Nagano Ski Spots from Hakuba to Nozawa Onsen
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What is the most popular things to do in Japan in winter? In addition to soaking in Onsen (hot springs) and seeing shiny illuminations, skiing and snowboarding have attracted more and more attention from foreign tourists.
There are numerous quality ski spots in Japan, and especially, Nagano is what you should travel for skiing with powder snow. Nagano is known for the host of Winter Olympics in 1998. Nagano is popular for not only the top-rated ski resorts but also accessibility from major tourist cities including Eastern Japan like Tokyo and Western Japan like Osaka and Kyoto.
If you come to Japan for skiing and winter attractions, it is recommended to stay in Nagano for several days at least since lots of ski areas gather closely in the snow prefecture.
Today, I would like to introduce best ski resorts in Nagano for 2024-2025 from the famous Hakuba to the local Nozawa Onsen and more. Enjoy hitting the slope with fluffy powder snow and the breathtaking views of the Japan Alps.
1. Hakuba Ski Resorts
Many skiers and snowboarders may associate the name of Hakuba (白馬) with skiing in Nagano, and Hakuba is actually famous as the largest ski resorts in Nagano and Japan. The ski resorts in Hakuba were used for Winter Olympics in 1998.
Hakuba consists of 10 major ski resorts: Jiigatake, Kashimayari, Hakuba Sanosaka, Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba47, Hakuna Happo-one, Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen, Norikura and Cortina, which are totally called Hakuba Valley. You can admit and enjoy unlimited lift rides in all of the 10 ski resorts with hakuba Valley Ticket.
Hakuba ski resorts attract numerous people with the various courses and powder snow, Onsen facilities, dining options and so on. It also takes only 3 hours to get to Hakuba from Tokyo. It is recommended to book Highway Bus to Hakuba from Tokyo For more details, please clock the links below!
Access: 3 hours from Tokyo by car or bus
Season: It depends on the ski resort, but many of them are open from December to May.
Business Hours: It depends on the ski resorts, so please check the website below.
1-Day Lift Ticket Price (Hakuba Valley Ticket): 9,700 yen (13 years old and older)/5,600 yen (6-12 years old)/Free (5 years old and younger)
Website: https://www.hakubavalley.com/en/
▽Check out the best things to do in Hakuba throughout the year!▽
2. Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort
Nozawa Onsen (野沢温泉), located in the north east of Nagano, is one of the most famous and popular ski resorts in Nagano. Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort has been visited by more and more foreign tourists for skiing and snowboarding recently. There are over 10 skiing sections in the ski resort which consist of over 40 slopes. Nozawa Onsen, which has been originally famous for the natural Onsen as the name of the area, has no shortage of hot spring options all over the area. It is another attraction to soak in the Onsen after playing hard in the snow.
Access: 4-5 hours from Tokyo by car
Season: From November 23, 2024
Business Hours: 8:00-17:00
1-Day Lift Ticket Price: 7,300 yen (Adult)/4,400 yen (Child)/5,900 yen (Senior)
Website: http://www.nozawaski.com/en/
3. Shiga Kogen Ski Resorts
Especially, for Japanese people, Shiga Kogen (志賀高原) is one of the first choice to ski and snowboard in Nagano. Shiga Kogen is one of the largest ski areas in Japan since it contains 18 ski resorts with over 70 lifts. You can enjoy gliding a long distance with the views of mountains in Shiga Kogen Ski Resorts. Of course, equipment rentals for skiing and snowboarding are available as well as other ski resorts in this article. It is recommended to get to Shiga Kogen from Tokyo by bus. Shiga Kogen is also accessible to Jigokudani which is famous for snow monkeys.
Access: 4-5 hours from Tokyo by car
Season: December 1, 2024 to May 6, 2025
Business Hours: It depends on the ski resort, so please check the website below.
1-Day Lift Ticket Price: 8,000 yen (Adult)/6,400 yen (Senior and Student)/3,700 yen (Child)
Website: https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/english/index.html
4. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort
Karuizawa (軽井沢), located in the easternmost part of Nagano, is a popular tourist area in both winter and summer. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort is one of the most popular ski destinations among people who live in and near Tokyo since it takes just 2 hours to reach Karuizawa from Tokyo by car and bus. And, faster by Shinkansen. There are 10 courses at every level from first-timers to advanced players. The adjacent Karuizawa Prince Hotel offers a large number of rooms, Japanese food, Onsen facilities and so on.
Access: 1.5-2 hours hours from Tokyo by car, bus or Shinkansen
Season: November 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025
Business Hours: 8:00–17:00
1-Day Lift Ticket Price: 6,800-9,800 yen (varies depending on the dates)
Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/karuizawa/winter/
5. Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort
Sugadaira Kogen (菅平高原), located in the center of Nagano, has been also a famous skiing spot for the vast land for a long time. In Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort, there are about 60 courses which are especially suitable for mid-level skiers and snowboarders. Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort has a variety of facilities for visitors to try to improve their techniques. The ski resort offer the chance to ride a special vehicle Snow Cat to explore the site viewing the scenery from top of the mountain and Snow Monsters (trees covered by snow).
Access: 3-4 hours from Tokyo by car
Season: Mid November to Mid April
Business Hours: 8:30-16:30
1-Day Lift Ticket Price: 5,700 yen(High school students or older)/5,100 yen(Senior)/3,400 (Elementary school students)/2,800 yen(4-6 years old)/Free (3 years old and younger)
Website: https://sugadaira-snowresort.com/
Check more information about skiing and snowboarding in other areas in Japan!
▶︎Best Ski Resorts in Japan
▶︎Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido
▶︎Best Ski Resorts in Niseko
▶︎Best Ski Resorts near Tokyo
▶︎Best Ski Resorts around Mt.Fuji
▶︎Best Ski Resorts near Osaka
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I'm writing by my motto: helping travelers spend their limited time experiencing something priceless in Japan. My articles won't let you down! Living in Tokyo and traveling many popular and hidden sites all over Japan, I deliver well-selected and latest tourist information to you from the perspective of “100% Japanese local”. My specific interests are island hopping, eating countless bowls of ramen, watching anime and reading manga. Enjoy Japan Web Magazine for recommended food spots, hidden gems Japanese Otaku (geek) culture, and everything about Japan :)
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