore onsen ryokans, mountain lodges, and adventure activity stays 👇
4. Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort (Gunma)
High Altitude and a Long Season
https://maps.app.goo.gl/h2Mxf4nH126aFk5B6
Situated at an elevation of 2,000 meters, Marunuma Kogen boasts some of the best powder snow in Gunma and a remarkably long season that stretches from late November to the Golden Week holidays in May. Its signature attraction is a 4,000-meter-long run that offers breathtaking views and a variety of terrain suitable for all levels. The resort also has on-site lodging and a hot spring, making it easy to relax after a long day or even stay for a multi-day trip.
•Best for: All levels, those looking for a long ski season.
•Access from Tokyo: About 1.5 hours by car from Nerima IC. By bus, the Katashina Snow Express from Shinjuku takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
•2025-2026 Season: As soon as conditions permit – May 6, 2026.
•Insider Tip: The on-site hot spring is the perfect way to soothe sore muscles without having to travel elsewhere.
⛰️ Staying near Marunuma? Check Minakami!
🏨 Explore onsen ryokans, mountain lodges, and adventure activity stays 👇
5. Tambara Ski Park (Gunma)
Gentle Slopes for a Perfect Debut
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qwZbJreCniQBfXBc9
Another resort with a long season from late November to May, Tambara is renowned for its high-quality powder snow despite its easy accessibility from Tokyo. The slopes are predominantly gentle, making it an excellent choice for first-timers and families with young children. The kids’ park is well-equipped with sleds and snow striders, ensuring a fun day for even the smallest members of the family. For more advanced skiers, there are ungroomed courses available the day after a fresh snowfall.
•Best for: Beginners, families with children, and early/late season skiing.
•Access from Tokyo: About 1.5 hours by car from Nerima IC. A free shuttle bus runs from JR Numata Station (reservations required).
•2025-2026 Season: November 29, 2025 – May 6, 2026.
•Insider Tip: Combine your ski trip with a visit to the nearby Kawaba Onsen or the Hakusawa roadside station.
⛰️ Staying near Tambara Ski Park? Check Minakami!
🏨 Explore onsen ryokans, mountain lodges, and adventure activity stays 👇
6. Hunter Mountain Shiobara (Tochigi)
The Biggest Resort in the Capital Region
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NvjVenFgmEkgTjGB9
As the largest ski resort in the greater Tokyo area, Hunter Mountain is a popular choice, especially for families. It offers 12 diverse courses, including wide, gentle slopes for beginners and a 3,000-meter-long run from the summit. The kids’ park is one of the best in the region, with sledding, tubing, and other snow play activities. The proximity to the famous Shiobara Onsen also means you can enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath after your day on the slopes.
•Best for: Families, skiers of all levels.
•Access from Tokyo: About 2 hours by car from Nerima IC. By train, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasu-Shiobara Station, then an 80-minute shuttle bus (reservations required).
•2025-2026 Season: November 29, 2025 – May 6, 2026.
•Insider Tip: The resort’s layout is easy to navigate, making it a stress-free choice for groups with varying skill levels.
🎿 Looking for hotels near Hunter Mountain Ski Resort?
🏨 Stay in Nasu-Shiobara, the closest major base with onsen hotels and mountain lodges 👇
7. Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort (Niigata)
A Massive Resort with Endless Runs
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZuDp8JtdSAYntpWd9
Boasting a total area equivalent to 214 Tokyo Domes, Joetsu Kokusai (or “Jokoku”) is one of the largest ski resorts in the region. It features 22 courses spread across four distinct areas. It’s particularly known for its long runs, including a massive 6,000-meter course. Even beginners can enjoy the powder snow at the summit thanks to several long, gentle cruising trails. For experts, the infamous “Jokoku Wall” offers a thrilling challenge with a maximum gradient of 38 degrees.
•Best for: Skiers who love long runs, groups with mixed abilities.
•Access from Tokyo: About 2 hours by car from Nerima IC. The resort is directly in front of Joetsu Kokusai Ski-jo Mae Station on the JR Joetsu Line.
•2025-2026 Season: December 6, 2025 – April 5, 2026.
•Insider Tip: The resort offers night skiing (nighter) until 9:00 PM on most nights, perfect for extending your day.
🏯 Visiting Joetsu (Niigata)?
🏨 Explore historic castle towns, coastal stays, and peaceful countryside inns 👇
8. Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort (Nagano)
Olympic-Level Skiing with Alpine Views
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TkY7Pgba7vkxGzty5
For a truly world-class experience, head to Hakuba Happo-one, a host of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. The resort offers some of the most challenging terrain and best powder snow in Japan, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Alps. While it caters heavily to intermediate and advanced skiers with its 8,000-meter-long course and ungroomed powder zones, there are still plenty of options for beginners and a dedicated kids’ park.
•Best for: Advanced skiers, powder lovers, and those seeking spectacular alpine scenery.
•Access from Tokyo: About 2 hours by car from Hachioji IC. By train, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, then a 1.5-hour express bus.
•2025-2026 Season: December 1, 2025 – May 6, 2026.
•Insider Tip: The “Happo Banks” is a natural terrain park that is a must-try for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.
🏔️ Visiting Hakuba?
❄️ Stay at ski-in/ski-out resorts, cozy chalets, and mountain-view lodges 👇
9. Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort (Niigata)
Perfect for a First-Time Ski Trip
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kbhDL2r5MSRADLaT6
With excellent access by car or train, Yuzawa Nakazato is another fantastic option for a day trip. The resort is exceptionally well-balanced, with dedicated beginner areas, fun athletic courses for practice, and ungroomed terrain for experts. The official website is particularly helpful for first-timers, offering detailed guides on what to bring and what to do upon arrival, making it one of the most beginner-friendly resorts on this list.
•Best for: First-time skiers, families, and groups with mixed abilities.
•Access from Tokyo: About 110 minutes by car from Nerima IC. The resort is directly connected to Echigo-Nakazato Station on the JR line.
•2025-2026 Season: December 20, 2025 – March 29, 2026.
•Insider Tip: Check out the “Blue Train” rest areas—real train carriages converted into unique, free-to-use lounges.
🎿 Visiting Yuzawa (Niigata)?
🏨 Stay near ski resorts, onsen ryokans, and cozy mountain hotels 👇
10. Kamui Misaka Ski Resort (Yamanashi)
Closest Outdoor Skiing to Tokyo
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mCWqFmQqxNqRFnVbA
As the closest outdoor ski resort to the Hachioji IC, Kamui Misaka is a great choice for a quick and easy day trip. It’s an artificial snow resort with a high percentage of sunny days, so you can almost always count on good conditions. The drive there has very little snow, making it a safe bet for those nervous about winter driving. The courses are compact and wide, perfect for practicing turns at your own pace.
•Best for: Beginners, those anxious about winter driving, and a quick ski fix.
•Access from Tokyo: About 65 minutes by car from Hachioji IC.
•2025-2026 Season: December 13, 2025 – March 29, 2026.
•Insider Tip: Because it’s compact, it’s easy to keep an eye on kids and meet up with friends.
🏞️ Visiting Kofu (Yamanashi)?
🏨 Explore Mt. Fuji views, wineries, hot springs, and local city stays 👇
Please note that opening periods and lift operations are subject to change based on snow conditions. Always check the official resort website before your trip.
Now that you have the inside scoop on the best ski resorts near Tokyo, which one will you visit first? Pack your gear, grab your friends, and get ready to enjoy Japan’s incredible winter season!
Reference
This guide is part of my ongoing series introducing hidden gems in Japan — from local culture, traditional towns, and scenic nature spots.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, check my other guides on Japan travel tips, hidden temples, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and regional sightseeing.
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