Hands in hands, let’s go together！ Japan’s 10 Most Popular Family-Friendly Ski Resorts

▲ Skiing is one of the most popular winter travel activities. (Photo / Taken by reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

In the chilly winter, various parts of Japan transform into silver-white snowy paradises, making it the peak season for skiing enthusiasts. As the year-end reunion season approaches, it’s not always easy to find ski resorts that cater to both kids and adults with varying skill levels. According to Rakuten Travel’s list of Japan’s “Top 10 Family Ski Resorts,” the most popular ski areas across the country have been revealed — suitable for beginners, advanced skiers, or families traveling together.

▲ Kiroro Snow World. (Photo / Provided by Rakuten Travel, the same applies below)

Kiroro Snow World (Kakizaki Village, Hokkaido)
Just a one-hour drive from Sapporo, Kiroro Snow World in Hokkaido is often frequented by experienced international skiers. The resort offers ski lessons for both children and adults at different levels, as well as playrooms and nurseries for infants and toddlers. There are also rubber boat sleds and mini snowmobiles available for adults, which can be used unlimited times during operating hours. The resort also features onsen facilities to soothe sore muscles after a day of skiing.

▲ Rusutsu Resort.

Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village, Hokkaido)
Also located in Hokkaido, Rusutsu Resort provides a variety of fun facilities for children, along with nurseries and playrooms to ensure parents can enjoy their skiing time with peace of mind. In addition to ample facilities, guests can choose rooms in their preferred style, which is another reason why it is especially loved by children.

▲ Appi Highlands Ski Resort.

Appi Highlands Ski Resort (Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture)
Appi Highlands Ski Resort is known for its gently sloping 72-meter-long runs, vast private areas, and tow ropes. The resort’s facilities can be enjoyed unlimited times, and it offers a wide range of accommodation options, making it a popular family-friendly destination.

▲ Grandeco Snow Resort.

Grandeco Snow Resort (Kitashinobu Village, Fukushima Prefecture)
Located around Goshiki-numa, Grandeco Snow Resort is close to many small inns proud of their cuisine. It’s perfect for family trips, where everyone can enjoy the 3,500-meter-long course. The resort also has a “Rainbow Ski Area” for beginners and a conveyor lift-style gondola, allowing children to have fun while adults enjoy skiing with peace of mind.

▲ ALTS Bandai.

ALTS Bandai (Bandai Town, Fukushima Prefecture)
ALTS Bandai in Fukushima Prefecture is a very popular family resort during the peak skiing season. It offers a dedicated service guiding visitors to “family priority parking” during holidays, and the resort has specially designated areas for beginners and families. Nearby, unique villas with a homely atmosphere are also highly popular.

▲ Joetsu International Ski Area.

Joetsu International Ski Area (Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture)
Known as a “children’s paradise,” Joetsu International Ski Area offers a variety of snow sports equipment. Children can enjoy tire sledding here, and families can share the joy of playing in the snow or take part in sledding lessons. All necessary equipment is available. The surrounding area also offers a diverse range of accommodation options for visitors to choose from based on their preferences.

▲ Yuzawa Snow Resort.

Yuzawa Snow Resort (Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture)
Snow drag trains and tire sledding are the highlights of Yuzawa Snow Resort. The resort not only offers skiing and snowboarding lessons but also provides slopes and ski areas designed specifically for children, as well as rentals for children’s skiwear — making it a great choice for a family skiing holiday.

▲ NASPA Ski Garden.

NASPA Ski Garden (Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture)
This resort not only has a sledding slope for children but also features the super cute mascot “Penguin Family” to cheer them on, which is very popular among kids.

▲ Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort (Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture)
What sets the Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort apart is that it is Japan’s largest ski resort created with artificial snow machines. The resort features a “Kids Park” and a “Children’s Ski Learning Area” specially designed for young children, and kids under elementary school age can ride the ski lift for free.

▲ Shirakaba Lake Royal Hill Ski Resort.

Shirakaba Lake Royal Hill Ski Resort (Minamikoma-gun, Nagano Prefecture)
The Shirakaba Lake Royal Hill Ski Resort is known for its safety features, including secure fencing throughout the resort. Chairs are also placed near the chairlifts and escalators to ensure child safety. The gentle slopes make it an ideal place for toddlers to play safely.

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