CLASSIC RESORTS JAPAN – HAKUBA . SHIGA KOGEN . NOZAWA ONSEN . MYOKO KOGEN
JAPAN’S NAGANO & NIIGATA PREFECTURES – WORLD CLASS SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING, BREATHTAKING SCENERY AND GREAT SNOW FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
With incredible Japanese powder snow, breathtaking scenery, multiple world-class resorts, vast terrain with no lift lines, relaxing onsen spas, extensive accommodation options, fantastic traditional and western cuisine, and a wide array of cultural experiences to explore, Nagano and Niigata are the perfect choice for your next snow holiday.
Nestled in the awe-inspiring Japanese Alps, the prefectures of Nagano and Niigata are home to some of the best ski resorts in Japan. Located in central Honshu, accessible by Shinkansen from Tokyo, the area enjoys long winters and incredible annual snowfall of 10 meters or more. With mild average winter temperatures of just below -3C, it’s easy to spend all day out on the mountains and exploring the many adventures that make this winter paradise in the heart of Japan a haven for snow lovers.
Beyond the incredible skiing and amazing scenery, Nagano and Niigata are blessed with abundant geothermal activity, and havesome of the country’s best natural hot spring baths. Relaxing in the soothing mineral waters of an outdoor natural onsen while snowflakes flutter down from above truly is the best way to end a long day of skiing, sightseeing or shopping.
Unique Culture, History, and Delicious Japanese Cuisine
Nagano and Niigata are ideally positioned for exploring the sights and traditional culture of Japan. Home of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano City is a thriving city of 400,000 people built around 1400-year-old Zenkoji Temple and is an excellent blend of the bold and ultra-modern Japanese culture and the area’s rich traditions.
A fun and enlightening day tour can be spent exploring Zenkoji Temple, sampling sake at the local breweries and visiting the famous Snow Monkey Park.
Throughout your visit, you will enjoy delicious local cuisine with incredible, freshly-caught seafood and premium sake in Niigata and Japan’s most famous buckwheat soba noodles in Nagano.
Hakuba
One of Japan’s premier alpine destinations, Hakuba Village is the gateway to ten amazing resorts set in the heart of the Japanese Alps, all accessible with a single lift pass. With access to over 200 runs, Hakuba Valley offers world-class skiing and snowboarding for all levels with amazing powder runs and exceptional groomed runs. The southern end of the valley starts with three ski areas, most notably Kashimayari, to the linked resorts of Hakuba 47, Hakuba Goryu and Happo One situated in the heart of Hakuba. The northern end of the valley is made up of Iwatake, Tsugaike, Hakuba Norikura and Cortina. Another fantastic feature of this area are the natural hot spring onsens – not only a great Japanese experience but also to ease the aches after a day on the mountains. If you want to take time away from the slopes, there are some excellent day tours available from Hakuba including a visit with the famous “Snow Monkeys”.
Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is situated in the heart of Johshin’etsu Kogen National Park and is by far the largest ski resort in Japan, with 18 interlinked resorts, all accessible with the one lift ticket and covering a huge area of diverse terrain. Famous for its grand scale, amazing panoramic views and large snow falls, Shiga Kogen is the ultimate destination for the keen skier or snowboarder and also boasts one of the longest seasons in Japan due to its high elevation. The accommodation at Shiga Kogen is spread out around many distinct villages and most of the options are ski-in/ski-out or located very close to the slopes.
Myoko Kogen
Myoko Kogen is set in the heart of Japan. The area is made up of several resorts with the major ones being linked by a shuttle service. The main ski area – Myoko Akakura is made up of two ski areas, Akakura Kanko and Akakura Onsen. The region is known for its deep soft powder, of which it receives an abundance. The main village of Akakura has a wide range of accommodation options in the town, with other nearby possibilities reached by shuttle bus. Many of the properties are locally owned and have a rich history, traditional culture and onsens. Due to its location, Myoko Kogen is the ideal stop for a multi ski resort holiday with Lotte Arai and Madarao located nearby. Lotte Arai is known as a powder paradise while Madarao is famous for some of the best tree skiing in Japan.
Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan’s original ski resorts. The traditional town has more than 30 natural hot spring sources located throughout it, and the narrow, cobbled streets are kept naturally clear of snow from the hot spring water that flows under them. Nozawa is known to have some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Nagano Prefecture, and the varied terrain gives everyone the chance to explore the powder like conditions whether it be the beginner area around the base or the mountain top for more experienced skiers. Nozawa Onsen will give you a truly authentic Japanese experience and is the place to explore small traditional izakayas and ramen restaurants, featuring the very best of local produce.
FAST FACTS:
HAKUBA VALLEY | NOZAWA ONSEN | SHIGA KOGEN | MYOKO KOGEN | |
At a glance | Hakuba Valley covers 3 municipal areas with 10 resorts and is one of the biggest snow sports meccas in Japan. A mix of modern Japan and rich cultural traditions. | More than 200 accommodation facilities and 13 public hot springs to enjoy after skiing. | 18 resorts located within a national park with 50 lifts & gondolas and 80 trails in total Elevation between 1300-2300 m, Shiga Kogen is known for its scale and epic scenery | Easy access by train and famous for its deep snow and great lifestyle. 4 resorts sit at the base of 2,454-meter-high Mt. Myoko. |
What you’ll get | Historic town with modern amenities | A wide range of activities to be enjoyed, an enriching escape for the body and soul. | Access to 18 resorts on one pass. Off mountain experiences include Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park and natural hot springs. | A great snow holiday for families and people of all ages. |
What it’s known for | Wide variety of courses from beginners to expert & back country. Easy access from Tokyo | Long courses with panoramic views. | Pristine location within a national park. | Incredible back country skiing |
Top tourist drawcard | Riverside hot springs with views of the Japanese Alps | Plentiful hot springs in an atmospheric Japanese village | Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park | The Togakushi Okusha Shrine |
Accommodation | All kinds of accommodation from traditional inn to self-serviced condominiums | All accommodation is located within walking distance to public hot springs | All styles of accommodation on offer with most offering breakfast and dinner packages | Akakura Kanko Hotel is one of the most sought-after ski-in ski-out accommodations in Japan. |
| Shabu-Shabu with Hakuba Pork | Nozawana (famous local leafy green vegetable) | Craft beer and local sake | Udon noodles |
OFF-MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCES | Kimono experience, cooking class, bus tours | Hot spring stamp rally, soba noodle making, tours to the snow monkeys, vine-weaving workshops | Guided snowshoeing tours and private tours to the Snow Monkeys | Echigo Tokimeki Railway runs dinning car train |
APRES SCENE | Bars, restaurants, traditional cultural experiences | Restaurants and Karaoke bars. Night Snow boots walking tour | 7 resorts offering Night Skiing | Akakura Onsen offers a wide range of restaurants |
FOR THE EXPERT SKIER | Tsugaike Mountain Resort, Happo-One Ski Resort | Back country tours are available | Full day guided back country courses | Suginohara-Akakura back country tour is one of Japan’s best |
FOR THE INTERMEDIATE SKIER | Iwatake Mountain Resort, Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba47 | Mt. Kenashi (1650m) Skyline course | Most of the 18 resorts cater to the intermediate skiier | Akakura Kanko Resort |
FOR THE BEGINNER SKIER | Free ski & snow boarding lessons available | Dedicated beginner’s slope (elev. 1407m) | 20 different ski schools offer beginner lessons | Beginar’s slopes are widely available at Suginohara and Aakura-Onsen ski resorts |
FOR FAMILIES | Hakuba Tokyu Hotel has renovated family rooms | Snow Kid’s Park, Sparena Onsen & Pool facility | Multiple resorts offer a Kids Park and Creche | Family accommodation at Akakura Hotel, Akakura Hotel Annex, Central and more. |
Holiday Packages
Our packages and prices have been developed to provide a guide as to what will be available when international borders open and are based closely on what was on offer for the 20/21 season. Contact us today to start planning and be ready for when international travel starts again.
Let’s make up for lost time and missed adventures!
Classic Resorts Japan provide opportunity for endless adventures for before or after your Japan snow holiday. Contact us on reservations@mogulskiworld.com.au to start planning.
Family Deal Gakuto Villas – Stay5 Save 15%
from $5599
HAKUBA: Couples Deal Koharu Resort Hotel & Suites – Stay 5 Save 15%
from $1349 pp
Just a few minutes’ walk to the Sakka Quad chairlift, Koharu offers a selection of modern studios, one and two bedroom apartments as well as a three bedroom penthouse, all with kitchenettes and laundry facilities.
HAKUBA: Family Deal Koharu Resort Hotel & Suites – Stay 5 Save 15%
from $7199
Couples Deal Snow Flower Condominiums – Value Rates
from $2659 pp
Family Deal Resort Plaza – Value Deal
from $12,299
Couples Deal The Chateaux at Deer Valley – Stay 7 Pay 5
from $2999 pp
Couples Deal Stein Eriksen Lodge – Stay 7 Pay 5
from $4799 pp
Family Deal Montage – Stay 6 Pay 5
from $13,999
Family Deal Black Bear Lodge – Value Deal
from $10,899
Couples Deal The Inn – Stay 6 Pay 5
from $1969 pp
Couples Deal Alta Peruvian Lodge – Stay 7 Pay 6
from $3299 pp
*Conditions Apply
