Know where to practice skiing and snowboarding in Japan

Looking for places to practice skiing and snowboarding in Japan? Know that the country has more than 500 resorts for those who want to enjoy the Japanese winter descending mountains on boards. In this article, we will talk a little about Snowboarding and Skiing in Japan.

Adventurers of snow sports do not only live by Swiss Alps. Japan has proven to be a destination of impeccable beauty and quality for those who enjoy the cold by skiing or surfing on icy mountains.

The land of the rising sun is globally recognized for having snow that resembles powder. This characteristic may be related to the cold winds that blow during winter, but do not freeze the Japanese sea and constantly supply the surroundings with high humidity levels.

The fact is that the perfect, tiny, soft, and fresh snowflakes, very different from the common granulation in snowfalls from other parts of the world, make the skiing and snowboarding experience even more appealing. For this reason, these two sports gain strength among the winter tourism activities in Japan, which spans from December to March, sometimes extending into April. During this period, the accumulated snow averages between 760 to 1,520 cm in thickness.

With the favorable environment, Japan has invested in the extreme sports segment in the snow. Currently, there are more than 500 resorts that offer accommodation and access to mountains and slopes, allowing practitioners to connect with nature and enjoy the scenery worthy of movies. Among the options in these destinations are resorts aimed at children, young beginners, and also for those with more skills and/or professionals in these modalities.

Most Popular Ski and Snowboard Spots

Although winter tourism in Japan is recognized among some travelers and adventurers, there are still those who are completely unaware of the charms of snow activities in this country.

Before anything else, it is important to know the difference between skiing and snowboarding. Generally speaking, skiing tends to be more popular among practitioners and tourists of all ages. The sport consists of descending snowy mountains using a board on each foot, and it can also involve the use of poles for propulsion or braking.

On the other hand, snowboarding has a slightly higher degree of difficulty and can be compared to skateboarding. Like surfing on snow, the practitioner must balance on a single board and control speed with their own body. Therefore, there is nothing better than knowing the most popular regions among the public to start planning a future trip and decide which of the two sports you will practice.

Hokkaido Island

To reach this paradise island, there are two options: plane or train. The flight from Tokyo takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The train, on the other hand, takes 8 hours, covering the 65 km of the second longest railway tunnel in the world.

Upon arriving in Hokkaido, there are 450 km of slopes in the regions of Furano, Niseko, Rusutsu, and Sahoro, where children and adults can experience skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and tobogganing on snow.

The high season occurs in December and February, and surprises both amateur and experienced athletes. In Furano, for example, there is a vertical drop of about 950 m, frequently visited by more skilled adventurers. The region has also hosted important national and international skiing and snowboarding events, such as the FIS Downhill World Cup.

Yamagata

Whether to learn to ski/snowboard or to practice extreme sports with mastery, Mount Zao, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is also known as the “snowboarding paradise.” This is because, in addition to the steep slopes, it has a unique view, with “snow monsters” formed by trees that embrace the freezing snowfalls and take on unique shapes. At night, these “monsters” are illuminated and ensure entertainment in both shifts.

Niigata

Close to the coast of the Japanese sea, Niigata is home to one of the oldest ski resorts: Myoko Kogen, founded in 1930. For this reason, it maintains the atmosphere of ancient traditional villages, which makes the visit even more special and compensates for the fewer ski resorts. But in the same region is Yuzawa, which, in turn, is nicknamed the “snow country.”

200 km from Tokyo and accessible by bullet train, Yuzawa guarantees fun for beginners with slopes leading to the city center and adrenaline for experienced skiers and snowboarders on the slopes surrounding Mount Neba. Its location makes it a good option for a day trip for travelers with little time. After all, it is possible to go to the resorts, have fun, and return to the Japanese capital on the same day, as it takes about 2 hours of travel.

Nagano

Visiting the Japanese Alps can be one of the best decisions when creating an itinerary for snow sports adventurers. Nagano certainly deserves to be included, as it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998 and is only 2 hours away from Tokyo by train. In this place, there is no shortage of resorts that cater to all skill levels and investment. In total, there are over 800 km of varied trails.

It is evident that the popularity of this province is not limited to the historical event of which it was the stage. The altitude of 1,500 to 2,300 m and the extensive and diverse resorts are irresistible attractions, especially for those who appreciate strong emotions. Among the most popular for visitors are Hakuba 47, Sanosaka, Goryu, Jigatake, Nozawa Onsen, Cortina, Tsugaike Kogen, Minekata, Norikura, and Kashimayari.

Now that it has become easier to plan the next trip, all that is left is to secure the air tickets, pack your bags, and enjoy this destination alone, with friends, or with family. Tourism in Japan can go far beyond visits to temples and cosmopolitan centers. In addition to plenty of adventure, the ideal destinations for skiing and snowboarding also guarantee a considerable dive into the culture and history of this country.