We sent three of our Ski Specialists, Brooke, Ella and Paul to check out 4 unique ski resorts in Japan, with a city stop over in Tokyo. Our team visited Shizukuishi, Naeba, Shiga Kogen, and Hakuba, and it’s safe to say Japan delivered with a whole lot of powder, food and very good times!

A hidden gem in northern Honshu, Shizkukuishi surprised everyone! Think no lift lines, proper Japanese vibes, and ski-in, ski-out access straight from the Prince Hotel. Shizukuishi is perfect for those who want a quieter, local ski experience, and prefer to relax in the evenings. It's also a great option for a multi-destination ski itinerary with its close proximity to other resorts.

Paul summed it up best, “Shizukuishi was amazing! No lift lines… and for intermediate level riders, the CAT-skiing was an epic way to explore untouched pow.”

Travel Tips for Shizukuishi:

• CAT skiing = AMAZING… but only if you’re experienced (otherwise you’ll be hiking down)
• Upgrade to a superior room when staying at the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel, they are more modern, and have unreal views
• Look for vending machines with beers for après-ski
• Walk 5 mins to Austria House for very cool alpine vibes and a great photo spot
• Ella found a massive thrift store (Yorozuya) near Morioka Station. Cheap snow gear, vintage finds, electronics… the works!

Naeba is one of those places where everything is easy! Ski-in, ski-out access, ski school, onsen, and with 46 restaurants, there are more food options than you’ll know what to do with.

A real highlight was exploring the interconnecting resort Kagura, which is included on the Naeba lift pass.

The team kicked things off with the Sherpa Adventure Centre guides:
“They were awesome, they took us for a few runs at Naeba first to assess our ability before taking us over to Kagura’s best terrain,” commented Paul.

Then it was time for the Dragondola (Japan’s longest gondola) linking Naeba to Kagura with insane views across both resorts.

Kagura sits in its own valley, meaning - more snow, fewer people & less tracked-out runs!

“We arrived to fresh powder and spent hours carving it up. Honestly some of the best snowboarding I’ve ever done. Knee-deep pow, tree runs that pushed my limits… I was completely cooked by the end of the day,” said Paul.

Mysnow Tip: Book a lesson or private guide, no matter your level.

“The Sherpa crew assess your ability and just take you straight to the best runs. No second guessing at the top, just follow and ride.”

After a huge day on the mountain, Naeba’s brand new après venue did not disappoint. A huge timber deck, with food trucks, drink stalls & a DJ mixing everything from the Macarena to Underworld.

Brooke added, “the vibe was unreal. People dancing, toboggans flying down the hill, everyone just having the best time.”

Travel Tips for Naeba:
• Upgrade to the Wing 2 Club Rooms at Neabe Prince Hotel for access to the Club Lounge, priority check-in, après drinks, and snacks included
• Your lift pass includes Naeba + Kagura
• Don’t miss the last Dragondola back to Naeba… or you’ll be paying your own way home!

The crew were greeted with perfect conditions, light powder, fresh groomers and enticing tree runs when arriving to Shiga Kogen. Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski resort, with a huge amount of terrain to explore, and even in peak season it feels uncrowded.

“We had superb runs… from light dry powder through the trees to perfectly groomed runs,” commented Brooke.

Travel Tips for Shiga Kogen:
• Stay at the Prince Hotel for first gondola access
• Fire Head Burger Shop is a MUST DO
• Check out the whisky bar upstairs with insane views (the team even spotted a fox)

Hakuba brought variety - different mountains, great beginner terrain, and a mix of stays depending on your vibe.

Feeling fancy? Stay at La Neige.
Paul was sold instantly, “5-star experience from the moment we arrived … I felt like Kevin from Home Alone in my robe and slippers.”
• True Concierge experience (they handle your ski gear & everything)
• Mulled wine & champagne on arrival
• Michelin-level dining on site
• Massive rooms (some with hot tubs)

Want something more social? Ella checked out Evo Hotel.
• Younger, social vibe
• Cool Japanese-style rooms
• Great bar & shared spaces

On the slopes, the Hakuba Valley lift pass gives you access to 10 mountains and the ski shuttles that connect them. It's an awesome option, as you can choose a mountain that suits the forecast and there is plenty of places to explore to suit all ability levels or rider.

Travel Tips for Hakuba:
• Tsugaike was awesome for beginners
• Lessons with Evergreen were a standout experience
• Add a visit to the Snow Monkey's for some cute snaps, and a lovely walk through the forest
• Hakuba is a great choice for those travelling with non-skiers, with lots to explore and plenty of dining and activities
• Lively, fun apres-ski scene, compared to smaller Japanese resorts

This trip had everything! AMAZING snow, tree skiing, minimal crowds, unique cultural experiences, incredible food, and a whole lot of fun!

If you want to book a Japan ski holiday, speak to the team that have been!

Written using the first-hand experience of Ski Specialists, Brooke, Ella & Paul.
Posted: March 2026