Local Guide
[2026 Edition] Enjoy your first ski trip with your kids! 6 ski resorts easily Direction from the Tokyo metropolitan area

Want to go skiing with your kids this winter? We've selected some of the best ski resorts that welcome families for parents like you. Not only are they full of beginner-friendly slopes and kids' schools, but they also have the convenience of renting bulky gear and clothing, and Property for kids to play in when they get tired of skiing, making them child-friendly and safe. Another important point is their easy Direction from the Tokyo metropolitan area, so you can enjoy the whole day even if you leave early in the morning. Whether you'll spend a relaxing night or take a day trip, the excitement is at its peak just thinking about it! Why not enjoy a ski debut full of smiles with your family and create some wonderful winter memories?

A complete support system to support debuting parents and children

Being able to ride the lift smoothly will boost your child's confidence and expand their skiing range.
Being able to ride the lift smoothly will boost your child's confidence and expand their skiing range.

Under the clear blue sky known as "Yatsugatake Blue," this ski resort offers views of the Yatsugatake mountain range and Mt. Tateshina. As soon as you enter, you'll see the "Family Slope" and "Center Slope" for beginners and novices. There are many families and beginners who have just started skiing, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The lifts that connect the two slopes are known as "Yukku Lifts," as they move slowly and are easy to get on and off. Staff/staff member are kind and supportive, so you can feel at ease.
Lesson participation is available for children aged 5 and over. There are a variety of options available, including 3-hour group lessons and family packs.

From playing in the snow to gourmet food, you can have fun and forget about time

At the "Kids Park," sledding and tubing are included in the price, so you can play as much as you like
At the "Kids Park," sledding and tubing are included in the price, so you can play as much as you like

If you want to get your kids used to snow, head to the Kids Park, where they can play in the snow and try on plastic skis. You can also have fun interacting with the snow on sleds, trampolines, and tubing. There are a variety of high-quality rental gear, making it a great choice for families who want to travel light.
If you get hungry, one of the highlights of traveling is sampling local delicacies such as the "Sanzoku Burger," a sandwich filled with "sanzokuyaki," a crispy fried garlic-flavored chicken, a Shinshu specialty.
There is a nursing space in the Orion Restaurant, as well as several other diaper-changing locations.

Enjoy the after-ski experience to the fullest! Have a fulfilling stay at "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake"

"Il Mare" is a fun pool with big waves crashing on the shore. It also has a cute kids' area.
"Il Mare" is a fun pool with big waves crashing on the shore. It also has a cute kids' area.

Once you've enjoyed your skiing debut, you can take a free shuttle bus to your accommodation Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake. Guests staying at the hotel also get free lift tickets for children and gear and clothing rentals at the hotel, so it's a great deal. For a limited time, a mini slope has been set up within the hotel, allowing you to get up close and personal with the snow. If you get tired of the snow or the weather is bad, there's also a pool and a cafe where you can enjoy reading a book, so you can have a great time. The pool alone is so well-equipped that you could spend a whole day having fun there, and swimsuits and swim rings are also available for rental.

Fujimi Panorama Resort
  • 住所6666-703 Fujimi, Fujimi-cho, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from JR Fujimi Station, or approximately 7 minutes from Suwa Minami IC on the Chuo Expressway
  • バスアクセスApproximately 10 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Fujimi Station
  • 営業時間(Sat) December 120, 2025 -(Sun) April 5, 2026
    Lifts: 8:30-16:30 (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 8:00-)
    Gondola 8:30-16:00 (last downhill trip 16:30)
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料Lift ticket (1 day) Adults (middle school students and above) 6,000 yen, elementary school students 2,000 yen, seniors (50 years and above) 5,700 yen, etc.
  • TEL0266-62-5666
  • 駐車場free
  • メモPlease check the website for details on opening hours, lift ticket prices, and lesson fees.
    There is a free shuttle bus from "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake" to "Fujimi Panorama Resort" exclusively for guests staying at the hotel.
    For details on the accommodation "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake "
    Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake Official Website

    Please check the website for details on opening hours and lift ticket prices.

A smiling first-time skiing Experience on the gentle, warm southern slope

Equipped with artificial snow making machines, the slopes are always in comfortable conditions.
Equipped with artificial snow making machines, the slopes are always in comfortable conditions.

It's easily Direction, just 10 minutes from Kobuchizawa Interchange. Located at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains, it has a high rate of sunny days, making it a great place for even small children to enjoy skiing. Of the two runs, the "Romance Slope" is about 100m wide and has an average gradient of 8 degrees, making it perfect for beginners to practice on. You can practice on the gentle slope until you get used to skiing, then ride the lift. There are a variety of runs for schools, including kindergarten and junior, depending on your level and time. Hoshino Resorts' original ski program, "Yuki Kids," is also held here.

Kids Snow Land is filled with the cheers of children

A wonderland where you can have as much fun as you want with large playground equipment and sleds (free of charge)
A wonderland where you can have as much fun as you want with large playground equipment and sleds (free of charge)

For kids who are experiencing snow for the first time, we recommend "Kids Snow Land," a snow play area separated from the ski slope. The fluffy inflatable play equipment is sure to bring a smile to your face.
If the weather is good, you can take the single lift in your boots or ski boots to the "Nokyo-no-Oka Observatory," which has a "wooden deck above the clouds." You'll be greeted with a magnificent panorama of Japan's three greatest peaks: Mt. Fuji, Mt. Kitadake, and Mt. Okuhotakadake.
There is a diaper-changing space in the toilets to the left of the entrance to Kids Snow Land, and there is also a nursing room in the "Hot Room" next to it.

Being able to play in the snow inside the hotel is unique to this "holy land for snow beginners."

A mini slope will be available for a limited time. It is right in front of Guest room, so you can easily make your skiing debut without having to move.
A mini slope will be available for a limited time. It is right in front of Guest room, so you can easily make your skiing debut without having to move.

"Yuki Kids" is a ski lesson program developed by Hoshino Resorts. At the mini slope within "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake," you can take "Yuki Kids Level 1" before heading to the ski resort, and get used to the snow (30-45 minutes). Guests can rent clothing and gear for free within the hotel, and there is a free shuttle bus to the ski resort. What's more, lift tickets are also free, so you can receive full support for all aspects of skiing during your stay, making this a "holy land for snow debuts."

Fujimi Kogen Ski Resort
  • 住所12067 Sakai, Fujimi-cho, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from JR Kobuchisawa Station, or approximately 8 minutes from Kobuchisawa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.
  • 営業時間Daytime: (Sat) December 20, 2025 -(Sun) March 22, 2026, 9:00-16:00 (until 16:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
    Night games: Every Saturday from January 10th (Sat) to February 21st (Sat), 2026, 6:00 PM to 8:20 PM
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料Lift ticket (1 day): Adults (middle school students and above) 4,500 yen, Children (up to elementary school students) 3,400 yen, Seniors (60 years and above) 3,800 yen
    Night ticket: 2,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for children, 1,700 yen for seniors
    Kids Snow Land: 1,200 yen (free for children under 3 and over 65)
  • TEL0266-66-2932
  • 駐車場free
  • メモPlease check the website for details on opening hours, lift ticket prices, and lesson fees.
    There is a free shuttle bus from "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake" to "Fujimi Kogen Ski Resort" exclusively for guests staying at the hotel.
    For details on the accommodation "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake"
    Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake Official Website

A powder snow ski paradise right in front of the hotel!

The smooth snow on the slopes is so pleasant you'll want to ski again and again.
The smooth snow on the slopes is so pleasant you'll want to ski again and again.

A ski slope attached to a highland resort hotel on the shores of Lake Shirakaba in Nagano Prefecture. At an altitude of about 1,450m, with an 80% chance of clear skies, the slope offers a resort-like atmosphere with pleasant snow quality. There are three courses in total, focusing on snow play and courses for beginners and novices. Ski lessons are available for children from 4 years old, and thanks to the instruction using special training equipment for beginners, many children improve quickly. If parents are unable to go to the slopes with infants and small children, a "pick-up lesson" is also available. Pick-up is available in front of the hotel's ski rental counter, and private lessons are available for all levels.

Equipped with play equipment and snow athletics that children of all ages can enjoy

"Gota-kun's Yah-ho Mountain" is a snow athletic facility with fun items that stimulate your sense of adventure.
"Gota-kun's Yah-ho Mountain" is a snow athletic facility with fun items that stimulate your sense of adventure.

On the slopes, there is a snow athletics course that you can try while skiing, which is popular with beginner kids. "Pota Snow Land" where you can play on the playground equipment and go sledding is about a minute away by shuttle bus from the hotel. For parents who want to get serious about skiing, the hotel is also conveniently located with Direction to seven nearby ski resorts in about 5 to 20 minutes.
At the hotel's rental counter, you can rent everything from snowboards (3-piece set including board, boots and poles) to snowboards, as well as clothing and gloves. Baby clothing (80cm) and snow boots are also available.

When you get tired from playing, the whole family can head to the hotel's large hot spring air hot Outdoor hot spring.

In the large Outdoor hot spring you must wear a swimsuit or a bathing suit. There are also a variety of other baths, including a ceramic bath, a Kiso Hinoki Outdoor hot spring for men and women, and a natural stone Outdoor hot spring.
In the large Outdoor hot spring you must wear a swimsuit or a bathing suit. There are also a variety of other baths, including a ceramic bath, a Kiso Hinoki Outdoor hot spring for men and women, and a natural stone Outdoor hot spring.

Directly connected to the slopes, Shirakaba Resort Ikenotaira Hotel has plenty of Property to enjoy after skiing or in between skiing. There is an indoor heated pool with a water slide (swimsuits and towels are available for rental), bowling, and indoor athletic facilities that even infants and toddlers can play in (up to the lower grades of elementary school), so you can rest assured even on bad weather days.
Refresh your tired body after skiing in Ikenotaira hot spring which has a clear, colorless spring. The famous large Outdoor hot spring is 100 tatami mats in size and has a great sense of openness. It is a mixed bath, so you can enjoy a special bath time with your family.

Shirakaba Resort Ikenotaira Snow Park
  • 住所1596 Ashida Hakone, Tateshina-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 31 minutes by car from JR Chino Station, or approximately 46 minutes from Suwa Minami IC on the Chuo Expressway.
  • バスアクセスApproximately 40 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Chino Station (only for hotel guests. Reservations must be made 3 days in advance), or take the bus from JR Chino Station, get off at "Higashi Shirakaba Lake" and walk for 2 minutes
  • 営業時間Business period: (Sat) December 20, 2025 -(Tue) March 31, 2026
    Business hours: 8:30-16:30 (last boarding)
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料Lift ticket (1 day): 4,000 yen for adults, 3,200 yen for children (ages 3 to elementary school) and seniors (ages 60 and over)
    Ski lessons: Regular (90 minutes) 14,500 yen, Half (50 minutes) 8,500 yen
    Pota Snow Land 1,000 yen (plastic sled included)
  • TEL0266-68-2100
  • 駐車場free
  • メモSki lesson fees vary depending on the number of people, time, and level. Please check the website for details.
    For details on the accommodation, "Shirakaba Resort Ikenotaira Hotel"
    Shirakaba Resort Ikenotaira Hotel Official Website

Just off the highway, this is a great place for day trips with families.

At Kids Land in South Parada, you can enjoy not only sledding but also snow striders.
At Kids Land in South Parada, you can enjoy not only sledding but also snow striders.

This is the only ski resort in Japan that is directly connected to the highway, making it extremely Direction. The slopes at the foot of Mt. Hirao, which is 1,155m above sea level, boast a 90% sunny weather rate, making for a pleasant skiing debut. The entire Property is based on the concept of being "family friendly," and various ingenious ideas have been put into it, such as Parking with few steps, easy access to the slopes, and about 80% of the courses being for beginners and intermediate skiers.
The site is divided into "North Parada" and "South Parada," and there is a kids' area at the base of each. Children can have fun at the "Snow Plaza" and the sledding slope.

Everyone was very satisfied with the lessons for the kids and the long cruises for the adults.

Master basic skills with friends of the same age
Master basic skills with friends of the same age

Lessons for debuting kids are available for ages 3 and up. The lessons are held on slopes specially designed for beginners, using skis that are easy to move forward on even on flat ground. Moms and dads can watch from the entrance to the slope, or go for a run on the scenic course before the lesson ends.
The highlight of the rental options is the "Empty-Hands Rental Pack" (for ages 3 to 6th grade). This popular set includes a one-day pass to Kids Land, as well as rental snowwear, snow boots, and gloves.

You can enjoy a wonderful winter holiday by snacking on homemade cream puffs at Birds Cafe in Minami Parada, or soothing your tired body after skiing at Miharashi no Yu hot springs inside the ski resort.

Saku Ski Garden Parada
  • 住所2066-1 Kamihirao, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 12 minutes by car from JR Sakudaira Station
  • バスアクセスFree shuttle bus operates from JR Sakudaira Station Asama Exit
  • 営業時間Business period: (Sat) December 20, 2025 (planned)
    Lift operating hours: 8:30-16:30 *Weekdays: 9:00-
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料Lift ticket (1 day): Adults (high school students and above) from 5,600 yen, Seniors (60 years and above) from 4,800 yen, Elementary and junior high school students from 3,200 yen, Children under elementary school age from 2,200 yen
    Rental (1 day) Ski or snowboard set + ski wear (top and bottoms) Adults: 8,400 yen, Junior high school students and younger: 6,100 yen
    *Please check the website for details.
  • TEL0267-68-5116
  • 駐車場free
  • メモPlease check the website for details on lift ticket and lesson fees.

    Business hours vary depending on the day. Please check the website for details.

Skiing with a view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi will be a great winter memory.

Easy Direction, just 90 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area
Easy Direction, just 90 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area

This ski resort at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji offers a spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. It is highly rated not only for its views and easy Direction, but also for the variety of activities that cater to children of all ages. Chibikko Ai Land is equipped with everything from snow play zones such as the exciting "Mini Mt. Fuji" (depending on snowfall) for small children, to a kids' slope perfect for their first ski or snowboard experience. The "Family Lift," which you can ride while holding your skis, has a gentle slope where beginners and families can ski at their own pace.

Supporting travel with children through schools, rentals, and kids' meals

Rental building for renting skis, boots, clothing, etc.
Rental building for renting skis, boots, clothing, etc.

The school has many instructors who are experts in children's lessons, having taught ski classes to many elementary schools every year. The content is tailored to the physical ability of children, and classes are available for ages 4 and up. In addition to a three-piece ski set, they also offer a wide range of ski wear sizes (from 90cm to XXL). Accessories such as gloves and goggles can be purchased at the adjacent shop.
A popular dish among skiers is the "Mt. Fuji Curry" served at the rest house at the foot of the mountain. The curry sauce is a little spicy, so if you don't like spicy curry, it's better to order the "Children's Set" which comes with a mild curry.

Fujiten Snow Resort
  • 住所8545-1 Fujisan, Narusawa Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 20 minutes by car from Fujikyuko Kawaguchiko Station, or approximately 20 minutes from the Chuo Expressway Kawaguchiko IC
  • バスアクセスApproximately 25 minutes by shuttle bus from Fujikyuko Kawaguchiko Station (fee required, advance reservation required)
  • 営業時間Opening period: (Sat) December 13, 2025 - early April 2026
    Nighttime operation: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from December (Sat), 2025 to March (Sun), 2026, as well as the New Year holidays (December 28th to January 5th) only. *Excluding December 31st and January 1st.
    Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 / Night games: 16:00-21:30
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料Lift ticket (1 day): Adults 5,500 yen, 4 years old to elementary school students 4,000 yen, Seniors (60 years old and over, proof required) 5,000 yen
    Ski lessons: 4-6 year olds from 6,000 yen, elementary school students from 5,000 yen, adults from 4,000 yen
    Chibikko Ai Land: 1,200 yen (free for children under 2)
    Rental: [Skis, boots, poles 3-piece set/1 day] 5,500 yen for adults, 3,000 yen for elementary school students and younger. [Ski wear/1 day] 5,000 yen for adults, 3,000 yen for elementary school students and younger.
  • TEL0555-85-2000
  • 駐車場Free (Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and New Year's holidays: 1,000 yen)
  • メモPlease check the website for details on opening hours, lift fees, lesson fees, and rental fees.

Five courses for beginners and intermediates for a flexible debut and practice

Parents are free to observe lessons
Parents are free to observe lessons

Five courses with great views are compactly laid out at the foot of Mt. Kurodake, the highest peak in the Misaka Mountains. It is mainly aimed at beginners and intermediate skiers, making it ideal for families making their debut. If you want to ski with your children, start with the "Family Course." This is a ski-only course with a gentle 300m run with an average gradient of 9 degrees. There are also many kids on the wide and open "Rainbow Course" and "Center Course." There are various schools for kids and elementary school students, as well as private and parent-child lessons, so it is definitely worth considering for families who want to improve their skills.

A sledding course where parents and children can enjoy thrills and exhilaration together

Free sled rental at Kids Town
Free sled rental at Kids Town

In front of the Center House, the cheers of children echo through Kids Town. This is an area exclusively for sledding, and you can easily climb up the sleds on the moving belt. Moms and dads can also return to their childhood and slide down and play together.
There is a family discount on lift tickets, so for example, if you have two adults and one child, the price will be 8,400 yen instead of 12,000 yen, depending on the number of people. For a casual "empty-handed ski" experience, there is a wide selection of rental items, including gear, clothing, and even accessories such as helmets. The women's changing room in the rest house is equipped with a nursing room and diaper changing space.

Kamui Misaka Ski Resort
  • 住所5321-1 Kamikurokoma, Misaka-cho, Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 20 minutes by car from Fujikyuko Kawaguchiko Station, or approximately 15 minutes from Ichinomiya-Misaka IC on the Chuo Expressway
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Kofu Station, get off at "Misaka Ski Resort", and it's a short walk from there
  • 営業時間Business period: (Sat) December 13, 2025 -(Sun) March 29, 2026
    Business hours: 9:00-16:30
  • 入場料Lift ticket (1 day): Adults 4,500 yen, elementary school students and younger 3,000 yen, seniors (60 years and older) 2,700 yen *Family discounts and other discounted lift tickets are available
    Lessons: Adults (elementary school students and above) from 3,500 yen, Private lessons from 14,000 yen, Parent and child lessons from 14,000 yen
    Kids Town: 700 yen (for elementary school students and younger, includes sled rental) *Free for junior high school students and older
  • TEL055-264-2614
  • 駐車場free
  • メモPlease check the website for details on lesson and lift fees.
*The contents listed are current as of the date of article update. They may be subject to change, so please check before using.