UPDATED: Japan is open and the first of the ski resorts has announced its opening dates for 2023/2024.

If you’re seeking a unique and exciting spot for your next skiing destination, look no further than Japan. With its fabled dry powder, stunning scenery, amazing culture and varied terrain, hitting the slopes in Japan is a remarkable experience. We’ve created a Quick Guide to skiing and boarding in Japan, see how further down the blog. 

Ski resorts in Japan can get over 12 metres of snow a year, providing visitors almost guaranteed powder runs at some point during their holiday. This is one of the reasons it’s a popular spot for riders looking to enjoy deep snow. Alongside the snow, Japan offers skiers and snowboarders delicious food, stunning vistas, and a cultural experience that’s hard to beat.

Japan has hundreds of ski resorts scattered across Hokkaido & Honshu, and you’ll be pleased to hear the lift lines are often smaller than those you’ll find around the rest of the world!

The official opening dates for Niskeo United have been announced, other Japanese resorts are coming soon. In the meantime, check out the approximate dates based on previous seasons, you can use these to decide what destination seems the best for you. 

Hokkaido Ski Season Dates

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island, and is well known for its beautiful onsens and highly favourable skiing conditions, where the slopes have a reputation for being “deep, not steep”.

Furano

Opens: Mid December 2023
Closes: Early April 2024

Furano Ski Resort has an authentic Japanese village combined with an average-sized ski resort that boasts some great powder runs, providing the perfect balance for your skiing holiday.

Niseko United

Opens: 02 Dec 2023
Closes: 07 April / May 2024

Niseko Village Ski Resort is world-renowned for its food, snow, and entertainment. The snow falls all winter at Niseko and its facilities are top-notch. It is one of the few resorts in Japan that boasts a great nightlife, which includes after-dark skiing, allowing visitors to enjoy the epic Japanese powder for even longer.

• Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area: December 2, 2023 – May 6, 2024
• Niseko Village Ski Resort: December 2, 2023 – April 7, 2024
• Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU: December 2, 2023 – May 6, 2024
• Niseko Hanazono Resort: December 2, 2023 – April 7, 2024

Rusutsu

Opens: Late November 2023
Closes: Early April 2024

With up to 14 metres of snow falling each year, Rusutsu will give you a taste of some of the best powder snow in the world. The terrain is ideal for all levels.

Sahoro

Opens: 1 December 2023
Closes: 7 April 2024

Sahoro is a small resort, offering great snow and accommodation alike. Beginners will love this resort, with a decent range of options for those just starting out on the slopes, it’s an easy spot for first timers to tackle. Sahoro is very family friendly too, with options such as kid clubs and lessons for children.

Tomamu

Opens: 1 December 2023
Closes: 1 April 2024

Tomamu is a modern and incredible looking resort, with all the bells and whistles you could hope for. The skiing itself offers a wide variety of runs, with great dry powder runs off-piste (which are allowed here!).

Honshu Ski Season Dates

Honshu is Japan’s largest and most populous island. The resorts here tend to open a little later than those in Hokkaido due to the more temperate climate. 

Hakuba 

Happo One
Opens: Mid November 2023
Closes: Early May 2024

Hakuba holds several ski resorts, in the heart of the Japanese Alps and boasts some of the best snow in the world. Happo One Resort is great for all ages, yet can still give the experts the time of their life. Habuka Valley is also where the 1998 Winter Olympic Games were held, so if you need a day off the slopes there’s a lot of history to explore!

Other resorts in the Habuka area include:

• Cortina: Opens December 2019 and closes April 2020
• Hakuba 47: Opens December 2019 and closes May 2020
• Goryu: Opens December 2019 and closes May 2020

Myoko Kogen 

Akakura Onsen
Opens: Mid December 2023
Closes: Late March 2024

One of Japan’s oldest ski area, Myoko Kogen gets a massive amount of snow per year, which is always music to a skier’s ears. Combine this powder with the resort’s authentic Japanese town, history and onsens, and the lucky visitors in Myoko Kogen are treated to an unforgettable skiing experience here.

Nozawa Onsen

Opens: Late November 2023
Closes: Early May 2024

Nozawa is a historic destination to head to for your skiing holiday. Japanese culture floods the streets, and their famous hot springs provide sweet relief after a long day of skiing or boarding. The resort also stays open into May, allowing visitors to take in some late season runs.

Shiga Kogen

Opens: Mid December 2023
Closes: Late March 2024

Shiga Kogen is one of the largest ski areas in Japan, and because of its altitude, sees a huge amount of snowfall in its winter seasons. The terrain is welcoming to all levels of riders, and the resort offers great accommodation options.

Our Active Travel Experts have exclusive deals, information and prices at their fingertips, they’ll help you find the best value deals and experiences to suit your needs and budget on your next ski/board experience in Japan. Get in touch on NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 or click here for our latest offers. We can’t wait to chat about your perfect skiing or boarding experience!

*Ski resort opening and closing dates are subject to change