Situated perfectly between the Japanese Alps and the Sea of Japan, the city of Kanazawa is a part of one of the snowiest regions of Japan. The snow here isn't quite as dry and powdery as it is in the Nagano Ski Area due to the region's heavy rainfall and high humidity through much of the year. That doesn't stop it having some popular and well-maintained ski slopes, though!
Included in this list are some of the top ski resorts near Kanazawa and Fukui, including their seasons, prices for a day ticket, information on how to get to each one, and the length of the slopes available.
If you're looking to spend a few days in and around Kanazawa, why not have a look at our "30 Things to Do Around Kanazawa" guide to get all the best tips on things to do and see in the area! You may also enjoy our guides on "Best Tours and Itineraries around Kanazawa", "Best Photo Spots in Kanazawa", "Best Goshuin Near Kanazawa" and, if you're planning to come back to the area in a warmer season, "Best Beaches near Kanazawa and Fukui." These guides will help you make the most of your time in this wonderful but often overlooked part of Central Japan.
Near Kanazawa
-1 - Hakusan Ichirino Ski Resort
The largest ski resort in Ishikawa Prefecture, Hakusan Ichirino has large slopes for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers. The ski lift up to the top is a highlight for many, as it offers a stunning panoramic view of the Hakusan National Park. For families, there is also a children's sledding area and places where they can go skiing, snowboarding and sledding.
The ski resort itself is built next to the village of Ichirino Onsen, where you can take a relaxing bath after a day on the slopes.
Slopes
- Easy - 8km
- Intermediate - 8m
- Difficult - 4km
Price for a Day Pass
- Adults - JPY 5000
- Children - JPY 4000
Access
- Season - late December - Late March
- Opening times - 08:00 - 16:50 (depends on conditions, holidays and other factors)
- How to get there - Car rental from Kanazawa Station. Public transport is possible, but takes around 5 hours.
-2 - Hakusan Seymour Ski Resort
Not too far from Ichirino is Hakusan Seymour. It is smaller and slightly easier to reach than Ichirino, so it's a popular one-day excursion from the city. It takes its name from the Canadian ski region around Mt Seymour, hoping to invoke some of its legacy.
The ski slopes are more geared towards beginner-intermediate skiers, particularly people with children. If you have young kids with you in Japan, this is a great place to get them taking their first skiing steps!
Slopes
- Easy - 2km
- Intermediate - 6m
- Difficult - 2km
Price for a Day Pass
- Adults - JPY 3600
- Children - JPY 2500
Access
- Season - mid December - Late March
- Opening times - 08:30 - 17:00 (depends on conditions, holidays and other factors)
- How to get there - Car rental from Kanazawa Station.
-3 - Iozen Ski Resort
When you have just absolutely got to get on a ski slope as soon as possible, Iozen is there. The resort is located just a 30-minute drive from Kanazawa Station, making it the closest possible ski area to those staying in the city.
While it may not be Japan's premier ski resort, it is accessible, affordable and child-friendly. There are many smaller areas for children to get their grasp on the basics. You can also just rent sleds and make memories playing in the snow!
Slopes
- Easy - 1.6km
- Intermediate - 1.2m
- Difficult - 1.2km
Price for a Day Pass
- Adults - JPY 3600
- Children - JPY 2500
Access
- Season - mid December - Late March
- Opening times - 08:30 - 17:00 (depends on conditions, holidays and other factors)
- How to get there - Car rental from Kanazawa Station.
-4 - IOX-AROSA
Technically, this ski resort is located just over the border and is in Toyama Prefecture. As the mountain itself is on the border, though, we've included it on this list. The IOX-AROSA ski resort is famous for its view from the ski lift and night illuminations.
After the day is over, the snow is groomed to give people a chance to ski on the freshly-prepared snow against the backdrop of the evening skyline!
Slopes
- Easy - 4km
- Intermediate - 6m
- Difficult - 2km
Price for a Day Pass
- Adults - JPY 4000
- Children - JPY 2500
Access
- Season - mid December - mid March
- Opening times - 08:30 - 16:30 (depends on conditions, holidays and other factors).
Illumination Skiing - 17:30 - 21:00 (Depending on conditions) - How to get there - Car rental from Kanazawa Station or Toyama Station
Near Fukui
-1 - Skijam Katsuyama
Everyone in Fukui knows Ski Jam Katsuyama. It's one of the biggest ski parks in Western Japan. Ski Jam is also extremely accessible via direct bus from Fukui Station and budget-friendly, making it a popular choice to seasoned skiers as well as first-timers.
There are 14 different trails for those with different abilities, and lessons are available in English.
Slopes
- Easy - 6km
- Intermediate - 8km
- Difficult - 6km
Price for a Day Pass
- Adults - JPY 5300
- Children - JPY 3400
Access
- Season - mid December - Late March
- Opening times - 08:00 - 17:00(depends on conditions, holidays and other factors)
- How to get there - Bus direct from Fukui Station lasting around 60 minutes.
-2 - Fukui Izumi
This small ski resort is best suited for intermediate skiers, with only 5 short slopes and three ski lifts. Despite its size, Izumi does boast that high-quality powdery snow that makes for great skiing.
The Doberman Park section of the resort has an impressive run of rails and wide jumps for those looking to really up their game!
Slopes
- Easy - 1.5km
- Intermediate - 2km
- Difficult - 1.5km
Price for a Day Pass
- Adults - JPY 5200
- Children - JPY 1500
Access
- Season - mid December - Late March
- Opening times - 08:00 - 16:30 (depends on conditions, holidays and other factors)
- How to get there - Car rental from Fukui Station
-3 - Imajo 365
In the southern part of Fukui Prefecture, this ski resort may be most convenient for people travelling from Kyoto or Osaka to Kanazawa (or vice-versa), as it is most-easily reached from Tsuruga Station.
Unfortunately, the resort has been plagued with issues since the COVID-19 Pandemic, being unable to reopen between 2020 and 2022. In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, only one lift was in operation. A full reopening is expected for the 2025-26 season.
Slopes
- Easy - 2.7km
- Intermediate - 4.4km
- Difficult - 1.7km
Price for a Day Pass
- Adults - JPY 5200
- Children - JPY 1500
- How to get there - From Tsuruga Station, take the Hokuriku Main Line local train to Imajo Station for about 15 minutes. From there, there is a free shuttle bus. However, as the shuttle bus only operates three times per day, you may wish to call a taxi, which the station staff can assist with.
Access
- Season - late December - Late March
- Opening times - 08:00 - 17:00 (depends on conditions, holidays and other factors)
- How to get there - Car rental from Fukui Station
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does it usually start snowing in Kanazawa and Fukui?
While some of the more mountainous areas usually begin snowing as early as the end of October, the cities and more coastal areas usually do not get any snow until mid-to-late December until February. As Fukui is a little more south than the Kanazawa area, it is usually 1-2 weeks behind.
What is the quality of the snow in Kanazawa and Fukui?
Kanazawa and Fukui are both part of the Hokuriku Region, which is known for being particularly humid all year round. As such, the quality of the snow is a little more wet than in areas further north like Toyama and Nagano.
Both areas are stops on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, so if you're interested in visiting those for skiing and getting more cultural time in Kanazawa, you may want to check out our "Best Ski Resorts near Toyama" and "Best Onsen Ski Resorts in Nagano" pages!
Can you rent skis, boots and the other necessary gear at the ski resorts on this list?
Yes, all the major ski resorts in Kanazawa and Fukui, including Hakusan Ichirino and Seymour, Skijam Katsuyama and IOX-AROSSA provide rental services for skis, boots, poles, snowboards, and even winter clothing.
What other things can you do in Kanazawa and Fukui in the winter?
Kanazawa is a great hub for visitors to spend a few days and branch out into some hidden gems and harder-to-reach areas. A winter highlight is the view from Amaharashi, the view of the snowy mountains over the bay. Our Amaharashi, A Big Buddha and the Shogawa Valley River Cruise tour takes you to some winter highlights to the west of Kanazawa.
Fukui, too, has several places worth visiting. Premier among them is the 800-year-old Eiheiji Temple. This temple is one of the two head temples of Soto Zen Buddhism and is famous for its natural beauty. In winter, the temple grounds are coated in snow and the crisp mountain air is a perfect place to relax away from the bustling cities! Our Eiheiji Temple and Fukui City Castle Town tour spends the afternoon in this ethereal temple and takes in a few sights around Fukui City on the way.
Winter is also the best time to take a dip in an onsen. It's especially rejuvenating after a long day out in the snow. For many visitors to Japan with tattoos, onsen can be a daunting experience. Thankfully, we've prepared a guide on "Tattoo-friendly Onsen Around Kanazawa" to help you find somewhere in the area where you can experience one of Japan's best pieces of culture.
