Japanese Ski Destinations We Dream Of Visiting

And how to get there...

Ever since September 1st hit, my Instagram algorithm (yes, millennial here—I watch Reels, not TikToks) has been relentlessly pushing winter sports content. It's as if it's saying, "Winter isn't all bad, look at all the FUN you can have!" So lately, I've been captivated by my feed, staring at gorgeous destinations and counting down the days until my first ski trip of the year (29 days, for those wondering).

This has led me down a rabbit hole of ski and snowboard content from all corners of the earth. And I've discovered a new dream destination: Japan. A girl can dream, right?!

In my mind I'm already gliding my way through fresh powder slopes in the land of the rising sun. So I decided to hereby share my dreams (and favorite content) with you.

Now, I'm off to fill my piggy bank and manifest some extra funds to one day make these dreams a reality... Who's with me?!

Hokkaido: The Powder Paradise

Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost and second largest island, known for its stunning natural beauty and winter sports.

Niseko: synonymous with Japanese powder.

Niseko is a mecca for skiers and snowboarders worldwide. With consistent powder, stunning views of Mount Yotei, and (surprisingly to me) a vibrant après-ski culture, Niseko offers an unforgettable experience. From challenging backcountry runs to perfectly prepared slopes, there's something for everyone. Apparently it cán get crowded though, especially during peak season.

Furano: a more laid-back atmosphere 

Furano is a fantastic alternative to the busy Niseko if space is more your jam. With two distinct ski areas – Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone – connected by a free shuttle bus, there's plenty of pistes to explore. Plus, the town of Furano offers a taste of authentic Japanese culture (more on that taste later down this blog)..

Rusutsu: A hidden gem in Hokkaido

Rusutsu boasts incredible tree runs (you know, the runs from the Insta reels that led me down this rabbit hole), wide-open groomers, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With three interconnected mountains and minimal lift lines, you can maximize your time on the slopes.

Beyond Hokkaido: Exploring Honshu's Slopes

Honshu is Japan's largest and most populous island, home to major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Hakuba Valley: Host to the 1998 Winter Olympics

Hakuba Valley offers many ski resorts, each with its own character. From the challenging slopes of Cortina to the family-friendly Happo-One, there's something for every level. The stunning views of the Japanese Alps are goosebump material.

Shiga Kogen: Japan's largest ski area

Shiga Kogen boasts an impressive 20 interconnected resorts, offering endless winter fun. With varied terrain, from gentle slopes to challenging backcountry runs, and stunning natural beauty, Shiga Kogen is what dreams are made of.

Nozawa Onsen: Combine your love of skiing with a traditional Japanese onsen experience 

A Japanese onsen experience is another one of those destination dreams: it involves a deeply relaxing and cultural ritual where you bathe in natural hot spring water, often outdoors. The village of Nozawa offers both fantastic skiing and snowboarding, and numerous public hot springs to soothe your muscles after a day on the slopes.

Off the slopes… Japanese winter food

While researching and writing this post got me super stoked, you guessed it— I got hungry. So I started wondering: What does one eat while skiing in Japan? Our tiny European brains can only comprehend eating Kaisersmarrn and Wiener Schnitzel on snowy hillsides. And there I was, down another research rabbit hole: What do you actually eat on a winter sports holiday in Japan? Proceed with caution, because the answer will definitely make you want to pack your bags even faster.

On the slopes in Japan, you'll find a mix of familiar comfort food we’re also familiar with in Europe and unique Japanese specialties local to the mountains. Here's a taster of what you can apparently expect.

Classic Japanese comfort food:

Ramen: A steaming bowl of ramen is the ultimate slope-side comfort food. From rich tonkotsu (pork bone broth) to lighter shoyu (soy sauce) ramen, there's a flavor for everyone. Many ski resorts have ramen restaurants or stalls offering quick and satisfying meals.

Curry Rice (Kare Raisu): Another Japanese staple, curry rice is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for warming up after a cold day on the slopes. Ski resort restaurants often offer variations like katsu curry (with breaded and fried pork cutlet) or vegetable curry.

Udon and Soba: Japanese noodles served in a variety of broths and toppings. Options include kitsune udon (with fried tofu) or tempura soba (with crispy tempura).

Unique Japanese Treats I found:

Nikuman (Steamed Meat Buns): Fluffy, steamed buns filled with savory meat (usually pork) are a popular snack on the slopes. They're portable and easy to eat.

Oden: A one-pot dish consisting of various ingredients like daikon radish, boiled eggs, konjac, and fish cakes simmered in a light, flavorful broth.

Mochi: Already one of my favorite Asian snacks. Soft, chewy rice cakes come in various flavors and fillings, both sweet and savory. Grilled mochi is apparently a popular slope-side snack which I cannot wait to try.

Some Tips for Planning Your Japanese Ski Trip:

Book in advance: Especially for popular destinations like Niseko, booking flights and accommodation well in advance is essential. Check Skyscanner wherever you travel from for the best deals on flights, car rental and hotels.

Consider a package, especially when flying in from another continent: Many tour operators offer ski packages that include flights, accommodation, and lift passes, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option.

Learn some basic Japanese (you have a long flight to learn some…): While English is spoken in many tourist areas, knowing a few basic Japanese phrases will boost your experience and show respect for the local culture.

Counting down the days to make this dream come true (which if hopefully less than like… 500 or so).