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Discover Japan's best ski resorts with legendary powder snow, world-class facilities, and authentic Japanese culture.
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Nestled in the Northern Japanese Alps, Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort offers world-class powder, slopes for all levels, and stunning alpine views—plus hot springs and local cuisine to enjoy off the slopes.
Last Updated: October 11, 2025 by Tak
Legendary Japanese powder
Diverse slopes & terrain
Perfect for all ages
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort, located at the foot of the majestic Northern Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture, is renowned for its abundant snowfall each year and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Here, visitors can enjoy top-quality powder snow across a variety of slopes that cater to all skill levels—from gentle runs perfect for beginners to steep courses that thrill advanced riders.
One of the resort’s highlights is its convenient gondola, allowing quick and easy access to higher elevations. From the observation deck, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Northern Alps, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your trip.
In addition, the surrounding area offers a wealth of hot springs and local culinary delights, ensuring there are plenty of ways to relax and savor the culture beyond skiing and snowboarding. For international visitors seeking the perfect blend of traditional Japanese charm and pristine winter landscapes, Tsugaike Kogen is truly an ideal destination.
Wide runs perfect for beginners and families
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort is famous for its wide, gentle slopes—some of the largest in Japan. With long runs stretching up to 5 km and spacious beginner-friendly courses, you can practice without worrying about speed or crowds. It’s the perfect place for first-time skiers and snowboarders to build confidence.
Light, dry “Japow” born from the Northern Alps
Thanks to its high altitude and snow clouds drifting in from the Northern Alps, Tsugaike enjoys abundant snowfall throughout the season. The snow is light, dry, and perfect for powder lovers. Stable conditions make it a great choice for consistent, enjoyable runs all winter long.
Safe snow play and sledding zones for little ones
The resort features dedicated kids’ parks and snow play areas, ensuring that even small children can have fun in a safe environment. There are sledding zones, magic carpets (moving walkways), and convenient facilities like nursing rooms and nearby rental shops—ideal for families traveling with children.
Breathtaking views from the Tsugaike Gondola
Hop on the Tsugaike Gondola “Eve” to reach the Tsuga-no-mori area at 1,700 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Northern Alps, including the iconic Hakuba Sanzan peaks. On a clear day, the scenery is so spectacular you’ll want to take photos before you even start your run.
December 20 - March 31
Weather dependent
Kanetsu Expressway Nerima IC→Fujioka JCT→Joshinetsu Expressway→Nagano IC→Route19→Hakuba-Nagano Olympic Road→Tsugaike Highland Ski-Area (4hr20min)
2,500 spaces
Tokyo Station→Nagano Station(1hr20min)→Bus(1hr30min)→Tsugaike Highland Ski-Area
Ski Lesson : from 5,500 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 5,500 yen
Ski Lesson : from 12,500 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 12,500 yen
For private English lessons, please apply through "Evergreen."
More Info →Ski Lesson : ASK
Snowboard Lesson : ASK
For private lessons in Chinese, please apply through "JSKI".
More Info →Tokyo Station→Nagano Station(1hr20min)→Bus(1hr30min)→Tsugaike Highland Ski-Area
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: ¥5,000/day • Snowboard set: ¥5,500/day. All equipment is regularly maintained and sanitized.
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants. Cash preferred at some smaller vendors. ATMs available at the resort center. Contactless payments supported.
January to February for the best powder conditions. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Early morning sessions offer the freshest snow.
Various lodging options from budget to luxury available. Book early during peak season (Dec-Mar). Many hotels offer ski-in/ski-out access. Hot spring facilities available at select accommodations.
Multiple restaurants and cafes on-site and nearby. Try local specialties and hot pot dishes. International cuisine also available. Reservations recommended for dinner during peak season.
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Everything you need to know about skiing at Tsugaike Mountain Resort
For Tsugaike, I would recommend the Bell Ringing Hill slope. It is probably the widest slope in the Hakuba Valley, and anyone can enjoy it.
Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station (1.5 hours), then take a bus to Fujiten (30 minutes). The total journey takes about 2 hours, making it perfect for day trips from Tokyo.
For more general questions (about money, culture, transport, etc.), please see our main Japan Skiing FAQ page.
View Main FAQI'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder with more than 20 years on the slopes. As a father of two, I enjoy riding natural terrain and side hits, and I'm passionate about helping international visitors discover the best of Japan's ski resorts. Off the slopes, I love family time, dogs, and soaking in Japanese onsen.