Dec 25, 2024
Skiing in Kanto: Day and Weekend Trips!
Watch the news and you’ll see that skiing here in Japan is going through a boom period. Some slopes in places such as the Japan Alps and Hokkaido are absolutely overrun with inbound travelers from abroad. Here in Tokyo, we are also pretty lucky in that we can trek to western Kanagawa, Nagano, Gunma, and Tochigi Prefectures in search of the perfect slope to ski down. But what if you have only a few days to yourself? I mean, its not like we’re all about to take several days off for New Year’s and may need something to do. You’re in luck because some of the best skiing on Earth is a short hop away.
Many companies cater to getting you to and from the slopes for a day’s snowboarding or skiing, and many options are all-inclusive: Pay one price that covers the bus/train roundtrip, lift tickets, and more. Here’s a short list of some of the best we’ve found so far:
Gala Yuzawa
You’ve probably noticed their posters plastered all over every single JR station in town, so it is easy to understand why this is the top choice. Perhaps the most accessible ski resort to get to from Tokyo, Gala Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Greater Tokyo, is only 80 minutes by Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and is directly connected to its namesake station. The ski area is very English (Chinese and Thai) friendly and offers skiing and snowboarding for all ages and levels. No need to bring your equipment; the equipment rental office can supply everything.
- Website: Gala Yuzawa
- JR East’s Winter Campaign Site
Echigo Yuzawa
If you stay in the same area as Gala above, in the town of Yuzawa, and you’re the type that likes to “wing it” and go where the day takes you, then take the same Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train as above and get off at Echigo Yuzawa station (one stop before Gala Yuzawa), and there are at least two slopes within walking distance of the station! Many more offer free shuttle bus service from the station. The town itself is a great destination at any time of the year since it’s also famous for its hot springs but comes into its own during the winter ski season. Some of the ski areas around town include:
Tokyo Gaijins Ski Trips
The great thing about living in a major metropolis is you’re bound to find people that are into the same thing you are, and the Tokyo Gaijins group proves this point. The group is dedicated to those who love sports and the outdoors, and when winter rolls around, they make sure every weekend is an opportunity to enjoy skiing and snowboarding out on the slopes without hassle. Their trips are usually all-inclusive with transport, hotel stay, and meal provided; rental, lessons, and lift tickets are extra, but their website spells out the charges. Check their listings for upcoming ski trips planned to ensure you can get in on the fun.
Japan Travel Bureau (JTB)/Japan-I-Can
Lastly, if you’re still a bit undecided and your Nihongo is OK, you can always pop into one of many travel agent offices around town and ask to see their ski packages. The best way for the rest is to go to JTB’s English travel site, Japan Hotels, Ryokan, and Tours, with JAPANiCAN.com. From day trips to Mt Fuji area ski areas to 3-day packages to Hokkaido ski resorts, you can find something that will suit your level of skiing or boarding.
- Website: Japanican.com
Ski Mania, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Michael Stigall editor
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