Image adapted from: Shalean Tan
Each time we plan a trip to Japan, we automatically look to “popular” destinations like Osaka and Tokyo. Now that winter season is soon upon us, it’s time for other villages, towns, and cities – Niseko, Nagano, Hakuba, and Rusutsu – to take a slice of the spotlight away from their popular cousins as they magically transform into ski wonderlands.
If you’re thinking of a Ja-Pow trip this winter, get your travel buddies on board and check out these incredible ski resorts that’ll give you direct access to the slopes!
Image credit: The Green Leaf Hotel
Located at the base of Mount Annupuri in Hokkaido, The Green Leaf Niseko Village has won the hearts of many due to its secluded and tranquil ambience. Digital addicts can enjoy the flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and iPod dock in their newly renovated rooms too.
Outdoor onsen in Green Leaf Niseko Village Hotel Image credit: The Green Leaf Hotel
After a full day of sightseeing, there’s no better way to unwind than to soak yourself in the hotel’s outdoor onsen – the quintessential Japanese experience! If you’re a guest here, you’ll get to enjoy unlimited complimentary access to their onsen.
Image credit: Shalean Tan
Beyond skiing and relaxing in an onsen, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the slew of winter activities too – like snow rafting, riding a snowmobile and even reindeer sledding.
Yes, you read that right – reindeer sledding. Go ahead and live happily ever after as you fulfill your childhood dreams of riding in a sleigh pulled by actual reindeers, just like a winter fairytale!
Note: Tickets to these activities can be purchased from the Activities Counter, located just below Niseko Village Gondola.
Price: Starting from $140 per night
Address: Higashiyama-onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1592, Japan
Telephone: +81 (0)136 44 3311
Website
Click here to book your room.
Image credit: The Vale Niseko
When it comes to a ski holiday, The Vale Niseko’s location is second to none. It’s so conveniently located that it’s what skiers call a “ski-in ski-out”. This means that you can get into gear before stepping into the lift, and start skiing down the slope the moment the doors open.
There’s also an in-house ski shop on the 1st floor of the building, so you won’t even have to step out of the hotel to get your ski equipment sorted out!
Image credit: The Vale Niseko
After a hard day on the slopes, you’ll want to head straight into their communal outdoor heated pool for an evening dip before calling it a day. The Vale Niseko is popular ‘round Niseko and it gets pretty packed during winter – so take full advantage of this opportunity to make some like-minded friends!
Price: Starting from $213 per night
Address: Kutchan cho Yamada 166 – 9, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
Telephone: +81 136-21-5811
Website
Click here to book your room.
Image credit: Ski Japan
Hotel Niseko Alpen’s ski-in ski-out feature makes this place a favourite amongst seasoned skiers. The Ace Squad Lift which takes you to Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort is only a one-minute walk from the hotel’s ski lockers.
The view from the Grand Hirafu ski area. Image credit: Niseko Photography and Guiding
Bonus: If you opt out of housekeeping and are okay with them just clearing out your trash and replacing your towels only, you’ll receive a complimentary ¥500 worth of voucher each day for you to purchase anything from the hotel’s gift shop.
Image credit: Expedia
After an exhausting day in the cold, it’s almost impossible to resist a 50-minute hot stone sauna session that is sure to leave your skin feeling baby soft after! Guests are entitled to discounts as well. Check prices here.
Price: Starting from $197 per night
Address: 204 Aza-Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
Telephone: +81-136-22-1105
Website
Click here to book your room.
Image credit: Niseko Northern Resort An’nupuri
Perched on the foot of An’nupuri Ski Resort, you can get everything you’ll ever need for a skiing sesh here at Niseko Northern Resort An’nupuri – ski passes, rental, lessons, and of course, direct access to the slopes!
Image credit: @wica.jp
Skiing isn’t the only thing you can do here. For ¥2,100 per person for groups of 4, you can build an igloo with your loved ones – so go ahead and unleash your creativity while you’re at it!
Image credit: @claudiapun
End your day off on a good note and cosy up as you take a dip in their steaming hot spring bath.
Price: Starting from $100 per night
Address: 204 Aza-Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
Telephone: +81-136-22-1105
Website
Click here to book your room.
Image credit: Booking.com
Image credit: Deep Powder Tours
Hotel La Neige Higashi-kan’s European-style rooms give off a cosy ambience, making it hard for you to leave your rooms once you’ve checked in.
Lounge around in the lobby area after you’re done with the slopes – with a fireplace to sit ‘round and free flow marshmallows throughout the day, nothing sounds quite as relaxing as this.
Image credit: @gentianeventure
Considering how comfy the rooms are, we don’t blame you for being tempted to coop yourself up all day – but, don’t miss out on snowboarding down the iconic Hakuba Happo-one’s ski slope aka the slope with the highest grade powder snow in the world!
Fun fact: Hakuba Happo One’s ski slope was the venue for Nagano Winter Olympic 20 years ago!
Hakuba Snowshoe Tour. Image credit: Evergreen Backcountry Guides
Alternatively, skip the throng of skiers and join the Hakuba Snowshoe Tour, where you’ll be trekking through the winter landscape in your snowshoes and exploring parts of the forest that’re off limits during summer time!
Price: Starting from $334 per night
Address: 4748 Hokujo | Wadanonomori, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301, Nagano Prefecture
Telephone: 0261-72-7111
Website
Click here to book your room.
Image credit: Prince Hotel Karuizawa Resort
Just a mere hour away from Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train), Karuizawa Prince Hotel West is a well-rounded vacation resort with something for everyone to do, even those who aren’t ski enthusiasts.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ladies, you’ll be thrilled to know that this resort also comes with its own shopping complex, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, and it’ll only take a 20-minute walk for you to get there. Look forward to shopping like there’s no tomorrow as they feature big-name brands like Marc Jacobs, Nike, Armani Factory Store, and Champion.
Image credit: Prince Hotels
The wide slopes at this ski resort make the introduction to this winter sport a whole lot easier, a major plus point for beginners who haven’t tried their hand at skiing.
And if you’ve mastered the art of skiing, try out the different activities they offer and hop onto a snow buggy as you ride up to the summit for ¥16,000 – it’s almost like riding an ATV, except in snow!
Note: Drivers of the snow buggy must have a driving license.
Price: Starting from $206 per night
Address: Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun Nagano, 389-0193 Japan
Telephone: 81-(0)267-42-1111
Website
Click here to book your room.
Pet owners, if you’ve always wanted to go on a vacay with your lil’ doggos, then Hotel Sierra Resort Hakuba will be right up your alley as there’s even a special dog hotel for them to stay in!
Image credit: Hotel Sierra Resort Hakuba
Not only is this holiday resort known for its sizeable rooms, they’ve also been lauded for their impeccable service. You’ll find yourself munching non-stop while you lounge in the lobby area as they’re known for giving out complimentary wine, tea, and snacks.
Image credit: Kamal Zharif
This resort is also conveniently located, with a total of 3 other ski resorts nearby with slopes of varying difficulty levels – Tsugaike Highland, Hakuba Iwatake and Hakuba Happo-one.
Beginners, we’d suggest tackling the ski slope at Tsugaike Highland first as it has the widest slope in Hakuba. Besides, it’s only a 10-minute drive from the resort!
Pro-tip: You can purchase the lift tickets for the ski resorts at discounted rates when you buy them from the hotel!
Price: Starting from $222 per night
Address: Hakuba-mura,Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-930, Japan
Telephone: +81-261-72-3250
Website
Click here to book your room.
Image credit: Booking.com
The Westin Rusutsu Resort is well-known for its amusement park which is only a stone’s throw away from the hotel. Even though the park isn’t open during winter, worrying about being bored out of your wits should be the last thing on your mind as winter activities are still aplenty!
Rusutsu Resort’s Freedom Park
While there, look forward to perfecting your freestyle skiing skills at 2 terrain parks – Side Country Park and Freedom Park – as you snowboard down a course with a variety of obstacles including rails, jumps, and other terrain park features.
Click here to find out more about their terrain parks.
Panoramic view of Mt. Yotei from the gondola ride. Image credit: Sean Jeremy Palmer
If you’re pining for a more laidback time to snap some shots, take a scenic gondola ride to see Hokkaido’s most breathtaking views in all its glory – Lake Tōya, the Pacific Ocean, and the majestic Mount Yotei. Check ticket prices here.
Price: Starting from $299 per night
Address: Hakuba-mura,Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Telephone: +81-261-72-3250
Website
Click here to book your room.
Thanks to The Land of the Rising Sun, going for a ski holiday in Asia no longer seems like an impossible feat. No matter which hotel you decide to settle on, these holiday resorts tend to book out in advance – so now’s the best time to release the inner kiasu aunty in you and book your trip ASAP!
With over a million choices of flights and hotels, and zero cancellation fees for almost any hotel reservation on Expedia.com.sg, planning a winter holiday itinerary has never been made easier. This travel site lets you compare the prices of over a million hotels, making it really handy especially for those who’re guilty of planning their holiday at the eleventh hour.
This post was brought to you by Expedia.com.sg.
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