Gunma
Season ended
White World Oze Iwakura
One of the largest resorts in the Kanto region, in the Katashina area of Gunma, about two and a half hours from Tokyo. It is known as a serious skiers' mountain, but it also has wide beginner runs and strong family facilities, including ski-in hotels with hot springs.
Based on local data and reviews
About the Resort
White World Oze Iwakura is one of the largest ski resorts in the Kanto region, in the Katashina area of Gunma, Japan. It covers about 111 ha, with 16 courses, a top elevation of about 1,703 m, a base of about 1,006 m, a vertical drop of about 697 m, and a longest run of about 3,200 m. The level split is about 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced.
The resort has a strong reputation as a serious skiers' mountain, with rich advanced terrain and a steep run of up to about 40 degrees, and it has hosted skiing technique competitions. At the same time, it is well set up for families: the wide, gentle Family and Romance courses suit beginners, there is a beginner ticket valid on two base lifts, and the Rock'n Hiroba kids zone has a snow escalator, sledding, tubing, and air toys. There are two ski-in hotels with natural hot springs, a day hot spring lounge, a kids rest space, and a nursing room.
From Tokyo, it is about two and a half hours by car, via the Numata IC and Route 120 in the Katashina area.
Official website: White World Oze Iwakura
Location & Access
By Car
From the Numata IC on the Kanetsu Expressway, via Route 120 in the Katashina area. Mountain roads have snow in winter; snow tires or chains are required.
Parking
Parking at the base; free on weekdays (about 1,000 yen on weekends and special days; free for all from mid-March).
By Train
About two and a half hours from Tokyo. Local public transport is limited; many visitors come by car or on a winter bus tour. Check options in advance.
Gunma, Japan
Terrain & Slopes
16
Courses
11
Lifts
3.2km
Longest run
Beginner30%
Intermediate40%
Advanced30%
Snowboard ParkNot Available
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdultSee official site (a Tuesday Ladies Day rate of about 4,000 yen with a coupon is offered)
1-Day Lift TicketChildSee official site (preschoolers ride lifts free; kids park about 1,500 yen)
1-Day Lift TicketSeniorSee official site
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : N/A
Snowboard Lesson : N/A
Why You'll Love White World Oze Iwakura
A big mountain for every level
16 courses across one of Kanto's largest resorts
White World Oze Iwakura is one of the largest resorts in the Kanto region, covering about 111 ha with 16 courses. It is known as a serious skiers' mountain, with rich advanced terrain and a steep run of up to about 40 degrees, and it has hosted skiing technique competitions. But it also has wide, gentle beginner runs, so a mixed-level family can ski here together.
Strong family facilities
A kids zone, a nursing room, and ski-in onsen hotels
The Family and Romance courses are wide and gentle and suit beginners, and there is a beginner ticket valid on two base lifts. The Rock'n Hiroba kids zone has a snow escalator, sledding, tubing, and air toys. There are two ski-in hotels with natural hot springs, a kids rest space with a ball pool and picture books, and a nursing room for small children.
Light powder and after-ski comfort
Dry snow and a day hot spring lounge
The snow here is light and dry, and the large mountain rarely feels crowded, with plenty of room on the slopes, lifts, and in the rest houses. After skiing, there is a day hot spring and lounge with free drinks and a large library, which non-skiers can use for a fee. Preschool children ride the lifts free.
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
About two and a half hours from Tokyo. Local public transport is limited; many visitors come by car or on a winter bus tour. Check options in advance.
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: —/day • Snowboard set: —/day
💳 Payment Methods
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
🌨️ Best Time to Visit
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Latest News from White World Oze Iwakura
No news available at the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about White World Oze Iwakura
Yes, although it is also known as a serious skiers' mountain. The wide, gentle Family and Romance courses suit beginners, and there is a beginner ticket valid on two base lifts. The Rock'n Hiroba kids zone has a snow escalator, sledding, tubing, and air toys, and there is a kids rest space and a nursing room.
There is a ski school at the resort, including kids lessons. English support is limited compared with large international resorts, so it is best to book a lesson ahead of time and confirm English directly with the school before you travel.
It is about two and a half hours from Tokyo. Many visitors come by car, via the Numata IC and Route 120 in the Katashina area. There are also winter bus tours from Tokyo. Check public transport options in advance, as local services can be limited.
Yes. It has a strong reputation for advanced terrain and technique competitions, but it is a large mountain with wide beginner runs and strong family facilities, including a kids zone and a nursing room. Beginners and children can stay on the gentle Family and Romance courses while stronger skiers explore the harder runs, all on one mountain.
Yes. There are two ski-in hotels with natural hot springs, so you can ski to and from your room. There is also a day hot spring and lounge with free drinks and a large library, which non-skiers can use for a fee. This makes it easy to combine skiing with a relaxed stay.
Still have questions?Contact us
Ready to plan your ski trip?
Build your custom itinerary with our trip planner
TakFounder · Japow GuidesI'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two, with over 20 years on Japan's slopes. Resorts I have personally visited are marked “Visited” and include my first-hand notes. The other resorts are summarized from public ski-area data and local reviews. I add my own notes over time.