Burton's guide to Snowboarding in Japan

If you have ever wanted to experience snowboarding in Japan but were not sure where to begin planning your trip, you have come to the right place. Burton’s official guide to snowboarding in Japan, which was created by local Japanese snowboarders, covers all the necessities, including where to stay, where to ride, and how find the best après.

Despite Japan's modest size, some travelers may find the idea of planning a Japan snowboarding trip to be overwhelming, and we understand. With so many remarkable cultures and experiences, choosing a place to start can often feel like the hardest part.

When planning your Japan snowboarding trip, we recommend starting by looking at our Japan snowboarding map which outlines all of the major destinations and regions you might want to visit. You can then review each of our regional guides for more information and to help organize the more detailed logistics of a Japan snowboarding trip.

When does it snow in Japan, and when is the best time to snowboard in Japan?

Japan is located in the Northern Hemisphere, so it usually starts snowing in as early as November and may snow as late as May. However, the best time to snowboard in Japan, with the best chances of powder, is from January through February.

・Winter in Japan: November through May
・Powder Season in Japan: January through February

Ski resorts in Japan typically begin to open in November, with the help of artificial snow making. By December, more resorts will gradually open as natural snowfall increases. January and February tend to receive the most frequent snowfall with the best chances of fresh powder.

From March onwards, the focus shifts toward freestyle and terrain parks, with many parks expanding their features and hosting various events. Most ski resorts close by early May.

Tourism and Crowds: What to Expect

While Hokkaido’s extensive ski areas can handle a good number of visitors, there are certainly times when the slopes get busier. Here’s a breakdown of when you can expect crowds to be at their peak, along with tips for finding quieter times to enjoy the powder:

• December Holidays:
  The season kicks into gear in late December, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays. This is one of the busiest times, as both international visitors and Japanese locals flock to Hokkaido for festive skiing and holiday vibes. Resorts like Nisekoand Furano are particularly popular at this time, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher accommodation rates.
• Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year):
  Usually falling between late January and mid-February, the Chinese New Year holiday is another peak period for tourism in Hokkaido. Expect an influx of visitors from other parts of Asia, particularly China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. If you’re planning to visit during this time, early bookings for both accommodations and lift tickets are highly recommended.
• Mid-February Events:
  February sees another wave of visitors due to the Sapporo Snow Festival, which usually runs for a week in early February. While the festival draws large crowds to Sapporo itself, it also brings many tourists to nearby ski resorts, adding to the busy vibe across central Hokkaido.
• Japanese School Holidays:
  The winter school holidays in Japan run from late December to early January, while spring break is from late March to early April. Resorts tend to be busiest during these periods, as many Japanese families take advantage of the vacation time to hit the slopes.
• Weekends vs. Weekdays:
  Across the season, weekends generally see more visitors, especially from within Japan, as locals make the most of their time off. If you’re aiming to avoid crowds, weekdays(particularly Monday to Thursday) offer a more relaxed experience, with shorter lift lines and more open terrain.
• Finding Quieter Times:
  The best time to enjoy Hokkaido’s slopes in a more laid-back setting is typically mid-January to early February (outside of the Lunar New Year period) and again from late February to early March. By this time, the peak holiday rush has settled, but the snow conditions are still excellent. March weekdays also tend to be quieter, with more sunshine and fewer crowds.

Hokkaido Snowboarding

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a favorite destination for many of the world’s top professional snowboarders. What draws them back year after year is the unparalleled quality of the snow. Whether it’s the silky powder of Niseko or the ultra-dry “aspirin snow” found in the inland areas, Hokkaido's snow conditions are irresistible to any snowboarder.

After a day on the slopes, Hokkaido’s authentic Japanese cuisine awaits you. Savor the freshest seafood, indulge in rich bowls of ramen, sample the unique soup curry, or feast on "Genghis Khan," a local favorite of lamb grilled on a hot iron plate. If you’re staying in Sapporo, the bustling nightlife of Susukino will keep the excitement going. From morning till night, Hokkaido offers endless opportunities for adventure and enjoyment.

To begin planning your Hokkaido snowboarding trip, review Burton’s Hokkaido snowboarding guides.

• Hokkaido Snowboarding Guide: Niseko

Tohoku Snowboarding

Tohoku, located in the northernmost region of Honshu, is renowned not only for its generous snowfall but also for the exceptional quality of its snow, thanks to its northern location in Japan. The area boasts a wide variety of slopes, with the majestic Ou Mountains stretching inland for nearly 500 km. Despite these excellent conditions, Tohoku remains less crowded than Hokkaido or Nagano, offering a more laid-back snowboarding experience.

In many ways, Tohoku is a "hidden gem" of Japan’s snowboarding scene. Imagine gliding down the slopes amidst stunning landscapes, with towering ice-coated trees known as "ice monsters" add a magical touch to the scenery.

Tokyo & Gunma & Yuzawa Snowboarding

Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, may not be known for snow, but just a two-hour drive from the city center lies one of the snowiest regions in the country—Gunma. Thanks to its inland location, the powder here is often as light and airy as the famed snow of Hokkaido. Gunma offers something for every snowboarder, from the steep backcountry terrain of Tanigawa-dake to more family-friendly resorts with gentler slopes.

One of the greatest perks of this area is its convenience—you can easily enjoy a day trip from Tokyo, hitting the slopes and returning to the city, all within the same day.

Niigata is one of Japan’s snowiest regions, experiencing incredible snowfall several times each season. Due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan, the area is known for its moist powder snow, as opposed to the lighter, silkier powder found elsewhere. This type of snow offers the advantage of being easier to ride, even when it gets deep, allowing snowboarders to enjoy the powder without getting stuck.

The moisture-rich snow also makes it ideal for building snow park features early in the season, earning Niigata a reputation as a sacred spot for snow parks in Japan.

Nagano Snowboarding

While this region may not be a cultural melting pot, it certainly is a melting pot for snowboarders. The Northern Alps, which stretch from north to south, attract riders who live for backcountry snowboarding, challenging themselves on hard, technical lines every day. Nagano is also home to some of Japan’s best snow parks, where young freestyle snowboarders hone their tricks. Meanwhile, expert riders carve their own paths in terrain parks that replicate the challenges of natural landscapes.

With its diverse slopes and varied terrains, Nagano’s mountains have something to offer every snowboarder, no matter their style or skill level.

Gifu Snowboarding

Japan’s Gifu region offers two distinct snowboarding areas. The first is Okumino, home to some of Japan’s top terrain park and the training ground for many world-class snowboarders. The second is Hida, known for producing free-riders with a refined, stylish approach to the sport. Although these two areas are geographically close, their cultures and snowboarding styles are worlds apart, making Gifu the ideal destination for those who want to experience both.

In addition to great snowboarding, the nearby World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go provides a picturesque, snowy landscape and a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture, adding another layer to your visit.

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