photo by ryan Harvey
Where the summer heat has gone? Winter has come. Same as in many other countries, snow activities such as ski and snow boarding are the most popular outdoor leisure during winter in Japan. Hokkaido and Nagano are internationally well known for many good ski resorts, but in fact, there also are lots of great ski fields around Osaka area. Most of those ski fields in Kansai area are located in Shiga prefecture or Hyogo prefecture, which are close to Osaka city. All of the ski fields are already open for 2018-2019 season. This column will introduce 5 best ski resorts around Osaka.
Biwako Valley
Locating close to the top of Mt. Houraisan, the best feature of this middle size ski resort is a thrilling course that makes you feel as if directly jumping into Lake Biwako. The courses here are mostly for intermediate or advanced skiers and snow boarders, however, they recently added another course for beginners. There are many classes for all levels as well as lessons in English. Good meals and great snow views are available at café and restaurant of Biwako Terrace.
Biwako Valley
2018/2019 Season: Saturday 22 Dec 2018 – Saturday 24 March 2019
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 – 17:00, Weekend, public holiday, year-end & new year: 8:00 – 17:00
Address: 1547-1 Kido, Otsu Shiga 520-0514
TEL: 077-592-1155
Access: JR Kyoto Line from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto (25min), JR Kosai Line from Kyoto to Shiga (40min), Direct bus from Shiga station to Biwako Valley (10min)
Or if going by car, take Meishin Expressway from Kyoto IC to Shiga IC (approx. 40min)
Okuibuki Snow Resort
Far north of Shiga prefecture, the largest ski resort of Kansai area is located on the border of Shiga and Gifu. The quality of snow and snowfall is outstanding here thanks to its high elevation. This place also has handy access from Osaka and Kyoto. There are 12 courses covering all levels. The advanced course has ski mogul course for advance skiers. Also, there are variety of ski and snow boarding classes held by professionals. Of course a great variety of ski and snowboard rentals are available.
Okuibuki Snow Resort
2018/2019 Season: Open Saturday 15 Dec 2018
Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00
Address: Kozuhara Okuibuki, Maibara-shi Shiga 521-0301
TEL: 0749-59-0322
Access: JR Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Maibara (40min), direct shuttle bus from Maibara stationa to Okuibuki Snow Resort (approx. 1hour, by booking)
Or if going by car, take Meishin Expressway from Suita IC to Maibara IC (approx. 110min)
Yogo Kogen Resort YAP
This place is on the border between Shiga and Fukui, and also has great snowfall as well as good snow condition. This ski resort is rather small size with two beginner’s course, two intermediate courses in addition to an advanced course with the steepest angle of 33digrees. Saturday night ski will be available after 5th January 2019 for those who are passionate to ski and snow boarding. Of course, they offer a great range of rental gears, as well as ski and snowboarding lessons. There are many special offers such as fan service day with free lift ticket and Ladies’ Tuesday with discounted lift ticket.
Yogo Kogen Resort YAP
2018/2019 Season: Saturday 22 Dec 2018 – Sunday 10 March 2019
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 – 17:00, Weekend & public holiday 8:00 – 16:30
Address: 373 Yogocho Nakanokawachi, Nagahama-shi, Shiga, 529-0531
TEL: 0749-86-3001
Access: JR Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Maibara (40min), direct shuttle bus from Maibara stationa to Yogo Kogen Resort YAP (approx. 1hour, by booking, fees apply)
Mineyama Kogen Resort
Surrounded by over 1000m peaks, this ski field was newly opened last year with three beginner friendly courses and children’s park. While most ski resorts in Kansai area are open only during day time, this place opens until 21:00 every night. Of course they have many ski and snow boarding classes as well as gear rentals. This is the best ski resort for true beginners.
Mineyama Kogen Resort
2018/2019 Season: Saturday 22 Dec 2018 – Sunday 10 March 2019
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 – 21:00, Weekend & public holiday 8:00 – 21:00, Saturday Night Ski 17:30 – 23:00
Address: 881-146 Kamioda, Kamikawa-cho Kanzaki-gun, Hyogo, 679-3125
TEL: 0790-34-1900
Access by car: Chugoku Expressway from Chugoku-Ikeda IC to Bantan Renraku Road Kanzaki Minami Exit (60min), then drive 30min to Mineyama Kogen Resort
Rokkosan Snow Resort
Just one hour drive from Osaka, Rokkosan Snow Park has the best access from the central Osaka. This place is very small sized with only three courses, however, you have all you need here including lessons, rental gears and restaurants. The earliest in the area, this place opened in November and is already busy with people who started worming up for the season. Also, they offer night ski all weekends and public holidays as well as from December.
Rokkosan Snow Resort
2018/2019 Season: Saturday 17 Nov 2018 – Sunday 31 March 2019
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 – 17:00, Weekend & public holiday 9:00 – 22:00, all day from December 9:00 – 22:00
Address: 4512-98 Rokkosancho Kita-Rokko, Nada-ku Kobe-shi, Hyogo, 657-0101
TEL: 078-891-0366
Access: JR Kobe Line from Osaka to Rokkodo (30min), take Kobe City Bus from Rokkodo station, then Rokko Cable Car and Rokko Sanjo Bus (30min)
If going by car, take Chugoku Expressway from Chugoku-Ikeda IC, then go into Route 7 Kita-Kobe Line exit at Karato-East Exit or Kanzaki Minami Exit and keep driving to Rokkosan Snow Resort (40min)
If you are not falling, you are not learning
Ski season is here, everyone! Most ski resorts in Kansai area normally starts the season late December because compare to Hokkaido or Shinetsu area, winter comes later than those areas. But some of the places opens in November. All ski resorts introduced in this column have good access by public transports, as well as great variety of ski and snow board rentals, ski lessons and restaurants. If you live close to Kansai area, these ski resorts are must-visit of this season.
Related Article:
First tracks on fresh snow! 5 easy access ski resorts around Tokyo
