Back to grid

Top winter sports destinations and ski resorts

Back to grid
Hakuba
Alpine ski valley beneath the Japan Alps
7.9
This Japanese valley hosted alpine events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Nine linked ski areas here share some of the country's heaviest snowfall. Visitors can ski deep, dry powder across a wide range of terrain. Onsen hot springs at the valley's base offer a soak after a day on the slopes.
Highlights:
  • 🏟️ Visit Hakuba Olympic Ski Jumping Stadium and museum
  • ♨️ Relax in natural hot springs after outdoor adventures
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard on world-class Hakuba slopes
Niseko
Hokkaido powder snow and four linked resorts
8.2
This Japanese resort has built an international reputation on unusually light, dry powder snow. Australian tourism investment since the 2000s transformed it into a major destination. Visitors can ski deep snow across several interconnected ski areas. Night skiing here illuminates slopes long after sunset during peak season.
Highlights:
  • 🚵‍♀️ Explore mountain biking trails in Twin Peaks Bike Park
  • 🧗‍♂️ Take a thrilling zipline ride at Hanazono Resort
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard on world-class powder snow
Nagano
Temple pilgrimage town near snow monkeys
7.4
This Japanese prefecture hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998 across several mountain venues. Numerous ski resorts throughout the region trace their popularity to that international exposure. Visitors can ski areas ranging from family-friendly slopes to steep backcountry terrain. Snow monkeys bathing in nearby hot springs draw visitors between runs.
Highlights:
  • 🎿 Ski the world-class slopes of Hakuba Valley
  • 🐒 See snow monkeys bathe in hot springs at Jigokudani
  • ⛩️ Visit Zenko-ji Temple, Nagano’s spiritual heart
Nozawa Onsen
Thirteen free public baths and a ski area
8.3
Thirteen public hot spring baths sit scattered through this traditional Japanese ski village. Skiers can soak away sore muscles in free baths after a day on the slopes. Visitors can ski steep, tree-lined runs above the historic wooden village center. A fire festival held each January draws crowds alongside the winter skiing.
Highlights:
  • 🔥 Experience the unique Ogama boiling hot spring kitchen
  • 🥾 Hike trails around the scenic Nozawa Onsen village
  • ♨️ Tour the 13 historic public hot spring bathhouses
Niigata
Rice, sake and the Sea of Japan
6.9
This Japanese prefecture's Gala Yuzawa resort connects directly to a bullet train station. Skiers can travel from central Tokyo to the slopes in about 80 minutes. Visitors can rent gear and ski the same day without an overnight stay. Heavy snowfall off the Sea of Japan blankets the region's mountains each winter.
Highlights:
  • 🍶 Sample premium sake in the Ponshukan Sake Museum
  • 🌉 Cross the Bandai Bridge and view the Shinano River at sunset
  • 🍣 Savor fresh Niigata sushi made with local rice and seafood
Feedback