Written by Lucy Dayman
With the temperatures dropping, it’s time to start planning your winter adventures with some of the best ski packages, lesson plans, and other deals.
While Hokkaidō may be the most famous ski destination in Japan, there are plenty of great ski resorts near the capital too. And they are well and truly gearing up for the 2024–2025 winter season.
Pro tip: Want private transfers to or from the airport? NearMe is offering a special discount for Tokyo Cheapo readers for up to ¥1,500 off your first trip.
The best ski resorts near Tokyo
From Tokyo, there are plenty of excellent alpine destinations just a few hours away. Karuizawa and Naeba are good options within 2 hours from Tokyo, making them viable for day trips. Meanwhile, more well-known spots like Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, and Shiga Kōgen are perfect for weekend getaways. And yes, you can even ski on Mt. Fuji if you want to.
Best value packages
These packages may not be all-inclusive, but they’re still excellent value for money and perfect for day or weekend ski and snowboarding trips from Tokyo.
Hakuba Goryu + Hakuba 47 Snow Resort lift pass + rental package
December 23 – March 3¥10,900
Book here
Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 are two interconnected ski resorts located in the popular Hakuba Valley (in Nagano Prefecture). This package includes a 1-day lift pass that gives you access to 24 runs across Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba 47, and Goryu Iimori, plus ski equipment and ski wear rental for ¥10,900. Usually, this would cost at least ¥15,000, so this package definitely gets the Cheapo stamp of approval.
From Tokyo, it takes about 3 hours to reach the resort via the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano and then a bus to Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort. Alternatively, if you’re feeling especially frugal, you could take an overnight bus to Nagano for a fraction of the cost.
Yuzawa private ski or snowboard lesson package
December 1 – April 30From ¥22,000 (per group, up to 4 people)
Book here
If you are in the market for lessons, head out to Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture and take advantage of this excellent deal. Private lessons start at ¥22,000 for 2 hours, and go up to ¥60,000 for 6 hours. This includes basic insurance and the instructor’s fee, but not equipment rental or lift passes. What makes it such great value, though, is that the price stays the same for up to four people — so that ¥22,000 2-hour lesson suddenly becomes ¥5,500 each if you can get three buddies to join you.
There are several ski resorts in the Yuzawa area, and your lesson’s location depends on a variety of factors, including weather and snow conditions. However, if you have a preferred resort, you are welcome to request it at the time of booking, or let your instructor know on the day.
Yuzawa can easily be reached in 80 minutes via the Jōetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo. Another option is to drive, which takes about 3 hours.
Shiga Kōgen ski or snowboard lesson plan
December 1 – April 30¥50,000 (per group, up to 6 people)
Book here
This private lesson takes place at Shiga Kōgen, a large ski resort area in Nagano Prefecture. It includes a 4-hour private lesson for up to six people, so it works out to be pretty economical if you are going with your crew.
Instead of a basic lesson, you also have the option of coaching in a specific focus area: racing/carving, free ride, or moguls. Keep in mind, though, that this package doesn’t include equipment, ski wear, or a lift pass. You’ll need to pay for that separately.
All-inclusive packages
These all-inclusive deals are the classic heavy hitters that cover (almost) everything in one handy package.
Nagano Ski Buffet
December 19 – December 28, January 6 – January 15, further dates pending¥398,974
Book here
Unusually named though it may be, this 10-day package is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type trips. In addition to fairly standard inclusions like accommodation, select meals, lift passes, and guiding/instruction, you’ll also be treated to specially organized cultural experiences. These include a taiko drum performance, a geisha show, a visit to see the snow monkeys, and other exciting excursions and events.
You’ll meet your guide at Yudanaka train station, which can be accessed via local train from Nagano Station. To get to Nagano Station, you can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
A beginner’s trip to Fujiyama Snow Resort
November 1 – March 22From ¥29,380
Book here
This 1-day package to Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti (aka Snow Town Yeti) is a great way to learn new skills and save money at the same time. There are a range of plans to choose from, depending on what you’re after.
The All-Inclusive Plan includes round-trip transfers between Shinjuku and Snow Town Yeti, a pass to Fujiyama Snow Resort, ski gear rental, and ski (not snowboard) lessons with an English- or Chinese-speaking guide for ¥29,380. The most basic plan only covers round-trip transport, and starts at ¥10,760.
Fujiyama Snow Resort is perfect for beginners as it’s a little smaller than most of the other resorts out there and, as a bonus, it has excellent views of Mt. Fuji.
Other snowsport tours
Keen for some winter frivolity away from the skis? These tours will satisfy your snow cravings with more mellow activities. Note that they do not necessarily start from Tokyo.
Snow monkeys and snow fun at Shiga Kōgen
December 23 – March 31¥28,000
Book here
This tour is a great balance of snowy recreation and sightseeing. First, you’ll head to Shiga Kōgen for some fun in the powder with options including sledding, snow bikes, and snow scooters. Next, you’ll stop by Jigokudani Monkey Park and see the famous Japanese snow monkeys. The tour includes round-trip travel from one of four central locations, lunch, and entry fees to Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Nagano snowshoe hiking tour
December – March 20¥16,800 (per person for a group of two)
Book here
If a leisurely pace is more your style, then you’re in luck with this snowshoe hiking tour. Walk amongst 400-year-old cedar trees, discover Togakushi Shrine, enjoy a warming coffee in the snow, and reach places that can only be seen in the winter season. Meet your guides at the on-site meetup area or request a pickup. The full experience lasts around 5 hours, and tours are offered in English and Japanese.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions? Hopefully, these will help.
Where can you go skiing in Tokyo?
Unfortunately, there are no ski resorts in Tokyo. However, the closest big ski resort to Tokyo is Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort. You can get there in 90 minutes via the Shinkansen.
How much does it cost to go skiing near Tokyo?
We recommend budgeting at least ¥20,000 to ¥30,000 for a day of skiing or snowboarding. 1-day lift passes tend to cost ¥6,000 or more, but there are often discounts available, such as cheaper prices for weekday or half-day passes. Transport costs could be anywhere from ¥10,000 to ¥30,000 round trip. And don’t forget to factor in other costs like equipment and ski rental, accommodation, or lessons.
With these costs in mind, you can see what great value a package tour can be, especially for beginners.
When is the best time to visit the snow near Tokyo?
For skiing and snowboarding, most people go between mid-January and mid-March when there’s the most snow. But some resorts are open as late as early May. There might not be as much snow around that time, but lift tickets are cheaper, and the clear blue skies make for a beautiful day on the slopes.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in November 2019. Last updated in December 2024, by Patrick Balfe.
