Japan's Best Ski Spots by Rail

  • Published on : 26/06/2022
  • by : Japan Experience

Skiing in Japan during your Winter trip

Five of the best ski resorts in Japan, plus their great rail pass package deals. Order your Japan Rail Pass online today - 7, 14, & 21-day Passes available.

  • Gala Yuzawa - Niigata

Located in Echigo Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, this spot even has its own dedicated Shinkansen station! Buy your pass at the station and head straight to the mountain. You can even show your JR East Pass when buying your ski pass at the station for a great discount.

  • Nozawa - Nagano

The ideal place for great skiing and famous hot springs. This resort is well-known for skiers relaxing in the onsen after a hot day, as well as its mostly Japanese-style accommodations.



Nozawa can be reached by taking Shinkansen to Nagano, then changing for a local train line to Togari Nozawa Onsen Station.

  • Niseko - Hokkaido

The largest ski resort in Japan is only a short distance from Sapporo, Hokkaido. As such, aside from amazing skiing, Niseko also has a wide range of accommodations and a fun-filled town with great nightlife.



Niseko is accessible from Sapporo by local train.

Japan's best ski spots by train
Gala Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture has its own Shinkansen station
Nozawa in Nagano Prefecture combines great skiing with hot springs
Niseko in Hokkaido Prefecture is Japan's largest ski resort
Kiroro in Hokkaido Prefecture is more low-key while offering a lot of snow activities
Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture is a former Winter Olympics event spot
A map of the skiing spots

Your ticket to Hokkaido's famous ski resorts!

  • Included : Economic and simple, Unlimited travel
Regional Japan Rail Pass

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