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Why not ski? Discover exciting ski resorts near Osaka, just a 3-hour trip away!
For a country like Vietnam, where snow is rare, skiing might seem like a distant dream. However, if you're craving the thrill of gliding down snow-covered slopes, let Mytour guide you to an unforgettable experience in Japan.
Osaka, a vibrant city blending modernity and tradition, serves as the perfect gateway to world-class ski resorts. Without the need to travel far to Hokkaido, you can find ideal spots near Osaka to enjoy pristine snowy slopes. Let’s explore the ski resorts near Osaka, where fun and excitement are just a short trip away.
1. Mt. Rokkō Snow Park - A Ski Resort Near Osaka Featuring Famous Kobe Beef
- Travel time from Osaka: Approximately 1 hour by train, bus, and cable car.
If you're searching for a family-friendly ski resort to enjoy a winter vacation, Mt. Rokko Snow Park is the perfect choice. Its gentle and smooth slopes are ideal for beginners and families. Despite having only 3 slopes, the resort offers additional activities like snow tubing, ensuring endless fun for everyone.
(*) Quick Tip for #teamMytour: If it's your first time skiing, head straight to the dedicated practice area before hitting the slopes. This flat, secluded zone helps you understand how skis work and get comfortable with snow movements.
Although the snow here is artificial, it still delivers an exciting experience, especially for kids with a variety of engaging activities. Don’t leave early—the resort stays open until 8 PM daily, offering thrilling nighttime skiing adventures.
How to Get to Mt. Rokkō Snow Park: Take a 23-minute train ride via JR Tokaido Sanyo Main Line to Rokkomichi Station from Osaka Station, then a 20-minute bus ride to the base of Mt. Rokko, followed by a 10-minute cable car ride, and finally the Rokko Sanjo bus to the snow park.
- Opening Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM on weekdays, 9 AM - 8 PM on weekends and holidays.
- Address: Kitarokko-4512-98 Rokkosancho, Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 657-0101, Japan
Mt. Rokkō Snow Park is surrounded by attractions like the Rokko International Musical Box Museum, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, the stunning Rokko Shidare Observatory, and more. Plus, the resort is located in Kobe, so why not savor some delicious Kobe beef before heading back to Osaka?
2. Biwako Valley Ski Resort - Otsu Shiga
- Travel time from Osaka: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by train and bus.
Unfortunately, the Kansai region doesn’t get much snowfall in winter. To address this, Biwako Valley Ski Resort uses advanced snowmaking machines to produce high-quality artificial snow, offering an experience no different from real snow, paired with breathtaking scenery.
Despite its compact size, the resort boasts stunning views of Lake Biwa—Japan’s largest lake—and features a variety of slopes catering to beginners, intermediates, and seasoned skiers alike.
The most scenic slope is Horai Panorama, while forest trails and a half-pipe (U-shaped slope) are perfect for thrill-seekers in #teamMytour. Beginners and kids should head to the Uchimi slope, known for its gentle and safe terrain. If skiing isn’t your thing, you can purchase a cable car ticket to enjoy the panoramic views from above!
No need to worry about kids getting bored—they’ll have a blast at Snow Land, where they can enjoy sledding or tubing on the snow.
(*) Quick Tip for #teamMytour: English-speaking ski lessons are available here, but spots are limited. To secure a slot, book at least two days in advance on the official website! If you need staff who speak Chinese, you can book through Mytour!
How to Get to Biwako Valley Ski Resort: Take the JR Kyoto Line from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station in 30 minutes, then transfer to the JR Kosei Line to Shiga Station in 40 minutes, followed by a 10-minute shuttle bus ride to the resort.
- Operating Season: Mid-December to March.
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Ski Lift Ticket Price: 6,300 yen (~1,041,000 VND) for a 1-day pass; other packages are also available.
- Address: Biwako Valley 1547-1 Kido, Otsu Shiga 520-0514, Japan
3. Hakodateyama Ski Resort - Takashima
- Travel time from Osaka: 1 hour 50 minutes by train and bus.
Let’s be honest—skiing can be quite challenging for beginners, so don’t hesitate to take your time to get comfortable! Head to Hakodateyama Ski Resort, a perfect spot for first-timers. With its beginner-friendly design and gentle slopes across its 10 runs, this resort will help you confidently step into the exciting world of skiing.
We recommend starting with slope number 3, as it features a gentle incline. For a bit more challenge, try slope number 4, which is lined with lush trees on both sides. Additionally, skiing here becomes even more magical as you enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding majestic nature. Each slope offers breathtaking scenery, immersing you in the beauty of the area while you glide through the snow.
While adults take ski lessons, kids can have a blast at Kids' World, a specially designed area where families can safely enjoy the snow together.
Beyond skiing, the resort offers other exciting activities like snow rafting, snowshoeing adventures, and the unique experience of riding a snow escalator. Don’t miss the chance to meet Hako-chan, the resort’s adorable mascot, who joins in the fun during special events and festivals.
(*) Quick Tip for #teamMytour: For a hassle-free experience, opt for a package that includes round-trip bus service from Osaka, ski gear rental, and lessons (available in English, Chinese, or Cantonese).
How to Get to Hakodateyama Ski Resort: Take the JR Kyoto Line from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station (about 30 minutes), then transfer to the JR Kosei Line to Omi-Imazu Station (1 hour), followed by a 20-minute bus ride to the resort.
- Opening Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM on weekdays, 8:30 AM - 5 PM on weekends
- Address: Imazucho Hiokimae, Takashima, Shiga 520-1655, Japan
4. Hachi Kita Kogen Ski Resort - Hyogo
- Travel time from Osaka: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes by train and bus.
Hachi Kita Kogen Ski Resort, combined with the adjacent Hachi Kogen Resort, forms the largest skiing paradise in the Kansai region. With 25 diverse slopes and stunning mountain views, you’ll easily find a slope that matches your preferences. If you’re a fan of long runs, this is the perfect destination, featuring a slope that stretches up to 4,000 meters!
What’s even more exciting? With a single ticket, you can explore both resorts to make your skiing experience more complete than ever.
(*) Quick Tip for #teamMytour: Don’t forget to travel between the two resorts using the cable car to the summit of Mount Hachibuse. However, be cautious as the connecting slope is quite steep. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to spend time practicing at one resort for a safe and memorable experience!
The snow quality here is consistently excellent thanks to advanced snowmaking systems. You can easily rent all necessary equipment at the resort. The staff and instructors speak English, so language barriers won’t be an issue! If you’re a beginner, start your day at the dedicated practice area, which features a moving walkway to help you get comfortable with skiing.
How to Get to Hachi Kita Kogen Ski Resort: Take the train for about 2 hours 20 minutes via the Fukuchiyama Line to Yashika Station, then catch a 55-minute bus to the resort.
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5 PM on weekdays, 8 AM - 5 PM on weekends.
- Ticket Price: 5,000 yen (~827,000 VND) for a 1-day pass; other packages are available on the official website.
- Address: 580-1 Muraokaku Osasa, Kami, Mikata District, Hyogo 667-1344, Japan
5. Up Kannabe Ski Resort - Kansai
- Travel time from Osaka: Approximately 3 hours by train and bus.
Welcome, beginner skiers, to Up Kannabe Ski Resort! Here, around 80% of the slopes are designed specifically for those new to the sport. You’ll enjoy gentle slopes and wide terrains covered in natural snow, which is why the resort often opens later than those using artificial snow. But don’t worry, #teamMytour—the wait is absolutely worth it!
Join the fun at 4 slopes open late into the night for #teamMytour looking to experience nighttime skiing. If you’re nervous due to limited experience, start with the Uenodaira slope, which has a maximum incline of just 9 degrees. For those ready for more, the Kita-Kabe slope promises an exhilarating experience. And if you’re up for a challenge, try jib skiing at the Miya no Mori slope—where you can showcase your skills on artificial features like boxes and rails.
At this resort, you’ll easily find English-speaking ski lessons. Simply email the management before your trip to reserve a spot. The snow amusement park for kids is not only a paradise for children but also offers fun activities for adults, such as snow rafting, snow go-karting, hot air balloon rides, and even a charming snow carousel.
How to Get to Up Kannabe Ski Resort: Take a 30-minute train ride via the JR Kyoto Line from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, then transfer to a shinkansen for about 2 hours to Ebara Station, followed by a 35-minute bus ride to the resort.
- Operating Season: December 31 to March 1.
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:40 PM, 6 PM - 9:30 PM (night skiing).
- Lift Ticket Price: 4,000 yen (~36 SGD; weekdays) and 5,200 yen (~47 SGD; weekends) for a 1-day pass; other packages are also available.
- Address: 59-78 Kurisuno, Hidaka-cho, Toyooka, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan
6. Gransnow Okuibuki Ski Resort - Kozuhara
- Travel time from Osaka: Approximately 1.5 hours by train and bus.
Did you know that Gransnow Okuibuki Ski Resort is renowned for having some of the highest snowfall in the world? Here, you can glide across 14 slopes shaped by the natural terrain, catering to all skill levels.
The snow here is famous for its fluffiness and softness, covering the highest peak in the Kansai region. This means you’ll find steep slopes and challenging terrains that attract professional skiers. Notably, the New Challenge slope is the steepest in Japan, with an incline of 46 degrees! Additionally, the Variety Quad Lift here is Japan’s fastest chairlift, reaching speeds of up to 5 meters per second.
(*) Quick Tip for #teamMytour: If you’re drawn to the Champion Course, note that it’s exclusively for skiers and doesn’t allow snowboarders.
(*) Did You Know: Miko Ito, a famous Japanese Olympic freestyle skier, used this resort as her training ground before the Olympics. Are you ready to follow in her footsteps with a lesson from expert instructors? If you need a break after an exhilarating ski session, visit the Center House.
Here, you’ll find full amenities and a delightful dining area to recharge. Additionally, the resort’s outdoor children’s park is renowned as one of Japan’s largest, promising fun games and unforgettable experiences for kids!
How to Get to Gransnow Okuibuki Ski Resort: Take a 34-minute shinkansen ride from Shin-Osaka Station to Maibara Station, then a 55-minute shuttle bus to the resort.
- Operating Season: Late November - April.
- Opening Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM.
- Address: Japan, 〒521-0301 Shiga, Maibara, Kozuhara, 奥伊吹.
While not among Japan’s most famous skiing destinations, #teamMytour visiting Osaka can still enjoy this thrilling sport. The ski resorts near Osaka deliver an authentic experience, rivaling natural snow thanks to cutting-edge snowmaking technology. What’s more, they’re incredibly beginner-friendly, making them perfect for newcomers and even children.
Visit the Mytour Blog for more exciting Japan travel tips, such as 24 Must-Try Experiences at the Harry Potter Tour in Tokyo, Exploring the Famous Akihabara Electronics District, 8 Amazing Autumn Festivals in Japan to Enjoy the Fall Foliage, 15 Best Homestays in Japan for a Romantic Getaway, 16 Best Hotels in Japan for a Perfect Vacation, 11 Amazing Aquariums in Tokyo for Families, and much more.
Get ready to book your tickets and experience the ski resorts near Osaka for your upcoming trip!
