Island nation's best winter getaways

1. Niseko United, Hokkaido

Skiers and snowboarders from around the world rate Niseko for its excellent snow conditions, and it remains a popular snow resort among visitors to Japan. Niseko United is located on the side of Niseko Annupuri, a 1,308-meter-high mountain, and consists of four ski resorts. While each resort is independent, they all connect near the mountaintop. The Niseko United All Mountain Pass－an all-encompassing lift pass－is valid for each resort.

2. Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido

Rusutsu Resort houses a resort hotel and ski slopes within its grounds and is one of the largest single ski resorts in Hokkaido. Thirty-seven courses extend over the West, East, and Isola Mountains, offering a wealth of snow activities that cater to all levels, from beginners to professionals.

3. Mountain Naeba, Niigata

Mountain Naeba consists of two resorts: Naeba Ski Resort and Kagura Ski Resort. The two are connected by the Dragondola, Japan's longest gondola at 5.5 kilometers long. The highest point of Naeba Ski Resort is 1,789 meters. It has 13 lifts and 21 courses, the longest ski run is 4,000 m long. Meanwhile, Kagura Ski Resort has 21 lifts and 13 courses and the longest run stretches to 6,000 m.

4. Zao Onsen, Yamagata

Zao Onsen is a historic hot spring area and one of the largest hot spring and ski resorts in the Tohoku region. The Zao Onsen ski resort is set over a vast area with 38 ski lifts, including three cable cars, that serve 14 ski slopes and 12 ski courses. Zao is also a famous tourist spot for viewing Juhyo or so-called snow monsters (frost-covered trees).

5. Nozawa Onsen, Nagano

Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan's longest-established ski resorts. The resort sits on the side of Mount Kenashi (1,650 m) and offers snow travelers 36 ski slopes and courses including a run 10-kilometers long. With high-quality powder covering the resort from the mountaintop to the base of the slopes, Nozawa Onsen is particularly good for long snow runs. The natural hot springs are thought to have been discovered around 1,300 years ago. The center of the village, nestled at the foot of the mountain, still retains the charm and ambience of an old-fashioned spa town.

SOURCE: JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION