Speaking of winter, Japan has so many ski resorts around the country. Skiing and snowboarding during the winter season is very exciting for everyone, including travelers from another country. Here are 5 ski resorts near Tokyo that are worth visiting during the season.
1.Karuizawa – Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort
Around two hours from Tokyo by car, you can go to Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort. You can also come to this resort by shinkansen. One of the easiest to access resorts from Tokyo.
You can enjoy this Ski Resort until March 31, 2024 for this season. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort has trails that are suitable for beginner and intermediate level skiers. There is a huge resort at the bottom of the ski resort, including Prince Hotels and a big shopping complex.
You don’t need to worry if you only have gloves, goggles and beanies. Here they provide a rental for a ski set (skis, boots, poles), snowboard set (snowboard and boots), and skiwear set (jacket and pants) in this resort. You can rent at the counter, or by online.
2. Niigata – Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort
In Niigata, there are so many Ski Resorts. Gala Yuzawa is one of the best resorts in this prefecture. A little bit further than Karuizawa, it takes 2 to 3 hours from Tokyo to come to this ski resort.
For this season, you can enjoy Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort until May 6, 2024. Other than skiing and snowboarding, you can do other activities here. You can try snowmobile sleigh tours, and moon bikes (small snowmobile).
If you try Snowmobile Sleigh Tour, you can sit in a large 6-seater sled and will be pulled by the guide on a snowmobile, to the north area. You can also take a good picture in the driver’s seat.
3. Yamanashi – Fujiten Snow Resort
In Yamanashi prefecture, we can go to Fujiten Snow Resort. It takes around 2 hours from Tokyo. You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding with a view of Mt. Fuji in front of you.
A fun resort for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. There are so many slopes to explore here. There is also a “Chibikko Island”, an area recommended for families with children of elementary age. Kids can play around this “Chibikko Island” with parents to watch them.
For this season, Fujiten Snow Resort holds many events until March 20, 2024. Other than the Main Park, there are also other parks to explore, such as: Koso Ren Park, a practice park for beginners with a small kicker in a low box. And Challenge Park, to practice with items that change regularly.
4. Shizuoka – Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti
Around 2 hours from Tokyo, you can come to Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti in Shizuoka. You can find a snow playground, and a slope for sleds that is safe for children. And for the adults, there are slopes A and B that are suitable for beginners to ski and snowboard.
There are also slopes C and D for the intermediate/advanced level skiers and snowboarders. Like other ski resorts, you can rent almost everything, either ski set, snowboard set, or rent single items, except goggles, gloves, and hats.
Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti is open everyday during the season. It is open from 10.00 to 22.00 on weekdays, and open from 09.00 to 22.00 on weekends and national holidays. You can enjoy this ski resort until March 2024 for this season.
5. Nikko – Nikko Yumoto Onsen Ski Park
It takes 2 to 3 hours from Tokyo to Nikko by car. Nikko Yumoto Onsen Ski Park is a good place to ski and snowboard, or just play with the snow with a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji right in front of you.
Different from the other ski resorts, this one has gentle slopes that are suitable for beginners and families to ski safely. It is also a good place to sled with your children. You can rent a ski/snowboard set here as well.
After hours of skiing or snowboarding, you can take a break in the Nikko Yumoto Onsen near the Ski Park. The nearby Yumoto Onsen also holds events for a limited period. You can enjoy igloos, fireworks, and ice sculptures here after taking a bath in the onsen.
Source:
https://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/karuizawa/
https://www.gala.co.jp/winter/english/
https://www.fujikanko.co.jp/en/business/1236
https://www.yeti-resort.com/en/
https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/sightseeing/nikko_kinugawa/tourism/37.html