Japan is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding, offering abundant high-quality powder, stunning scenery, and relaxing hot springs. Hundreds of ski resorts dot the country from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, ranging from massive resorts with dozens of runs to small single-lift hills. The best snow and top resorts are found in northern Japan (Hokkaido and Tohoku) and along the Sea of Japan coast, especially in Niigata and Nagano.
While there are no ski resorts within central Tokyo, day trips are possible. Some of the most accessible and popular resorts for day trips are in the Yuzawa region of Niigata Prefecture, reachable in under 90 minutes by shinkansen. There are also a couple of small resorts on Mount Fuji.
For those who want to experience snow without skiing or snowboarding, most resorts have play zones for families with small children. These often have free admission, though activities like sledding and snow tubing may cost extra. For more snowy places, see our page on where to find snow.