Japan is one of the world’s best destinations to enjoy a snow holiday, with its mountainous terrain and numerous volcanoes you’re never too far from a ski slope – or a hot spring! Read our list of the best family-friendly ski resorts in Japan to help you decide on your next white wonderland adventure.
There’s a wonderful world of snow out there, but sometimes it can be tricky to figure out which ski resort is best for you and your junior crew. That’s why, every year, we gather a panel of experts to determine the best of the best when it comes to family adventures on snow. Japan is one of the world’s best destinations to enjoy a snow holiday, with its mountainous terrain and numerous volcanoes you’re never too far from a ski slope – or a hot spring! Read our list of the best family-friendly ski resorts in Japan to help you decide on your next white wonderland adventure.
Rusutsu is Hokkaido’s largest all-season resort, and while it has incredible terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, it also has a vast array of fun things to do once your skis are off. Ski or ride on three mountains, try ice fishing, dog sledding, reindeer sledding or snow rafting, then let the kids ride the world’s biggest indoor carousel. At night, don’t miss the magical lights down Stardust Avenue.
Usually the first point of call for families wanting their first taste of Japan powder, Niseko United consists of four linked resorts on the slopes of Mount Niseko-Annupuri. Niseko, Grand Hirafu, Annupuri and Hanazono are all fantastic, with Hanazono opening its first hotel – the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono – earlier this year. Choose to stay there, in Niseko village or go for the vast options in Hirafu with a whole host of stunning apartments and hotels.
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU is the perfect winter playground with excellent skiing and snowboarding as well as myriad activities on and off the snow. Transform your winter into summer with a swim at the stunning Mina-Mina Beach with its glorious indoor wave pool, go ice skating, banana boating and get the family up early one day to venture up to the Unkai Terrace for the majestic views over mountains and the sea of clouds.
Sunny days and quiet slopes await at Sahoro Resort. Ski all day or enjoy the vast range of things to do such as horse riding, snow cat tours or snow shoeing. Club Med Sahoro has you covered with its all-inclusive holiday packages.
A traditional onsen town, Nozawa Onsen is highly rated for its character and great snow. With many international guests, you can access excellent English-speaking ski schools, excellent runs, delicious local cuisine, Western and ryokan accommodation and enjoy countless soaks in the onsens.
This all-in-one style resort has great terrain and facilities to match. There are runs up to four kilometres long and some backcountry access gates for powder hungry families. The two hotels at Kiroro Resort are both five-star and family-friendly.
With stunning views across the Annupuri ranges and Mount Yotei, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono provides all the luxuries you want in a hotel while situated in the heart of the family-friendly resort that is Hanazono Niseko. Rooms are designed with space and comfort top of mind, with many including large living and dining spaces. At the spa, guests can unwind in the pool and onsen baths before enjoying the hotel’s multiple culinary offerings. During the day, kids will have a ball in Hanazono, with lessons and activities at Kamo’s camp and climbing walls, adventure trails and ball pits at The Galaxy of Kidz activity centre.
1. Sahoro (Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido), Hokkaido
=2. Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, Hokkaido
=2. Niseko United, Hokkaido
=3. Kiroro, Hokkaido
=3. Rusutsu, Hokkaido
1. Rusutsu, Hokkaido
2. Hakuba Cortina, Nagano, Honshu
3. Lotte Arai, Myoko, Honshu
1. Nozawa Onsen, Honshu
2. Hirafu, Niseko United, Hokkaido
3. Myoko Kogen, Honshu
1. Niseko United, Hokkaido
=2. Lotte Arai
=2. Rusutsu
3. Appi Kogen, Honshu
1. Niseko United, Hokkaido
2. Hakuba Ski Resorts, Honshu
3. Nozawa Onsen, Honshu
4. Rusutsu, Hokkaido
5. Furano, Hokkaido
Our expert picks are complemented by your favourite resorts in the Readers’ Choice category for the ultimate guide to kid-friendly snow adventures. Whether you’re a powderhound heading overseas or getting your ski legs in Australasia, our Best Family Ski Resorts 2020 will point you in the direction of a perfect snow holiday.
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