For those looking to hit the slopes without breaking the bank, Japan offers fantastic opportunities for affordable skiing, particularly in areas close to Tokyo. When most people think of skiing in Japan, they think of Niseko, situated on the northern island of Hokkaido. Of course, Niseko is world famous for it’s powder snow and is constantly winning awards as Japan’s best ski resort. But it’s also not cheap or easy to get to from Tokyo. And what many people might not realise is that affordable skiing is a possibility at just over an hour outside of Tokyo and can be done in a day or a short weekend trip.
I lived in Japan for 8 years and skied almost every weekend in the winters. Here are my top tips for an affordable ski holiday:
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GENERAL TIPS FOR AFFORDABLE SKIING NEAR TOKYO
Off Peak Timings
Timing is key if you want an affordable ski holiday – so try to plan your trip during non-peak times, such as week days. Resorts often offer discounts on week day lift passes and you’ll have shorter lines and quieter slopes. Make sure you know when Chinese New Year is, because resorts can get super busy with skiers from China. Also be aware of Japanese school holidays as well as public holidays, these are also very busy times and best avoided.
Accommodation tips
Another way to make your ski holiday more affordable is to look for budget accommodation in nearby towns, rather than the resort itself. Places like Echigo Yuzawa or Myoko offer more affordable lodgings while remaining close to the slopes.
Look Out For Package Deals:
Keep an eye out for deals like accommodation and lift passes for additional savings. Many resorts and travel agents will have good bundles.
Transport Hacks
Make use of public transport to save on rental car costs. The Shinkansen and local trains can get you to resorts like Gala and Nozawa Onsen. Investigate shuttle services from local train stations to the resorts, some offer free or low cost transport for skiers.
AFFORDABLE SKI RESORTS NEAR TOKYO
Gala Yuzawa
Known for its convenience, Gala Yuzawa is easily accessible from Tokyo via the Joetsu Shinkansen. The train departs from Tokyo station and arrives inside the resort in around 70 minutes. There’s no need to get a shuttle bus or taxi to the resort, as the Gala Yuzawa station is right on the piste. Simply get the escalator or lift upstairs and you’ll find yourself at the resort entrance where you can buy your ski pass and pick up your rental gear within minutes of arriving. Gala resort offers rental equipment and lift passes as part of a package deal, making it a cost-effective choice for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Getting To Gala Yuzawa:
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station directly to Gala Yuzawa station, take the escalator upstairs and you are at the ski resort. It couldn’t be easier.
Kagura Mitsumata
Kagura is a 20 minute drive from Echigo Yuzawa station, just down the road from Gala. Kagura is larger and higher resort that provides additional slopes for a combined skiing experience. The season at Kagura runs from mid-December into late April, even May during a good season. It’s connected via a ropeway to the nearby Naeba, so look out for combo tickets that cover both resorts, providing more value for your money.
Getting to Kagura:
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo Yuzawa station and it’s a 15-20 minute taxi ride to Kagura Mitsumata Ski Resort. Alternatively, there’s a direct bus from Echigo Yuzawa station arriving at Kagura Mitsumata Ski Resort operating roughly every four hours, seven days a week. The journey takes approximately 18-20 min.
Ishiuchi Maruyama
Ishiuchi is where we spent majority of our time skiing in Japan. Although it’s connected to Gala Yuzawa Resort, it couldn’t be more different with a more relaxed vibe. It’s an old skool ski resort that had it’s hey day in the 1990s and is dotted with lots of little restaurants and bars. There’s been a bit of investment here in recent years, with an upgrade to the main resort centre (at the Chuo entrance) with a new high speed gondola and chairlift with heated seats to attract non-skiers. With varied terrain suitable for all skill levels, including a ‘jump park’ and a half pipe – Ishiuchi Maruyama is a great option for budget-conscious families. My best advice is to consider weekday skiing to take advantage of lower rates and fewer crowds.
Getting to Ishiuchi Maruyama
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo station to Echigo Yuzawa and it’s a 5-10 minute taxi ride to the resort.
Nozawa Onsen
Further north, is the delightful town of Nozawa Onsen, and as the name suggests, this tiny village is awash with 13 free hot springs to soak your weary, winter ski legs. It’s also worth it to pay the extra yen to visit the outdoor onsens that are popular here – there’s nothing quite like steaming in a hot springs bath, surrounded by a snowy landscape. You don’t need a car in Nozawa, most places are walkable and if you’re staying in the centre of town, you’ll find it tricky to navigate the tiny streets in a vehicle anyway. Nozawa has great cafes and restaurants and a wonderful yoga studio run by fellow Aussie, Rowie. There’s a shuttle bus from Narita and Haneda airports direct to Nozawa Onsen. Or else, you can catch the train to Iiyama Station, which is roughly 2 hours from Tokyo, and then it’s a half hour taxi or shuttle bus to the resort.
Getting to Nozawa Onsen
There are direct shuttle buses to Nozawa Onsen from Haneda and Narita Airports. From Tokyo, take the JR East Hokuriku Shinkansen line to Iiyama station and you can get a shuttle bus or taxi to Nozawa Onsen.
Myoko Kogen
A bit further away, closer to Nagano, is Myoko Kogen. This resort is fast gaining a reputation for its powder snow, rivalling Niseko. Myoko flies under the radar for international visitors, so it’s a hidden gem and great for skiers on a budget. Though, it’s not that easy to get to with public transport – you’ll have to get the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano and then transfer onto a local line and make the 45 minute journey to Myoko Kogen station.
Getting to Myoko Kogen
If you’re coming from Tokyo, take the JR East Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu Myoko station and it’s a shuttle bus or taxi to Myoko Kogen resort from there. Or take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano, then switch to the local train to Myoko Kogen. From Myoko Kogen station, it’s a short bus or taxi to Akakura village.
PLACES TO STAY
Where to stay in Gala Yuzawa, Kagura, Ishiuchi Maruyama areas:
Yuzawa Toei Hotel this hotel has direct access to Yuzawa Kogen ski resort, which is connected to Gala. The decor is dated, but it’s great for families, although you will need some Japanese to get by.
Naeba Prince Hotel is a large Japanese hotel with direct access to Mt Naeba ski resort. Naeba is very popular with Japanese families because there are great facilities. It was built in the bubble era in the 1990s, so the decor is dated. It can get very busy at weekends because it’s so conveniently located to Tokyo. Naeba ski resort connects to Kagura via a gondola, known as the Gragondola.
Where to stay in Nozawa Onsen:
Ryokan Accommodation here is mainly traditional ryokan inns or self-catering apartments. Check out Stay Nozawa and Nozawa Holidays https://www.nozawaholidays.com/ for the best ski-in, ski-out locations, including the luxurious Kamoshika Lodge.
Ryokan Sakaya one of the oldest inns in town, Ryokan Sakaya is an 18th generation family -run establishment. They also have a wonderful restaurant and you’d be remiss if you didn’t try the kaiseki degustation meal, one of my best Japanese dining experiences in ski resort.
Where to stay in Myoko Kogen:
Lime Resort is a great family friendly option with western style amenities. The hotel also offers a shuttle to ski areas.
Akakuro Kanko Hotel is a luxury ski-in ski-out hotel with Western and Japanese style rooms. Some come with private outdoor onsens.
Myoko Onsen Cottage Ajisai is a collection of cute cottages complete with kitchen and dining room as well as on-site parking, situated near hot springs area as well as ski slopes.
Remember, planning ahead and being flexible with your schedule can significantly contribute to an affordable and enjoyable skiing experience in Japan. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in Gala Yuzawa, Kagura, Ishiuchi Maruyama, Nozawa Onsen, or Myoko Kogen, the Land of the Rising Sun has plenty to offer for budget-conscious skiers. Happy skiing!
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