Ski Season in Japan
From Hokkaido’s early snows to Nagano’s spring powder, Japan’s ski season stretches nearly half the year. Here’s how to make the most of it—without the crowds.
When Is Ski Season?
Japan’s ski season usually begins in late November in Hokkaido and northern Tohoku. By mid-December, the Japanese Alps (Nagano, Niigata, and Gifu) are in full operation. The deepest snow and best powder are from late December through February, while March and April bring calmer weather and ideal spring-skiing conditions.
Resorts in Hokkaido—such as Niseko and Furano—often stay open until early May thanks to colder temperatures and a maritime snowpack that resists melting. Honshu’s resorts, like Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen, usually close by late March or early April.
Crowds, Holidays & When to Go
Japan’s ski resorts can get crowded during domestic holidays. The busiest times are:
- New Year’s Holidays (Dec 29 – Jan 3): Families travel nationwide; Niseko, Hakuba, and Nozawa are packed.
- University Winter Break (mid-February): College students hit the slopes, especially in Nagano.
- Chinese New Year (varies late Jan–Feb): Large influx of international visitors to Hokkaido and Hakuba.
To avoid crowds, plan weekday trips—Monday through Thursday are dramatically quieter, even at major resorts. Smaller local hills in Niigata, Gunma, or Tohoku often have minimal wait times even on weekends.
What Japanese People Do During Snow Season
Winter in Japan isn’t just about skiing—it's a cultural season of warmth, food, and illumination. Locals enjoy winter festivals, snow-viewing, onsen trips, and food events celebrating the season.
- Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido, February): Giant snow and ice sculptures draw millions of visitors.
- Yokote Kamakura Festival (Akita): Candlelit igloos and hot amazake (sweet rice drink) create magical snowy streets.
- Nozawa Fire Festival (Nagano, Jan 15): A thrilling torch-lit battle and bonfire to pray for good fortune and snow.
- Otaru Snow Light Path (Hokkaido, February): Romantic canal lanterns and snow sculptures in a quaint port town.
Many families also take weekend trips to onsen towns like Yuzawa, Kusatsu, or Ginzan Onsen, where they soak in hot springs surrounded by snow-covered streets.
Beautiful Winter Destinations
Beyond the slopes, Japan’s winter landscapes offer quiet towns and cultural highlights. Here are a few must-visit places during the snow season:
- Shirakawa-go (Gifu): Fairy-tale village with steep thatched roofs buried in snow.
- Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata): A riverside hot-spring town lit by gas lamps and surrounded by snow walls.
- Ouchi-juku (Fukushima): Edo-era post town preserved in deep winter stillness.
- Sapporo & Otaru (Hokkaido): Food, lights, and easy access to ski fields nearby.
- Nagano’s Zenko-ji Temple: Winter serenity with temple lanterns, snow, and local onsen nearby.