2020-01-31

Hakuba vs. Niseko: Battle for Japan's Best Ski Destination

Advice

Skiing in Japan is a very different and unforgettable experience. The Land of the Rising Sun boasts over 500 ski resorts and one of the snowiest ski seasons in the world. Not surprisingly, it's hosted two Winter Olympics and for pure unadulterated powder skiing, there's no better place to go.

The best time to go to Japan for skiing is in January when it gets extremely snowy and you can avoid the holiday crowds and price increases. The powderhounds and snowboarders playfully call it "Japanuary."

But how do you choose the best ski resort out of so many? Here is a breakdown of two of the country's finest ski destinations with pros and cons.

HAKUBA

"The Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort" by Arvind Thampi is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Pros:

The Hakuba 47 & Goryu Ski Resort is known for having the finest terrain parks and ski terrains to suit all abilities from beginners to pros.

This makes for a perfect location for family vacations because here, it's all about variety, so every skier will find something to love and enjoy.
Even within the resort boundaries, you can find deep, untracked powder and there are two special off-piste zones where you can find yourself waist-deep in snow.
Plus, the professional level terrain park has an open gate for backcountry access.
Their exclusive high mountain areas are north-facing, so the snow stays for a few days after a significant snowfall.
The reliable, epic snowfall makes it easy to find fresh powder during the popular ski season.
Hakuba also boasts a modern, fast lift system and quiet trails during the week.

The Cons:

Unfortunately, the on-mountain dining is limited and lacks variety, so the restaurants fill up quickly, especially during the height of the season.

The accommodation options at the base area are severely limited, so it stays crowded during peak times.
The apres-ski life is far from robust, so there's not much to do after an invigorating day on the slopes.

NISEKO

"Niseko Hokkaido" by Jun Kaneko is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Pros:

When planning a ski trip to Japan, Niseko is one of the first choices for international skiers and snowboarders. It's also a great experience for first-time visitors to the country.

It caters to English speakers better than any other ski resort in the country and many of the restaurants serve western cuisine.
There are also accommodations that fit every budget and necessity.
Multiple transport connections make it easy to get there.
But even better for die-hard skiers, it's one of the snowiest resorts in Japan with a great variety of terrain and access to the backcountry.
The off-piste terrain is amazing because the powder gets really deep and you can sometimes find yourself chest-deep in snow.
Lots of skiing options and variety due to the vast ski area connecting four different resorts allowing for trails to suit all abilities.
The resort also offers a great night skiing opportunity. Big fluorescent lights illuminate the slopes to allow you to see where you're going.
There's also plenty of bars and restaurants for apres-ski fun and lively entertainment, not to mention great shopping.

The Cons:

The popularity of the resort results in crowded slopes, especially during the holidays.

It's famous reputation has led to an increase in prices, making it one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country.
The crowds also cause fresh powder to get tracked out quickly.
The authenticity of the Japanese experience is not as prevalent due to the large numbers of westerners who frequent the resort.