Snow in Japan
Featherlight snow, steaming onsens, and magical landscapes await.
Japan Snow Forecast
Check the weather for accurate forecasts, snowfall predictions, and live temperature updates to plan your winter adventures with confidence.
Visiting Japan in Winter
Fresh powder blanketing Hakuba’s slopes, steam curling from mountaintop onsens, and lantern-lit streets glowing under a soft snowfall-this is winter in Japan at its finest. Ski through world-renowned Japow, explore serene temples dusted with frost or catch a glimpse of snow monkeys soaking in hot springs. From seasonal street food to cozy ryokans, there are different ways to enjoy the season in Japan.
Ski Resort Transportation: From the Airport Directly to the Powder
Traveling to Japan’s ski resorts can be the most stressful part of your winter holiday. Most travelers dread the "Shinkansen struggle"-dragging 20kg ski bags through crowded stations with one hand, while holding your child’s hand with the other, all while searching for an elevator that has a 20-minute wait.
Then, once you arrive at the station, you still have to find a way to get your group and all that gear to a remote mountain lodge, or meet with the extremely long queue in the cold (and in the snow and chilly wind) to get onto the shuttle bus with almost everyone who got off the same shinkansen as you did!
We believe there is a better way to begin your winter adventure.
Seamless Door-to-Door Service: We pick you up directly from Narita, Haneda, or New Chitose Airport and take you straight to your lodge in Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, or Niseko (from New Chitose Airport). No luggage forwarding (Takkyubin) delays, no heavy lifting, and no gear left behind. Since you will travel with your suitcases, your suitcases and gear will arrive with you, and not the next day, and you can be prepared to get on the slopes and enjoy as soon as you are ready!
Safety on Icy Roads: Driving in "Japow" conditions requires experience and training. Our professional drivers are experts and have been trained at navigating heavy snowfall and mountain passes. Relax in a warm, comfortable vehicle while we handle the white-out conditions for you.
The "Provision Stop": Unlike a scheduled shuttle, your private charter is flexible. We can stop at a local supermarket or a ski rental shop on the way to your resort. This allows you to stock up on snacks or get fitted for boots so you can hit the slopes the very next morning without delay.
Inclusive comfortable private space for the Whole Family: Our vehicles like the Alphard, Hiace and microbuses are perfectly designed for couples and groups. They comfortably fit various group sizes with full ski/snowboard gear.
A More Inclusive Winter Experience: Built on "Sampo-yoshi"
At TokudAw, we believe that winter travel should be about more than just the slopes. Our service is guided by the traditional Japanese business philosophy of Sampo-yoshi. This principle prioritizes positive stakeholder relationships over simple profits and consists of three essential sides:
Urite-yoshi (Good for the seller)
Kaite-yoshi (Good for the buyer)
Seken-yoshi (Good for society)
We hope that through our tours, our guests are able to have a fruitful and fun time (Kaite-yoshi), while we contribute to the local economy, and encourage meaningful communication and interaction between the locals and the tourists (Seken-yoshi), allowing us all to learn from each other and progress as a whole.
Turning Your Transit into a Cultural Discovery
For families with non-skiers, or those who want a more authentic taste of Japan, we turn your transit into a curated journey that supports local artisans and hidden gems:
Gateway Culture: Instead of rushing from the airport, explore the 1,000-year-old Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple or the red torii gates of Haneda's Anamori Inari Shrine. Stop for a treat at Tamagawaya, a traditional sweet shop founded nearly a century ago.
Authentic Roadside Stops: The road to the mountains is filled with local craftsmanship. We can visit Ide Sake Brewery to see how Mt. Fuji spring water becomes premium sake, or stop in Matsumoto to see Takagi, where handmade temari balls have been crafted since 1878 as symbols of family harmony.
Supporting Local Flavors: We avoid the "tourist traps" and introduce you to family-run spots like Yukido Senbei, where rice crackers are hand-crafted over three days, or farmers markets like Tabi no Eki that showcase organic produce from the Fuji region.
Inclusive Itineraries for the Whole Family
We take pride in creating "split itineraries" so no one feels left behind. While the skiers head to the gondola, we can take the rest of the family to see the Jigokudani Snow Monkeys or a hidden hot spring known only to locals. We then reunite the whole family for a warm meal at a local eatery, ensuring your journey creates a meaningful connection with the mountain communities of Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions: Snow Charters
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Yes! Our Toyota Hiace is perfect for this. We remove the back row of seats to create a massive luggage area, ensuring all your gear and passengers travel together in one vehicle.
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Yes, absolutely. Unlike a shuttle bus or a train, your private charter is flexible. Most guests like to make a "provision stop" at a local supermarket to stock up on snacks, drinks, and breakfast items before reaching the resort. We can also stop at a rental shop so you can get fitted for your gear on the day you arrive, saving you time the next morning. We can even stop at uniqlo or your favourite snow gear store for you to pick up some clothing items to keep you warm.
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Safety is our priority. All our snow-route vehicles are equipped with professional-grade winter tires. Our drivers are local experts who are trained to navigate the icy mountain passes of Nagano, Niigata, and Hokkaido. You can relax in a climate-controlled cabin while we handle the technical mountain driving.
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Yes. Since the drive from the airport to resorts like Hakuba can take 4–5 hours, we ensure our youngest guests have high-quality, comfortable safety seats (infant, toddler, or booster). Just let us know the ages of your children when you book, and we will have them installed and ready.
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Don't worry. We monitor your flight status in real-time. If you are delayed at immigration or your flight lands late, your driver will be there waiting for you. There is no risk of "missing your bus"-we wait until you are ready.
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We love this idea! Turning your transfer into a "Sightseeing Transfer" is the best way to see the region. Since we are already driving toward Nagano, adding a stop at the Jigokudani Monkey Park or the historic Matsumoto Castle is very easy to arrange and makes the long journey much more fun for the whole family.
A Note on Winter Safety from our Lead Driver
"In Japan, we call the snow 'Japow' because it is light and beautiful, but on the road, it requires absolute respect. Many visitors ask if they should rent a car and drive themselves. My honest advice? Unless you are used to 'white-out' conditions where the road disappears and the 'black ice' beneath the snow becomes like a skating rink, it is best to leave it to a professional. At TokudAw, we don't just drive; we read the road. We monitor mountain wind speeds and temperature drops in real-time to ensure your family stays warm and safe inside the cabin while we navigate the mountain passes."
Where does it snow the most in Japan?
Aomori City holds the crown for the heaviest snowfall in Japan—and the world! This northern city becomes a snow lover's dream each winter, with its streets, trees, and rooftops buried under a thick blanket of powder. Looking for more winter hotspots? Check out these must-visit ski resorts and snowy destinations:
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Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Nestled in Hokkaido, Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort is a powder paradise renowned for its Japow—light, dry snow that blankets the slopes all season long.
Perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking quieter trails, Moiwa offers pristine off-piste runs, tree skiing, and breathtaking views of Mount Yotei.
With a laid-back charm and easy access to nearby Niseko resorts, it’s an ideal choice for those craving fresh tracks without the crowds. After a day carving through the powder, unwind in local onsens or savor Hokkaido’s famous seafood cuisine.
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Tsugaike Ski Resort
Located in Nagano’s Hakuba Valley, Tsugaike Ski Resort is a haven for snow enthusiasts of all levels.
Boasting wide, beginner-friendly slopes and challenging backcountry terrain, it caters to everyone from families to powder hunters. The resort’s high altitude pretty much guarantees excellent snow quality, while its expansive terrain park offers jumps and rails for freestylers.
Off the slopes, experience the warmth of local hospitality in nearby ryokans or explore the picturesque village of Otari. Tsugaike’s gondola also provides stunning panoramic views, making it a standout destination in Japan’s snowy landscape.
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Hakuba Ski Resort
A jewel of Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba Ski Resort is famous worldwide for its epic powder, hosting some of the best alpine skiing in Japan.
With over ten interconnected resorts, it’s a playground for all skill levels, offering everything from gentle beginner slopes to steep advanced runs. Hakuba is also home to lively après-ski options, from cozy izakayas to bustling bars.
Don’t miss the stunning views of the Japanese Alps, which provide a dramatic backdrop to this winter wonderland.
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Fujiten Snow Resort
Just a stone’s throw from Mount Fuji, Fujiten Snow Resort offers a unique skiing experience with Japan’s most iconic peak as your backdrop.
Popular among families and beginners, the resort features gentle slopes, a well-equipped snow park, and a dedicated kids' area.
Beyond skiing, Fujiten is perfect for a day trip, combining snow play with sightseeing around Mount Fuji. Relax with a hot drink at the base lodge while taking in the picturesque views of Japan’s most famous mountain.
Why ski in Japan?
✔ Japow
Japan’s legendary light, dry powder snow is unrivaled for its quality and abundance.
✔ Cultural après-ski
Relax in soothing onsen baths, enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, and explore quaint ski villages.
✔ Tree-skiing paradise
From tree-lined runs to untouched backcountry routes, Japan offers something for every level of skier.
✔ Night skiing
Many resorts offer well-lit slopes, letting you glide under a canopy of stars.
✔ Quiet slopes
Experience uncrowded resorts, especially outside peak tourist spots like Niseko.
How to enjoy the snow in Japan (non-skiers)
Fun winter activities
Japan’s snow-covered landscapes are a playground for non-skiers. Relax in outdoor onsens like Takaragawa Onsen, surrounded by snowy peaks. Visit the Snow Monkey Park of Jigokudani where you’ll see the native primates soaking in hot springs, marvel at shimmering Misotsuchi icicles in Saitama, or try ice fishing for wakasagi on frozen lakes like Lake Hibara in Fukushima.
Festivals and events
Winter in Japan comes alive with dazzling festivals. Admire intricate ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival, wander through candlelit igloos at Yokote Kamakura Festival, or enjoy the fiery traditions of the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival. Don’t miss magical evening light-ups at historic temples and shrines for a truly enchanting experience.
Spectacular snowscapes
Explore snowy wonders that aren’t ski resorts. Take a snowshoe trek through the serene Shirakami Sanchi forests or visit the fairy-tale village of Shirakawa-go, its thatched roofs blanketed in snow. For otherworldly views, head to Zao to see the famous “snow monsters” – frost-coated trees sculpted by the elements.
Winter foods to enjoy
Winter in Japan is as much about flavors as it is about sights. Warm up with oden, a hearty dish of stewed vegetables and fish cakes, or enjoy imoni, a taro root stew. Savor in-season, winter strawberries grown in Tochigi’s greenhouses, or treat yourself to steaming bowls of nabe and ramen.
Tips, insights, and inspiration for your trip:
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Planning Your Dream Japan Ski Season
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From the Narita or Haneda Airport to the Nagano snow resorts: How to make the most of your snow transfer in Japan with authentic, local experiences
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10 Activities for Non-Skiers Visiting Japan in Winter
Book your winter getaway transport with TokudAw
Ready for snow-draped temples, world-class ski slopes, and warm onsen retreats?