Guide
Best Ski Resorts in Japan for Families
A ski resort that's great for an experienced solo traveler isn't automatically great for a family. What matters more for a family trip is whether there's enough gentle terrain for kids and less-confident skiers, and whether there's something for anyone in the group who isn't skiing that day.
The resorts below all score well on both counts — a workable mix of easy terrain and family-relevant amenities such as kids' activities, onsen, or (in Rusutsu's case) a full amusement park. As always, verify current childcare or kids'-lesson availability directly with the resort before booking, since these programs change season to season.
Hokkaido
Niseko United
Niseko United
Hokkaido
dedicated kids' activities · onsen for a rest day · 30% beginner terrain
Nagano
Hakuba Valley
Hakuba Valley
Nagano
onsen for a rest day · 30% beginner terrain
Nagano
Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen
Nagano
onsen for a rest day · straightforward access, no rental car needed · 40% beginner terrain
Tohoku
Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen
Tohoku
onsen for a rest day · straightforward access, no rental car needed
Niigata
GALA Yuzawa
GALA Yuzawa
Niigata
dedicated kids' activities · onsen for a rest day · straightforward access, no rental car needed
Hokkaido
Rusutsu Resort
Rusutsu Resort
Hokkaido
dedicated kids' activities · onsen for a rest day
Niigata
Myoko Kogen
Myoko Kogen
Niigata
onsen for a rest day · straightforward access, no rental car needed · 80% beginner terrain
Hokkaido
Furano
Furano
Hokkaido
40% beginner terrain
Kansai
Biwako Valley
Biwako Valley
Kansai
dedicated kids' activities · straightforward access, no rental car needed · 20% beginner terrain
Shizuoka
Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti
Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti
Shizuoka
straightforward access, no rental car needed · 50% beginner terrain