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Panorama of ski resort, slope, skiers among white snow pine trees, sunny day, Shiga Kogen, Japan
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Extreme pro skier shredding the deep powder snow in the sunny Japanese mountains. Cool shot of an active male tourist skiing off piste and carving down the untouched mountain
Panoramic snow boarding at hakuba happo in Nagano Japan with blue

Ski down the Japanese slopes

ActiveJapan

Japan is renown for its cultural riches and fascinating scenery, but perhaps a lesser-known draw is its prime conditions for winter sports. Whether you choose the Japanese Alps, the Hokkaido mountains, or central Honshu, you'll find plenty of ski resorts in Japan.

For the best experience in Japan's mountains, head to Nagano prefecture, where the 1998 Winter Olympics were hosted. Here, you can hit the slopes in resorts near the town of Matsumoto, like the one at Mount Norikura. As one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, Shiga Kogen station is best for those who want a wide range of choices. You can even take a day off from skiing to visit the snow monkeys in Jigokudani Park.

Prefer more a more untamed destination? Then don't miss the Hokkaido mountains in the north. Another option is Niseko, where you can ski out from the Zaborin Hotel located on the best part of the island. The resort offers other activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiles, and even the chance to go horseback riding. After an action-packed day, warm up in an onsen, Japan's natural thermal springs.

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