The closest and most popular ski resort to Osaka is Rokko Snow Park in Kobe City. It's easily accessible for a day trip by train and bus from Osaka Station/Umeda, and lift tickets are reasonably priced from 1,600 yen on weekdays, making it one of the most popular ski resorts in the Kansai region with a high number of reservations. If you're willing to travel a little further, Biwako Valley in Shiga Prefecture is another popular day-trip spot. Check the comparison table and ranking below for detailed access and prices for each facility.

*Access times and prices are approximate. Please check each booking page for the latest information.

It is said that there are approximately 500 ski resorts in Japan. Compared to the magnificent ski resorts in Europe and America, many of them have a compact feel, but they offer a wide variety of courses and excellent facilities to support them. Moreover, with good snow quality and easy access from urban areas, Japanese ski resorts can be said to have some of the best environments in the world. Nagano Prefecture has the most ski resorts in Japan, followed by Hokkaido and Niigata Prefecture. Nagano Prefecture, in particular, has a wide variety of slopes, and many adjacent ski resorts at the mountaintop issue common lift tickets, offering the advantage of being able to enjoy completely different courses. Many areas also have excellent hot spring facilities, so you can fully enjoy après-ski activities.

While ski resorts in the Kansai region are smaller in scale compared to popular resorts in the Kanto and Shin'etsu areas, their biggest difference is that many facilities are accessible for day trips without using the Shinkansen bullet train. Many facilities are located within approximately 1.5 to 3 hours by car or direct bus from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, making it appealing to be able to leave in the morning and be back home by evening.

The main ski areas in the Kansai region are divided into Hyogo and Shiga prefectures. The Shiga area is known for its spectacular slopes overlooking Lake Biwa, while the Hyogo area boasts some of the largest ski resorts in western Japan, offering a wide variety of courses. Many facilities use artificial snowmaking machines to maintain the snow quality, and modern amenities such as rental equipment and kids' parks are available. This creates an environment where beginners and families can easily enjoy winter sports without bringing their own gear.

On the other hand, for those traveling from the Kanto area for skiing or snowboarding, popular choices include large-scale resorts with abundant natural snow due to the climate of the Sea of ​​Japan, such as Echigo Yuzawa and Naeba in Niigata Prefecture, Hakuba and Shiga Kogen in Nagano Prefecture, and Minakami in Gunma Prefecture. While some facilities are accessible for day trips by Shinkansen, most tend to be planned as overnight or full-day trips.

In contrast, while ski resorts in the Kansai region may not be as large as the popular resorts in the Kanto and Shin'etsu areas, their greatest strength lies in their accessibility—they can be reached simply by regular trains, buses, and cars. The ease of using night skiing facilities, allowing people to go skiing straight after work or school, is another unique appeal of the Kansai area.

The peak season for ski resorts in the Kansai region is from December to March. Be aware that the atmosphere and skiing conditions vary greatly from season to season at Kansai ski resorts. The peak season (late December to mid-February) sees the most visitors, and the entire slope is bustling with activity.

Snowfall is stable, and there are many days when you can ski in good conditions. The early season (early to mid-December) sees fewer visitors, allowing you to ski in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

On the other hand, it is more susceptible to snow shortages, and the number of skiable courses may be limited. The spring ski season (late February to March) is a time when the crowds subside, and you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.

However, because the sun is stronger, skiing conditions tend to fluctuate depending on the weather and temperature. Now, let's take a look at the typical opening and closing dates for 11 major ski resorts in the Kansai region.

*Bars are month-level estimates. Only Grand Snow Okuibuki (orange) reflects confirmed 2026–27 season dates; Mineyama Kogen Resort (diagonal stripes) is shown as an estimate because its closing date is unconfirmed. Official 2026–27 season dates for other resorts will be announced progressively around October–November and updated here as they become available.

The Shiga area is relatively close to Osaka and Kyoto, reachable in 1-2 hours. However, the northern part of the Hyogo area has infrequent train service, so those unfamiliar with the area should book a day trip ski bus tour departing from Namba or Shin-Osaka in advance. Travel time is 2-3 hours each way, with a stay of about 5-6 hours at the destination.

For those who want to relax and enjoy themselves, an overnight stay is recommended. Since there will be waiting times for train and bus transfers, and long-distance travel will be tough when you're tired from skiing, it's best to stay at a guesthouse or hot spring near the ski resort to rest and relax.

You can rent skis, snowboards, and clothing at the ski resort, so you can go skiing empty-handed. When enjoying skiing or snowboarding on a day trip in the Kansai region, the cost per person varies widely from around 10,000 yen to just under 30,000 yen, depending on how you go.

Even for the same "cost for one day," the amount and effort can vary greatly depending on how you make arrangements, so let's compare three patterns (the following is an estimate based on a day trip round trip between Osaka and Hachikita Plateau).

*Amounts are estimates for a round-trip day trip between Osaka and Hachikita Kogen. They vary by resort and season, so please check each booking page or official website for the latest prices. The Plan C total assumes 4 passengers splitting the rental car cost, shown per person.

From here, we will introduce 11 popular ski resorts in the Kansai area, all within day-trip distance from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, one by one, along with details on access and fees.

If you find a resort that interests you in the comparison table above, please check the details from the corresponding heading. From the Lake Biwa and Takashima area in Shiga Prefecture to the Kannabe Plateau and Hyonosen area in Hyogo Prefecture, there is a variety of resorts, from gentle slopes suitable for beginners to challenging courses for advanced skiers.

Compare the features of each resort and find your perfect one for this season.

■Rokko Mountain Snow Park (Hyogo)

Rokko Mountain Snow Park is an "urban ski resort" just 35 minutes by car from central Kobe, and reachable as a day trip from Osaka by train, bus, and cable car. Located on part of Mt. Rokko at an elevation of 931 meters, it offers everything from gentle beginner-friendly slopes to a dedicated snow-play area and night skiing. The ease of dropping in on the way home from work or school is a charm unique to Rokko Mountain Snow Park among Kansai's ski resorts — it's also the resort we ranked #1 in this article's comparison table, being the closest and most popular resort to reach from Osaka.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Train + Bus + Cable Car	Osaka Sta. → (JR Kobe Line) → Rokkomichi Sta. → (city bus) → Rokko Cable Shita → (Rokko Cable Car, about 10 min) → Rokkosanjo Sta. → (mountaintop bus) → Snow Park	About 90 min.
Direct Shuttle Bus	Direct bus to/from Osaka (Namba). A combo ticket covering round-trip bus fare plus admission is available.	About 60 min.
Car	Via the Hanshin Expwy Route 11 Ikeda Line → Chugoku Expwy → Ura-Rokko Drive Way (parking for about 800 cars)	About 60 min. from central Osaka / about 35 min. from Kobe/Sannomiya

*Studless tires or tire chains are required when there's snow on the road. You can also reach Rokko Cable Shita by city bus (routes 16 or 106) from Hankyu Rokko Station.

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
Admission (Adult)	¥2,200
Lift Ticket (1-Day, Adult/Child/Senior — same price)	¥3,100
Rokko Ski Coupon (transport ticket + admission set, Adult)	¥3,050
Ski Rental Set (Adult/Child)	¥2,900 / ¥2,050
Snowboard Rental Set (Adult/Child)	¥4,100 / ¥3,600
Day Trip Tour (from Osaka, package incl. transport + rental)	From ¥6,655

*Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website or each booking page for the latest information.

Recommended For

• First-time skiers and snowboarders (gentle slopes and extensive rental options make it approachable)
• Those who want a quick night-skiing session after work or school
• Families who just want to enjoy snow play with young children (dedicated snow-play area available)
• Those not confident driving in snow who want to get there by public transportation alone

■Biwako Valley (Otsu, Shiga)

Biwako Valley is a ski resort known for the sweeping view of Lake Biwa from its summit viewpoint, "Biwako Terrace." A ropeway connects the base to the summit in about 5 minutes, so its biggest draw is that even non-skiing companions can enjoy the summit views and activities together. There's also a full lineup of options for non-skiers, including a dedicated snow-play area and a zip line.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Train + Bus + Ropeway	Osaka Sta. → (JR Special Rapid) → Kyoto Sta. → (JR Kosei Line) → Shiga Sta. → (local bus, about 10 min) → Biwako Valley-mae → (ropeway, about 5 min) → summit	About 90 min. from Osaka
Direct Bus	No scheduled direct bus route. Seasonal day-trip tour buses with lift-ticket packages run from Osaka and Kyoto.	Varies by tour
Car	Via the Meishin Expwy (Kyoto-Higashi IC) → Nishi-Otsu Bypass → Kosei Road (exit at Shiga IC), about 5 min	About 5 min. from the Kyoto-Higashi IC

*Parking is split across multiple lots and the total capacity is not officially published (for reference, about 1,700 spaces; ¥1,000 on weekdays / ¥2,000 on weekends). Please check the official website for the latest information.

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
Lift + Ropeway 1-Day Pass (Adult)	¥6,600–6,800
Same (Elementary School Age)	¥5,000–5,200
Snow-Play Only Ticket (incl. round-trip ropeway, Adult)	¥5,000
Rental Set (Adult/Child)	¥6,000 / ¥4,500

*Prices vary depending on whether an online advance-purchase discount is applied. Please check the official website or each booking page for the latest information.

Recommended For

• Those who want to ski while enjoying spectacular views (the summit terrace overlooking Lake Biwa)
• Groups or couples with non-skiing companions (accessible by ropeway)
• Families who want to enjoy snow play with young children
• Those who want a direct trip from Kyoto with no transfers (the JR Kosei Line runs through)

■Hakodateyama Ski Resort (Takashima, Shiga)

Hakodateyama Ski Resort is known for its wide, open slopes with great visibility. The gondola connects the base to the summit in about 8 minutes, and access from the parking lot is convenient too. The free "Play Zone" offers sledding and snow play, and with courses up to a maximum gradient of 38 degrees, the resort caters to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Train + Bus + Gondola	Kyoto Sta. → (JR Kosei Line Ltd. Exp./Special Rapid, about 48 min) → Omi-Imazu Sta. → (Kokoku Bus, about 20 min) → Hakodateyama bus stop → (gondola, about 8 min) → summit	About 80 min. from Kyoto
Tour Bus	No scheduled direct bus route. Day-trip tour buses with lift-ticket packages run from Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama.	Varies by tour
Car	Via the Meishin Expwy (Kyoto-Higashi IC) → Kosei Road / National Route 161 → exit at Hiokimae Ramp, about 3 min to parking (studless tires required when there's snow on the road)	About 60 min. from the Kyoto-Higashi IC

*Parking has about 1,100 spaces (¥1,000 per car). The official site doesn't list a specific travel time from Osaka Station; we're looking into it.

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
Lift + Gondola 1-Day Pass (Adult, Weekday/Weekend)	¥4,800 / ¥5,500
Same (Age 18 and Under, Weekday/Weekend)	¥3,700 / ¥4,400
Gondola Round-Trip Only (Adult)	¥2,600
Rental Set (Adult/Child)	¥5,000 / ¥4,000
Full Set incl. Outerwear (Adult/Child)	¥7,500 / ¥5,500

*Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website or each booking page for the latest information.

Recommended For

• Those who want to ski on wide-open slopes with great views
• Families who want to enjoy the free snow-play area with young children
• Those who want to tackle steep, advanced terrain too (courses up to 38 degrees)
• Those traveling with international visitors to Japan (multilingual support and halal-friendly menu options available)

■Grand Snow Okuibuki (Maibara, Shiga)

Grand Snow Okuibuki is known for its expansive slopes — billed as one of the largest in Kansai — and for the heavy snowfall characteristic of the Ibuki mountain range. With 14 courses in total, it caters to a wide range of skiers, from the advanced "Heavenly46°" course with a maximum gradient of 46 degrees to a kids' park said to be one of the largest in Japan. For the 2026–27 season, the resort plans to operate for 150 days, from November 13 to April 11 — a notably long season compared with other Kansai resorts.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Shinkansen + Shuttle Bus	Shin-Osaka Sta. → (Shinkansen, about 35 min) → Maibara Sta. → (reservation-based shuttle bus, ¥1,500 one way) → resort	About 1–1.5 hr from Shin-Osaka, plus the bus
Direct Bus	Direct bus tours run from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya (details TBC)	Varies by tour
Car	Via the Shin-Meishin Expwy (Maibara IC)	About 100 min. from Osaka / about 80 min. from Kyoto

*Parking is spread across 10 lots with a total capacity of about 2,700 cars (¥1,000 per car). Please check the official website for specific direct-bus fares and schedules.

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult)	¥4,000–6,300 (¥7,000 on select dates)
Same (Child)	¥3,000–3,500
Rental Set (Adult/Child)	¥4,000 / ¥2,500
Full Set incl. Outerwear (Adult/Child)	¥7,000 / ¥4,500

*2026–27 season prices vary by source and are for reference only. Please be sure to check the official website before your visit.

Recommended For

• Those who want plenty of room to ski on wide slopes (one of the largest course counts in Kansai)
• Advanced skiers chasing powder (heavy-snowfall area, courses up to 46 degrees)
• Those who want to enjoy a long season (typically operates from November to April)
• Families with young children (large-scale kids' park)

■Yogo Kogen Resort YAP (Nagahama, Shiga)

Yogo Kogen Resort YAP is a hidden-gem ski resort known for views of Lake Yogo, Tsuruga Bay, and the Hakusan mountain range, along with surprisingly good snow quality for the Kansai region. About 80% of the courses are geared toward beginners and intermediate skiers, and there's a kids' park plus a weekend/holiday-only inflatable play area. Good access means it can get crowded on weekends, but weekdays tend to be much quieter.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Train + Bus	Osaka Sta./Kyoto Sta. → (JR Special Rapid, via the Hokuriku Main Line) → Kinomoto Sta. → (local shuttle, details TBC)	TBC
Tour Bus	No scheduled direct bus route. Day-trip tour buses with lift-ticket packages depart from Shin-Osaka.	About 3 hr 15 min. from Shin-Osaka
Car	About 25 min. from the Kinomoto IC on the Hokuriku Expwy	About 2 hr from Osaka/Kyoto

*We recommend checking the official website for the shuttle bus schedule/fare from the station and parking fees (sources vary, ranging from free to ¥1,000/day).

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult, Weekday/Weekend)	¥4,500 / ¥5,200
Same (Child, Weekday/Weekend)	¥2,500 / ¥3,500
Rental Set (Adult/Child)	¥5,000 / ¥4,000
Full Set incl. Outerwear (Adult/Child)	¥7,000 / ¥5,000

*Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Recommended For

• Those who want to avoid crowds (weekdays are relatively quiet)
• Skiers who care about snow quality (reputed to have some of the best snow in Kansai)
• Beginner-to-intermediate skiers who want to practice at a relaxed pace
• Families with young children (kids' park on-site)

■Up Kannabe (Toyooka, Hyogo)

Up Kannabe prides itself on its "Snow Amusement Park," said to be Japan's largest family-oriented snow land. About 80% of the slopes are wide, beginner-to-intermediate-friendly courses, and the resort features one of Japan's longest moving belts, the 150-meter "Super Kids Way." Night skiing runs every day, making it convenient for visitors stopping by after work.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Train + Bus	Osaka Sta. → (Ltd. Exp. Kounotori, about 3 hr) → Ebara Sta. → (Zentan Bus, Kannabe Kogen Line, about 25–35 min) → Kannabe Onsen Yutorogi-mae	About 3.5 hr from Osaka
Direct Bus	Highway bus from Osaka-Umeda to Kinosaki (transfer required at Kinosaki); Shinki Bus also runs from Kobe-Sannomiya to Kinosaki	About 2 hr 30 min. from Osaka / about 2 hr from Kobe
Car	Via the Banshu Renrakudo → Wadayama IC → Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expwy (Hidaka-Kannabe Kogen IC)	About 2 hr 30 min. from Osaka/Kobe

*Parking has about 1,000 spaces (¥1,500 on weekends/holidays; free on weekdays and for night skiing).

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult, Weekday/Weekend)	¥4,500 / ¥5,800
Same (Child)	¥3,500
Hands-Free Set (Adult/Child)	¥7,500 / ¥5,500
Rental Set Only (Adult/Child)	¥4,900 / ¥3,800

*Lift ticket prices vary by source and are for reference only. Please be sure to check the official website before your visit.

Recommended For

• Families who want to enjoy snow play with young children (Japan's largest snow land)
• First-time skiers and snowboarders (wide range of beginner/intermediate courses)
• Those who want to ski at night after work (night skiing every day)
• Groups looking for a casual day of skiing

■Kannabe Kogen Manba Ski Resort (Toyooka, Hyogo)

Kannabe Kogen Manba Ski Resort is a family-friendly resort with expansive gentle slopes. The parking lot is close to the slopes, and the resort is equipped with a kids' park and a snow escalator. It's connected by lift to the neighboring Oku-Kannabe Ski Resort, and a shared pass lets you move between the two, so once you're comfortable you can venture over and try different courses.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Train + Bus	Osaka Sta. → (Ltd. Exp. Kounotori, about 3 hr) → Ebara Sta. → (Zentan Bus bound for Kannabe Kogen, about 28 min) → Manbaguchi	About 3.5 hr from Osaka
Direct Bus	Zentan Bus runs a direct service (departs Hankyu Umeda Sanbangai at 8:50/11:00/13:20, reserved seating)	About 2 hr 30 min.
Car	Via the Kobe-Sanda IC	About 100 min. from the Kobe-Sanda IC / about 140 min. from Kyoto

*Parking has about 500 spaces (for reference; ¥1,500 on weekends/holidays, free on weekdays).

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult, Weekday/Weekend)	¥4,200 / ¥4,900
Same (Child, Weekday/Weekend)	¥2,500 / ¥3,000
Same (Senior, Weekday/Weekend)	¥3,700 / ¥4,400
3-Piece Rental Set (Adult/Child)	¥4,000 / ¥3,000

*Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Recommended For

• Those trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time (wide gentle slopes, easy access from parking)
• Families with young children (kids' park on-site)
• Those who want an easy trip on a reserved-seat direct bus (direct service from Osaka)
• Skiers who want to venture to the neighboring slopes once they're comfortable (shared pass with Oku-Kannabe)

■Sky Valley (Kami, Hyogo)

Sky Valley is a resort popular with snowboarders, with intermediate courses making up about 70% of its terrain and a rich lineup of courses that make the most of the terrain for a board park and freestyle riding. It has a long run of about 3.2 km, and a shared lift ticket lets you move between it and the neighboring "Hyper Bowl Higashihachi." The resort also has a 24-hour ski center and a free rest area, making it convenient for visitors arriving late at night or traveling by car from farther away.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Train + Bus	The nearest station is JR Yoka Station. Bus details from the station aren't listed on the official site, so please inquire directly.	TBC
Direct Bus	Direct buses with lift-ticket packages are available, including the "LIMON Bus" from the Keihanshin area and the "Ryobi Friends Pack" from the Okayama direction	Varies by tour
Car	Via the Chugoku Expwy (Yoshikawa IC) → Maizuru-Wakasa Expwy (Kasuga IC) → Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expwy (Yoka-Hyonosen IC) → National Route 9	About 120 min. from Osaka/Kobe / about 150 min. from Kyoto

*Parking has about 500 spaces (¥1,000 on weekdays / ¥1,500 on weekends). Note: Sky Valley is located in Kami, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture — not in Toyooka's Kannabe Kogen area.

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult, Weekday/Weekend)	¥4,000 / ¥4,500
Same (Child)	¥2,000
2-Piece Rental Set (Adult, Full Day/Half Day)	¥4,500 / ¥3,000
Full Set (Adult, Full Day/Half Day)	¥6,500 / ¥4,500

*Lift ticket prices vary by source and are for reference only. Please be sure to check the official website before your visit.

Recommended For

• Intermediate-to-advanced riders into snowboarding and freestyle (board park, terrain-based courses)
• Those who want to enjoy long cruising runs (one of the longest courses at about 3.2 km)
• Those arriving late at night or by car who want to start skiing early (24-hour ski center and rest area)
• Skiers who want to cover more ground including the neighboring slopes (shared lift ticket covers both mountains)

■Hachi Kogen / Hachikita Kogen (Yabu, Hyogo)

Hachi Kogen and Hachikita Kogen together form one of the largest ski areas in Kansai, with 25 courses across the two adjoining zones and a long cruising run of up to 4,000 meters. Each zone has its own character: Hachi Kogen offers a spacious central slope and one of the largest snow parks in Kansai, while Hachikita features the advanced "Kitakabe" (North Wall) course and a nature zone with tree runs. Lift tickets are shared between the two, though you'll need a car or bus to move between zones.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Train + Bus	Osaka Sta. → (limited express, about 2 hr 20 min) → Yoka Sta. → (Zentan Bus) about 55 min. to Hachi Kogen / about 60 min. to Hachikita	About 3 hr from Osaka
Direct Bus	Shinki Bus's "Heart Tour" runs from Namba, Shin-Osaka, Sannomiya, Himeji, and other locations	From ¥6,900, varies by day
Car	Via the Chugoku/Sanyo Expwy → Banshu Renrakudo or Maizuru-Wakasa Expwy → Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expwy (Yoka-Hyonosen IC)	About 2.5–3 hr from Osaka/Kobe (for reference)

*Parking totals about 4,600 spaces across both zones (for reference).

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
1-Day Lift Ticket (shared for both zones, Adult, Weekday/Weekend)	¥5,000 / ¥6,000
Same (Child, Weekday)	¥3,500
Same (Senior, Weekday)	¥4,500
Rental (3-Piece Ski Set / 2-Piece Snowboard Set)	From ¥3,000 / From ¥3,500

*Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Recommended For

• Those who prioritize the number of courses and overall scale (25 courses across both zones)
• Intermediate-to-advanced skiers who enjoy long cruising runs and mogul slopes (4,000m long course, Kitakabe)
• Those into freestyle and park riding (Hachi Kogen's "The Parks")
• Beginners and families can feel at ease too (gentle slopes and kids' parks in both zones)

■Mineyama Kogen (Kamikawa, Hyogo)

Mineyama Kogen opened in 2017, making it one of the newer ski resorts in Kansai. It's about an hour from Himeji with good access, and its course mix (70% beginner, 30% intermediate) and maximum gradient of 30 degrees make it especially beginner-friendly. It also features what's said to be the prefecture's largest kids' park, and the appeal extends to its modern facilities, including a system that lets you use your smartphone in place of a paper lift ticket.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Train + Bus	Himeji Sta. → (JR Bantan Line) → Terakami Sta. → (reservation-based shuttle bus, ¥1,000 for adults) → resort	About 25 min. (bus)
Tour Bus	No scheduled direct bus route. Travel-agency tour buses are available.	Varies by tour
Car	Via the Banshu Renrakudo (Kanzaki-Minami IC) → Prefectural Route 8	About 1 hr from Himeji / about 1 hr 30 min. from Kobe/Osaka

*Parking has about 600 spaces (for reference).

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult, Weekday/Weekend)	¥3,600 / ¥4,800
Same (Child, Weekday/Weekend)	¥2,600 / ¥3,300
Same (Senior, Weekday/Weekend)	¥2,600 / ¥3,300
Rental Set (Adult/Child)	¥4,200 / ¥3,200

*The resort typically closes in mid-March, somewhat earlier than other resorts. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Recommended For

• Those looking for a resort close to the Himeji/Kobe area
• First-time skiers and snowboarders (max gradient of 30 degrees, mostly beginner courses)
• Families with young children (the prefecture's largest kids' park)
• Those who want to minimize wait times and ski efficiently (smartphone-linked lift ticket system)

■Hyonosen International Ski Resort (Yabu, Hyogo)

Hyonosen International Ski Resort sits on Hyogo Prefecture's highest peak and boasts a vertical drop of about 490 meters. Its snow is considered among the best in the Kansai region, and it's an all-around resort with a well-balanced mix of courses from beginner to advanced. It also has a solid kids' park and board park, plus a perk where women ski free every Wednesday.

Access at a Glance

Method	Route	Estimated Travel Time
Train + Bus	Osaka Sta./Kyoto Sta. → (JR) → Yoka Sta. → (Zentan Bus bound for Hachibuseguchi, about 50 min) → resort	TBC (we recommend checking a transit app for your specific route)
Direct Bus	Day-trip tour buses with lift-ticket packages depart from Shin-Osaka	About 3 hr from Shin-Osaka
Car	Via the Maizuru-Wakasa Expwy, Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expwy, and Banshu Renrakudo, about 30 min. from the Yoka-Hyonosen IC	About 2 hr 10 min. from the Keihanshin area

*Parking has about 450 spaces (for reference; ¥500 on weekdays / ¥1,500 on weekends).

Price Guide

Item	Price Guide
1-Day Lift Ticket (Adult, Weekday/Weekend)	¥4,000 / ¥4,800–5,300
Same (Child, Weekday/Weekend)	¥2,200 / ¥2,500–3,000
Same (Senior, Weekday/Weekend)	¥3,400 / ¥4,200–4,700
Rental Set (Adult/Child)	¥4,000 / ¥3,000

*Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Recommended For

• Those seeking good snow at a high-elevation resort
• Groups of family or friends spanning beginner to advanced levels (wide range of courses)
• Women's groups or couples looking for a good deal (Ladies' Day every Wednesday)
• Those who want an easy trip via a direct bus from Shin-Osaka