Japan is world-renowned for its powder snow, with ski and snowboard enthusiasts flocking to the destination every winter for that adrenaline-filled holiday on the slopes. From the snow-covered mountains of the Japan Alps, to the vast snowy landscapes of Hokkaido, there is a wide variety of options for winter travellers to choose from. Be it for skiing, snowboarding, or other snow activities, here is a roundup of the best places for Japanese snow this winter.

World-class powder and extensive offerings

When Japan Snow is mentioned, Hokkaido is most definitely the first destination to come to mind. Home to the largest number of ski resorts in Japan, Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture in Japan, is famous for its vast landscapes, heavy snowfall and world-class powder.

Experience a true winter wonderland, Sapporo

Known to be one of the snowiest metropolitan cities in the world, Sapporo sees about 120 days of snow a year, beginning in late October to early November and an average annual snowfall of about five metres. Host to Asia’s first Winter Olympics in 1972, the city, located in Southwest Hokkaido, is home to six ski regions which are suitable for all, from beginner skiers to advanced adrenaline junkies. Being a metropolitan city, Sapporo is unique in that all its ski areas are easily accessible within 30 minutes to an hour’s drive from the city centre.

The powder capital of Hokkaido, Niseko

World-renowned for its powder snow and welcoming community, Niseko, southwest of Sapporo is Japan’s most famous ski area among overseas visitors. The Niseko area offers a large variety of terrain and facilities to accommodate every winter traveller. Rental equipment is available from local stores for those travelling without gear. For those seeking a quieter, less crowded experience, head to smaller resorts such as Mt. Moiwa.

Beat the crowds and enjoy ‘Champagne Powder’, Rusutsu Resort

Known for its light and dry “Champagne Powder” and magnificent views of Mt. Yotei and Lake Toya, Rusutsu Resort is a top ski destination for winter travellers. Spanning three mountains, Rusutsu is one of the largest single ski resorts in Hokkaido. Featuring 18 chair lifts, 4 gondolas and 37 courses that extend over the West, East, and Isola Mountains, the resort offers the ultimate ski experience for all, regardless of proficiency.

Lesser known but just as spectacular

Known as the roof of Japan, the Japan Alps is a series of snow covered mountains which make for a spectacular winter getaway, easily accessible from major cities on the main island of Honshu. While slightly less popular compared to the esteemed Hokkaido ski regions, the Japan Alps offer a more convenient and less crowded experience for visitors.

Home to Japan’s largest ski resort, Hakuba Valley, Nagano prefecture

The Hakuba Valley area stretches nearly 30 kilometres along the Northern Alps and is home to Japan’s biggest ski resort. Its large area offers skiers and snowboarders a variety of options, perfect for all levels. Receiving around 11 metres of annual snowfall with 146 lifts and over 200 runs spread across 11 resorts, Hakuba Valley offers a good variety of terrain and excellent powder. Hakuba also offers more affordable accommodation options for those seeking a more wallet friendly destination.

Experience true Snow Country at Echigo-Yuzawa, Niigata prefecture

Echigo-Yuzawa is the setting for “Snow Country” by Yasunari Kawabata, the first Japanese author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Home to 11 ski fields, the region is internationally-known for its abundance of fluffy, powder snow. Easily accessible from Tokyo in under two hours, the area comes alive with activity in the winter months. With various ski resorts scattered throughout the region, there is something for every skier. The popular resort Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort, alongside Naeba Ski Resort, are great for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, while Kandatsu resort has some of the steepest terrain in Niigata, with gradients of up to 45 degrees on some runs.

Skiing through Togakushi, Nagano prefecture

Sitting on the western slopes of Mt Iizuna in Nagano City, Togakushi ski area showcases various ski runs blanketed with perfect powder. Nagano holds the second highest number of ski and snowboard resorts in the country and is easily accessible for those travelling along the Three-star Road. Famous for its snowfall and exceptional powder, Togakushi offers runs open to both skiers and snowboarders and panoramic views of Mt. Togakushi, the Japanese Alps and Mount Fuji from its highest point.

Have fun in the snow

From activities like snowshoeing, to magical snow festivals, there is an abundance of activity to enjoy in the snow even without skis.

Snowshoeing in Norikura Highlands

Norikura Highlands offer the perfect conditions for winter snowshoeing for every level of contender. In Nagano prefecture in the Japanese Alps, Norikura Highlands runs alongside the Three-star Road making it an easily accessible location for those looking for a picturesque but adventurous exploration. As one of the quieter ski areas, Norikura Kogen is remote but very popular amongst locals for its incredible snowfall and powder quality. Making way through the guided trail, visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of Zengorou waterfall, which is frozen in a halted image in the winter.

Jigokudani Yean-Koen

One of the iconic images of Japan is Jigokudani, otherwise known as the ‘Paradise of Monkeys’. Amid the steam of geothermal hot springs, surrounded by snow, is the home to a community of snow monkeys. Sat in the upper levels of a river valley, the tribe of monkeys are famous for socialising in the hot waters within the Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Drawing multitudes of visitors from all over the world, the annual Sapporo Snow Festival is a spectacular showcase that is not to be missed. Making use of Sapporo’s most abundant natural resource – snow, the city comes to life with sculptures made from ice and snow, as well as illuminations and festive decorations. Primarily located in Odori Park, the festival also sees international snow-sculpting teams from about 20 nations around the world taking part in the snow-sculpting contest. Visitors can join in the fun with snow slides, snow rafts located around the area as well as epic snowball fights at Tsudome.