Akita
Season ended · next season typically starts December
Tazawako
A scenic resort on Mount Akita-Komagatake where every run looks down over Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake. Known for natural snow, mogul and park terrain, and the famous hot springs of Nyuto Onsen nearby.
Based on local data and reviews
About the Resort
Tazawako is a ski resort on the slopes of Mount Akita-Komagatake in Akita. Its most famous feature is the view: every course looks down over Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan. The resort has 13 courses, with a level split of about 30% beginner, 30% intermediate, and 40% advanced. The longest run is about 3 kilometres, and the steepest slope reaches 38 degrees. The mountain uses natural snow, and parts of the area are left ungroomed for deep-snow skiing.
Tazawako is better known as a resort for confident skiers than as a first-time family hill. It has hosted a Mogul World Cup, and there are four terrain park zones with jumps, banks, and rails. There is also a children's snow play area called Snowland, so families with mixed levels can still visit, but parents of true beginners should know that a large share of the terrain is advanced. Wind from the lake can sometimes blow up the slope on exposed runs.
The resort is easy to reach for a Tohoku mountain. By train, you take the Akita Shinkansen to Tazawako Station, then a local Ugo Kotsu bus (Nyuto line) for about 30 minutes. From Akita Airport, the Akita Airport Liner reaches the resort in about 110 minutes. The famous hot springs of Nyuto Onsen and the closer Mizusawa and Tazawako Kogen hot spring areas are nearby, which makes Tazawako a strong choice for a ski-and-onsen trip.
Official website: Tazawako Ski Resort
Location & Access
By Car
N/A
Parking
N/A
By Train
N/A
Akita, Japan
Terrain & Slopes
13
Courses
6
Lifts
3km
Longest run
Beginner30%
Intermediate30%
Advanced40%
Snowboard ParkNot Available
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdult4,800 yen
1-Day Lift TicketChild1,500 yen
1-Day Lift TicketSenior4,000 yen
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : N/A
Snowboard Lesson : N/A
Why You'll Love Tazawako
A view over Japan's deepest lake
Every run looks down over Lake Tazawa
Tazawako's best-known feature is its view. Every course on the mountain looks down over Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan. On a clear day the scenery is striking, and it is a real reason skiers choose this resort. The resort sits on the slopes of Mount Akita-Komagatake.
Strong terrain for confident skiers
Mogul World Cup runs and four park zones
Tazawako has hosted a Mogul World Cup, and about 40% of its terrain is advanced. There are four terrain park zones with jumps, banks, and rails, plus ungroomed areas for deep snow. Confident skiers and snowboarders will find plenty here, though parents of true beginners should plan around the advanced runs.
Famous hot springs nearby
Nyuto Onsen and lakeside spas
The resort sits among some of Tohoku's best hot springs. The famous Nyuto Onsen is nearby, and the closer Mizusawa and Tazawako Kogen hot spring areas are within easy reach. After skiing, families can soak in natural hot spring water, which makes Tazawako a good base for a ski-and-onsen trip.
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
N/A
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 Tazawako
No news available at the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Tazawako
It works for families, but with care. There is a children's snow play area called Snowland and some beginner runs, but about 40% of the terrain is advanced. True beginners should stay on the lower, gentle slopes. Stronger family members will enjoy the mogul and park terrain.
The resort has a ski school, but English support is more limited than at large international resorts. It is best to book ahead and confirm English directly with the school before your trip.
Take the Akita Shinkansen to Tazawako Station, then a local Ugo Kotsu bus (Nyuto line) for about 30 minutes to the resort. From Akita Airport, the Akita Airport Liner reaches the resort in about 110 minutes.
Yes. The area is famous for hot springs. Nyuto Onsen is nearby, and the Mizusawa and Tazawako Kogen hot spring areas are closer. Lake Tazawa itself is a scenic spot. Non-skiers can relax in the onsen and enjoy the lake views.
The resort uses natural snow and keeps some areas ungroomed for deep-snow skiing. Snow quality is good, though wind from the lake can sometimes affect exposed runs. Check conditions before you go.
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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.