5 tiny Japanese ski resorts that you’re guaranteed to fall in love with

There’s sometimes an obsession with size when it comes to ski resorts: more lifts, more runs, more vertical (yes, we’re guilty too) … more, more, more. No one wants to ski the same run twice when they’re on holiday, and it’s one of the reasons places like Niseko, Furano and Nozawa Onsen and Hakuba have become so popular (despite being relatively small versus some of the well-known international resorts). Of course, there are other reasons, too.

However, sometimes the magic is found away from the big-name resorts, on the slow, squeaky ‘romance’ pair heading to the top of a resort with 400 metres of vertical, three lifts and a guesthouse that’s had the same owners for the last 30 years. Yes, you’ll be lapping the same run plenty of times, but when the powder’s deep, the ramen is hot, and there’s no one else on the run you’re on, it doesn’t seem to matter.

With around 500 resorts in the country, Japan has loads of these local “gems”, and we make no apology for highlighting a few of the good ones because, frankly, many of these smaller resorts are on the brink of financial collapse (particularly after a rough couple of years that saw many close their doors).

In no particular order, here are five tiny Japanese ski resorts that we think you’re guaranteed to fall in love with. But we encourage you to get out there and explore Japan’s many piwi-sized resorts for yourselves, even if that’s simply a day trip from one of the large destination resorts.

Ani

Lifts: 3
Runs: 5
Vertical: 663m

Japan’s Tohoku region is a wonderland for miniature ski resorts with bucket loads of pristine Japanese powder, but has largely escaped the attention of foreign crowds due to its relative inaccessibility compared to the resorts of Nagano and Niigata. Ani Ski Resort, in the northern part of Akita prefecture, embodies the best of Tohoku skiing, and is a delightful trip back in time to a different era.

The resort has three lifts: a 6-person gondola that runs from the base to the peak of the resort, as well as two pair lifts. Naturally, in a resort of this size, the in-bounds terrain can feel a little limited, however if you’re willing and equipped to venture in the backcountry then you’ll be duly rewarded with some incredible tree skiing and virtually no competition for fresh tracks.

Seki Onsen

Lifts: 2
Runs: 4
Vertical: 310m

Image: sekionsen.com

There’s something very special about Seki Onsen, a tiny 2-lift resort that has been referred to as the heart and soul of skiing in Japan. Seki is a family business through and through, and when we caught up with Seki owner Mikio Inoue late last year, he shared some insight into how he’s kept the lifts spinning over the last 20 years of operation.

“This business is our own,” he said. “There is no other company we get to do maintenance, like snow clearing. My family does all the snow clearing. This is how we are able to keep the costs down and keep it a family business.”

Seki gets more snow than its Myoko neighbours due to seasonal winds and a north-facing aspect that bless the area “with more snow than one could ever hope for”.

“When we have a big dump of snow”, he explained, “lots of skiers and boarders will come the next day. If the timing is right, there’s so much north-facing deep powder in the Kannasan valley. Also, due to the geology, the backcountry is not dangerous. It’s very steep and this makes Seki Onsen a great place for experienced skiers and boarders searching for powder.”

Amihari Onsen

Lifts: 4
Runs: 7
Vertical: 710m

 

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Amihari Onsen is another Tohoku gem, located in the northern part of Shizukuishi Town in Iwate prefecture. With four pair lifts in total (one of which that usually doesn’t run), it’s certainly no Niseko United, however with over 700 metres of vertical and a legitimately long – albeit cruisy – run from the top of the #3 pair lift to the ski centre at the base, we were questioning its eligibility in this category!

Like every resort on this list, the drawcard of Amihari is the massive quantities of powder with negligible competition. However, the resort is also one of Iwate’s top hot spring destinations, which means you can ski hard all day knowing that you’ll be finishing it with a rejuvenating soak – ready to go again the next day.

Charmant Hiuchi

Lifts: 3
Runs: 16
Vertical: 508m

Image: Japan National Tourism Organization

We’ve mentioned Charmant Hiuchi previously in our list of lesser-known resorts in Japan, and continue to stand by it as a fantastic day trip option for anyone holidaying in the Myoko region.

The 3-lift resort may look tame on paper, but is has some deceptively challenging off-piste terrain, and due to its aspect and proximity to the coast, can get absolutely belted by snow storms. Better yet, operators seem to understand the appeal of the resort, and leave up to 60% ungroomed.

Minowa Ski Resort

Lifts: 3
Runs: 11
Vertical: 450m

 

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Minowa Ski Resort is a great pick for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, with cruisy runs on offer from the top of the mountain, and top quality snow due to its elevation – 1050m at the base and 1500m at the top station.

Up until recently, in-bounds options for advanced skiers were limited to a couple of short ungroomed runs. However, the 2022/23 season saw the official launch of a new “D Course” – a tree run that finishes near the old Yokomuki Onsen ski area.

Minowa is one of many resorts located in Japan’s Aizu region, the westernmost part of Fukushima prefecture which is part of the broader Tohoku region (as described above). The area is dotted with tiny snow resorts which get loads of snow, and for the full experience we’d highly recommend hiring a car working your way through as many as possible. This map is a good starting point.