14 Best Ski Resorts Near Tokyo Perfect for Day Trips or Short Getaways

An easy-to-reach resort, Approx 10 minutes on foot from Karuizawa Station.
Sprawling 30 hectares, it offers 16 runs from beginner to expert.
The main “Prince Slope” in front of Karuizawa Prince Hotel East is wide. With a max gradient of 18°, it’s beginner-friendly.
From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka or Asama). You’ll arrive in Approx 1 hr 10 min.

Approx 74 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen. The slopes connect directly to GALA Yuzawa Station.
It stays open until early May, so you can ski or snowboard through Golden Week.
Elevation 1,181 m. Longest run 2,500 m. There are 16 varied courses for all levels.
From Tokyo Station to GALA Yuzawa Station, take the Tanigawa Shinkansen. Approx 1 hr 30 min.

One of Japan’s largest resorts. Known for dry, quality snow. Its varied courses have even hosted World Cup races and suit all levels. The 4 km downhill is a showstopper.
It’s also famous for fall foliage. The Dragondola is Japan’s longest at 5,481 m. The views below are stunning.
From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen Toki. Approx 1 hr 20 min.

Japan’s only ski area with direct expressway access.
Ride a giant escalator straight in from the Joshinetsu Expressway Sakudaira Smart IC and the Sakudaira PA No. 2 parking lot.
Dedicated parking for 1,500 cars, all free.
With a sunny-day rate over 90% and consistent snow from snowmaking, it’s a big plus.
From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen Hakutaka. It takes Approx 1 hr 15 min to Saku Ski Garden PARADA.

Just 1 min from the Kan-Etsu Expressway Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC.
A vast snow resort with a hotel and hot springs on site.
Total area 196 hectares, roughly 42 Tokyo Domes. There are 26 courses across three areas, from beginner-friendly to expert-grade.
From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (Approx 1 hr 20 min). Then a free shuttle bus for 30 min.

Approx 3 min from the Kan-Etsu Expressway Yuzawa IC. Enjoy sweeping views of the Echigo mountains.
As the closest 100% natural-snow ski area to the Kanto region, it draws many advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The main slope faces northeast, an ideal aspect. Quality snow and ample coverage are big reasons for its popularity.
From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (Approx 1 hr 20 min). From there, a free shuttle bus takes Approx 7 min.

A classic ski resort with over 70 years of history. It spans 236 ha and has long been loved by skiers and snowboarders. One of the largest near Kanto.
Enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Minamiuonuma Plain and the Echigo Sanzan, unique to Ishiuchi Maruyama. There are 23 varied courses that make the most of the terrain.
From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (Approx 1 hr 20 min). Then a free shuttle bus for 10 min.

Just steps from Seibu Railway’s “Seibu-Kyūjō-mae” Station, this all-weather indoor ski resort is 300 meters long and 30 meters wide. It’s easy to get to from central Tokyo. You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding here no matter the weather.
The resort was renovated and reopened in 2020. It now features two snow escalators—one is 110 meters long and 1 meter wide, and the other is 84 meters long and 1 meter wide. With a maximum capacity of 3,600 people per hour, it’s easy to get to the top of the slope.
Getting here from Tokyo is simple using the JR Chuo Line or Seibu Railway. From Tokyo Station, it takes approx 1 hour and 20 minutes.

It takes approx 90 minutes from Nerima IC to Minakami IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. From Minakami IC, it’s just 5 minutes to the resort.
It’s easy to reach from central Tokyo, and you can ski for up to 17 hours from morning to night.
The summit is at 1,220 meters, and the 400-meter elevation difference makes for a variety of courses. There are 5 courses, so everyone from beginners to experts can have fun without stress.
From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen for approx 2.5 hours to the nearest JR station, “Minakami Station.” There’s a free shuttle bus from there, so you can get to the resort in under 3 hours from Tokyo.

Located inside Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this ski resort lets you enjoy winter sports with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop.
There are 7 courses, including a gentle family course and the Downhill EAST with a max slope of 32 degrees. Both beginners and advanced skiers will find something to enjoy.
One of the best things about this resort is the amazing view of Mt. Fuji right behind you.
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Chuo Line or the JR Limited Express Fuji Excursion to “Kawaguchiko Station.” The trip takes approx 2.5 hours.

Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort is centered around the Nikko-Shirane Mountain Ropeway.
Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters, it’s famous for its top-quality powder snow and long season, usually from late November to early May. It’s a popular spot for snow activities.
There’s a kids’ park for little ones and a snow park for advanced skiers who want a challenge. With 12 courses in total, there’s plenty of variety for all levels.
From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen Station. Then transfer to a bus and taxi. You can get there in under 3 hours.

This highland resort offers stunning views of the Yatsugatake Mountains, Mt. Fuji, and the Southern Alps.
With a high rate of sunny days, you can look forward to clear skies and great scenery.
There are seven unique courses on the slopes, so everyone from beginners to advanced skiers can have a great time. One of the courses, Konashi Slope, is especially recommended for intermediate skiers. You can enjoy a 3,000-meter downhill run while taking in the majestic Yatsugatake right in front of you.
From Tokyo Station, take the Azusa Limited Express to Fujimi Station (Approx 2.5 hours). From there, it's about a 10-minute ride on the free shuttle bus.

This ski area spreads out at the foot of Mt. Myoko, a region famous for heavy snowfall.
The Akakura Kanko Hotel is located halfway up the slopes, so you can enjoy winter sports and stay overnight.
It was the first ski area in Japan to be designated as an international ski resort. The wide slopes and a longest run of 4 km make for a thrilling ride. Ski and snowboard fans love this place.
From Tokyo Station, take the shinkansen and transfer to the Shinano Railway to Myoko Kogen Station (Approx 2.5 hours).

Manza Onsen Ski Resort sits at an altitude of 1,800 meters. It's known for some of the best powder snow in Japan, earning it the nickname "Powder Snow Manza." There are 14 courses in total. Most slopes are gentle and great for beginners and intermediate skiers who want to improve their skills.
The total length of all the runs is Approx 8 km. The resort is compact but still offers plenty of fun. You can also enjoy great views of Mt. Asama and the Northern Alps from the slopes.