The 7 Largest Ski Resorts in Japan

Brent Thomas | | Post Tag for BrainsBrains
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Craving some Japow. Credit: appi-japan.com

For many, a ski trip to Japan is a bucket list item due to the amazing powder conditions that can be prevalent throughout the region. 

There is no shortage of options when choosing a resort to visit, as Japan boasts some of the most ski resorts in any country. However, the size of the areas tends to be smaller compared to resorts in North America, with many areas servicing only a few runs and one or two chairlifts. Even the biggest ski resorts in Japan are only a fraction of the size of the largest resorts in the US and Canada. Even with this shortfall, the quality and quantity of snow and backcountry options make Japan a powder lover’s paradise.

For those looking for the resorts with the most terrain, use this as a guide to explore the areas with the biggest footprints in the Land of the Rising Sun.



#7 Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort – 494 acres

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Hakuba Happo-One is the largest and most popular of the ten resorts making up Hakuba Valley in Nagano. Credit: happo-one.jp/en/

#6 Rusutsu Ski Resort – 583 acres

The 2015 Atomic Rituals in Rusutsu, Japan in 2014. photo: Txema Trull
Rusutsu is often rated Hokkaido’s best resort. It receives a massive amount of snow each year, which, thanks to its inland location, is dry and light. Credit: Txema Trull



#5 Appi Kogen Ski Resort – 697 acres

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Appi has a reputation for excellent groomed runs and a layout that makes moving around the resort easily. It also offers some nice tree zones to find fantastic powder. Credit: appi.co.jp

#4 Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort – 734 acres

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Nozawa Onsen is one of the most popular ski resorts in Central Japan. Credit: en.nozawaski.com

#3 Niseko United Ski Resort – 803 acres

Powder Skier Niseko
Niseko United is the most popular and famous resort in Hokkaido. Credit: SkiJapan



#2 Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort – 939 acres

Despite being the second largest in the country, Joetsu is relatively unknown. Credit: japan-skiguide.com

#1 Shiga Kogen Ski Resort – 1,050 acres

Shiga Kogen provides quality snow and is the second-highest ski resort in Japan. Credit: japan-guide.com

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