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Travel Light, Ski Big! Top 5 Ski Resorts for an Easy Day-Trip Getaway from Tokyo
- TOKYO
- GUNMA
- NAGANO
- YAMANASHI
- NIIGATA
- SIGHTSEEING
- EXPERIENCE
- SPECIAL
- SNOW
- SKIING
- SNOWBOARD
- ACTIVITIES
- WINTER
- DAY_TRIP
Have you ever thought, “I’d love to try skiing in Japan, but I don’t have the gear and I don’t have much time…” and given up? The good news is that many ski resorts are just 1 to 2.5 hours from Tokyo by train or bus, and you can rent everything you need when you arrive. We’ve picked out some of the best options with great access, where you can also enjoy Mt. Fuji views, shopping, and more. Ski gear and wear are available to rent at all of these resorts, so you can travel light and keep things simple. Why not take a short break from your Tokyo sightseeing and enjoy a day out on the slopes?
Please note that resort schedules can change depending on weather and snow conditions, so always check the official website before heading out, especially from late March onward.
・On-site hot spring facility “SPA GALA no YU,” perfect for warming up right after skiing
Address: 1039-2 Kayabira, Yuzawa, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata（MAP）
Access: Directly connected to Gala-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line
Season: Mid-December to early May *Open daily during the season
Opening hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm *Subject to change after April. Please check the official website for details.
Price: Gondola and lift pass (1-day) / Adult 7,300 yen, 1-day rental for adults / Ski set 6,500 yen, Ski wear 5,500 yen
Official Website: https://gala.co.jp/en/winter/
・The neighboring Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza has around 240 stores, perfect for shopping and dining
Address: Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano（MAP）
Access: About a 10 min. walk from Karuizawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line (free shuttle bus available from the station)
Season: Early November to late March *Open daily during the season
Opening hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm (8:30am - 4:30pm from November to mid-December)
Price: Lift pass (1-day) / Adult 10,000 yen (11,000 yen on peak days such as weekends in February), 1-day rental for adults / Ski set 7,000 yen, Ski wear 5,000 yen
Official Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/karuizawa/winter/
・Enjoy a rare chance to experience skiing and unbeatable views of Mt. Fuji at the same time!
Address: 8545-1 Fujisan, Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi（MAP）
Access: 20 min. by taxi from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line (limited shuttle bus service available in winter from the station / paid, reservation required)
Season: Mid-December to early April, Night skiing: Late December to early March *Open daily during the season
Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (Night skiing: 4:00pm - 9:00pm)
Price: Lift pass (1-day) / Adult 5,500 yen (weekdays), 6,500 yen (weekends and holidays), 1-day rental for adults / Ski set 5,500 yen, Ski wear 5,000 yen
Official Website: https://www.fujiten.net/
・"KAWABA CITY" is designed for maximum convenience, letting you move directly from the parking floor to the upper floor where the lift station is located via elevator
Address: Kawaba Kogen, Kawaba-mura, Tone-gun, Gunma（MAP）
Access: About 50 min. by bus from Jomo-Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen (using the Shinkansen + bus requires booking a day-trip package through a travel agency. Please see the access section on the official website for details)
Season: Early December to early April *Open daily during the season
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:00pm (weekdays), 8:00am - 4:00pm (weekends and holidays)
Price: Lift pass (1-day) / Adult 6,500 yen (weekdays), 6,800 yen (weekends and holidays), 1-day rental for adults / Ski set 6,000 yen, Ski wear 5,500 yen
Official Website: https://www.kawaba.co.jp/en/
・Night skiing on weekends means you can head out in the afternoon and still have plenty of time to enjoy the slopes
Address: 479-139 Terama, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma（MAP）
Access: About 30 min. by free shuttle bus (reservation required) from Jomo-Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, About 20 min. by free shuttle bus (reservation not required) from Minakami Station on the Joetsu Line
Season: Mid-December to late March *Open daily during the season
Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (Monday - Thursday), 8:30am - 10:00pm (Friday), 7:00am - 10:00pm (Saturday and Sunday), 7:00am- 4:30pm (Holidays), Night skiing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 4:30pm - 10:00pm
Price: Lift pass (1-day) / Adult 6,300 yen, 1-day rental for adults / Ski set 5,000 yen, Ski wear 5,000 yen
Official Website: https://www.norn.co.jp/winter/english_ski_information/
Just one to two hours from Tokyo, a breathtaking winter wonderland awaits. All of the ski resorts introduced here offer a full-fledged experience even if you arrive empty-handed. Make the most of Japan’s winter by enjoying skiing along with spectacular Mt. Fuji views, rejuvenating hot springs, and shopping!
*This article is based on information from September to October 2025.
*The prices listed are based on on-site ticket window rates during the regular season (generally January to March, subject to change depending on the ski resort). Prices may fluctuate depending on the period, and discounts may be available for online purchases.
*Information is subject to change, so please check the official website or other information before visiting.
Please note that resort schedules can change depending on weather and snow conditions, so always check the official website before heading out, especially from late March onward.
1. GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort (Niigata Prefecture)
Just 71 min. from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen, GALA Yuzawa is the world’s only ski resort directly connected to a high-speed train station. With 16 courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, it’s a great choice for everyone. The resort usually stays open until early May, so you can enjoy everything from fresh powder in winter to relaxed spring skiing. There’s also a snow play area surrounded by safety nets, making it a safe and fun spot for younger children. Ski lessons are available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Thai.
【Highlights】
・Only 71 min. from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen, and the GALA Yuzawa Station ticket gates open right into the ski resort!・On-site hot spring facility “SPA GALA no YU,” perfect for warming up right after skiing
Information
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort | GALA湯沢スキー場Address: 1039-2 Kayabira, Yuzawa, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata（MAP）
Access: Directly connected to Gala-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line
Season: Mid-December to early May *Open daily during the season
Opening hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm *Subject to change after April. Please check the official website for details.
Price: Gondola and lift pass (1-day) / Adult 7,300 yen, 1-day rental for adults / Ski set 6,500 yen, Ski wear 5,500 yen
Official Website: https://gala.co.jp/en/winter/
2. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort (Nagano Prefecture)
With outstanding access just about 60 min. from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen, this resort is incredibly convenient. While the slopes are compact, there’s plenty of variety to enjoy. The area also has a high number of clear days, so you can take in beautiful views of Mt. Asama on those sunny days. Right next to the resort is one of Japan’s largest outlet malls, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, so you can combine skiing with shopping in one trip. Ski lessons are offered in Japanese, English and Chinese.
【Highlights】
・Only about 60 min. from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station on the Shinkansen, followed by a 10 min. walk! Free shuttle buses are also available・The neighboring Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza has around 240 stores, perfect for shopping and dining
Information
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort 軽井沢プリンスホテルスキー場Address: Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano（MAP）
Access: About a 10 min. walk from Karuizawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line (free shuttle bus available from the station)
Season: Early November to late March *Open daily during the season
Opening hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm (8:30am - 4:30pm from November to mid-December)
Price: Lift pass (1-day) / Adult 10,000 yen (11,000 yen on peak days such as weekends in February), 1-day rental for adults / Ski set 7,000 yen, Ski wear 5,000 yen
Official Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/karuizawa/winter/
3. Fujiten Snow Resort (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Located about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by train or bus, this ski resort offers an amazing setting with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. With Japan’s fastest quad lift launching this season, getting around is more comfortable than ever! Along with gentle slopes perfect for beginners, there’s also a snow park for more advanced riders and a dedicated area just for kids. Don’t miss the chance to experience the incredible sight of Mt. Fuji in winter up close! Ski lessons are available in Japanese and English.
【Highlights】
・The nearest station, Kawaguchiko Station, is about 2 hours from Shinjuku Station on the limited express “Fuji Excursion” with no transfers needed! There are also direct highway buses from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station (around 1 hour and 45 minutes). From Kawaguchiko Station, you can take a taxi or use the shuttle bus・Enjoy a rare chance to experience skiing and unbeatable views of Mt. Fuji at the same time!
Information
Fujiten Snow Resort | ふじてんスノーリゾートAddress: 8545-1 Fujisan, Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi（MAP）
Access: 20 min. by taxi from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line (limited shuttle bus service available in winter from the station / paid, reservation required)
Season: Mid-December to early April, Night skiing: Late December to early March *Open daily during the season
Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (Night skiing: 4:00pm - 9:00pm)
Price: Lift pass (1-day) / Adult 5,500 yen (weekdays), 6,500 yen (weekends and holidays), 1-day rental for adults / Ski set 5,500 yen, Ski wear 5,000 yen
Official Website: https://www.fujiten.net/
4. Kawaba Ski Resort (Gunma Prefecture)
Even though it’s only about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen and bus, the 3,300-meter long scenic run from the 1,870 m summit and the snow quality are so exceptional, you’d never believe you’re still in the Kanto region. KAWABA CITY, a modern facility directly connected to the multi-story parking garage, offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, stores, rest areas, and other amenities for a comfortable stay. Ski lessons (in Japanese) are available.
【Highlights】
・Thanks to its high elevation and unique terrain, you can experience powder snow, which is rare in the Kanto region・"KAWABA CITY" is designed for maximum convenience, letting you move directly from the parking floor to the upper floor where the lift station is located via elevator
Information
Kawaba Ski Resort | 川場スキー場Address: Kawaba Kogen, Kawaba-mura, Tone-gun, Gunma（MAP）
Access: About 50 min. by bus from Jomo-Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen (using the Shinkansen + bus requires booking a day-trip package through a travel agency. Please see the access section on the official website for details)
Season: Early December to early April *Open daily during the season
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:00pm (weekdays), 8:00am - 4:00pm (weekends and holidays)
Price: Lift pass (1-day) / Adult 6,500 yen (weekdays), 6,800 yen (weekends and holidays), 1-day rental for adults / Ski set 6,000 yen, Ski wear 5,500 yen
Official Website: https://www.kawaba.co.jp/en/
5. Norn Minakami Ski Resort (Gunma Prefecture)
About 100 min. from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen and shuttle bus. The courses are designed for everyone, from complete beginners to advanced skiers, and there’s also a special “Snow Land” area for playing in the snow, plus a kids’ space. You’ll find restaurants and shops inside the center house, so you can relax comfortably even when you’re not on the slopes. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the resort is open for night skiing until 22:00, so you can enjoy shredding the slopes at night. There are also several day-use hot spring facilities in the nearby Minakami Onsen area, which means you can finish your ski day with a nice, warm soak. Ski lessons (in Japanese) are available.
【Highlights】
・Only about 100 min. from Tokyo with Shinkansen + free shuttle bus・Night skiing on weekends means you can head out in the afternoon and still have plenty of time to enjoy the slopes
Information
Norn Minakami Ski Resort | ノルンみなかみスキー場Address: 479-139 Terama, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma（MAP）
Access: About 30 min. by free shuttle bus (reservation required) from Jomo-Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, About 20 min. by free shuttle bus (reservation not required) from Minakami Station on the Joetsu Line
Season: Mid-December to late March *Open daily during the season
Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (Monday - Thursday), 8:30am - 10:00pm (Friday), 7:00am - 10:00pm (Saturday and Sunday), 7:00am- 4:30pm (Holidays), Night skiing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 4:30pm - 10:00pm
Price: Lift pass (1-day) / Adult 6,300 yen, 1-day rental for adults / Ski set 5,000 yen, Ski wear 5,000 yen
Official Website: https://www.norn.co.jp/winter/english_ski_information/
Just one to two hours from Tokyo, a breathtaking winter wonderland awaits. All of the ski resorts introduced here offer a full-fledged experience even if you arrive empty-handed. Make the most of Japan’s winter by enjoying skiing along with spectacular Mt. Fuji views, rejuvenating hot springs, and shopping!
*This article is based on information from September to October 2025.
*The prices listed are based on on-site ticket window rates during the regular season (generally January to March, subject to change depending on the ski resort). Prices may fluctuate depending on the period, and discounts may be available for online purchases.
*Information is subject to change, so please check the official website or other information before visiting.
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 02 16,2026 Author：DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team
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