Nagano

Hakuba Valley, nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is a sprawling expanse of ski resorts offering an incredible variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders. With rugged peaks towering above the picturesque town, the alpine scenery is truly breathtaking.

The valley boasts 10 resorts that collectively access over 200 runs, solidifying Hakuba's status as Japan's premier skiing destination. Happo-One, the largest resort, is renowned for its consistently impressive snow base and family-friendly facilities. Meanwhile, Cortina, though the smallest resort, is Hakuba’s best-kept secret, offering amazing tree skiing and steep, powder-filled bowls. While off-piste skiing is limited in Hakuba, adventurers wishing to explore the back-country can book a guide upon arrival for a safe and exhilarating experience.

In addition to its extensive skiing terrain, Hakuba Valley offers a variety of non-ski activities. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to visit the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani Park, where these charming creatures can be seen soaking in the hot springs to stay warm during the colder months. For a unique cultural experience, consider joining our day-long Snow Monkey & Temple Tour, which combines the enchanting sight of the snow monkeys with a visit to a historic temple. This tour ensures you get both your fill of cute animals and cultural enrichment, making it a perfect complement to the skiing adventures Hakuba Valley has to offer.

Myoko Kogen, with its impressive 14 meters of snow each season, stands out as an uncrowded paradise for skiers, especially those seeking off-piste adventures. Comprising three distinct resorts—Myoko Akakura, Myoko Suginohara, and Ikenotaira—this area is renowned for some of the best tree skiing on Honshu island. It also boasts Japan's longest ski run, famously known as 'The Wall'.

Despite these challenges for the seasoned skier, Myoko Kogen is also very accommodating to beginners and families, offering a variety of gentler slopes to suit all skill levels. Beyond the slopes, Myoko Kogen provides a rich cultural experience. At the mountain's base lies a village steeped in traditional Japanese heritage. Here, visitors can relax in numerous onsens (hot springs) scattered throughout the village, offering a perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes. The village also features cozy izakayas (Japanese pubs), where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere with a beer or sake après-ski. For those looking to combine thrilling off-piste skiing with an authentic cultural experience, Myoko Kogen is an unbeatable destination.

Nozawa Onsen, a charming village renowned for its stunning mountain terrain and abundance of hot springs, is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. Ranked as one of the best ski resorts in Japan, Nozawa Onsen offers a wide selection of runs catering to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

The resort features limited in-bounds off-piste skiing and maintains many of its advanced areas ungroomed, providing ample opportunities for powder enthusiasts to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to improve your skiing skills or seeking thrilling snowboarding adventures, Nozawa Onsen has something for everyone.

The village itself exudes a sense of tradition with its beautiful old streets and numerous onsens scattered throughout. Visitors can soak in the authentic atmosphere while enjoying the relaxing hot springs. Nozawa Onsen is also home to the famous Fire Festival in January, a spectacular event celebrated throughout Japan. However, it's important to book well in advance if you wish to experience this vibrant festival firsthand. With its blend of cultural heritage and exceptional skiing opportunities, Nozawa Onsen is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Shiga Kogen, one of Japan's largest and most impressive ski resorts, boasts a collection of 21 interconnected resorts that offer an endless variety of skiing experiences. With long, perfectly groomed cruising runs, gentle beginner slopes, and challenging moguls, Shiga Kogen caters to all skill levels.

Whether you're a novice skier or an expert looking for a thrill, you'll find something to enjoy on these diverse slopes. The interconnected nature of the resorts allows for seamless transitions and exploration, making it easy to spend your days skiing across different terrains without leaving the area.

Despite its impressive ski offerings, the village in Shiga Kogen is relatively small, with a limited number of bars and restaurants. Therefore, it is recommended to spend 3-4 days in Shiga Kogen as part of a larger trip around the Honshu ski areas to fully appreciate the resort while also experiencing other destinations. Shuttle transfers are conveniently available to nearby ski areas such as Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, and Hakuba, making it easy to extend your ski adventure. This setup ensures you can enjoy the unique charm and excellent skiing of Shiga Kogen while also exploring the broader ski landscape of Honshu.

Naeba Ski Resort is connected with neighbouring Kagura Ski Resort by Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola. The entire area is called “Mt. Naeba”, which consists of 2 ski areas and has many fans from home and abroad. Naeba Prince Hotel at the bottom of the ski area has 1,216 rooms and offers various fun experiences such as gourmet dining, shopping and hot springs. The resort has very convenient access from the Tokyo area as it takes just 2 and half hours by train or car.

Directly in front of the 1,216 rooms Naeba Prince Hotel sits Naeba Ski Resort which offers an exciting ski field designed for the whole family. There are fun beginner trails for children, challenging trails for advanced skiers, as well as terrain parks for all level riders. At night, the trails in front of the hotel are beautifully illuminated for night skiing. However, the fun doesn’t stop at Naeba, as the 5.5 km Dragondola, Japan's longest gondola, connects Naeba with the neighbouring Kagura Ski Resort. Together the two resorts form “Mt. Naeba”. Kagura offers another large ski resort with numerous runs, expansive terrain parks, and amazing backcountry terrain.