Where to ski or snowboard in Japan: The ultimate guide for Singaporeans

If you’re dreaming of carving through some of the world’s fluffiest, most legendary powder, Japan should be at the top of your snowboarding bucket list. With its perfect mix of deep, dry snow, breathtaking mountain scenery, and a snow season that stretches from late November to May, Japan is a paradise for riders of all levels, especially for Singaporeans. You’ll get to enjoy the high-quality powder snow and diverse terrains, and you also have easier access to places like Tokyo and Osaka – which is perfect for those looking to do some shopping before heading back to Singapore.

That being said, if you’re planning your next snowboarding trip but you’re uncertain about which spots to head to in Japan, then you’ve come to the right place. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some spots worth checking out in Japan to strap in and ride this season.

1. Niseko, Hokkaido 

Niseko is a town located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan, and is one of the most well-known ski destinations in the world for good reason. At Niseko, you’ll find four ski resorts, namely Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri – all of which form what is known as Niseko United. The great thing about travelling to Niseko for your snowboard or ski trip is that you can opt to purchase a single lift pass to access the different ski resorts within that area. With over 47km of groomed slopes, the runs at Niseko United are beginner-, and family-friendly and they also have advanced slopes for those who are more experienced as well.

Getting there: Approximately 2 hours from New Chitose Airport

2. Hakuba47 & Goryu, Nagano 

Google snowboarding in Japan and you’ll notice that Hakuba comes up as one of the top searches. Located in the Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba is a hotspot for snowboarders and skiers alike during the winter season. Within the Hakuba Valley area itself, you’ll find about 10 ski resorts blessed with abundant snowfall and high-quality powder snow but some of the few notable ones we’d recommend include Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park and ABLE Hakuba GORYU.

Great for beginners and families, the resorts offer family-friendly amenities as well as night skiing options – perfect for snowboarders and skiing enthusiasts who want a little more of a challenge.

For more information on the difficulty of the different slopes for each ski resort, visit the website here.

Getting there: Approximately 5 hours from Haneda International Airport and 5 hours from Narita International Airport

3. Happo-one, Nagano 

Previously home to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Happo-one located within Hakuba Valley offers some of the best Olympic race trails. Of course, there are also beginner-friendly slopes for first-timers as Happo-one offers a variety of slopes for different ski levels.

What’s great about this area is that it’s also easily accessible to most resort accommodations, so you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding without having to worry about travelling far from your hotel. Plus, there are also other nightlife options including shops and restaurants that you can check out during your stay as well.

Getting there: Approximately, 4.5 hours from Haneda International Airport and 5 hours from Narita International Airport

4. Sapporo Teine, Hokkaido 

If you’re more confident snowboarding and you’re on the lookout for more advanced slopes, peep Sapporo Teine. While the resort isn’t as big as the others listed, this ski resort is still a popular choice amongst travellers for its steep slopes which are pretty rare in Japan.

Getting there: Approximately 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport and 3.5 hours from Hakodate Airport

5. Furano, Hokkaido

There are so many reasons why tourists keep coming back to Furano. Firstly, it’s conveniently located in central Hokkaido, and secondly, it’s also known for its dry, light powdery snow and well-groomed slopes that are great for all skill levels. Within the area, you’ll also find a few ski schools and gentle slopes that you can attend if you’re just starting out. Plus, there are a lot of food options for you to choose from within the area where you can enjoy hearty meals from fresh sushi to hearty bowls of ramen.

Getting there: Approximately 2 hours from New Chitose Airport

6. Tomamu, Hokkaido 

Located in Hokkaido, Tomamu offers an exciting ski experience with over 1,239 acres of skiable terrain, including off-piste areas perfect for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Alternatively, there are also a variety of groomed trails with up to 29 runs to choose from.

In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy family-friendly attractions such as an indoor wave pool, snow rafting, and sledding.

Getting there: Approximately 2 hours from New Chitose Airport