There are more than 500 ski resorts across Japan. While many are smaller in scale than the vast resorts found in Europe or North America, they stand out for their varied ski courses, solid facilities, and consistently high-quality snow. Combined with easy access from major cities, Japan’s ski resorts offer an excellent environment for both skiers and snowboarders.

For travelers planning a trip around central or western Japan, Kansai’s ski resorts are an especially appealing choice. Many resorts can be reached from Osaka or Kyoto in just two to three hours by train or bus, making it easy to fit skiing into a wider itinerary without the need for long-distance travel. This convenience is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy winter sports while also exploring cities, food, and culture in the Kansai region.

Kansai-area ski resorts offer a wide range of courses, from gentle slopes suitable for children and first-timers to more challenging runs for experienced skiers. Several resorts are also known for their onsen, letting you unwind in a hot spring after a day on the slopes. For travelers staying in Osaka or Kyoto, Kansai’s ski resorts deliver a well-balanced winter experience that combines easy access, variety, and classic Japanese après-ski relaxation.

The biggest draws of Kansai’s ski resorts are their easy access from major cities and the convenience of day trips. Most resorts are located within about 1.5 to 3 hours by car or direct bus from Osaka, Kyoto, or Kobe, making it possible to head out in the morning and be back in the city by evening. This balance of skiing and sightseeing is one of Kansai’s greatest advantages for travelers.

Kansai’s main ski areas are centered in Shiga and Hyogo prefectures. In the Shiga Area, resorts such as Biwako Valley are known for scenic slopes with sweeping views over Lake Biwa. Meanwhile, the Hyogo Area is home to some of western Japan’s largest ski resorts, including Hachi and Hachi-Kita, which offer a wide range of courses and larger-scale terrain.

While many Kansai ski resorts rely partly on snowmaking to maintain stable conditions, this also means modern facilities and well-maintained slopes. Visitors can expect up-to-date rental gear, well-equipped kids’ parks, and beginner-friendly layouts. For families, first-timers, and travelers who prefer a lighter itinerary, Kansai’s ski resorts offer an easygoing way to enjoy skiing or snowboarding without committing to a full-scale trip to Hokkaido or Nagano. This casual, half-day to one-day style of winter fun is very much a Kansai specialty.

The main ski season in Kansai runs from December through March. Conditions and the overall atmosphere can vary noticeably depending on when you visit, so choosing the right timing can make a big difference to your experience.

Peak Season (late December to mid-February) is the busiest time of year, when resorts are at their liveliest and most energetic. Snowfall is generally stable, and slope conditions are often at their best, making this the most reliable period for skiing and snowboarding.

Early Season (early to mid-December) tends to be quieter, with fewer visitors and a more relaxed feel on the slopes. However, snowfall can be less predictable, and the number of open courses may be limited depending on conditions.

Spring Skiing Season (late February to March) brings fewer crowds and a laid-back atmosphere. With warmer temperatures and stronger sunlight, snow conditions can change more quickly, but this period is ideal for those who prefer uncrowded slopes and a slower pace.

The Shiga area is relatively close to Osaka and Kyoto, with travel times of around one to two hours. In contrast, some ski resorts in northern Hyogo have limited train services, which can be challenging for first-time visitors. In these cases, booking a day-trip ski bus tour departing from Namba or Shin-Osaka in advance is a convenient option. Travel time is usually around two to three hours each way, with about five to six hours to enjoy the slopes.

For those who want a more relaxed experience, staying overnight is highly recommended. Transfers by train or bus can involve waiting times, and traveling long distances after a full day of skiing can be tiring. Staying at a nearby minshuku or onsen accommodation allows you to rest properly and enjoy the area at a slower pace.

Most ski resorts offer rentals for skis or snowboards, as well as wear, so it is easy to hit the slopes without bringing your own gear. This makes skiing and snowboarding in Kansai especially accessible, even for travelers fitting it into a broader Kansai itinerary.

If you are planning to enjoy skiing or snowboarding in Japan, you may be wondering how much to budget for a day on the slopes. Below is a rough cost breakdown for a typical day in Kansai. These figures are examples only, as prices vary by ski resort and season, so be sure to check details in advance.

Lift Ticket
Around 5,000 yen
In some cases, lift tickets are included in ski bus tour packages.

Rental Costs (per day, approx.)
・Skis or snowboard: around 4,000 yen per set
・Wear (jacket and pants): around 4,000 yen
Hats, gloves, and goggles are usually not included, and many resorts do not offer rentals for these items.

Transportation Costs (Osaka ↔ Hachi-Kita, round-trip example)
・Ski bus: around 6,900 to 8,000 yen
Some plans include a lift ticket. Departure times and seating are limited, but you can stay seated all the way to the resort.

・Train plus local bus: around 11,000 to 12,000 yen
Reserved seat: 4,930 yen one way
Non-reserved seat: 4,400 yen one way
Local bus: 1,100 yen one way
Bus services are limited, and transfers and waiting times are common.

・Rental car plus expressway tolls and fuel (compact class, one day): around 13,000 to 18,000 yen
This option allows flexible travel times, but driving on snowy roads can be risky for those without experience.

Other Expenses
Meals, locker fees, and small extras: around 4,000 yen

Kansai is home to plenty of great ski resorts. Here, we highlight nine recommended spots selected with reference to SURF＆SNOW, one of Japan’s most authoritative ski resort and snowfall information websites, making it easy to find the right resort for your winter plans.

Rokko Snow Park is a city-friendly ski area located on Mount Rokko in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Using mainly artificial snow, it offers short, compact slopes that make it easy to enjoy winter activities without traveling far. The gentle terrain is best suited for beginners and first-timers, and the Snowland play area is separate from the ski slopes, making it a safe choice for families.

Courses
The slopes are designed mainly for beginners, with gentle gradients throughout. The longest run is about 260 meters, with a maximum slope of around 20 degrees, making it ideal for short practice runs and casual snow play. Thanks to its compact layout and artificial snow, the park is well suited for small groups, families, and focused practice sessions.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・Admission ticket: Adults (junior high school age and up) 2,800 yen; Children (ages 3 to elementary school) 1,400 yen
・Lift ticket: Weekdays 1,600 yen; Weekends and holidays 3,300 yen (Please note that both an admission ticket and a lift ticket are required to ski.)

Representative Rental Prices
Ski and wear set (1 day): Adults 5,000 yen; Children (elementary school age and under) 4,000 yen

Ski School
Rokko Snow Park operates an official ski school with a variety of classes tailored to different ages and skill levels. Lessons range from basic introductions for first-time skiers to step-up courses focusing on balance, technique, and control. Online reservations are available, and booking lessons together with lift tickets and rentals is straightforward.

Family-Friendly Information
The dedicated Snowland area is designed for snow play, with sledding and other snow activities that families can enjoy together. The spacious layout ensures a safe environment even for young children. With plenty of beginner slopes and rest areas, the park is well-suited for families looking to spend a relaxed day in the snow.

Access
Rokko Snow Park is easy to reach, about 35 minutes by car from Kobe and around 60 minutes from Osaka, with parking for approximately 700 vehicles. When using public transportation, take a bus from Hankyu Rokko, JR Rokkomichi, or Hanshin Mikage stations to Rokko Cable Shita Station, ride the cable car up the mountain, then transfer to the Rokko Sanjo Bus and get off at Snow Park Mae. The cable car and mountain bus services are coordinated for smooth transfers.

Hachikogen and HachiKita Highlands together form one of the largest snow resorts in Kansai, located in northern Hyogo Prefecture. With around 25 courses across the two connected areas, the resort offers excellent variety, from wide, gentle slopes and scenic tree runs to more technical terrain for advanced riders. The balanced course layout makes it a solid choice for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Courses
Across both areas, the resort features 25 courses, with a strong focus on beginner- and intermediate-friendly terrain. Wide central slopes are ideal for relaxed cruising, while forest runs add variety and atmosphere. HachiKita is known for courses like Sky Road and the Nature Zone, as well as challenging mogul sections. With long downhill routes available, it is easy to spend a full day skiing without repetition.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
One-day lift ticket (weekdays): Adults 5,000 yen / Seniors 4,500 yen / Children (ages 4 to elementary school) 3,500 yen (A separate refundable deposit is required)

Representative Rental Prices
Ski or snowboard plus wear set (1 day): around 5,000 to 6,000 yen (Sizes and exact prices vary by rental shop. Please confirm locally.)

Ski School
Hachikogen and HachiKita operate official ski and snowboard schools offering lessons from basic techniques to skill progression. Half-day and full-day programs are available, with professional instructors providing safe, structured guidance. These schools are well-suited for first-timers as well as those looking to improve.

Family-Friendly Information
Both areas feature kids’ parks and gentle practice zones equipped with moving walkways, allowing young children to enjoy snow play safely. Activities such as free snow strider rentals help families ease into winter sports together. Beginner areas are clearly separated, making it comfortable to spend a full day as a family.

Access
The easiest and most affordable option is a ski bus tour that includes lift tickets. For independent travel, see the options below.

Public transportation:
Take the JR San’in Main Line to Yoka Station, then transfer to a Zentan Bus bound for Hachi-Kita-guchi (about 50 minutes), or continue by taxi.

By car:
From the Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expressway, exit at Yoka-Hyōnosen IC and drive about 30 minutes via national roads.

Up Kannabe is well known for its beginner- and intermediate-friendly slopes, with around 80% of the terrain designed for easy, comfortable skiing and snowboarding. The wide, gently sloping courses offer plenty of space, making this resort especially appealing for those who want to build confidence at a relaxed pace.

Courses
Up Kannabe’s courses are mainly aimed at beginners and intermediates. Long, gentle runs such as the Center Course and Miyano-Mori Course are ideal for practicing controlled turns at moderate speeds. Areas like Kitakabe and Uenodaira add some terrain variation, with run lengths generally in the several-hundred-meter range. The dedicated kids’ area features short, purpose-built slopes, making it a safe place for first-time skiers.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
Weekday one-day lift ticket: Adults 5,800 yen / Children 3,500 yen

Representative Rental Prices
Ski or snowboard plus wear set (1 day): Adults approx. 7,500 yen / Children approx. 5,500 yen

Ski School
Up Kannabe operates an official ski and snowboard school offering lessons for beginners and early intermediates. Instructors provide clear, supportive guidance, from basic techniques to improving form. Private and family lessons are also available, making it a good option for steady skill development.

Family-Friendly Information
The resort features child-focused facilities such as Kids Way, Super Kids Way, and a dedicated snow play area known as the Snow Playground. Activities include sledding, snowman building, and simple snow attractions, all designed with safety in mind. Entry to the kids’ areas requires a separate ticket, but they are well suited for family snow play and first-time practice.

Access
From Osaka and Kobe, tour buses such as the Shinki Bus “LIMON” service run directly to Kannabe Highlands from major hubs including Namba, Shin-Osaka, and Sannomiya. When traveling by train, access is available via JR Ebara Station followed by a local bus. By car, the resort is easily reached via the Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expressway, making it a convenient day trip from the Kansai area.

Located in the Kannabe Highlands of northern Hyogo, Kannabe Kogen Manba Ski Resort sits in an area recognized as part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its rich mix of sea, mountains, rivers, and local produce. The resort features seven well-balanced courses suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. One of its highlights is a long downhill run from near the summit, considered among the longest in Kansai, along with varied terrain that keeps each run interesting. Rest areas and rental shops are conveniently located near the lift base, making day trips comfortable and easy.

Courses
Kannabe Kogen Manba Ski Resort offers seven diverse courses, from the gentle Family Slope for beginners to intermediate and advanced runs such as Utopia and Triangle A, B, and C. With an elevation difference of roughly 455 meters, visitors can enjoy long, continuous descents as well as tree-lined courses that add variety and rhythm to the skiing experience.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・Weekday one-day lift ticket: Adults 4,200 yen / Seniors 3,700 yen / Children 2,500 yen

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 4,000 yen / Elementary school children 3,000 yen
・Wear (jacket and pants, 1 day): Adults 4,000 yen / Elementary school children 3,000 yen

Ski School
The ski school at Kannabe Kogen Manba Ski Resort operates on weekends only and offers general group lessons, kids’ lessons for elementary school students and up, and private lessons. Half-day and full-day programs are available, with instruction adjusted to skill level. Registration and meeting points are located next to the ticket counter.

Family-Friendly Information
At the entrance area, the Family Slope provides a gentle space where parents and children can ski and practice together. The kids’ snow play zone features a 100-meter snow escalator, allowing children to enjoy sledding and snow play safely without using lifts. With rest areas and dining facilities nearby, families can comfortably spend the entire day here.

Access
For the most convenient and cost-effective access, using a ski bus tour is recommended.

Direct bus:
Shinki Bus “LIMON” tours operate direct services from Namba, Shin-Osaka, and Sannomiya. Plans that include lift tickets are also available.

By car:
About 15 minutes from the Hidaka-Kannabe IC on the Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expressway.

By train:
Take the JR San’in Main Line to Ebara Station, then transfer to a Zentan Bus bound for Kannabe Highlands (about 25 to 35 minutes). From the Kannabe Highlands bus stop, continue on foot or via local transport to the resort.

Sky Valley Ski Resort is a well-equipped ski and snowboard destination known for its 3,200-meter long run, two dedicated board parks with halfpipes, and a 24-hour ski center complete with nap rooms. Course variety and on-site facilities are both strong points here. With a shared lift ticket granting access to the neighboring Hyper Bowl Higashihachi slopes, visitors can enjoy double the terrain and even more variety in a single trip.

Courses
Sky Valley offers a balanced mix of courses, highlighted by a long cruising run stretching up to 3,200 meters. Intermediate-focused terrain dominates, while advanced riders can enjoy steeper sections and terrain features. The resort’s two board parks cater especially well to snowboarders, making it a popular choice for freestyle enthusiasts. Access to the neighboring Hyper Bowl Higashihachi area further expands the range of courses available.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・Weekday one-day lift ticket: Adults 4,000 yen / Seniors 3,000 yen / Children 2,000 yen

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard plus wear set (1 day): Adults approx. 6,500 yen / Children approx. 4,000 yen

Ski School
Sky Valley’s Ski & Board School offers lessons for all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. In addition to paid morning and afternoon lessons, a free 30-minute beginner lesson is held daily and is open to anyone from elementary school age and up. Kids’ classes are available on weekends and holidays, focusing on safe technique and steady improvement.

Family-Friendly Information
A netted kids’ slope provides a safe space for snow play and first-time practice. With plenty of beginner-friendly courses and shared lift ticket discounts, families can enjoy a relaxed day on the slopes. Rest areas connected to the lodge make it easy to take breaks and spend the whole day comfortably.

Access
From the Osaka–Kobe area, day-trip ski bus tours depart from Shin-Osaka, Namba, and Sannomiya, offering direct access to the resort. When traveling by train, take the JR San’in Main Line to Yoka Station, then transfer to a Zentan Bus for about 50 minutes before walking from the nearest stop. By car, the resort is reached via the Yoka-Hyōnosen IC, followed by a drive of around 20 km.

Biwako Valley is a scenic ski resort where you can ski while looking out over Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. Accessed by lift and ropeway, the summit area opens up to a range of slopes for beginners through advanced riders. One standout feature is its connection to Biwako Terrace, a popular viewpoint where snowy mountain scenery and sweeping lake views come together.

Courses
Biwako Valley offers a variety of runs, from the gentle Uchimi Slope for beginners to more challenging courses such as Giant, Romance, and Horai Panorama. The Horai Panorama Course is especially popular for its wide-open views of Lake Biwa while skiing. Lifts and the ropeway make it easy to move efficiently between areas.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・One-day lift ticket (includes round-trip ropeway, lifts, and Biwako Terrace entry): Adults 6,800 yen / Elementary school children 5,200 yen / Preschoolers (ages 3 and up) 2,700 yen

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 6,000 yen / Children (elementary school age and under) 4,500 yen
・Wear (jacket and pants, 1 day): Adults 9,000 yen / Children (elementary school age and under) 6,500 yen

Ski School
Biwako Valley operates an official ski and snowboard school with reception near the summit station. Lessons are available for beginners through experienced riders, covering everything from basic techniques to skill improvement. Private lessons are also offered, with classes held depending on snow conditions.

Family-Friendly Information
The Snowland snow play area is popular with families and offers sledding and casual snow fun. Entry is free, with sled rentals available for 500 yen per 60 minutes. The gentle slopes at Uchimi are well suited for children and first-timers, while the summit area also provides memorable photo spots with snowy scenery and panoramic lake views.

Access
Access is straightforward. From JR Shiga Station on the Kosei Line, take an Ohmi Bus for about 10 minutes to Biwako Valley. By car, the resort is about 5 minutes from Shiga IC via the Kosei Road after exiting at Kyoto-Higashi IC on the Meishin Expressway. Multiple parking areas are available, with shuttle buses operating within the parking zones on weekends.

Grand Snow Okuibuki is one of the largest snow resorts in the Kansai area, with excellent access from both Kansai and the Chubu region. Located close to an expressway interchange and known for smooth access with minimal congestion, it is especially popular with day-trip skiers and snowboarders. The expansive slopes make the most of the area’s natural terrain, offering a wide range of courses that cater to everyone from beginners to advanced riders.

Courses
The resort features a diverse lineup of courses, including gentle beginner-friendly slopes such as the Family and Variety areas, as well as steeper runs and more technical lines for experienced riders. Tree-lined routes and long cruising courses add further variety, allowing skiers and snowboarders of all levels to enjoy terrain that matches their ability.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・One-day lift ticket: Adults (junior high school age and up) 4,900 yen / Seniors 4,400 yen / Junior & senior high school students 3,500 yen / Children (elementary school age and under) 3,000 yen (Prices are categorized by date, but the above reflects typical peak-season weekday rates.)

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard plus wear set (1 day): Adults 8,500 yen / Children 6,000 yen

Ski School
Grand Snow Okuibuki operates an official ski and snowboard school offering level-based instruction from beginners to advanced riders. Professional instructors provide careful guidance, from basic techniques to skill improvement, making it a reassuring option for first-timers. Registration and meeting points are located inside the Center House.

Family-Friendly Information
The resort is home to one of Japan’s largest kids’ parks, where families can enjoy sledding, snowman building, and a variety of snow play activities. Sleds are available free of charge, and the gentle family slopes make it easy for children and beginners to practice safely. With a well-equipped Center House and food park, families can comfortably spend the entire day on-site.

Access
Public transportation access is convenient, with direct “Yokko Bus” services running from JR Maibara Station and Omi-Nagakawa Station straight to the resort in about 30 to 40 minutes. These buses run frequently, even on weekends and during peak periods. Seasonal direct bus tours from Osaka and Nagoya are also available, making Grand Snow Okuibuki an easy choice for day trips and first-time visitors alike.

Yogo Kogen Resort YAP is a popular day-trip ski resort, located about two hours from Osaka and Kyoto and around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Nagoya. On Saturdays, night skiing is available until 11 PM, allowing visitors to ski all the way down from the summit after dark. On clear days, you can even enjoy views of Tsuruga Bay from the top. Despite its Kansai location, the resort is known for surprisingly good snow quality.

Courses
The resort features five courses with a strong focus on beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Runs such as Vallee Blanche are ideal for early learners, while Brevan and the advanced Matterhorn course add variety. Most runs are between 1,000 and 1,100 meters long, with well-groomed, wide slopes that are well suited for relaxed cruising and practicing line control.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・Weekday one-day lift ticket: Adults 4,500 yen / Seniors 4,000 yen / Children (elementary school age) 2,500 yen

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard plus wear set (1 day): Adults 7,000 yen / Children 5,000 yen

Ski School
Yogo Kogen offers ski and snowboard lessons certified by the Japan Snowboard Association (JSBA). Lessons are available for beginners, intermediate riders, and children, with flexible time-based options. Instruction focuses on safe technique and steady improvement. Details and registration are available on-site or via the official website.

Family-Friendly Information
The resort includes a dedicated kids’ slope and snow play area equipped with a snow belt, making sledding and snow play easy for younger children. With many beginner- and intermediate-friendly courses, it is a comfortable environment for families to practice and enjoy winter activities together.

Access
By train, the nearest station is JR Kinomoto Station on the Hokuriku Line. From there, the resort is about 20 minutes by taxi or accessible via local bus. By car, it is roughly 25 minutes from Kinomoto IC on the Hokuriku Expressway. Parking for around 1,200 vehicles is available, free on weekdays and paid on weekends.

Hakodateyama Ski Resort is accessed directly by an eight-person gondola, taking visitors straight to the slopes. From the ski area, sweeping views over Lake Biwa unfold below, creating a scenic setting that is especially appealing for families spending a winter day together. The resort offers a range of courses suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Courses
The resort’s courses are mainly designed for beginners and intermediate skiers, with slopes divided into left and right areas for easy navigation. Well-groomed runs make skiing smooth and approachable, while play zones and snow play areas add variety. With gentle gradients throughout, the terrain is particularly suitable for children and first-time skiers.

Lift Ticket Types & Prices
・Lift and gondola set ticket (weekday, one day): Adults 4,600 yen / Seniors 3,900 yen / Ages 18 and under 3,700 yen / Preschoolers 2,200 yen

Representative Rental Prices
・Ski or snowboard set (1 day): Adults 5,000 yen / Children 4,000 yen
・Wear (jacket and pants, 1 day): Adults 3,500 yen / Children 2,500 yen

Ski School
The official ski school offers beginner-focused ski and snowboard lessons, covering basic techniques and safe riding practices. Classes are mainly held on weekends and holidays, with both group and private lessons available. Same-day registration on-site is also possible.

Family-Friendly Information
The resort features a dedicated Play Zone and children’s slopes, where sledding and snow play can be enjoyed safely. The gentle terrain makes it ideal for families trying skiing for the first time. During certain periods, activities such as snow rafting are also available, making it easy for families to spend a full day on the mountain.

Access
By train, take the JR Kosei Line to Omi-Imazu Station, then transfer to a bus for about 15 to 20 minutes. By car, access is via the Meishin Expressway from Kyoto-Higashi IC, continuing along the Kosei Road. Parking for around 1,100 vehicles is available at a daily rate of 1,000 yen. On weekends and during peak periods, day-trip bus tours also operate, offering convenient direct access from the Kansai area.

Renting skis, snowboards, and wear directly at the ski resort is usually the easiest option. If you plan to bring your own equipment, be sure to check airline rules in advance, as some carriers may charge extra fees or have restrictions. Pack your gear carefully to prevent damage, and do not forget to arrange insurance. January is also a great time to shop, as winter sales begin across Japan. Picking up wear, hats, gloves, or goggles in Osaka before heading to the slopes can be a smart choice.

Ski resorts in the Kansai region are generally easy to access and well suited for beginners. Many offer gentle slopes, sledding areas for families, and ski schools, along with well-equipped facilities and services. On top of that, hot springs and local food spots are often located nearby, making it easy to enjoy onsen baths and regional cuisine alongside your ski or snowboard plans.