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Looking for the closest ski resort to Tokyo for a family trip? Explore ski resorts within a 3-hour drive from Tokyo, all recommended by Mytour!
When it comes to skiing in Japan, you might immediately think of famous spots like Hokkaido or Nagano. However, did you know that in less than 3 hours, you can be enjoying the slopes without leaving the bustling city of Tokyo? It may sound unbelievable, but you can actually experience skiing near Tokyo on a fun day trip!
And the best part? You don’t need to haul around bulky gear like ski boots, snowboards, or other equipment. Everything can be easily rented at the ski resorts near Tokyo that Mytour suggests below.
1. Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort - Niigata
- Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 15 minutes by train
Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort in Niigata is just 1.15 hours by train from Tokyo – perfect for a day trip, right? If you're taking the Shinkansen, you can go straight to the ski resort without having to walk from the train station!
What makes this ski resort unique is its cable car, which takes you directly from the station to the mountain. As soon as you step off the train, you’re ready to hit the slopes without wasting any time!
This resort features 17 ski trails spread across three exciting areas: Gala Yuzawa, Yuzawa Kogen, and Ichouchi Maruyama. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both beginners and advanced skiers like #teamMytour. Mytour recommends starting with the Gala Yuzawa area, known for its wide slopes and stunning scenery. For a complete experience, make sure to unwind at one of the hot springs after skiing! You can also take a 30-minute train ride to visit the famous Ponshukan Sake Museum, home to an automatic sake vending machine like no other.
#MytourTip: Since this ski resort is so easy to access, it can get pretty crowded during peak hours! Be mindful of the timing, especially when there’s a long line for the cable car, #teamMytour!
(*) How to get to Gala Yuzawa: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station for about 75 minutes to Gala Yuzawa Station. (Note that the Shinkansen only runs to Gala Yuzawa during the ski season; otherwise, you can take a train to Echigo Yuzawa Station, then a free shuttle bus to the resort).
Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort - Niigata
- Ski season: December 16, 2024, to May 6, 2025.
- Operating hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM during winter; 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM during spring.
- Address: 1039-2 Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata 949-6101, Japan
2. Fujiyama Snow Resort - A Ski Resort Near Tokyo at Mount Fuji
- Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 53 minutes by train and bus
For a truly unforgettable experience, try skiing against the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji at Fujiyama Snow Resort! This resort is renowned for its unique location at the second station of Mount Fuji and is one of the earliest resorts to open for the ski season.
The resort features four slopes suitable for both skiers and snowboarders, including two family-friendly trails perfect for children to enjoy the snow.
And if you're visiting Japan, you definitely shouldn't miss out on some shopping! End your action-packed day by hunting for designer deals at Gotemba Premium Outlets before heading back to Tokyo.
(*) How to get to Fujiyama Snow Resort: Take the Shinkansen for about 42 minutes from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station, then take a bus for approximately 71 minutes to reach the resort. (Check the bus schedule here)
Fujiyama Snow Resort
- Ski season: October 20, 2024, to March 31, 2025
- Operating hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday to Friday; 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM on weekends and holidays.
- Address: Japan, 〒410-1231 Shizuoka, Susono, Suyama, 字藤原2428
3. Sayama Snow Resort - Saitama
- Travel time from Tokyo: 40 minutes by train
If you're a beginner or want to introduce skiing to children, Sayama Snow Resort is the perfect place! This indoor ski resort features a 300-meter slope with two single lifts. It's an excellent spot to start learning the basics in a safe environment with expert instructors guiding you every step of the way.
Sayama Snow Resort underwent a major renovation and reopened in 2020 with more modern facilities than ever before. If you have young children, this place is definitely a fantastic entertainment paradise for them. At this ski resort, the whole family can enjoy hours of fun with activities like sledding, treasure hunts, snowball fights, bouncy castles, and even creating artificial snow or learning how to operate a ski resort.
Sayama Snow Resort allows visitors to bring their own food and drinks for lunch! If you’d rather not carry a lot of stuff, the resort has plenty of food trucks offering a variety of delicious local dishes. Alternatively, you can return to Tokyo for a hearty seafood meal if your family doesn’t plan to spend the whole day at the resort.
(*) How to get to Sayama Snow Resort: From Tokyo Station, take the Seibu train for about 40 minutes to Seibukyujo-mae Station, then walk for 3 minutes to reach the resort.
Sayama Snow Resort
- Operating season: From November to March.
- Operating hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (closed early at 6:00 PM on December 31 and January 1); from 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM, night skiing is available on Fridays and Saturdays from December 1 to 23.
- Lift ticket price: 4,000 yen (about 660,000 VND) for a one-day pass. Various other ticket options are available on the official website!
- Address: 2167 Kamiyamaguchi, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1153, Japan
4. Maiko Snow Resort - Niigata
- Travel time from Tokyo: 40 minutes by train
Enjoy the best winter experience at Maiko Snow Resort, where you can ski down a slope that stretches up to 6km! This place is a paradise for ski lovers, featuring 26 slopes spread across three exciting areas. For the advanced skier, the Okusoechi area, with its rugged terrain and 8 challenging runs, is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Want to ski and take in the views?
The Nagamine ski area not only offers breathtaking views, but also boasts the longest slope in the resort. For families, the Maiko area is extremely kid-friendly, featuring a small park and dedicated slopes where kids can have fun in the snow.
Maiko isn't just about skiing; it's also a great place to relax in traditional hot spring baths. You can soak in the hot springs while the kids play in the designated children's area, or simply unwind in the resting rooms after an exciting day on the slopes.
Don’t miss the Tree House at Maiko, where you can take in the magnificent natural surroundings. If you're lucky, you might even spot the tracks of wild animals in the snow!
(*) How to get to Maiko Snow Resort: From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen for about 80 minutes to Echigo-yuzawa Station, then catch a free 20-minute bus to the resort.
Maiko Snow Resort - Niigata
- Opening hours: The ski season runs from December to March of the following year.
- The resort is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Additionally, night skiing is available from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, adding an extra layer of excitement to your snowboarding experience!
- Address: 2056-108 Maiko, Minamiuonuma, Niigata 949-6423, Japan
5. Norn Minakami Ski Resort - Gunma
- Travel time from Tokyo: 1 hour 20 minutes by train and bus.
Mytour believes that Norn Minakami Ski Resort has everything needed to satisfy the entire family! With five slopes catering to various levels of difficulty, from steep, challenging runs for experienced skiers to gentle, easy slopes for beginners, Norn Minakami is the perfect place to hone your ski skills. Don’t worry if you’re bringing little ones, as kids 3 years and older can join dedicated ski lessons! The sight of the kids in their adorable ski outfits will be too cute to resist!
Families will absolutely love Norn Minakami’s Snow Play Land, where children can enjoy making snowballs, bouncing on inflatable slides, and more fun activities. Once you’re all worn out, you can head to one of the five resort restaurants to refuel with a variety of delicious meals.
Here’s a tip for #teamMytour: Why not challenge yourself to night-time skiing at Norn Minakami? The resort stays open until 10 PM daily, with extended hours until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays. You can enjoy the unique night atmosphere without worry as the slopes are well-lit for your safety, allowing you to savor every moment on the slopes.
(*) How to get to Norn Minakami Ski Resort: From Tokyo Station, take a Shinkansen for about an hour to Jomo-Kogen Station, and then a 20-minute bus ride will take you straight to the resort. Be sure to check the bus schedule online for convenient planning.
Norn Minakami Ski Resort
- Operating season: December 18, 2024, to March 24, 2025. Opening hours: 7 AM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday, Sundays, and public holidays; 7 AM to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before public holidays. Lift ticket prices: ¥4,700 (~42 SGD) for a one-day pass, with other attractive ticket packages available! Address: 479-139 Terama, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma 379-1614, Japan.
6. Fujiten Ski Resort - Narusawa
- Travel time from Tokyo: 2 hours and 5 minutes by train and taxi.
Imagine the stunning view of Mount Fuji as you stand at Fujiten Ski Resort, located at the first station of this iconic mountain. It’s the perfect destination for beginners, featuring two slopes of 1,300 meters and a family-friendly 500-meter slope.
Even seasoned skiers will find challenges in the terrain park, with its large jumps, bumpy runs, and other exciting features waiting to be discovered. However, keep in mind that ski lessons here are only offered in Japanese, so it’s a good idea to prepare if you want to join in!
Children can also enjoy a range of activities in the snow, including a sledding area and a snow play zone, with the sledding hill being the largest in the Kanto region! And it doesn’t stop there: from the top of the slopes, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Kawaguchiko and the Aokigahara Jukai forest. Even if you're not skiing, you can still take a trip to the Mount Fuji Observation Deck (open weekdays only) for spectacular panoramic views.
(*) How to get there: From the Shinjuku highway bus terminal, take a bus for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to Kawaguchiko Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride will bring you directly to the resort.
Fujiten Ski Resort
- Operating season: From mid-December 2024 to early April 2025 (exact dates will be updated later). Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Lift ticket prices: ¥4,000 (667,000 VND) for a one-day pass on weekdays, ¥5,000 (832,000 VND) on weekends. Address: Japan, 〒401-0320 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Narusawa, Fuji-san 8545-1.
7. Naeba Ski Resort - Niigata
- Travel time from Tokyo: 2 hours and 5 minutes by train and taxi.
Naeba Ski Resort is consistently ranked among the largest ski resorts in Japan, drawing thousands of visitors every year. With four different skiing zones, it truly is a hidden gem nestled in breathtaking nature. If you have time, don’t miss out on the 'Dragondola' – Japan’s longest cable car, which easily connects you to the Kagura ski area nearby.
With over 50 years of history, Naeba is not only renowned for its excellent slopes but has also hosted prestigious events such as the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and the Fuji Rock Festival, Japan’s largest rock music festival held every July. This resort offers a complete holiday experience with its majestic slopes, diverse dining options, and the luxurious Naeba Prince Hotel, perfect for those who want to stay right on-site.
Tip for #teamMytour: During peak ski season from December to March, consider staying overnight to witness the spectacular fireworks displays. Rumor has it there will be around 30 to 50 dazzling light shows throughout the season, so be sure to have your camera ready!
(*) How to get to Naeba Ski Resort: From Tokyo Station, take a Shinkansen for about 75 minutes to Echigo-yuzawa Station, then a 50-minute bus ride will take you to the resort.
Naeba Ski Resort - Niigata
- Operating season: From December 16, 2023, to April 7, 2024.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, each resort offers a unique experience, from stunning landscapes to a variety of recreational activities. So, gear up, grab your snowboard, and get ready to enjoy the snowy slopes to the fullest!
To make your upcoming trip to Japan even more convenient, don’t forget to visit the Mytour Blog for the latest travel tips and guides: Immersive Fort Tokyo, Haunted Theme Park in Odaiba, Budget Travel Tips for Japan, 13 Must-See Spots in Japan in July, 11 Must-Visit Places in Osaka in September, Tokyo 5-Day 4-Night Itinerary, 20 Famous Attractions in Hokkaido, Self-Guided Japan Travel, Japan Railways and Shinkansen Nozomi, 13 Top Attractions in Sapporo, 24 Delicious Hokkaido Dishes, 14-Day Japan Travel Itinerary, Hokkaido Clean Eating with JR Pass and Kitaca Card, 10 Beautiful Sights in Japan, and more!
It’s time to put on your gloves and woolen hat to conquer the nearby ski resorts around Tokyo!
