Resting conveniently between the dramatic peaks of the Tateyama Mountain Range and the Sea of Japan, Toyama is at the heart of one of Japan's most celebrated winter wonderlands. The region experiences heavy snowfall and the the ski resorts here are known for their value and accessibility. The areas here may not be as large as the ones in Nagano and Hokkaido but the intimate experience can be a relaxing escape for casual skiers and snowboarders.
Our guide to Toyama's top ski resorts includes details on their seasons, day ticket prices, transportation options, and the length of their slopes.
If you're planning a trip to Toyama, don't forget to check out our other guides, such as "25 Things to Do Around Toyama," "Toyama's Famous Foods," and "Best Onsen Hot Springs in Toyama." You'll be able to get the most out of your visit to this incredible region with the help of these guides. Enjoy Toyama!
Where is Toyama?
Toyama is both a prefecture and a city in Japan, located in the Chūbu region on the main island of Honshu. It is situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan, with the dramatic Northern Japan Alps forming a mountainous backdrop. The area is home to some of Japan's most famous natural wonders, including the spectacular Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, the highest waterfall in Japan at Shomyo Falls, and the beautiful Kurobe Gorge.
How to get to Toyama
For those traveling from Tokyo, the fastest way to reach Toyama is by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen, a journey that takes approximately two hours. From Osaka, you can take a limited express train to Tsuruga Station and then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, with the total trip taking about three hours.
Check out our "How to get to Toyama" page to learn more!
Ski Resorts in Toyama
Toyama Prefecture is home to several popular ski resorts that cater to a wide range of visitors, from families to advanced skiers. The Tateyama Sanroku Ski Area is a top choice, known for its extensive network of slopes spread across three interconnected areas: Raicho Valley, Gokurakuzaka, and Awasuno.
Another highly-rated option is the IOX-AROSA Ski Resort, which is celebrated for its long, well-maintained runs and beautiful panoramic views of both the Tateyama mountain range and the Sea of Japan. For those seeking a quieter, more relaxed experience, the Taira Ski Area is a favorite, known for its excellent snow conditions and local charm. These resorts are consistently popular for their accessibility and varied offerings.
If you're looking for a ski resort that is cheap, easily accessible and is in an onsen hot spring resort town, Unazuki Onsen Snow Park is a great option. It is small and family friendly but also has drops for more high level skiers. No matter what you are looking for, Toyama has a ski resort for you!
- Toyama City - Tateyama Sanroku Ski Resort
The Tateyama Sanroku Ski Area is a large resort made up of three interconnected areas: Raicho Valley, Gokurakuzaka, and Awasuno. It boasts a diverse range of slopes, with a total of 9.9 km of runs that cater to all skill levels. The longest course stretches for 3,000 meters, offering a long and exhilarating downhill experience. The resort features a good mix of courses, with a fairly even split between beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, including some with steep gradients of up to 32 degrees.
Slopes
Raicho Bare Ski Course
- Easy - 900m
- Intermediate - 500-800m
- Difficult - 2000m
Gyokurakuzaka Ski Course
- Easy - 500m
- Intermediate - 1400m
- Difficult - 1500m
Awasuno Ski Resort
- Easy - 350m
- Intermediate - 3000m
- Difficult - 730m
Price for a Day Pass
Raicho Bare & Gyokurakuzaka Ski Courses Combined
- Adults - JPY 4600
- Children - JPY 3000 (~12 y.o.)
Awasuno Ski Resort
- Adults - JPY 4500
- Children - JPY 3000 (~16 y.o.)
Access
- Season - late December - late March
- Opening times - 08:00 - 16:00 (depends on conditions, holidays and other factors)
- How to get there - Car rental from Toyama Station. Public transport is possible only during the ski season. Take the local train to Tateyama Station and then a short bus to the ski areas. Google Map Link
- Nanto City - IOX-AROSA Ski Resort
The IOX-AROSA Ski Resort, a sister resort to the Arosa resort in Switzerland, is well-regarded for its European atmosphere. With a longest course of 3,000 meters and a vertical drop of 500 meters, it offers a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort's seven pistes are divided to suit different abilities, with a higher percentage dedicated to intermediate and beginner skiers. A notable feature is the availability of night skiing, allowing visitors to enjoy most of the slopes well into the evening.
Slopes
- Easy - 1050m
- Intermediate - 1750m
- Difficult - 500m
Price for a Day Pass
- Adults - JPY 4800
- Children - JPY 2500 (~16 y.o.)
Access
- Season - late December - late March
- Opening times - 08:00 - 16:30 (depends on conditions, holidays and other factors)
- How to get there - Car rental from Kanazawa, Takaoka, Shin-Takaoka or Toyama Station. Going all the way by public transport isn't possible but if you can take the local train to Fukumitsu Station and then a taxi. There are also sometimes direct buses during the winter season. Google Map Link
- Nanto City - Taira Ski & Cross Country Area
The Taira Ski Area in Nanto City is known for its excellent snow conditions and a quiet, local atmosphere, making it a great alternative to more crowded resorts. It offers five courses served by three lifts, with a longest run of 1,200 meters. The slopes cater to a variety of skill levels, with a 35-degree gradient on its steepest course. This resort is particularly well-known for hosting national-level mogul competitions.
Slopes
- Easy - 200m
- Intermediate - 2000m
- Difficult - 550m
Price for a Day Pass
- Adults - JPY 3500
- Children - JPY 3000 (~16 y.o.)
Access
- Season - mid-December - late March
- Opening times - 08:30 - 16:00 (depends on conditions, holidays and other factors)
- How to get there - Car rental from Kanazawa, Takaoka, Shin-Takaoka or Toyama Station which all take between 45 minutes and an hour. It is very difficult to reach by public transportation. Take a bus from Takaoka or Shin-Takaoka Station to Gokayama and catch a taxi from there. Google Map Link
- Kurobe City - Unazuki Onsen Snow Park
Unazuki Onsen Snow Park is a small, family-friendly ski area located within walking distance of the Unazuki Onsen hot spring town. It features a few courses with a longest run of 500 meters and a variety of slopes catering to different skill levels, with its steepest course having a 29-degree gradient. The resort is particularly appealing for beginners and families as the Number 1 pair lift is free to use. Its manageable size and affordability make it an excellent choice for a casual day of skiing paired with a relaxing hot spring experience.
Slopes
- Easy - 200m
- Intermediate - 2000m
- Difficult - 550m
Price for a Day Pass
- Adults - JPY 1560
- Children - JPY 1030 (~16 y.o.)
Access
- Season - late-December - early March
- Opening times - 08:30 - 16:00 (depends on conditions, holidays and other factors)
- How to get there - Take the shinkansen to Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station then transfer to Shin-Kurobe Station. Take that train to the end, Unazuki Onsen Station and walk to the ski resort! Google Map Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does it usually start snowing?
While the high mountains of Toyama can see their first snowfall as early as October, the plains and city areas typically do not see snow until December, with heavy accumulations occurring from late December through February.
What is the quality of the snow in Toyama?
Due to its location in one of Japan's snowiest regions, Toyama is known for receiving a vast amount of snow, with the high-altitude areas often boasting excellent, light, and fluffy powder snow.
Can you rent skis, boots and the other necessary gear at the ski resorts in Toyama?
Yes, all the major ski resorts in Toyama, including Tateyama Sanroku, IOX-AROSA, and Taira, provide rental services for skis, boots, poles, snowboards, and even winter clothing.
What other things can you do in Toyama in the winter?
Beyond skiing, a highlight of winter in Toyama is visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gokayama to see the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses blanketed in snow. You can also explore the spectacular snow walls of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from mid-April, or enjoy the region's famous winter seafood and relax in one of the many onsen resorts.
