Japan is a beautiful country which even though it seems relatively small, it is jam-packed with a ton of fun things to do. One of the best activities to participate in while visiting Japan is skiing. There are many different ski resorts that are world-renowned and bring in thousands of visitors each year. Now that the Covid-19 vaccine is being distributed globally, skiing will soon be back, and borders will slowly but surely start opening up again. Let’s take a look at some of the top skiing and snowboarding destinations in japan for 2021, as featured in an article on GaijinPot Travel.
Niseko – Hokkaido Prefecture
The number one spot on this list must go to Niseko, located southwest of Sapporo. This is the largest and most famous ski resort in all of Japan. The terrain is very well-groomed and consists of 47 kilometers of paths with seven different ski areas. This area actually contains an area with one of the highest average snowfalls in Japan. This resort is widely known because of its long runs, which are ideal for beginners, intermediates, and families. It also has consistent, high-quality, and deep soft-powder snow. This destination is quite packed during peak season, but it becomes a hub for friend-making due to its large influx of international travelers.
Nozawa Onsen – Nagano Prefecture
Nozawa is a fan-favorite destination because not only is it a ski resort, it is also a hot spring village. It is located near Nagano city and contains an authentic onsen experience, diverse terrain, and abundant snow. Nagano is a historic town, and this specific ski resort is actually one of Japan’s oldest. Many people consider Nagano the birthplace of skiing in Japan. The terrain is fit for all levels of skiers and spans about 50 kilometers. There is also the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park nearby, which features wild snow monkeys taking baths inside the local hot springs.
Hakuba Valley – Nagano Prefecture
This location is one of Japan’s largest and most world-renowned ski destinations, and it was also the host of the 1988 Winter Olympics. People often consider this location the heart and soul of snow sports in Japan. It features incredible snow-laden peaks and perfectly powdered snow. It is an easy bullet-train ride away from Tokyo and consists of 200 runs and 11 different ski resorts. Although it is located deep within the Northern Japanese Alps, this resort has a very European flair to it.