As Niseko’s popularity continues to soar, skiers and snowboarders are seeking fresh powder and fewer crowds. This quest leads to Japan’s emerging ski hotspots: Kiroro, Appi Kogen, and Myoko Kogen. These destinations promise deep snow, rich local culture, and hidden-gem resorts offering a more authentic experience.
Kiroro: Hokkaido’s Powder Paradise
Nestled in Hokkaido, Kiroro is conveniently located between Sapporo and Niseko. To reach Kiroro, fly into New Chitose Airport near Sapporo. From there, a direct bus service transports you to your accommodation in approximately two hours. Alternatively, a train from the airport to the coastal town of Otaru offers another route, with Otaru being a short drive from Kiroro.
Kiroro may be smaller than its well-known neighbour, Niseko, but it delivers the same legendary powder that draws skiers and snowboarders to Hokkaido. With a modern lift system and excellent backcountry and tree skiing, the resort offers 24 runs, evenly split between green, blue, and black pistes. Despite a third of the slopes being classified as black, the on-piste terrain leans more towards beginner and intermediate levels. Known for its incredible snowfall, Kiroro is undoubtedly one of Japan’s top powder destinations, arguably the true heart of Japow.
For on-mountain accommodation, options include Yu Kiroro, Club Med Kiroro Grand, and Club Med Kiroro Peak. Yu Kiroro provides stylish, spacious, luxury apartment-style suites at the base of the resort. Club Med Kiroro Grand offers an all-inclusive experience suitable for families, while Club Med Kiroro Peak is an adult-only retreat.
Nearby Otaru, a charming seaside town known for its fresh seafood, hot springs, local crafts, and distilleries, serves as a cultural complement to your ski adventure. Day trips from Otaru to Kiroro are feasible, with bus and lift pass combinations available to streamline your experience.
Accommodation
Yu Kiroro & Club Med Kiroro Peak, Kiroro Grand
Appi Kogen
Situated on Honshu, Japan’s main island, Appi Kogen is accessible via a bullet train from Tokyo to Morioka, followed by a regular bus service to the resort. Our consultants can assist in coordinating train schedules to ensure seamless connections with bus services.
Appi Kogen is the largest resort in the Tohoku region, offering a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels. The resort is renowned for its meticulously groomed runs and also provides off-piste opportunities for those seeking powder thrills. Notably, Appi Kogen operates a cat skiing tour at the former Hachimantai Ski Resort, granting access to pristine powder without the need for hiking. This tour includes multiple runs and is designed for skiers and snowboarders comfortable with powder conditions.
Appi Ski Resort features 19 trails, along with a few dedicated tree runs and charming magic forest areas designed for kids. For those looking to venture beyond the main slopes, the snowcat-accessed terrain offers two additional runs and a bit more vertical descent.
Accommodation at Appi Kogen includes the ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Appi Kogen, easily recognizable by its distinctive yellow exterior. The hotel features both outdoor and indoor onsens, a large indoor pool, and generously sized family rooms. Dining options are diverse, with the on-site Japanese restaurant being a highlight. For entertainment, guests can enjoy karaoke in the newly renovated booths.
For a more luxurious stay, the ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort, selected as the first Michelin Key hotel in Japan, offers modern rooms with upscale amenities, including an onsen, wellness centre, and gym.
Myoko Kogen
Located in the Niigata Prefecture of Honshu, Myoko Kogen is accessible via two train rides from Tokyo, delivering you directly to the resort. This area exudes the charm of an old Japanese town while receiving abundant snowfall, making it a haven for snow enthusiasts.
Myoko Kogen encompasses multiple ski resorts, with Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko being among the most popular. A single lift pass provides access to various resorts, and regular bus services facilitate daily transfers between them. The region has seen recent development, enhancing dining options, activities, and facilities within the resort area.
Accommodation ranges from traditional ryokans to modern hotels, many offering easy access to the slopes and the town of Akakura. The area is also in proximity to the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, with daily bus tours available for those interested in witnessing these unique creatures in their natural hot spring habitat.
For families, Myoko Kogen offers a welcoming atmosphere with ski schools and gentle slopes suitable for children and beginners. The combination of rich cultural experiences and excellent snow conditions makes it an attractive destination for those seeking an alternative to more commercialized resorts.
The real appeal of Myoko Kogen lies not in any single ski area but in the collective experience of its interconnected resorts. With access to multiple ski fields on a single pass, Myoko offers something for every type of skier and snowboarder. From perfectly groomed runs for beginners to deep powder stashes and thrilling off-piste terrain for the more adventurous, the region caters to all skill levels. Whether you’re chasing untouched lines through the trees, cruising wide-open trails, or exploring the charm of a traditional Japanese ski town, Myoko Kogen delivers a well-rounded and diverse experience.
While Niseko remains a popular choice, exploring these emerging destinations can provide a more authentic and serene skiing experience. Kiroro, Appi Kogen, and Myoko Kogen each offer unique attractions, from exceptional powder and diverse terrain to cultural richness and family-friendly environments. Venturing beyond the well-trodden paths can lead to unforgettable winter adventures in Japan’s lesser-known ski paradises.
To book a dream holiday to Japan including flights, transfers, accommodation, lift passes and activities call the Ski Travel Experts at travel&co NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 or click here to see our latest featured offers
