Nagano Prefecture was the venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics and is home to Japan’s top ski resorts.It takes about 1 to 2 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo. The transportation is extremely convenient and it is the first choice for skiers in the Kanto region.
🏔 Hakuba Happo-one The main venue of the 1998 Winter Olympics and the most representative ski resort in Nagano.
Features: Olympic-level track, vast ski area, magnificent Northern Alps landscape Hakuba Village, Kitazantan County, Nagano Prefecture Business period: mid-December to early May Cable car ticket: 1-day pass costs about 6,500 yen Transportation: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, then transfer to bus for about 70 minutes Snow trails: 13 (beginner 30%, intermediate 50%, advanced 20%) Note: There are multiple ski resorts in the Hakuba area, and you can purchase common passes.
🏔Shiga Kogen The largest ski area in Japan, with 18 connected ski resorts.
Features: Japan’s largest ski area, diverse ski trails, and high altitude to ensure snow quality Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture Business period: mid-December to early May Cable car ticket: about 6,000 yen for a one-day pass Transportation: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, then transfer to bus for about 80 minutes Snow trails: up to 84 (beginner 30%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30%) Recommended: Long ski season (elevation up to 2,300m), suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers 🏔 Nozawa Onsen Japan’s famous hot spring ski resort retains a strong Japanese style.
Features: Ancient hot spring street, special ski slopes, Daozu God Festival Nozawa Hot Spring Village, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture Business period: mid-December to early May Cable car ticket: about 5,500 yen for a one-day pass Transportation: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station, then transfer to the bus for about 25 minutes Snow trails: 20 (beginner 30%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30%) Recommended: After skiing, enjoy a free “Outdoor Hot Spring Tour” 🏔 GALA Yuzawa The only ski resort in Japan directly connected to the Shinkansen, the fastest 77 minutes from Tokyo!
Features: Directly connected to the Shinkansen (right at the exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station), the most convenient transportation Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma County, Niigata Prefecture Business period: mid-December to early May Cable car ticket: about 5,200 yen for a one-day pass Transportation: Take the Echi Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station Snow trails: 17 (beginner 35%, intermediate 45%, advanced 20%) Recommended: Best day-trip skiing options from Tokyo 🏔 Naeba field (Naeba) The largest ski resort directly operated by Prince Hotels in Japan.
Features: Complete accommodation facilities, night skiing, Naeba Prince Hotel Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma County, Niigata Prefecture Business period: mid-December to late April Cable car ticket: about 5,500 yen for a one-day pass Transportation: Take the Echi Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then transfer to the bus for about 25 minutes Recommended: Large resort, suitable for families and beginners