14 Hand-Picked Ski Areas in Northern Japan (with Easy Access Guide)
Northern Japan is home to some of the best snow conditions in the world.
From Hokkaido’s legendary powder to Tohoku’s scenic resorts with hot springs and fewer crowds, this region is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
This article features:
✅ 7 ski resorts in Hokkaido
✅ 7 carefully selected ski resorts in Tohoku
chosen for snow quality, variety, reputation, and accessibility.
❄️ Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido (7 Picks)
1. Niseko United (Hokkaido)
Why Visit
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World-famous deep powder snow
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Excellent tree runs & backcountry access
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International atmosphere and nightlife
Access
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From New Chitose Airport: 2.5–3 hours by bus or car
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⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Long distance, but many direct buses)
2. Rusutsu Resort (Hokkaido)
Why Visit
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One of the largest ski resorts in Japan
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Perfect for beginners, families, and advanced riders
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Resort hotels, dining, and activities on-site
Access
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From New Chitose Airport: ~2 hours by direct bus or car
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⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
3. Furano Ski Resort (Hokkaido)
Why Visit
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Light, dry powder with great visibility
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Balanced terrain for all skill levels
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Stunning mountain scenery
Access
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From Asahikawa Airport: ~1 hour by car
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From Asahikawa Airport and JR Furano Station: bus available
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⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
4. Kiroro Snow World (Hokkaido)
Why Visit
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Heavy snowfall and consistent powder
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Less crowded than Niseko
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Ideal for intermediate skiers
Access
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From New Chitose Airport: ~1.5 hours by car
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Close to Otaru city
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⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
5. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu (Hokkaido)
Why Visit
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Luxury resort experience
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Beginner- and intermediate-friendly
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Famous for its winter scenery and “Unkai” terrace
Access
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From New Chitose Airport: ~2 hours by JR train + resort shuttle
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⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
6. Sahoro Resort (Hokkaido)
Why Visit
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Quiet and uncrowded slopes
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Easy-to-navigate courses
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Great for families and relaxed trips
Access
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From Obihiro Airport: ~1 hour by car
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⭐⭐⭐☆☆
7. Kamui Ski Links (Asahikawa)
Why Visit
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Excellent powder and steep runs
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Popular with local expert skiers
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Very good value for money
Access
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From Asahikawa Airport: ~40 minutes by car
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⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🏔 Best Ski Resorts in Tohoku (7)
8. Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Yamagata)
Highlights
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One of the largest ski resorts in Tohoku
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Famous “Snow Monsters” (Juhyo)
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Traditional hot spring town next to the slopes
Access
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From JR Yamagata Station: ~40 min by bus
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. Appi Kogen Ski Resort (Iwate)
Highlights
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Wide, well-groomed slopes
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Beginner- and family-friendly
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Reliable snow quality
Access
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From JR Morioka Station: ~1 hr by shuttle bus
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10. Geto Kogen Ski Resort (Iwate)
Highlights
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One of Japan’s snowiest resorts
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Deep powder & tree skiing
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Best for advanced riders
Access
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From JR Kitakami Station: ~50 min by car
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⭐⭐⭐☆☆
11. Tazawako Ski Resort (Akita)
Highlights
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Open, wide slopes
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Fewer crowds than major resorts
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Beautiful scenery near Lake Tazawa
Access
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From JR Tazawako Station: ~30 min by bus
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⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
12. Hakkoda Ropeway (Aomori)
Highlights
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Backcountry-style skiing
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Incredible natural terrain
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Guided tours highly recommended
Access
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From JR Aomori Station: ~1 hr by bus
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⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
13. Grandeco Snow Resort (Fukushima)
Highlights
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Stable weather conditions
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Gentle slopes for beginners
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Ideal for families
Access
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From JR Inawashiro Station: bus available
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⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
14. Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain (Fukushima)
Highlights
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Large ski area with varied terrain
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Good snow quality throughout the season
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Suitable for intermediate–advanced skiers
Access
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From JR Inawashiro Station: shuttle bus
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⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🎯 How to Choose
Best for Beginners & Families
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Rusutsu, Appi Kogen, Zao Onsen, Grandeco
Best for Powder & Advanced Skiers
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Niseko, Geto Kogen, Hakkoda
Best Without a Car
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Zao Onsen, Appi Kogen, Furano, Nekoma Mountain
Final Thoughts
By focusing on quality over quantity, these 14 ski resorts represent the very best of Hokkaido and Tohoku.
Whether you’re chasing world-class powder, relaxing hot springs, or less-crowded scenic skiing, Northern Japan has the perfect destination for you.
If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable ski trip in Japan but aren’t sure where to start, I can help.
I offer personalized ski trip coordination, from guiding you to Japan’s best powder snow resorts to arranging scenic mountain routes, local experiences, and comfortable accommodations.
You can simply focus on enjoying the snow — while every detail is taken care of.
❄️ Let’s plan your perfect winter escape in Japan.
