COUNTRY GUIDE / JAPAN
Stay curious.
Travel deeper.
Start with Appi Kogen and Hachimantai. Plan the mountain, the stay and everything in between.
Northern Japan, beyond the slopes.
A stay in Appi Kogen brings skiing, warm onsen and local food into one journey.
Regions
Akita
Discover Akita through its ski areas, places to stay and nearby experiences.
Aomori
Discover Aomori through its ski areas, places to stay and nearby experiences.
Fukushima
Discover Fukushima through its ski areas, places to stay and nearby experiences.
Hokkaido
Winter journeys across Japan’s northern island. Explore the existing Niseko guide, with a base close to the lifts and time for the villages below.
Iwate
Discover Iwate through its ski areas, places to stay and nearby experiences.
Miyagi
Discover Miyagi through its ski areas, places to stay and nearby experiences.
Nagano
Discover Nagano through its ski areas, places to stay and nearby experiences.
Niigata
Discover Niigata through its ski areas, places to stay and nearby experiences.
Yamagata
Discover Yamagata through its ski areas, places to stay and nearby experiences.
Destinations
Appi Kogen
Plan a winter stay in Iwate that goes beyond the slopes. Choose a hotel as your base, then make time for skiing, dinner and hot springs.
Furano
Long runs in the morning, a café in the forest in the evening. Compare hotels in the Furano Zone, condominiums at Kita-no-Mine and onsen hotels in town, and choose a stay that enjoys both snow and food.
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
Reach GALA by Shinkansen, spend a day on Kagura’s snow or ski Naeba from morning to afternoon. With Echigo-Yuzawa Station and the hot-spring town as a base, turn a day on the slopes into an overnight stay.
Geto Kogen Ski Resort
Geto Kogen, which enters the mountain west from Kitakami City. You can choose from three lodging locations: an on-site inn in the mountains, a hot spring village along the way, and around Kitakami Station. Whether you're planning a trip with plenty of time for skiing or combining a hot spring inn with a meal in town, each transportation plan is important.
EN RESORT Grandeco Snow Resort
At Urabandai, where Grandeco is located, you can combine a day of skating through the forest with the natural beauty of the lakes and the hotel's hot springs. Those who want to spend more time in the snow-capped mountains can choose from the nearby hotels, while those who want to spend time by the lake can choose from the inns at Urabandai. Nekoma is also in the same area, but the entrance to the mountain and transportation are separate, so decide on your daily destination and organize your transportation accordingly.
Hachimantai
A mountain and hot spring area that spans Iwate and Akita. A trip that combines Appi's snowy mountains, day-trip hot springs, and local crafts.
Hakkoda
Ski among snow-covered trees, then return to a forest inn for a bath. In Hakkoda, choose where to ski and where to stay as separate decisions. Check the ropeway, guest transfers and bath admission before joining them into a day.
Hakuba
Ski the long slopes of Happo-one, or practise at an easy pace at Tsugaike? Choose where to ski and where to stay together, from forest hotels in Wadano and Happo onsen to dining around Echoland.
Jozankei: snow, then a soak
Ski at Sapporo Kokusai by day and return to Jozankei’s hot springs. Compare three stays, then decide between a city base and evenings at an onsen hotel.
Kagura Ski Resort
Your choice of Mitsumata or Tashiro changes the journey from your hotel. Plan an Echigo-Yuzawa base and stops in Mitsumata around the entrance you intend to use.
Kiroro: snow and a slower evening
Ski Asari and Nagamine, then settle into an evening at your own pace. Compare a kitchen-equipped suite with two different all-inclusive stays before choosing your Kiroro base.
Arai Mountain Resort
Choose between staying within the Arai resort and using a base in Arai town or Takada. Akakura and Myoko Kogen are different locations; compare the ski area and daily transport before choosing your hotel.
Snow resorts
Furano Ski Resort
Slopes overlooking the Furano basin. After skiing, head to hotel onsen or a meal in town.
Geto Kogen Ski Resort
Deep snow in Iwate, with a choice of staying on the mountain or travelling from Kitakami.
Hakkoda
Ride the ropeway into a winter landscape of snow-covered trees, then spend time in the nearby hot springs.
Kiroro Snow World
Twenty-three mapped runs across Asari and Nagamine. Choose gentle terrain for the first day or the 4,050m Asari Dynamic run, with a clear route back.
Niseko United
Four ski areas surround Niseko Annupuri. Start with the base that fits your hotel and lesson, then shape the day around wind, lift operations and open terrain.
GALA Yuzawa
Step off the Shinkansen into the ski centre, for a day trip or a weekend with Yuzawa’s hot springs.
Grandeco Snow Resort
Woodland slopes in Urabandai, with nearby hotels and hot springs for a stay of several days.
Hakuba Valley
A group of ski areas facing the Northern Alps. Choose a hotel by the mountain you want to ski and the village where you want to have dinner.
Kagura Ski Resort
Mitsumata, Kagura and Tashiro: choose your ropeway entrance and where to stay as one plan.
Arai Mountain Resort
Ski Mount Okenashi, with hotels and hot springs below for evenings and days away from the slopes.
Naeba Ski Resort
Hotels face the slopes at Naeba, making room breaks part of a day on the mountain.
Nekoma Mountain
Two sides of one mountain resort. Choose your entrance and accommodation before planning the day’s route.
Where to stay
Chalet Ivy Jozankei
Suites beside the Toyohira River, with an in-room onsen and space for a quieter evening. Arrange the ski journey separately, with time to enjoy the return.
Club Med Kiroro Grand
A family-oriented stay that brings meals, skiing and lessons into one booking. Check children’s ages and the services included before choosing a package.
Club Med Kiroro Peak
An all-inclusive hotel near the ski area, welcoming guests aged 12 and over. A base for combining ski days, meals and time to unwind.
Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido
A family option combining dining and group lessons. Compare lift-pass start dates, age limits, equipment and transfer supplements before choosing your package.
Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido
For comparing a total holiday package including meals and group lessons.
FENIX Furano
Stay near the Kitanomine Gondola and choose a room that fits your party.
Geto Kogen Premium Stay Gou
Wake up close to the snow, with more time left for skiing.
Hakkoda Hotel
For Western-style rooms, dinner and bathing in the beech forest.
Hilton Niseko Village
For keeping your hotel and ski day together, with a hot spring to return to.
ART HOTEL Joetsu
Stay in Takada and make an evening in town part of the trip.
Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel
Ski the south side, then settle into an evening in Aizu.
Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba
Stay in Misorano and explore different ski areas. Compare Japanese-Western rooms with private-onsen rooms for a longer Hakuba trip.
Onsen
Shisai-no-Yu
The hot spring at Shin Furano Prince Hotel. If staying in Kitanomine or town, arrange the journey home as well. The photograph shows autumn foliage, not winter scenery.
Geto Kogen Onsen Usagimori no Yu
From the ski slopes, it's time to take a bath.
Mizukami Onsen Yumoto Azumakan
On the way to the mountain, we took a detour to a hot spring.
Mizusawa Onsen Outdoor Baths
After skiing, head to the sulfur hot springs on the plateau.
Mori no Uta Onsen
Mori no Uta’s shared indoor and outdoor baths. Staying guests and visitors booking a meal or spa package have different access conditions.
Niseko Goshiki Onsen
Make a mountain bath part of the day. Goshiki offers day-use bathing and accommodation; winter access and your return journey need a plan.
Niseko Station Onsen Kiranoyu
A day-use bath about a minute on foot from Niseko Station. Set your return train or transfer before settling into the visit.
Nyuto Onsenkyo Tsurunoyu
Go further from the plateau to see the scenery of the hot springs.
Hoshizora Onsen
Time to warm up in the ski area.
Dekodaira Onsen Buna no Yu
From the mountain of beech trees to the time of bathing.
Happo-no-Yu
A bath after Happo-one. Plan the walk, your change of clothes and the journey home.
Kaido no Yu
After skiing at Mitsumata, unwind in the outdoor rock bath. Pair Kaido no Yu with a stop at the roadside station.
Food and evenings
Bar Ruri
Enjoy the night in the mountains.
Grand Chariot
Time spent talking with friends after skiing.
Bar Gyu+
A seasonal bar in Hirafu. Check opening hours and the journey back before stopping after dinner. The bar does not take reservations, so keep the evening flexible.
Hakuba Tap Room
Dinner and a beer at Hakuba Panorama Hotel. Burgers and lasagne for an evening after skiing.
MOCCO
End your day with a quiet drink.
Café＆Bar HAU′OLI
Another drink at the end of the day.
BAR Play Spot
Spend a night in the snowy mountains inside the hotel.
Café Mori no Tokei
From a day of skiing to a café in the forest.
Soh's BAR
A quiet drink planned for a night in the forest.
Cafe & Pub PIRIC CTAN
Take a rest inside the facility and enjoy your time after skiing.
Soratobu Burger
Hamburgers are an option during your lunch break in the mountains.
MeDeau
Enjoy Aomori ingredients in French cuisine while looking out at the snowy forest. Take time for a meal at Hakkoda Hotel.
Places to explore
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyAppi Lacquerware Workshop
Local pottery and daily handicrafts.
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyArai Zip Tour
Views of the mountains from the sky.
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyGoshikinuma Ponds
Get to know Urabandai from the colors of its lakes.
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyHakuba Ski Jump Stadium
Look up at an Olympic venue.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
A winter walk to watch wild Japanese macaques in Jigokudani. Plan the path to the park and check admission before you go.
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyMiyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum
Discover the culture of kokeshi dolls at the foot of a snowy mountain.
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyOogama
Beyond the steam, the village kitchen. Visit Ogama to see how hot-spring water is woven into daily life.
Ponshukan Echigo-Yuzawa
Niigata rice, sake and gifts at Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Plan food and shopping with children separately from the tasting room for adults aged 20 and over.
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyMiyagi Zao Snowcat Tour
Take a snowmobile to the snow monsters field on the Miyagi side.
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyTakada Castle Site Park
In between runs, learn about the history of the castle town.
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyUrabandai Visitor Center
Start your journey through the mountains and lakes here.
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyZao Ropeway
Even those who don't ski can enjoy the scenery of snow monsters.
Travel guides
Area reference photograph; not the featured propertyWhere to stay in Niseko: bases and hotel comparison
Compare four stays across four bases: slope access, rooms, baths and evenings, then check dates and rates with the hotel. These are selected options.
Getting to Hakuba
Reserved and non-reserved Nagano buses are separate. Winter pages still cover2025–26: verify the current departure and actual stop at Happo, Hakuba Station or Goryu. The existing80min example is bus plus walking from Nagano to Happo gondola, not every mountain or waiting time.
Japan snow itineraries
Connecting skiing days with time to enjoy the surroundings. Consider the model plan for each area.
A winter itinerary for Hakuba
Hakuba's model plan. Connecting arrival, skiing, and enjoyment of the surrounding area. Please adjust the number of days and time allocation according to arrival time and traffic.
A winter itinerary for Tomamu
Tomamu's model plan. Connecting arrival, skiing, and enjoyment of the surrounding area. Please adjust the number of days and time allocation according to arrival time and traffic.
Hokkaido snow travel guide
Even within the same region, transportation hubs and convenient accommodations vary. Choose your destination based on your accommodation and last leg of travel.
Getting to GALA Yuzawa
Transportation information to GALA Yuzawa. From major transportation hubs to snowy mountains and the entrance to your inn. Please check the official information on the day of use for times and fees.
Getting to Kagura and Mitsumata
Transportation information to Kagura/Mitsumata. From major transportation hubs to snowy mountains and the entrance to your inn. Please check the official information on the day of use for times and fees.
A winter itinerary for Furano
Furano model plan. Connecting arrival, skiing, and enjoyment of the surrounding area. Please adjust the number of days and time allocation according to arrival time and traffic.
Explore Tohoku
Decide on a base and enjoy the land. A regional stay guide with a focus on snowy mountains.
Getting to Niseko: airport, hotel and local transport
Airport buses, rail connections and the final trip to your hotel. Once you choose a base, match the bus stop to the accommodation and leave space around arrival and departure.
Getting around Japan
Make the journey back and forth and the time spent there a single flow. You can choose from guides for each area.