Japan Ski Resorts: Best Places to Ski in Japan
By Nancy
September 11, 2026
Japan is one of Asia’s best destinations for a ski vacation. The country offers reliable winter snowfall, well-developed resorts, traditional hot spring towns, and easy access from major cities. From the deep powder of Hokkaido to the Olympic slopes of Nagano, Japan ski resorts offer options for beginners, families, intermediate skiers, and experienced skiers. Niseko is famous for its powder-like snow, light and almost fluffy. It also has a rather Westernized, ultra-modern feel. Hakuba offers a large selection of ski areas and picturesque mountain scenery. Nozawa Onsen combines skiing with a traditional hot spring village, and Shiga Kogen is ideal for travelers who want a huge interconnected ski area and a quieter mountain experience. Needless to say, you’ll never be short of options.
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Best Japan Ski Resorts at a Glance
Japan has ski resorts across Hokkaido, Nagano, Niigata, and other mountainous regions. The right option depends on matching the destination to your skiing ability, travel style, and preferred type of winter experience.
Ski resort | Location | Best for | What makes it stand out |
Hokkaido | Powder, international travelers | Four resorts, famous snowfall, lively resort atmosphere | |
Nagano | Mixed groups, intermediate to advanced skiers | 10 ski areas, Alpine scenery, après-ski | |
Nagano | Skiing + Japanese culture | Traditional hot spring village and varied terrain | |
Nagano | Large ski areas, nature | 18 ski areas and extensive interconnected terrain | |
Hokkaido | Powder and families | Spacious terrain, resort accommodation, Hokkaido snow | |
Niigata | Powder and quieter resorts | Heavy snowfall and several ski areas around Mt. Myoko |
Niseko: One of the Most Famous Japan Ski Resorts
Niseko United is located on Mt. Annupuri, in Hokkaido, and consists of four ski resorts: Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, and Niseko Hanazono. An All Mountain Pass provides access across the four areas. The resort’s location lets winter weather systems moving across the Sea of Japan produce the frequent snowfall the area is famous for.
It’s also one of the easier Japanese ski destinations for international visitors. English-language services, a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, ski schools, and transportation options are available.
For the upcoming 2026–27 season, the four Niseko United areas are scheduled to open on November 28, 2026, with some areas continuing into early May 2027. Opening dates and operations may change based on conditions.
Best for: Powder skiing, first-time visitors to Japan, international travelers, groups, and skiers who want plenty of dining and après-ski options.
Getting to Niseko
Most international travelers arrive through New Chitose Airport near Sapporo. From the airport, travelers can use seasonal ski buses or combine JR trains with local transportation. Niseko United notes that train services connect New Chitose Airport with Otaru, Kutchan, and Niseko, although services can be limited.
Hakuba Valley: A Strong All-Round Choice
Hakuba Valley is one of Japan's most versatile ski resorts for an international trip. Located in Nagano Prefecture beneath the Northern Japanese Alps, the valley contains 10 separate ski areas, including Hakuba Happo-One, Hakuba 47, Hakuba Goryu, Tsugaike, and Hakuba Cortina. The area hosted several events at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and its mix of long runs, varied terrain, mountain scenery, and extensive accommodation makes it especially popular with international visitors.
Hakuba works well for groups with different abilities. Some resorts have wide, gentle beginner slopes, while others offer challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The valley also has a strong restaurant and nightlife scene, particularly around Happo and Echoland. A Hakuba Valley All-Mountain Pass can be used across the valley's 10 ski areas, with a shared gate system at nine of them. A shuttle network also connects the different resort areas.
Best for: Mixed-ability groups, intermediate and advanced skiers, families, nightlife, and travelers who want to explore several resorts.
Getting to Hakuba
Most international travelers reach Hakuba via Tokyo and Nagano. From Tokyo, the Hokuriku Shinkansen runs to Nagano Station, where travelers can transfer to a bus to Hakuba. Seasonal ski buses and transfers may also be available from Haneda and Narita airports.
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Nozawa Onsen: Skiing With a Traditional Japanese Setting
Nozawa Onsen offers something that many large ski resorts can't: a traditional Japanese village right at the foot of the mountain. The resort has more than 40 runs and a wide mix of terrain, including groomed slopes, forest trails, steeper sections, and areas suitable for different ability levels.
The village, with its traditional Japanese setting, is one of the most appealing to foreign travelers. After skiing, you can walk through narrow streets, eat at local restaurants, stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or a hotel, and visit the town's public hot spring baths.
The resort is also convenient from Tokyo. Travelers can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station and then continue by bus to Nozawa Onsen. The journey from Nagano Station to the resort takes about 90 minutes by train and connecting bus.
Best for: Travelers who want skiing, hot springs, Japanese culture, and a more traditional atmosphere.
Getting to Nozawa Onsen
Most international travelers reach Nozawa Onsen via Tokyo and Iiyama. From Tokyo, the Hokuriku Shinkansen runs to Iiyama Station, where travelers can transfer to the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus. Seasonal ski buses and transfers may also be available from major airports and nearby destinations.
Shiga Kogen: One of Japan's Largest Ski Areas
Shiga Kogen is a particularly good choice for travelers who want to spend several days exploring different slopes rather than staying on one small ski field. The destination comprises 18 ski areas, with many connected by lifts or skiable routes. An All-Mountain Pass provides access to all 18 areas, although some sections require a shuttle bus rather than a direct ski connection.
Its high elevation, which reaches around 2,300 meters (about 7,500feet) at its peak, helps Shiga Kogen maintain good snow conditions later into the season. The area also sits within Joshin'etsu National Park, giving it a more natural, less developed feel than other resort towns. The resort focuses less on nightlife than Niseko or Hakuba, so it suits travelers who prioritize skiing, scenery, and quiet evenings.
Best for: Experienced skiers, longer ski trips, nature lovers, and travelers who prefer a quieter resort environment.
Getting to Shiga Kogen
Most international travelers reach Shiga Kogen via Tokyo and Nagano. From Tokyo, the Hokuriku Shinkansen runs to Nagano Station, where travelers can transfer to a bus to Shiga Kogen. Seasonal ski buses and transfers may also be available from nearby destinations and airports.
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More Top Japan Ski Resorts to Consider
Japan has far more ski destinations than the internationally famous names above. These alternatives can be worth considering if you're looking for a different experience.
Rusutsu Resort
Rusutsu is another major Hokkaido destination known for powder snow and a large resort complex. It offers a convenient option for travelers who want to stay close to the slopes instead of commuting from a nearby town. The resort's upcoming 2026–27 winter accommodation season is scheduled to run from late November through March, while its lift-ticket schedule includes early, regular, and spring-season periods.
Best for: Powder, families, resort convenience, and travelers who want an all-in-one ski holiday.
Myoko Kogen
Myoko Kogen, in Niigata Prefecture, is known for substantial winter snowfall and several ski areas around Mt. Myoko. Myoko Suginohara is known for long runs and a large terrain park, while Akakura Kanko and Akakura Onsen offer access to skiing alongside traditional hot spring accommodation.
Best for: Powder, longer runs, hot springs, and travelers looking beyond the busiest international resorts.
Best Hotels in Tokyo
5 star
Great838 Reviews
Central Tokyo Tokyo|2.87km from city center
The hotel's location and surroundings are excellent. The only minor inconvenience was having to walk all the way around to access the garden downstairs; I'm not sure if we just missed a more direct entrance. On our second day in Tokyo, we experienced a typhoon with strong winds and heavy rain, but the soundproofing in the room was so good we couldn't hear a thing – it was incredibly quiet. Getting around was also very convenient, as it's close to the subway station, making it easy to reach popular areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza.From$268
Great1362 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.49km from city center
Highly recommend the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier in Tokyo! The room offered an amazing view, perfect for enjoying the bustling city lights at night. It's just a few minutes' walk to Shimbashi Station, making it super convenient for getting around and shopping. The sky lobby is quite unique, service communication was smooth, and the room was clean and tidy. Its Ginza location makes shopping and dining effortless. Definitely my top choice for a Tokyo trip.From$253
Amazing2526 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.66km from city center
I really hope you take a look, I think it might be helpful to you.
(Good morning, good afternoon, good evening to you all) (Note: The pictures mainly feature food)
This is my third stay at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo (the first 2 times were booked by my mom). (I just turned 15).
The hotel changes bedding daily, cleans meticulously, and the service is warm and friendly.
The breakfast restaurant offers many options 🤔.
Also, there's a Yakiniku restaurant (Jojoen) very close behind the hotel, which is rarely crowded. I've eaten there many times (sometimes even on weekend evenings) and never had to wait for a table.
(Was I just lucky?)
The pictures I've included are all from the hotel. I haven't included Jojoen, but it's definitely worth a try!
P8 shows the signature dish (beef) from the hotel's buffet dinner. The beef is juicy and flavorful, tender but not mushy, and the sauce is the perfect touch. (I thought the potatoes were delicious, and by the way, is that white blob garlic?! It's horseradish!)
P4 and P5 show two different main dishes from the Japanese-style breakfast (you can choose porridge instead of rice). (Sometimes the ingredients change; I once encountered a time when there was no salmon, but the taste was still excellent) 🤔.
Oh, and the pancakes are absolutely amazing! So good I forgot to take pictures (maybe not that good?), but the aroma is incredible!!!!
(Note: Most restaurants in Japan will ask you if you have any food allergies. Don't panic if you're asked; just answer truthfully. ”Allergy” is the common word used for this.)
The hotel staff's English proficiency is really good! Seriously!
Seiyoken + Din Tai Fung + Ichiran ads passing by...
You can try Seiyoken. It's very famous and has been around for a long time. I've tried their full meals (both the grill and the cafe, emmm... the grill's main dishes were quite impressive, as for the cafe, I thought it was decent. Their signature beef stew, though the meat chunks are large, is really soft, flavorful, and fragrant! The other dishes were also quite good. Oh, and definitely get their Duck Farm Pudding to go before you leave! It's fantastic!!!!! The caramel is a bit bitter, which I personally don't mind).
The Imperial Hotel's omurice (omelet rice) is good.
Room service is quite special! You can do almost everything in the room with just one tablet, such as ordering room service, checking breakfast queue status, closing curtains, and turning off lights.
That's about it. My opinion on Kamon is that it's worth trying once.
(Most of the above-mentioned Imperial Hotel restaurants are more budget-friendly if you choose lunch options).
To the hotel, I'd say you've done a great job. There's nothing to pick apart. Many of the services are very detailed. Negative reviews do exist, but I honestly didn't notice any... (that's on me). Also, a good travel mood is very important. This is just my review. Wishing you a pleasant journey!
The hotel staff is very helpful! They will solve problems for you. Last time, my mom thought the indoor lighting wasn't perfect? She wanted to try brighter lights to see if it would be better and also wanted an additional space to work directly by the window. After informing the hotel of the request, they sent what seemed like a room service table? With a desk lamp, and the brightness was just right! (It was really a bother to them, I'm sure).
(Please don't get upset with me if any of the above wording seems inappropriate...)
That's generally all. I'm too lazy to write anything else, and I guess no one will read on anyway, it's quite long... Haha 🤔From$391
Great2172 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.18km from city center
The hotel's location is great, and other reviews have already covered it in detail. From Haneda Airport, you can take the subway directly to the hotel's nearest exit, Higashi-Ginza A1 on the Keikyu Line, which has a vertical elevator. Getting back to Haneda Airport was a bit roundabout; you need to go to platform 1 to catch the train, and it takes about thirty-something minutes to reach the airport. My husband and I were traveling with our thirteen-year-old child, and the hotel wouldn't allow us to stay in a double room; we had to book an additional room, which led to extra expenses. For the last two days, we switched to a triple room and paid the difference at the front desk. The hotel's cleanliness was acceptable. I suspect the previous occupants of our room might have been *foreigners from a specific country, as there was an unremovable body odor that made me dizzy. Due to the language barrier, I couldn't communicate this, so we just put up with it. I didn't encounter any Chinese-speaking staff at the front desk, so I don't know if they have any, even though there were indeed many Chinese guests. Breakfast was semi-buffet style, with six main options and other self-serve items. The choices were almost identical for all three mornings, and I really couldn't find anything to my taste. I regretted booking the hotel breakfast; it would have been more delicious and cost-effective to eat at a nearby cafe. This was not a good experience, so whether I'll stay here again in the future is up to fate.From$291
Great1113 Reviews
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.04km from city center
The InterContinental Tokyo Bay is situated in an excellent, affluent area, a well-established hotel with a rich history that has undergone renovation. It now boasts comprehensive and well-maintained facilities, offering a wide range of services and amenities that cover all the essentials. The overall cleanliness is meticulously upheld, giving it a sophisticated 'old money' vibe without being overly flashy. It provides a stable and comfortable stay.
The location is a significant advantage, making it convenient to travel to the Ginza shopping district and offering smooth transportation to Haneda Airport. The room views are outstanding, with the bay scenery being a delight to behold. It's highly recommended for business travelers, especially if your budget allows; the overall experience is top-notch.From$298
Business travel
Very Good1197 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.29km from city center
Given its prime location, you can't expect both spaciousness and a cheap price. The value for money is decent.
However, the room felt stuffy and relied solely on the air conditioning, which created a stale smell, as if it had been closed up for a long time. I had to keep the AC on low. I'm unsure about the cleanliness of the duvet; my legs were incredibly itchy for the first half of the night. It only got better after I turned the AC much lower in the latter half.
One of the pillows had a strong, hard-to-describe oily head smell. There was also a noticeable accumulation of dust in some corners.
The service throughout was genuinely cold. Despite my fluent Japanese, there wasn't a single smile, which is quite unusual for Japan. Perhaps working in Ginza is truly exhausting. They didn't mention the complimentary beer and coffee that was advertised on Ctrip. Ms. Akiko at the front desk, this kind of service really isn't acceptable in the hospitality industry. If you feel so wronged by your job, maybe you should find a different one.From$160
Great1175 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.44km from city center
Attending the Tokyo Fisheries Expo, I chose to stay at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel in Ginza, and it was an excellent experience! The hotel is clean, hygienic, and the breakfast is abundant, with delicious grilled mackerel and silver salmon. They even provide Kose Sekkisei and DHC toiletries every night, which is a nice touch! The location is incredibly convenient; you can walk to Tokyo Station and Marunouchi. From Tokyo Station, it's easy to catch a bus to Kisarazu Outlet, which is very convenient – a round trip costs just 3000 JPY and takes only 50 minutes one way.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, including OK Supermarket, BEAMS, MONT-BELL, PATAGONIA, SAPPORO DRAFT BLACK, Mitsukoshi, GINZA NOVO, and GINZA777, covering all your eating, drinking, playing, and shopping needs!
**Environment**: The environment is quiet with good soundproofing, ensuring a good night's sleep.
**Service**: As expected from Japanese hotels, the service was excellent, with friendly and smiling staff.
**Facilities**: All facilities were sufficient, including a microwave, ice maker, vending machines, luggage weighing scale, and coffee machine.
**Cleanliness**: Housekeeping was prompt and excellent.
Ginza itself is a fantastic area, with countless bars, cafes, Ippudo ramen, and Tonkatsu restaurants to explore. For transportation, you have the Yurakucho Line, Ginza Line, Keikyu Line, and many other options, making it quick and easy to get to Asakusa, Daikanyama, Nakameguro, Shibuya, Harajuku, Omotesando, and even a jazz cafe in Yotsuya. I will definitely stay in Ginza again next time!From$168
Great1657 Reviews
Ginza/Tsukiji Tokyo|0.89km from city center
The room layout was well-designed. Most hotels in Japanese city centers are quite small, but this one, though compact, had everything you could need. The service was also very attentive. Downstairs, they offer complimentary makeup remover, toner, and lotion for guests to take as needed. The location is great, very close to the subway, and there are many convenience stores nearby. You can even walk to Ginza.From$140
Great588 Reviews
Odaiba Tokyo|4.77km from city center
Had a fantastic stay! The hotel's location is excellent, right next to the Rinkai Line, making it incredibly convenient for getting around, especially to Disney. The room facilities were well-equipped, and the cleanliness was top-notch; there were no unpleasant odors. Breakfast is served on the first floor. We stayed for five nights and went at different times, but on three of those days, we encountered a queue. If you're in a hurry, you might want to factor in some extra time.From$185
Great3764 Reviews
Suidobashi/Tokyo Dome Tokyo|3.75km from city center
The room was quite spacious for Tokyo standards, and they cleaned it daily, restocking amenities. It's super convenient for Ginza and Senso-ji Temple, with a subway station right downstairs. There's also a mall next door that looks like an amusement park, though the food there isn't great. Plus, there's a Don Quijote, FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, and other convenience stores nearby, which is really handy. Coming from a 14-square-meter room, this was a fantastic upgrade. I'd definitely consider staying here again on my next trip to Tokyo!From$128
Family friendly
Great158 Reviews
Akasaka Tokyo|2.21km from city center
Room and bed were very comfortable, immaculately clean and modern. 2 mins walk from train station, if you need lift access to train then a 6 mins walk, we had a stroller.
Breakfast was a bit of a zoo, we went during Christmas, very busy! But tables were spacious so even though there were so many people you don’t feel cramped. Good variety of food selection. We had dinner at the Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. Delicious, especially the tuna salad.
I found the lobby staff a little lack of personality, at check in, no mentioning of where breakfast will be, what time check out is. Just checked you in and that’s it, no personal notes in the room. When I expressed I’ve lost my phone at the shop in Tokyo, no sign of empathy (it was a western male staff) no gesture of helpfulness, very cold and robotic. This goes for concierge also, he is an older western gentleman, he needs to use Google translate also which is frustrating cause I could do exactly the same research with Google translate.
Overall, hardware is solid, need to fine tune the staff, sprinkle a little bit of personality in them.From$425
Great200 Reviews
Shiodome Tokyo|0.99km from city center
If you're a Hilton Diamond member, definitely don't book through Trip.com, otherwise, you won't get any upgrade benefits. The main issue is that I've always been able to use them in the US. If I hadn't thought I could get an upgrade, I would have chosen the Imperial instead of coming here. Trip.com should also have a disclaimer in their description. Plus, I stayed for three days, and on the second day, after I came back from shopping, neither my room key nor electronic key worked. Keep in mind that at Conrad, you have to take two elevators to get from the entrance to your room, and they assigned me a room furthest from the elevator. I had to drag a bunch of shopping bags all the way to the front desk to get a new room key. At breakfast in the morning, I ordered à la carte, and they completely forgot my order. Everyone around me had finished eating, and when I asked the server, she had forgotten about it! All in all, the service at the Imperial is still better~From$716
Very Good976 Reviews
Odaiba Tokyo|5.01km from city center
This hotel offers direct access to the Yurikamome Line's Odaiba Station from its second floor, and is within walking distance of the life-sized Gundam statue and Odaiba Marine Park. A complimentary shuttle bus to Disneyland is provided, and Haneda Airport is just a 20-minute drive away, making transportation highly convenient. All room types feature private balconies, with ocean view rooms directly facing the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay's night skyline. The room sizes significantly exceed those of similarly priced hotels in central Tokyo. For families with children, amenities for kids are proactively provided upon check-in, ensuring excellent comfort during your stay.
The facilities are well-maintained, and both Chinese and English services are seamless. There's a complimentary gym and multiple restaurants on-site. The drawbacks include the hotel's age and the fact that the pool requires an additional fee. It's also a bit further from the central city shopping districts. Overall, this hotel is ideal for guests who prioritize exploring Odaiba, appreciate scenic views and spacious accommodations. High-floor ocean view rooms are highly recommended.From$244
Very Good4872 Reviews
Shinagawa Tokyo|5.46km from city center
This is my second stay at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. After my first visit, I knew I wanted to come back. The location is incredibly convenient, whether you're coming from Haneda Airport or Narita Airport, though Narita takes a bit longer. Both times, my room offered a view of Tokyo Tower, which always brightens my mood. The room size was also quite generous for me. There are also some fantastic restaurants near the hotel; I highly recommend a ramen shop specializing in tantanmen and a Japanese-Western style restaurant.From$128
Great3727 Reviews
Shinjuku Area Tokyo|6.73km from city center
We booked an executive floor room this time, and we were given one on the 37th floor. Breakfast can be enjoyed either on the executive floor or at the main restaurant on the 2nd floor.
The room size was excellent; it wasn't cramped for two people! We could easily open two or three 28-inch suitcases.
The bathroom had a separate wet and dry area, and all the toiletries were L'Occitane. The shower pressure was also great~
The complimentary bottled water in the room came in aluminum bottles.
The executive lounge also offered afternoon tea 🫖, and after 5 PM, it was happy hour with unlimited alcoholic beverages 🍹👍From$327
Gym
Very Good2353 Reviews
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.41km from city center
I was impolitely treated by the lobby staff during check out.
Everything during the stay was great, until we brought our luggage to the lobby and I was looking for the express checkout box. Failing to found one, I asked one of the staffs (shown in photo) politely about the express checkout boxes, he swiftly pushed me away and ask my to queue up at the check out with a very inpatient attitude. His colleague and his manager apologised for him while he was hiding at the back office after I complained.
This is not any customer should have been treated, especially with this level of hospitality and pricing.
Won’t be return to this hotel again and I strongly suggest the hotel to refine their training for their staffs.From$322
Great747 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.42km from city center
If you want to stay somewhere with excellent train connectivity, Tokyo Station is a good bet. That said, I’m personally not a huge fan of Tokyo Station, perhaps because I find the layout a little too complex and confusing.
The room was quite small for the price, although that may just be the standard for Tokyo. The breakfast spread was also fairly basic.
Overall, it’s a pretty standard hotel, but its biggest advantage is its strategic location and direct access to the train network.From$402
Great425 Reviews
Shinagawa Tokyo|4.74km from city center
The room was quite spacious for Tokyo standards, and the hotel's public areas were also beautiful. The shuttle service to Meguro Station was very convenient. We chose this hotel mainly because we planned to shop in Ginza and Omotesando, and its location is great for both subway and taxi travel. The teppanyaki restaurant on B2, however, was just okay – not particularly recommended.From$428
Amazing335 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.35km from city center
The location of this hotel is simply unbeatable, right next to Tokyo Station. You don't even need to go above ground; there's a dedicated hotel elevator in the Otemachi exit underground, which is incredibly convenient. However, if you're transferring to other subway lines, expect about an 8-minute walk for most of them. Also, a heads-up: the front desk is on the 7th floor, but there's a hotel sign on the ground floor for taxi drop-offs.
Since the hotel is right by Tokyo Station, you have easy access to all sorts of food, drinks, and shopping, which is why I didn't bother with the hotel breakfast. I could sleep in every day and try different local delicacies. Even the FamilyMart convenience store had amazing food options.
It's an older hotel that was renovated last year, but the facilities are complete, clean, and comfortable. What I particularly liked was the shower setup; unlike some hotels where you shower inside the tub, here they have a separate shower space next to the tub. This design makes the bathroom feel quite spacious, even if the room itself is on the smaller side. I've seen this kind of bathroom design in other Japanese hotels too, so I wonder if it's a common feature in local accommodations.
The front desk staff spoke good English, and I was very satisfied with their luggage storage and early check-in services. Plus, you need your room card to operate the elevators, which adds to the security.
I was out and about from morning till night, so I didn't get a chance to experience the restaurant or bar, but overall, the value for money is high. I'd definitely consider staying here again on my next trip to Tokyo! It's perfect for anyone who values convenience, loves shopping, and isn't too particular about room size.From$322
Amazing435 Reviews
Shibuya Tokyo|6.16km from city center
The hotel was extremely comfortable and spotless, and I especially loved that they used my favorite brand of bath amenities. What impressed me the most was the breakfast — there were unlimited fresh and sweet strawberries, as well as freshly squeezed orange juice, which made every morning feel refreshing and full of energy. Overall, it was a truly enjoyable stay.From$537
Swimming pool
Amazing156 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.59km from city center
It was 5:30 PM in Otemachi, Tokyo, and a massive halo, like a holy light, enveloped the area, reflecting the silhouette of the world's most beautiful CBD on the glass facade of Otemachi Tower. Perched atop this magnificent skyscraper, Aman Tokyo, which stunned the world a decade ago, remains an unparalleled benchmark for modern city hotels.
｜The soaring 30-meter high atrium, crafted with washi lanterns, wood textures, and concrete and rock, creates a 'dry landscape' garden in the urban clouds.
｜The view facing the Imperial Palace is arguably Tokyo's most beautiful skyline (it ruthlessly trumps the already impressive view from the neighboring Bulgari).
｜While the ambiance at Arva, the Italian restaurant on the other side of the lobby, is superb, the food wasn't to my taste. I'd recommend the Aman Cafe on the first floor, a glasshouse enveloped by the 'Otemachi Forest' oasis instead.From$3,445
Great89 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.84km from city center
[HOSHINOYA Tokyo: A Vertical Ryokan Experience]
HOSHINOYA Tokyo offers a truly unique concept. It is a traditional Japanese ryokan built vertically within a modern skyscraper, located in the prestigious Otemachi district. It provides a serene, luxurious escape right in the middle of the bustling city, perfectly blending classic ryokan hospitality with world-class modern design. We enjoyed a wonderful three-day, two-night stay at the property from 29 May to 31 May. We chose not to make any meal reservations, which gave us the flexibility to simply relax and explore the surrounding city.
[Getting There]
We travelled from Fufu Hakone via a day trip to Enoshima and Kamakura. We took a direct train from Kamakura to Tokyo Station, followed by a short walk to the hotel, and arrived at around 8:00 PM. To make the transit completely effortless, our luggage was picked up and delivered directly to the hotel by LuggAgent on the same day.
[Arrival and Check-In]
The hotel is situated in the central business district and distinctly stands out from the surrounding buildings. The discreet entrance completely shields you from the busy streets. Upon entering, staff immediately store your shoes, as the entire tatami-matted building operates on a barefoot or socks-only policy. We were incredibly lucky to catch a traditional jap instrument performance, which is usually reserved for weekends. A designated staff member managed our check-in with welcome snack & tea and escorted us to level 15. A major highlight is the exclusive lounge on each floor, shared by only 6 suites. It functions as a private living room, fully stocked with complimentary seasonal teas, coffees, and traditional snacks.
[The Suite]
We stayed in the Sakura suite. Rather than trying to describe the beautiful layout in words, I will let my photos speak for themselves. The beds are low to the floor with a mid-level hardness that we found quite comfortable, and each bed comes with two soft pillows. There is also a television cleverly hidden behind a mirror, though it is worth noting that it only broadcasts Japanese channels. We kept it switched off to maintain the consistent traditional ryokan feel. The provided yukata is absolutely superb. It comes as a full set complete with an inner layer, an outer layer, socks, and a small handbag. The material is soft, stretchy, and incredibly comfortable for lounging and walking around the property.
[The Top-Floor Onsen]
Having a natural hot spring in central Tokyo is a rare luxury. The onsen is located on the 17th floor and features a stunning design where the roof is open to the sky. As cameras are strictly prohibited, you will have to visualise it or check the hotel website for gallery photos. I understand that the bath is a salty hot spring containing a high concentration of seawater and seaweed minerals trapped deep in the ground. Soaking in this soothing water gently embraces the skin and helps alleviate fatigue in both body and mind. The onsen is open daily from 3:00 PM to 11:30 AM. It was the absolute perfect way to warm up and recharge before we headed out for a busy day.
[Areas for Improvement]
Toothbrush Set: The provided toothbrush is far too small and takes ages to use. I strongly recommend bringing your own.From$1,580
Amazing218 Reviews
Tokyo Station/Nihonbashi Tokyo|1.09km from city center
A truly excellent and charming boutique hotel. The location is superb, and the building itself is steeped in history, making it a very worthwhile place to stay. The buffet breakfast is served on the fourth floor in a historic space with a beautiful glass ceiling. The food was exquisite and delicious. What particularly impressed me were the two concierge ladies; they went above and beyond to help us find a ride-hailing car, loaded our luggage, and even waved us off as we departed. A truly wonderful and delightful hotel experience.From$720
Great155 Reviews
Central Tokyo Tokyo|2.69km from city center
The room was clean and tidy, the location was convenient, the service was excellent, and the breakfast was delicious.From$823
Great721 Reviews
Tokyo Tower Area Tokyo|2.69km from city center
The hotel is located a rather commercial district. It's around 9 mins walk to the train station and around 10 mins walk to the area where there are many restaurants and convenient stores. The room is a bit tiny and it's very clean. The bed and pillows are comfy. They offer free drinks and free alcohol at the 14/F from 5pm to 8pm which is very nice.From$215
Transportation Costs to Japan Ski Resorts
Ski resort | Typical route | Approx. one-way cost |
Niseko United | New Chitose Airport → Otaru → Niseko/Kutchan | ¥2,900–¥4,000 (US$19–26) |
Hakuba Valley | Tokyo → Nagano → Hakuba | About ¥11,840 (US$77) |
Nozawa Onsen | Tokyo → Iiyama → Nozawa Onsen | About ¥8,600–¥9,600 (US$56–63) |
Shiga Kogen | Tokyo → Nagano → Shiga Kogen | About ¥9,000–¥10,000 (US$59–65) |
Rusutsu | New Chitose Airport → Rusutsu | About ¥5,000–¥5,500 (US$33–36) |
Myoko Kogen | Tokyo → Joetsu-Myoko → Myoko | About ¥9,000–¥10,500 (US$59–69) |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Japan Ski Resorts?
The main ski season runs from December into spring, but the exact dates vary considerably by resort, elevation, and snowfall. For the best chance of deep powder, January and February are usually the safest choices, particularly in Hokkaido and northern Nagano. These months are also the busiest, especially around Christmas, New Year, and other school holiday periods.
December can offer excellent conditions, but early-season snow coverage can be less predictable. Spring skiing can be a good option for travelers who prefer milder temperatures and longer daylight hours.
Some higher-elevation resorts stay open well into April or early May. Several Hakuba Valley resorts continue into the spring season, while Niseko's 2026–27 schedule extends into early May in some areas. Still, it's best to check each resort's current snow report and operating schedule before booking near the beginning or end of the season.
What to Know Before Visiting Japan Ski Resorts
Book Accommodation Early
Popular resorts can become expensive and heavily booked during the Christmas and New Year period. January and February are also high-season months. Niseko and Hakuba are particularly popular with international visitors, so book accommodation and transportation well ahead of your trip. Rusutsu has also advised travelers to book early for high-demand winter periods.
Check What's Included With Your Lift Ticket
Don't assume every lift ticket covers every nearby ski area. Some destinations operate several independent resorts, while others offer shared passes that cover multiple mountains.
Hakuba Valley, Niseko United, and Shiga Kogen all have multi-area passes, but the exact access rules differ. Check the pass conditions before buying, especially if you plan to move between ski areas.
Renting Gear Is Usually Practical
Most major Japanese ski resorts have equipment rental shops, so you can travel without bringing skis or a snowboard. However, popular sizes and premium equipment can become limited during peak periods, so reserving rental gear in advance can save time.
If you're a beginner, consider booking lessons, too. An instructor can help you understand the local slopes, improve your technique, and navigate unfamiliar terrain more confidently.
Don't Underestimate the Cold
Japanese powder destinations can be genuinely cold, particularly in Hokkaido and at higher elevations. Bring waterproof outerwear, insulated gloves, thermal layers, warm socks, and appropriate eye protection.
You'll also want casual winter clothing for the resort town. A ski jacket alone may not be enough for walking to dinner or waiting for transportation in freezing temperatures.
Follow Mountain Safety Rules
Powder skiing can be tempting, but ungroomed and backcountry areas can carry significant avalanche and terrain risks. Stay within designated areas unless you're properly equipped and understand the local rules.
Some resorts have designated backcountry or self-responsibility areas, while access requirements vary. Check the resort's current safety information before entering unfamiliar terrain.
FAQ About Japan Ski Resorts
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Do I need to speak Japanese to ski in Japan?
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Can non-skiers enjoy a trip to a Japanese ski resort?
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Are ski lessons in Japan available in English?
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Should I rent a car for a Japan ski trip?
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When to avoid skiing in Japan?
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Is it cheap to go skiing in Japan?
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Do I need to book ski equipment and lessons in advance?
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