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With the temperatures icy as anything, there's still time for a few winter adventures near Tokyo. Read on for some of the best ski packages, lesson plans, and other deals. Yes yes. 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 geared up for the 2025–2026 season. 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 of 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 good 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 31 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 . Usually, this would cost at least , so this package 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 5 From (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 for 2 hours, and go up to for 6 hours. This includes basic insurance and the instructor's fee, but not equipment rental or lift passes. What makes it good value, though, is that the price stays the same for up to four people -- so that 2-hour lesson suddenly becomes each if you can get three buddies to join you. And, if you don’t feel comfortable doing the green run by the end of your class, you’ll get a 20% discount code for your next Klook purchase. Lessons are offered in English and Chinese, and there are several ski resorts in the Yuzawa area. Your lesson's location will depend on a variety of factors, including weather and snow conditions. However, if you have a preferred resort, you can 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 (per group, up to 6 people) 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. Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort One-Day Bus Tour From Tokyo December 19 – March 15 Book here This one-day tour takes you from Ikebukuro to the beautiful Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort in Niigata and includes rental gear and clothes. The resort has 23 runs, a mountain-top terrace, and a kids' area that offers sledding and tubing. The runs are pretty versatile, but this package is especially targeted towards families, beginners, and anyone just looking for a one-day winter escape from Tokyo. Nagano Ski Buffet (2026 - 2027 season) December 19 – December 28, January 6 – January 15, further dates pending (check back) 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, some 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 the 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 25 From 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 is 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 . The most basic plan only covers round-trip transport, and starts at . 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 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 (per person for a group of two) 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. Sledding, strawberries and all-you-can-eat crab in Gunma December 24 – February 28 Book here Note: This tour has limited availability, so make sure to check the dates in advance. If the idea of enjoying the apres-ski life without having to ski is appealing to you, then this day-trip package to Gunma is perfect. The trip includes snow sports, strawberry picking, and an all-you-can-eat crab feast in one tidy, action-packed deal. Your stomach will thank you. 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 to for a day of skiing or snowboarding. 1-day lift passes tend to cost or more, but there are often discounts available, such as cheaper prices for weekday or half-day passes. Transport costs could be anywhere from to round-trip. And don't forget to factor in other costs like equipment and ski rental, accommodation, or lessons. With all 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 January 2026, by Patrick Balfe.

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