Japan is a land of extreme contrasts. While the country’s humid summers and humid winters are well-known to all, what you might not know is that Japan also possesses some of the world’s most impressive snowfalls between these two extremes. That’s right, tucked away on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido are several ski resorts with year-round access to snow, ice and frozen waterfalls – making it a perfect destination for anyone looking to get their skiing fix in during the summer months or escape the heat in July and August. In this article we take a look at some of Japan’s most accessible ski resorts. Many of these places can be reached within an hour and a half from central Sapporo city, making them perfect for those craving an alpine experience without having to venture too far from home. So read on to find out more about some of the best snow resorts near Tokyo and how you can get there!
Lake Toya Resort
This family-friendly resort is located just a short train ride north of Sapporo. Lake Toya is famous for its frozen waterfalls and ice caves, which remain year-round thanks to the frigid temperatures in the nearby lake. Lake Toya is home to some of the largest frozen waterfalls in the world, with some frozen stalactites reaching an incredible height of 70 meters from the ground. The frozen waterfalls at Lake Toya are truly something to behold and make for an amazing photo opportunity. Visitors can take a walk through the frozen waterfalls and even visit a nearby ice cave. Lake Toya’s ski season runs from December to April, making it the perfect place to experience Toya’s frozen landscape during the winter months.
Shiroishi Samba Ski Resort
Located just a short train ride north of Lake Toya, the Shiroishi Samba Ski Resort is a great place to visit for those looking to experience one of Japan’s most beautiful snowy landscapes. Shiroishi Samba is home to several frozen waterfalls and caves, which are even more magnificent when covered in snow. Visitors can even walk up to one of these frozen waterfalls, before descending by sliding down the frozen stalactites. And if you’re lucky, you might even see a frozen icicle formation known as a “snow pear-tree”. Shiroishi Samba’s ski season lasts from December to April, which is perfect for those wanting to experience a truly wintery landscape during the colder months of the year.
Sapporo Teine Ski Area
Sapporo’s most accessible ski resort is the Teine Ski Area, which is located just a short train ride from downtown. This ski resort is more urban than the others listed and is a great place to go if you’re looking to enjoy a skiing experience without having to travel too far from central Sapporo city. Visitors to the Teine Ski Area can enjoy a wide range of slopes, including a beginner’s slope, a small-sized slalom course and a snowboard park. The ski season at Teine generally begins in November, making it an ideal place to enjoy winter sports during the colder months of the year.
Furano Ski Park
This small ski resort is located in the town of Furano, about a two-hour train ride north of Sapporo. The Furano Ski Park is a great place to go for those looking for a smaller, more intimate skiing experience. Visitors to the Furano Ski Park can enjoy a range of slopes, including two beginner courses, two slalom courses, an advanced course and a snowboard park. The Furano Ski Park is open from December to February, making it an ideal place to enjoy winter sports during Japan’s colder months.
Niseko Village Resort
Located in Japan’s famous Niseko region, which is known for its abundant snowfall, Niseko Village Resort is a great place to go for those looking for an alpine-like experience. Located just a short train ride north of Sapporo, Niseko Village Resort boasts an impressive 400-meter-long ski hill and an even longer sled run. The resort is open from December to March, making it an ideal place to visit during the colder months of the year. Niseko Village Resort is home to some of the best ski and snowboarding conditions in all of Japan, making it the perfect place to go if you’re craving some alpine-like action without having to travel too far from home.
Conclusion
A land of extreme contrasts, Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido is home to some of the world’s most impressive snowfalls between its two extremes of humid summers and humid winters. That’s where you’ll find these six ski resorts near Tokyo, each of which provide year-round access to snow and ice – making them ideal places to visit in the summer or during Japan’s colder months. These six ski resorts near Tokyo are the perfect places to visit if you’re craving an alpine experience without having to travel too far from home. So what are you waiting for? Get those skis and snowboards out, dust off your winter gear and get ready to enjoy some winter sports at one of these amazing snow resorts near Tokyo.