Japan is the perfect location for families wanting a little more from their ski holiday whilst paying a little less! Direct flights and only a 2 hour time difference mean that no one will suffer from the dreaded ‘jet lag’ that can ruin the first few days of a North American or European ski trip. And when you only have limited time to enjoy your family holiday why would you want to struggle with jet lag?
Japan has over 600 ski resorts with many offering unique experiences, terrain and snowfall and with so many resorts finding the right one for your family (at the right price!) can be overwhelming. Luckily we here at Whiteroom are experts in family travel to Japan and have picked our top 5 family-friendly ski resorts that are sure to make everyone happy.
Hakuba
Hakuba ticks all the boxes for a fun, stress-free, snow-filled family holiday and as the host venue for the 1998 Nagano Olympics the resort is world-class. With 11 different resorts connected by a free frequent shuttle bus service you have more terrain options than you could exhaust if you spent all season there (I’ve spent 5 and still discover new areas!) Most accommodation options are less than a 10 minute walk to the lifts so that means you can get to all that powder anytime you like!
Evergreen Ski School have your lesson and kids club needs met with high-quality instructors able to get you up and skiing in no time. For those more adventurous families why not try a powder lesson or take out a backcountry guide! For those of you who feel like taking it easy a nice snowshoe tour through the serene forests of Hakuba will be perfect.
Ready to take a rest day? Well, why not take a day trip to the snow monkeys or head to the ancient Samurai stronghold of Matsumoto Castle. You can also go snow rafting, snowmobiling, enjoy a Taiko drum show or dress up in traditional Kimono to get a feel for how traditional Japanese dressed.
Whiteroom Insider Tip!
A day trip to visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a must. Watch wild monkeys soaking in a natural volcanic onsen and combine that with a snowmobile tour and you have an adrenaline-filled day everyone can enjoy!
Niseko
Niseko is Japan’s most popular resort and for good reason. With an average snowfall of over 15+ meters each season and some of the best ski facilities and luxury apartments of any ski resort in Japan. But what makes Niseko a great resort for families? Comfort, food, ease and great customer service.
The ski schools in Niseko are some of the best in Japan and if you have ever taken your kids to have ski lessons in Australia then you will be right at home with programs in Niseko. With Kids clubs, Milo kids and creche services available you can be confident that your ‘little angel’ (or devil) will be happy and safe whilst you enjoy some of the best snow in the world. After hours babysitting services are also available meaning that your parents can head out to enjoy the 5-star night of luxury that you deserve in one of Niseko’s many world-class restaurants.
For the ultimate winter experience why not take a reindeer sled ride to show the kids how Santa does it!
Whiteroom Insider Tip!
Book your ski lessons and babysitting in advance to secure the best deals and the best spots as these can book up fast. Whilst the kids are in ski school book one of our backcountry guides to show you the best back country terrain and powder Niseko or any of the surrounding resorts have to offer.
Tomamu
Tomamu is the most extravagant ski resort in Hokkaido and with soaring tower hotels, luxury 5-star restaurants, a magical ice village and huge 50-metre indoor wave pool (the largest in Japan!). With all of these luxury features, you may be thinking that this is going to be one of the busiest and most expensive resorts you could visit! In fact, a family holiday to Tomamu provides you with the best value family holiday anywhere in Japan and the relatively undiscovered nature of Tomamu means that you and your family will have all of that powder for yourselves.
Tomamu is located just 90 minutes from international and domestic airports which means less “are we there yet?!” and more “wow we’re here!”.
Whiteroom Insider Tip!
Bring your bathers and take a soak in Japan’s largest indoor wave pool “Mina Mina Beach” a Winter and Summer holiday in one!
Myoko
For the family that wants a true taste of Japanese culture then Myoko is the one for you. Located just 3 hours from Tokyo by bullet train this quaint mountain village boasts some of the highest average snowfalls in all of Japan (14+ meters a season). Four resorts provide a variety of terrain to suit all ability levels with Japan’s longest straight run located at Suginohara (8 kilometres!). Most hotels house their own natural volcanic hot springs which will soothe those tired muscles after a long day of riding waist-deep powder!
Myoko Snow Sports provide class leading service with professional western guides, group child lessons and daycare options available. And if you have had enough of the skis why not hire a snow bike! (yes a bike frame with skis instead of wheels) and enjoy an afternoon learning to ride all over again!
Whiteroom Insider Tip!
Make sure you take a soak in your hotel’s natural onsen. These mineral-rich waters will rejuvenate your body and mind as well as relaxing your soul.
Furano
Had enough of the snow? Why not take to the skies in a hot air balloon to experience the majesty of Japan from the air or if you would prefer to see a giraffe in the snow then head to the local zoo for a fun family day out.
Whiteroom Insider Tip!
Book one of our backcountry guides and they’ll help you explore the powder paradises that are only known to a select few, this will turn a good family holiday into a great family holiday!
DISNEYLAND!
What is on every family checklist as a must-do holiday? Disneyland! Luckily Japan has that covered too. Simply add a few nights to your package and after (or before) your perfect powder holiday you can visit Tokyo Disneyland to see all of your (and the kids) favourite characters!
