12 Popular Ski Resorts in Japan For Muslim Travellers

Japan is a captivating destination for travellers, offering a blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and exciting activities. For Muslim travellers, Japan has also become increasingly accommodating, with halal food options, prayer spaces, and other facilities designed to ensure a comfortable journey. When it comes to winter getaways, Japan’s ski resorts stand out as a unique attraction. From pristine snow-covered slopes to breathtaking mountain views, these resorts provide unforgettable experiences. In this guide, we explore the best ski resorts in Japan, incorporating tips and recommendations for Muslim travellers to enjoy a seamless winter adventure, complete with halal-friendly amenities and travel considerations.

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Hokkaido

1. Rusutsu Resort, with the award for Best Ski Resort in Japan

Image credit: Rusutsu Resort (Official) | Official Facebook

Rusutsu Resort adds to the list of ski resorts in Hokkaido Prefecture that you can visit during your winter vacation in Japan. Interestingly, this resort has won the "Best Ski Resort in Japan" award from the World Ski Awards in 2021. The atmosphere here is also known to be calm with extraordinary natural scenery. For facilities, there are dozens of ski trails for all, children's play areas, snow playgrounds, lodging, and onsen or hot springs.

Address: Izumikawa 13 Rusutsu Village, Rusutsu, Abuta District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

2. Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, which has soft snow

Image credit: niseko.ne.jp | Official Website

If you are looking for the best ski resorts in Japan, then there is always the name of Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area in Hokkaido. One of the advantages of this ski resort is the texture of the snow is very fine, known as "powder snow."

Ski resorts are home to beginners to professionals who want to enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more. Not only that, other facilities that you can enjoy are lodging, restaurants, and onsen (hot springs) which are perfect to enjoy when your body is cold after activities outside.

Address: 485 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

3. Furano Ski Resort, a blend of traditional and modern

Image credit: Visit Furano | Official Facebook

Hokkaido Prefecture has long been known as a winter tourism paradise in Japan because it has many interesting destinations and famous ski resorts, one of which is Furani Ski Resort. The ski area here has various levels for beginners to professionals. This ski resort also combines traditional and modern by having accommodation facilities, restaurants, cafes, onsen (hot springs), and izakaya (Japanese pubs).

Address: Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Nagano

4. Nozawa Onsen, a ski resort with natural hot springs

Image credit: Nozawa Onsen | Official Facebook

With over 40 km of ski runs, Nozawa Onsen is a popular destination for skiers. The snow here is also known for its high quality and thickness, making it easy to glide. This traditional ski resort is known for its onsen or natural hot springs with a rustic atmosphere and beautiful wooden buildings.

Address: Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

5. Hakuba Valley, home of the 1998 Winter Olympics

Image credit: Yasuki Minami | Official Facebook

Not too far from Tokyo, you can find the popular ski resort Hakuba Valley in Nagano Prefecture. Hakuba Valley was the venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics and has a variety of ski runs for beginners to professionals. The snow here is also known to be soft, making it a favourite for many visitors, coupled with stunning Alpine views.

Address: 5723 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

6. Shiga Kogen, one of the largest ski resorts in Japan

Image credit: Jun Yamagishi | Official Facebook

In addition to Hokkaido, the Prefecture is also known as a paradise for quality ski resorts. One of the largest ski resorts in Japan can be found in this prefecture, namely Shiga Kogen. The ski resort here has a large area of ​​more than 80 km of ski runs in several different areas so you can enjoy skiing, snow tubing, and more. After you're satisfied playing, immediately warm your body in the natural hot springs or onsen available here.

Address: 7148 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan

Niigata

7. Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort is very popular in Japan

Image credit: JAPAN TRIP | Official Facebook

When discussing ski resorts, it would be incomplete if we did not include the name Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort in the list. Not without reason, this ski resort is very easily accessible from the city of Tokyo and has ski trails for all levels from beginners to professionals. The snow layer is also smooth and the atmosphere that gets more romantic at night makes anyone want to stay here.

Address: 1039-2 Yuzawa Aza Kayataira, Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

8. Myoko Kogen, one of the oldest in Japan

Image credit: Myoko Ski Resort | Official Facebook

Myoko Kogen is quite different from other ski resorts in Japan. Interestingly, there is a village around the ski resort that is fun to visit and shop in a traditional atmosphere. Most importantly, there is a large ski area with beautiful views like a fairy tale. Many choices of accommodation and restaurants will also pamper visitors for you to spend the night.

Address: Taguchi, Myoko, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

9. Naeba Ski Resort, which has a special track for children

Image credit: Katty Kat | Official Facebook

The next ski resort in Niigata Prefecture is Naeba Ski Resort which is famous for its soft snow. The ski trails here are also suitable for all visitors, they even have special trails for children under 10 years old. The surrounding mountains are the sights you will see when you spend time here.

Address: 202 Mikuni, Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Yamagata

10. Zao Onsen Ski Resort, famous for its snow monsters

Image credit: Zao Onsen Mountain & Ski Resort | Official Facebook

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is known for its "snow monster" view or trees covered in snow that form like monsters. As the name implies, this resort also provides onsen facilities or natural hot springs that are perfect for relieving the cold after a day of skiing. As for accommodation, it is also always crowded so it is advisable to book well in advance.

Address: Zaoonsen, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

Shizuoka

11. Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti, a ski resort with views of Mount Fuji

Image credit: Zari Janell | Official Facebook

Located on the slopes of Mount Fuji, Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti is one of the ski resorts you must visit in Japan because you can enjoy spectacular views of the most iconic mountain. Although its size is not as big as other ski resorts, this place is always crowded with visitors of all ages. They also have artificial snow so you can come anytime even though it is not winter.

Address: 2428 Fujiwara, Suyama Aza, Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

Iwate

12. Appi Kogen Ski Resort with five-star hotel facilities

Image credit: Camilla Occhipinti | Official Facebook

Appi Kogen Ski Resort is a popular ski resort in Japan located in Iwate Prefecture. This family-friendly ski resort has professional ski instructors who will teach beginners how to ski. For those of you who want to stay overnight, don't worry because this resort has a 5-star hotel with complete and comfortable facilities.

Address:１１７ Appikogen, Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Also read: 10 Unspoken Rules Every Muslim Traveller Should Know Before Visiting Japan

Japan offers a variety of ski resorts that are suitable for all visitors from beginners to professionals. The quality of the snow is also extraordinary, soft and smooth, of course, increasing the comfort of visitors. Other facilities such as accommodation, restaurants, and onsen or natural hot springs are also worth trying.