If you’re interested in Japan, you may already know that Kyoto, in the Kansai area, is one of the most popular destinations in the country. With a long history, beautiful shrines, delicious food, and active Geishas, Kyoto has been drawing tourists from all over the world.
From Kyoto, you can plan a trip to access Japan’s famous powder snow during the ski season. Hakodateyama features wide gentle slopes suited for beginners and casual skiers, while Okuibuki offers challenging courses that even professional athletes can’t resist. All of these places can be accessed from the city. If you’re interested in a brief interlude on the slopes, keep reading to learn about the best snowboarding and skiing resorts near Kyoto, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on January 31, 2026.
Top ski resorts
| Ski Resort | Skill Level Suitability | No. Of Lifts | Season Opening Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biwako Valley | Beginner 20%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 10% | 6 | To be announced |
| Kutsuki Snow Park | Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 20% | 2 | To be announced |
| Hakodateyama Ski Resort | Beginner 25%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 25% | 4 | Mid-December 2025 to mid-March 2026 |
| Makino Kougen | Beginner 90%, Intermediate 10% | 0 | To be announced |
| Gransnow Okuibuki | Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30% | 9 | November 14, 2025 - April 12, 2026 |
1. Biwako Valley (from USD 23.75)
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Resort information:
- Distance from Kyoto: 35.5 kilometers (22.06 miles)
- Season opening date: To be announced
- Nearest airport: Kansai International Airport (KIX )(2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 20%, intermediate 70%, advanced 10%
- Lift details: 6 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Biwako Valley
Biwako Valley Ropeway Round-way Ticket
Holiday Afternoon (from USD 90)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to nearest lift: 14-minute drive to Biwako Valley Ropeway
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: No
This beautiful base is surrounded by countryside and it is particularly popular with couples with its several romantic spots. The property is more reminiscent of a villa than a hotel, and it features a hot spring bath on site, which can be booked independently for an hour. It’s the perfect way to relax your muscles after a day on the slopes. The nearest ski zone is Biwako Valley, with a ski lift located at 5 miles (8 km).
It is worth noting that all of the rooms in this property are Japanese style, so expect tatami mat bedding. The onsite cafe offers a Western-style breakfast each morning for guests to enjoy.
Holiday Afternoon
Address: Kitahira 948-10
5.07 km (3.2 mi) from Biwako Valley Ropeway
J-Hoppers Lake Biwa Guesthouse (from USD 22)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to nearest lift: 17-minute drive to Biwako Valley Ropeway
- Onsen: No, but there is a public bath
- Ski storage: No
Although J-Hoppers Lake Biwa Guesthouse is more popular in summer for its proximity to the Omimaiko Beach, the guesthouse is also an ideal place to stay in winter. It offers female-only and mixed dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms for budget-conscious travelers. On the other hand, Western-style and Japanese-style private rooms are available for travelers who want to have the room to themselves.
The slopes of Biwako Valley are only a 17-minute drive away, while the Hakodateyama Ski Resort is a 40-minute drive.
J-Hoppers Lake Biwa Guesthouse
Address: 931-1, Kitahira, Shiga Station, Otsu, Japan, 520 0503
5.22 km (3.3 mi) from Biwako Valley Ropeway
Alvilla Omimaiko (from USD 638)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to nearest lift: 13-minute drive to Biwako Valley Ropeway
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
Another property that’s a good stay for skiing is the Alvilla Omimaiko. This is a great option if you want to be near the slopes because Biwako Valley is just a short 13-minute drive from the front door. Even when you’re not skiing, the rooms boast scenic mountain views you can admire.
There is free Wi-Fi throughout the site, an in-room Blu-ray player, and private bathrooms for washing up. For meals, there’s a dining hall with a kitchen, equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, induction stove, rice cooker, frying pan, and kitchen utensils. There’s also a terrace where you can enjoy your meals with a view. Note that if you’ll be cooking in the property, you’ll have to bring your own ingredients.
Alvilla Omi Maiko - Vacation STAY 14692v
Address: 985-9 Kitahira Alvilla Omi Maiko
4.47 km (2.8 mi) from Biwako Valley Ropeway
2. Kutsuki Snow Park
Resort information:
- Distance from Kyoto: 50.3 kilometers (31.25 miles)
- Season opening date: To be announced
- Nearest international airport: Kansai International Airport (KIX), (2h30m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 30%, intermediate 50%, advanced 20%
- Lift details: 2 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No
- Ski lessons: Unavailable
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Kutsuki Snow Park
Woodland cottage in Takashima - Vacation STAY 03135v (from USD 303)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to nearest lift: 6-minute drive to Kutsuki Snow Park
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
Nestled peaceful in the woodlands of Takashima, this lovely cottage promises a cozy home that can accommodate even a large group. Guests can enjoy a slew of home amenities including a laundry, a well-equipped kitchen, and private bathrooms. Wi-Fi is also available for those who love staying connected online.
Though not quite a ski-in ski-out rental, there are plenty of options for winter activities. Kutsuki Snow Park is just a short 6-minute drive from the home. The resort has equipment rentals so it’s fine if you didn’t bring your ski or snowboard with you.
Takashima - Cottage - Vacation STAY 03135v
Address: 165-4 Kutsukikase
16.14 km (10.1 mi) from Biwako Valley Ropeway
3. Hakodateyama Ski Resort (from USD 59.79)
Resort information:
- Distance from Kyoto: 69 kilometers (42.87 miles)
- Season opening date: Mid-December 2025 to mid-March 2026 (subject to change)
- Nearest airport: Kansai International Airport (KIX) (2h52m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 25%, intermediate 50%, advanced 25%
- Lift details: 4 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Hakodateyama Ski Resort
Skiing at Hakodateyama Ski Resort in Osaka
Shiga Biwa Lake Shanshui House (from USD 48)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to nearest lift: 8-minute drive to Hakodateyama Gondola
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
More of an idyllic pension hotel than a standard guesthouse rental, this lovely property is a fantastic choice for travelers looking to enjoy the variety of what Kyoto has to offer. It’s strategically located between Lake Biwa and Takashima’s mountains, enabling guests flexibility on their itinerary. One of the best ski resorts in the area is Hakodateyama, just a quick 8-minute drive from here.
While relaxing at the property, guests can chill at the garden patio. There’s also a porch with a lounge-like atmosphere, and vending machines if you’d like to enjoy a hot or cold drink.
Shiga Biwa Lake Shanshui House
Address: Makinocho Nakasho 304
29.19 km (18.2 mi) from Biwako Valley Ropeway
Forest lodge with a Finnish sauna (from USD 642)
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to nearest lift: 5-minute drive to Hakodateyama Gondola
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
Guests are sure to love this lodge surrounded by tranquil the forests of Takashima. While not available for extended stays, the home is quite well-equipped and can accommodate a big group. Its proximity to Hakodateyama Ski Resort is a big plus, as its less than 10 minutes by car to reach the resort’s lift station. Even if you haven’t brought any skis or snowboards, there are rental shops you can check out.
After a day out in the snow, guests can unwind and get the chill out of their bones by hanging out in the Finnish sauna. Cook up your favorite home recipes using the fully equipped kitchen, and there’s also a laundry if you need to wash your clothes.
Takashima, Shiga, Japan
25.38 km (15.8 mi) from Biwako Valley RopewayAccommodates: 10
4. Makino Kougen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Resort information:
- Distance from Kyoto: 72.2 kilometers (44.86 miles)
- Season opening date: To be announced
- Nearest airport: Kansai International Airport (KIX) (2h30m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 90%, intermediate 10%
- Lift details: 0 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Makino Kougen
Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino (from USD 53)
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes
- Distance to nearest lift: 10-minute drive to Makino Kougen (resort does not have lifts)
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
Located at the foot of the mountain, this property is an ideal ski base for your trip. Makino Kougen is a beginner-friendly ski area that’s about 7 km (4.35 mi) away. The hotel offers free shuttles when booked in advance which is handy if you’re planning to hit various slopes.
After those busy days zooming down the pistes, you’ll welcome a quiet and relaxing place to sleep and recover. There are a number of room options but the lake view is particularly beautiful. There is free parking, Wi-Fi in the public areas and an onsite restaurant serving both Western and Japanese meals for lunch and dinner. A buffet breakfast is offered.
Grand Park Hotel Okubiwako Makino
Address: Takagihama Makino-cho 763-2
31.18 km (19.4 mi) from Biwako Valley Ropeway
5. Gransnow Okuibuki
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Resort information:
- Distance from Kyoto: 113.5 kilometers (70.53 miles)
- Season opening date: November 14, 2025 - April 12, 2026
- Nearest airport: Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) (1h55m drive)
- Suitable for: Beginner 30%, intermediate 40%, advanced 30%
- Lift details: 9 ski lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: No (off-piste trails and backcountry access)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Gransnow Okuibuki
Kitabiwako Hotel Grazie (from USD 63)
The Italian restaurant, La Spiaggia, offers proper Italian cuisine at a reasonable price. The hotel also serves a delicious Japanese breakfast. The hotel's dining experiences are highly recommended.
Great value for money, with rooms available for as little as £50 during off-peak seasons. A 4-star hotel offering astonishing pricing, especially during rainy seasons.
Located next to Lake Biwa, with stunning views of Mt. Ibuki and the sunset from the nearby lakeside park. Just 5 minutes from the city center, old town market street, and within walking distance from the train station.
Free parking, rooftop sento with outdoor jacuzzi, and convenient access to the ferry terminal for Chikubu Island. The hotel is right on the route for the Biwako bike ride.
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to nearest lift: 45-minute drive to Gransnow Okuibuki's Family-Pair Lift
- Onsen: No, but there is a public bath
- Ski storage: No
Located near the North of Biwa lake, this four-star hotel is a great holiday base for skiing and snowboarding near Kyoto. Alongside the onsite restaurant, free parking, and luggage storage, there is also an onsite sauna and concierge service. To enjoy a day away from the slopes, you can hire bikes or a car directly from the hotel. The front desk is available 24 hours a day. The Okuibuki Ski Area is 21 miles (34 km) away, but before you hit the snow, be sure to enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel first.
Kitabiwako Hotel Grazie
Address: Minatocho 4-17
37.47 km (23.3 mi) from Biwako Valley Ropeway
The slopes await
Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. We love that these resorts are within easy access, and you can spend just a day-trip or a few days out on the slopes. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, winter sports in Japan is an absolute must-try. So, what are you waiting for? Book one of these top skiing and snowboarding resorts near Kyoto in Japan for your next winter holiday.
Frequently asked questions about the top snowboarding and skiing resorts near Kyoto, Japan
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