The 10 Japan ski trip planning tips included in this article are essential knowledge you need for a successful vacation.
The JaPow Experience
The snow is falling in Japan, and the allure of an epic Japan ski trip fills your mind with dreams of deep powder and free refills. If you’re like us, you dream of the face shots and pillow lines through cherry blossom trees, relaxing in majestic onsens, and indulging in delicious local cuisine.
You hear stories of awesome adventures and can’t wait to embark on your dream trip to ski or snowboard in Japan. After hours of scrolling social media and researching the best place to score freshies, you decide Hokkaido is the place to be.
Like you, we were extremely excited about snowboarding in Japan. We focused our research and energy on the places we wanted to visit and the blower pow we sought to experience.
As travel experts, we spent months planning the most epic snowboarding adventure in Japan.
Overall we had an amazing snowboard trip to Japan filled with face shots and delicious food, however our dream trip to experience ”JaPow” quickly turned into an experience we jokingly call “JaPain.”
After spending 16 days traveling around the island of Hokkaido, visiting multiple cities and five different ski areas, we are here to share the knowledge we wish we had known before embarking on our Japan snowboard trip adventure.
Traveling to Japan for a ski or snowboarding trip differs from simply traveling to Japan, and most travel information does not consider this.
Here, we share 10 Japan ski trip planning tips to ensure your experience is smooth and stress-free.
Tip #1 Avoid The Crowds On Your Japan Ski Trip
The secret is out, and everyone knows the best time to ski or snowboard in Japan is January – February. This time frame generally provides the best ski conditions of the year, with loads of fresh powder, hoots, and face shots all day.
Here’s what you probably don’t know: Japanese ski areas have become increasingly crowded.
Since COVID-19, there has been a significant increase in tourism to Japan’s ski resorts year over year.
In 2024, Japan set a new tourism record of 36.87 million visitors, 5 million more than the previous pre-COVID record.
Places like Niseko have seen the most significant increase in winter season visitors.
Exuberance for the Japan ski trip is at an all-time high, with more skiers and snowboarders flocking to its legendary powder than ever before.
While the exchange rate for Americans may be attractively low, the prices for lodging and food in ski resort areas like Niseko are at an all-time high.
Several contributing factors have created a tourism boom.
Australian schools take their two-month break from mid-December to mid-February and flights to Japan are inexpensive, enticing a massive influx of Australian tourists.
Chinese New Year attracts many visitors to Japan’s ski areas. The holiday is celebrated for two weeks, from the end of January to mid-February.
The lure of light powder and a favorable USD exchange rate have become very attractive to American tourists who want to book Japan ski trips.
It will be busy if you book your Japan ski trip during the prime winter ski season.
Our #1 tip on tourism is to avoid the busy ski resorts and opt for smaller local resorts or backcountry experiences.
Book reservations well in advance and target early or late-season dates to avoid the crowds.
Tip #2 Travel By Air – Airport Advice
When traveling to Japan for a ski or snowboard trip, we recommend traveling to Hokkaido by air to New Chitose Airport (CTE).
It is typically cheaper, faster, and more convenient than traveling by train from Tokyo.
New Chitose Airport (CTE) is approximately 30-45 minutes from the center of Sapporo and offers a pleasant travel experience.
The Airport has everything you need: lodging, great food, phone services, SIM cards, pocket wifi, courier shipping services, high-end shopping, rental cars, and all local transportation services.
There are many great food options inside the airport’s domestic terminal. Most restaurants are in the airport area before security checkpoints, making dining easy after arrival or before departure.
We highly recommend the Ramen Dojyo; we enjoyed some excellent ramen.
The airport is served by train, bus, and taxis; making travel to and from CTE airport accessible.
However, just because it’s accessible doesn’t mean it’s easy.
The local transit section below details the nuances of public transportation and our travel tips.
Upon arrival at CTE, we underestimated how tired we would be after a 24-hour journey from the US to Sapporo.
We do not recommend continuing your travel plans from the airport if you are on a 20+ hour international journey.
In this scenario, staying at the airport upon arrival is the BEST advice we can give.
We highly recommend staying at The Portom Hotel in the international terminal. It offers large rooms, is exceptionally posh, and has the most fantastic Onsen in Japan.
The on-site bar and lounge is an excellent place to enjoy a fine Japanese whiskey or a glass of wine.
The Portom Hotel makes traveling easy. You won’t have to worry about flight delays, bus/train connections, or rental car business hours.
Show up, check-in, and relax before making your next travel move.
When departing on an early morning flight out of CTE, please note that buses, shuttles, and trains do not run before 6:00 a.m.
If you plan to use public transportation to the airport, we recommend booking a flight departing no earlier than 8:30 a.m.
If you visit Tokyo for a few days before flying to Sapporo, traveling to your final destination from the CTE airport is a fairly short journey and an airport stay is not needed.
Alternative Hokkaido Airport – (AKJ) Asahikawa
Check flights to Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) if you plan to visit areas near Furano, Asahidake, Kamui Ski Links, or other backcountry areas in central or northern Hokkaido on your Japan ski trip.
This airport is much smaller and less traveled than CTE and offers a great alternative for getting to central Hokkaido.
Tip #3 Ship Your Luggage
When traveling with gear bags on your Japan ski trip we recommend shipping ski/snowboard luggage.
It is standard practice, cheap and convenient to ship gear bags.
It takes 2 days to ship bags to your destination from the airport.
There are a few options at the CTE and Tokyo Airport for shipping luggage. Yamato (Black Cat) seems to be the most widely used service and has an excellent reputation.
You must ship your luggage from the airport by 3 p.m. to get your bags delivered in 2 days. If you do not make the 3 p.m. cutoff, it will take 3 days.
You can also ship your bags from any 7-11 or hotel front desk in Japan. These locations only pick up once daily in the am, so make sure to check pick-up times.
Do NOT, under any circumstances, try to travel on trains with your ski/snowboarding gear bags. Carrying large bags through train stations or busy subways is not realistic.
Tip #4 Rent a Car For Your Japan Ski Trip
Traveling in a foreign country is difficult, especially when you don’t speak the language. Add a couple of 50-pound ski bags, a roller bag, and a backpack, and you’ve got a stressful and exhausting situation.
Transportation is the most critical factor that can make or break your trip.
Knowing what to expect and the easiest way to navigate your journey is pure gold.
If you take no other advice from this article, listen to us when we say RENT A CAR.
Car Rental
Renting a car gives you flexibility, freedom from the masses, and the ability to get to and from the places you wish to visit.
We recommend Toyota Rental Car Company for ease of use and reputation.
Unlike in America, rental car companies in Japan do not open early or stay open late.
Many companies do not allow for after-hours drop-off or pick-up; plan accordingly.
You will need a car to access most of the smaller local ski resorts and backcountry areas.
When traveling on a ski trip in Japan without a car, you are entirely dependent on crowded trains or at the mercy of limited bus schedules (if you can even get a bus).
Taxis are not an option in many situations.
The apprehension of cost, fear of driving on the opposite side of the road, and navigating a foreign country are valid concerns. However, the stress you will endure from not renting a car far outweighs any driving stressors.
The roads in Japan are well maintained, and the freeways are much less crowded than those in the US.
It’s essential to reserve a car early, months before your trip.
Once in Japan, it is not possible to rent a car on a whim; there are not enough cars for the number of tourists.
Tip #5 Make Reservations For Transport Buses
Buses
The bus is the next best option if you do not have a rental car.
When arriving for our Japan snowboard trip, we assumed we could simply show up and buy a bus ticket; this was our biggest mistake.
This Japan ski trip planning tip will assure your travels are stress free.
You need reservations for most transport buses that travel between cities and ski resorts.
Due to the recent surge in Japan tourism, buses are selling out days to weeks in advance.
When Traveling from the airport (CTE), transport buses offer charter-style seating and under-cargo luggage storage that can accommodate large ski bags and suitcases.
Bus reservation desks are located on the ground floor of the domestic terminal in the New Chitose Airport (CTE).
The Hokkaido Resort Liner and the White Liner are great options for traveling from the CTE airport to your mountain destination.
The White Liner services Niseko, while the Hokkaido Resort Liner offers buses to and from multiple mountain locations.
Make sure to purchase bus tickets in advance, or you may not get a seat.
Trust us when we say you do not want to be stranded without a reserved bus ticket.
Pictured above is an example of a non-reservation Chuo bus.
The Chuo Bus offers transportation in, around and between many cities in Japan.
A Chuo Bus transit center is located at Sapporo Station.
The charter style Chuo Bus is a great option when traveling between Sapporo Station and Furano.
Chuo Airport shuttle service is available from Sapporo to CTE.
Ski Shuttles and Local City Buses
Beware, ski shuttles and city buses get very crowded in places like Niseko and Furano.
Taxis
Most taxis are small cars and will not accommodate large ski luggage. Reserve Van taxis from your hotel’s front desk if possible.
The Go-App is a good option, but you must have a phone plan to activate it. We recommend using Go-App only when traveling without baggage; we could never figure out how to order a Van or XL vehicle through the app.
Uber
Ride share services only exist in larger cities like Sapporo; you will not find Uber in small towns.
Trains
Taking the subway or JR Train while visiting the major cities of Japan is an efficient way to get around.
However, we strongly suggest avoiding the trains and subways for a ski trip, especially if you plan to visit multiple destinations around Hokkaido Japan.
The train stations are difficult to navigate, and it is almost impossible to transport large ski luggage on trains. For a smoother experience, we highly recommend buses.
Do not attempt to carry ski or snowboard bags on trains or through stations. The turnstiles, stairs, and train cars are not designed to accommodate large ski luggage.
Trains frequently get overloaded with travelers making for an uncomfortable experience.
We learned this the hard way and paid the price of lugging heavy gear bags up and down more flights of stairs than we care to remember. It was brutal to say the least, don’t make this mistake.
All trains are not the same.
Figuring out the train situation is incredibly complicated; head to the information window and use Google Translate to purchase your tickets.
Do not use the kiosks to buy your ticket; you risk purchasing the wrong ticket.
Speaking with a live person will ensure the right ticket and directions to the correct platform.
Some trains have specific cars with reserved seats, while others don’t. Sitting in someone else’s seat is considered extremely rude and can also be embarrassing when security asks you to move or exit the train. (This happened to us).
Take the express routes and reserve seats whenever possible for the best experience.
Tip #6 IC Suica Card – Learn The Quirks
The Suica card is a card that can be downloaded through the App Store, this card can be used to access JR trains, pay at convenience stores, vending machines, and take the subway or Chuo Bus.
While it is great to have and easy to use, it also has a few quirks.
The Suica card only allows for phone or watch use, not both. If you enable the card on your smartwatch, it will disappear from the wallet on your phone.
Imagine arriving to a busy turnstile and the card with the money you loaded on it has disappeared from your phone. Panic ensues while all the while it’s unknowingly still on your watch.
Do not assume you can use the Suica card on all trains.
While it may allow you to get through the turnstiles, you could be denied entry to the train if you need a reserved ticket for a specific train.
We made this mistake and paid the price of lugging our gear bags to and from the ticket window to purchase a new ticket and then missed the train because of it.
This mistake then caused major frustration in the days ahead, when our Suica cards were “stuck” on a trip we never took.
When traveling through the turnstiles, you must “finish” your trip for the card to work on your next use or it will stay stuck on your last trip.
If you accidentally go the wrong way in the train station, be sure to travel back through the “exit turnstile” before heading through the cashier window lane to “close” the trip.
You cannot use more than 1 card for a trip, so you can’t share cards with your travel partner or combine cards to pay tolls.
Do not download more than one Suica card, as this will create a confusing situation.
The Suica card is a great option for the subway, but we recommend cautiously using the card for long haul train travel.
Tip #7 Save Money With eSim or Pocket wifi
If you want to save money by not using an international phone plan, both eSim & Pocket wifi are available for purchase at the airport.
However, you will not have access to make calls or use SMS when opting for eSim or Pocket wifi on your Japan ski trip.
Using an eSim only works with an “Unlocked” phone.
Make sure to unlock your phone with your wireless carrier before traveling to Japan.
Saily is an eSim App that is an excellent option for use when traveling in Japan.
We recommend using Saily, it is affordable and worked great while traveling all over Hokkaido.
Tip #8 Prepare To Wait Outside At Restaurants
While Japan has some of the most delicious food you will ever experience, it is common to wait 30 minutes or more outside a restaurant for your turn to dine.
Many of the best restaurants in Japan are very small and may only hold 4-12 people at a time.
Make sure to arrive before you are hungry and dress warm.
Reservations are mandatory in busy ski resort areas like Niseko.
Hokkaido Japan is known for its fresh fish, miso ramen, Japanese curry and wagyu steak, these foods will not disappoint.
Japan is also known for their dairy products; milk, cheeses and ice cream are rich and delicious.
Visit a local creamery if you get the chance.
Stay away from hamburgers and other non Japanese foods as you will surely be disappointed.
Coffee is great, pastries are not, stick to the ice cream.
Tipping is not customary in Japan, and can even be considered rude. A simple thank you (Arigatou Gozaimasu) is all that is needed.
Tip #9 Carry Yen
Cash is king in Japan, many places are cash only.
ATMs are not always readily available near restaurants or ski resorts.
Carry cash to avoid being unable to pay for food or transportation.
You can access secure ATMs at all 7-11 or Lawson markets. These convenient stores offer a majority of staples and a variety of hot food items as well as beer and wine.
Tip #10 Hire A Ski Guide For Your Japan Ski Trip
Hire a guide if you plan to explore the backcountry on your Japan ski trip.
Daily rates are relatively inexpensive compared to the US.
Many guide options are available through online companies.
We had an amazing experience with Ninja Powder Guides out of Furano, we purchased a backcountry tour to Asahidake prior to arriving for our Japan ski trip.
The staff was very experienced and knowledgeable of the terrain, it was the highlight of our trip and we highly recommend Pat and his crew.
Pars Powder Paradise is another epic backcountry adventure near Niseko. Pars team has access to a private mountain area and offers a backcountry snowmobile snowboarding adventure. Lap untracked pow with a small group of fellow shredders!
Make sure your guide is adequately trained and certified in avalanche rescue. There is no standard in Japan for certifications to run a guide business, so do your due diligence and ask the right questions.
Due to the active volcano topography, Japan has many streams and creeks, which creates dangers of holes and waterways. A guide who knows the area and how to navigate the terrain is imperative.
Make sure to book your dates months in advance because they do book up fast.
Conclusion – Japan Ski Trip Planning Tips
We learned some valuable lessons after trekking through Japan for 16 days and traveling throughout central and southwestern Hokkaido.
The crowds are large, and the secret is out on Japan.
Everyone wants to take a Japan ski trip to ride blower pow, eat excellent sushi, and experience the unique culture.
Who can blame them? When Japan is firing, it provides the best conditions on the planet.
If you’re searching for face shots and blower pow all to yourself, you better start planning now.
These 10 Japan ski trip planning tips will ensure you the best trip possible.
Book your plans months early, avoid large crowded resorts, and rent a car. Take the road less traveled and opt for backcountry experiences and hire a guide who will show you the goods.
The authentic Japanese experience exists outside the Disneyland that is Niseko.
The most amazing food awaits and the restaurants are delicious, but most require a wait. Standing outside for long periods is customary when waiting for a table. Arrive early, dress warm and make reservations when available.
Carry cash with you always, as many places do not accept credit cards or electronic payments.
Most importantly, make reservations for all travel legs well in advance. Don’t be left sitting on the sidelines when the snow falls. Plan down days for shipping luggage if you do not have a rental car.
Transportation will make or break your trip, so make sure you understand exactly what you are getting into.
Download the Sucia and Saily Apps before arriving.
We hope after reading this article, you can avoid some of the struggles and mistakes we made.
Japan is a super rad place; with proper planning, you can navigate the transportation and the crowds.
An epic Japan ski trip awaits. Follow these tips, and you will indeed find a slice of JaPow.
Happy Shredding 😉
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