• Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort:
  Located next to Karuizawa Station, with very convenient access. The surrounding area offers a wide range of restaurants, shopping, and resort facilities. Ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed ski experience combined with a comfortable resort lifestyle. A free shuttle bus is available. Please note that the resort can be crowded on weekends and holidays.

• Karuizawa Snow Park:
  Located about 14 km from Hoshino Onsen / Forest Seasons Villa. This is the only ski area near Karuizawa equipped with a conveyor belt (magic carpet), making it especially suitable for beginners and families with children. It is ideal for kids to enjoy snow play, with many snow activities available at no extra charge (included in the lift ticket). Highly recommended for beginners and families with young children.

• Tsumagoi Kogen Ski Resort:
  Approximately a 1-hour drive from Karuizawa. Famous for its breathtaking frost-covered trees at the summit and deep powder snow. The snow quality is considered among the best in Japan. The longest continuous course extends up to 5 km, making it the most thrilling ski resort near Karuizawa with exceptional snow conditions.

• Kusatsu International Ski Resort:
  About a 50-minute private transfer from Karuizawa. Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s three most famous hot spring areas and has been ranked Japan’s best onsen town for 16 consecutive years. The ski resort itself is excellent, with a longest run of approximately 4 km. After skiing, you can enjoy one of Japan’s finest hot springs and admire the beautiful night scenery of Kusatsu.

• Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort:
  About a 1-hour private transfer from Karuizawa. Known as the “Davos of Japan,” this area receives abundant snowfall and consists of nearly 10 interconnected ski areas that attract many domestic Japanese skiers every year. In winter, snowcat tours to the summit are available, allowing even non-skiers to experience the powder snow scenery at the mountain top.

• Hakuba Ski Area:
  About a 2-hour private transfer from Karuizawa. One of Japan’s top three ski destinations, featuring major resorts such as Happo-One, Tsugaike, Iwatake, and Goryu-47, with a total of 10 large ski areas. It was also a venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Surrounded by the 3,000-meter Japanese Alps, Hakuba is a powder snow paradise and a world-renowned destination for ski enthusiasts.

• Madarao Kogen Ski Resort:
  About a 1.5-hour private transfer from Karuizawa. Located in Iiyama City, a heavy-snowfall region, with an elevation of 1,382 meters and 32 courses. Known for excellent snow quality and abundant snowfall, it is especially famous for its tree-run courses. The half-pipe-shaped “SAWA” valley course feels like skiing through a snow-covered forest. Various terrain parks are also available, and on clear days the Sea of Japan can be seen from the summit.

• Ryuoo Ski Park:
  About a 1.5-hour drive from Karuizawa. A legendary destination for snowboarders in Japan, home to the famous “Kioroshi” course with a steep 36-degree slope—highly recommended for those seeking a challenge. The resort also features the Sora Terrace café, accessible by gondola, where even non-skiers can enjoy coffee above the sea of clouds in a snowy alpine setting.

• Shiga Kogen Ski Resort:
  About a 2-hour drive from Karuizawa. The largest ski area in Japan, consisting of 17 major ski resorts. Known for spectacular frost-covered trees at the summit and Okushiga, a favorite destination of the Japanese Imperial Family. Nearby attractions include Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Like Hakuba, Shiga Kogen is regarded as a world-class ski destination, with many famous hot spring areas in the surrounding region.

• Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort:
  About a 2-hour drive from Karuizawa. Stretching from the 1,650-meter summit of Mount Kenashi down toward the onsen town, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort spans three mountain ridges. The slopes are surrounded by pristine beech forests and frost-covered landscapes, creating a unique natural atmosphere. In addition to top-tier skiing, the area is also famous for its 13 public hot springs.​

 

 

About Transportation:

We can assist with arranging private transfer transportation from Karuizawa. Vehicles are suitable for winter driving conditions and equipped for highways as well as snow-covered mountain roads, allowing you to travel safely and comfortably during the ski season. This option is ideal for families, groups, or travelers who prefer not to drive in snowy conditions.

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About Equipment:

All ski equipment is available for rental at the ski resorts. At major Japanese ski resorts, it is often possible to rent the latest models of skis and snowboards, making rentals very cost-effective. If you plan to ski regularly in the future, we recommend purchasing small personal items in advance, such as goggles, gloves, hats (or helmets), and ski wear (jacket and pants), either in your home country or after arriving in Japan. Skis, ski boots, and poles are less convenient to carry and can be easily rented at the resorts.

Additionally, if your children only want to play in the snow rather than ski, they can enjoy the Kids Parks available at every resort. These areas include sledding, snow slides, and snow tubing, and do not require renting or purchasing ski equipment.