Tohoku is the treasure house of Japanese skiing, with abundant powder snow resources, but there are far fewer tourists than Hokkaido and the prices are more affordable. Many ski resorts combine hot spring culture, making them the best choice for “skiing + hot springs”.
🏔 Zao Onsen – Miyagi・Yamagata
The most representative ski resort in Northeast China is world-famous for “Snow Monster”.
Features: spectacular icing landscape, hot spring street, icing lights at night
Zoou Hot Spring, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Business period: late December to late April
Cable car ticket: 1-day ticket costs about 5,500 yen
Transportation: About 50 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station
Snow trails: 26 (beginner 30%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30%)
Note: To view the tree ice, you need to take the cable car to the top of the mountain
Accommodation recommendation: Hot spring hotel in Zuou Hot Spring Street (skiing + hot spring are all at once)
🏔 Appi Kogen – Iwate
The largest ski resort in Northeast China, with vast snow trails.
Features: Spacious ski trails suitable for beginners to intermediates, good quality powder snow, complete accommodation facilities
Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture
Business period: mid-December to early May
Cable car ticket: 1-day ticket costs about 5,000 yen
Transportation: About 60 minutes by bus from Morioka Station, about 70 minutes by bus from Hachinohe Station
Snow trails: 21 (beginner 40%, intermediate 40%, advanced 20%)
🏔 Hakkoda – Aomori
A paradise for beginners famous for its deep powder snow.
Features: Japan’s deepest powder snow, forest skiing, extremely difficult
Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Business period: late December to early May
Cable car ticket: 1-day ticket costs approximately 4,500 yen
Transportation: About 50 minutes by bus from Aomori Station
Snow trails: Mainly without land preparation, suitable for intermediate to advanced players
Note: Snow conditions vary greatly and certain skiing skills are required
🏔 Tazawako – Akita
Located near the beautiful Tazawa Lake, enjoy skiing with lake views.
Features: beautiful scenery, few people, low prices
Senhoku City, Akita Prefecture
Business period: late December to late March
Cable car ticket: about 3,500 yen for a one-day pass
Transportation: About 20 minutes by bus from Tazawako Station
Recommendation: After skiing, go to Mizusawa Hot Spring or Tazawa Lake Plateau Hot Spring