1. Nozawa Onsen
This is an incredibly picturesque mountain and village, located at the foot of the mountain and covered with snow throughout the winter season. The village itself is a bit hilly, located at the very foot of the mountain and an absolutely oozing character. There are 13 free Onsens scattered around the city, where you can swim if you take your own towel and soap. In addition to this, there is another large Onsen complex next to the ski field and a couple more inside the fast traffic.
2. Myoko Kugen
Recently, Myoko has become more affordable, as they offer transfers from Nagano station for less than 5,000 yen. It is a beautiful hidden area and is not often visited, as are some of the other areas due to the difficulty in getting there. There are still a lot of really pleasant skis / landings in the area, and the snow is usually very good. The slopes are best suited for beginners and intermediate skiers / boarders. Onsens is very pleasant with Akakura Onsen overlooking the entire snow-covered valley at an altitude of 780 meters above sea level.
3. Shiga Kougen
Shiga Kougen is actually a series of separately working Scythians, which are all connected with each other. It was the site of many events for the Winter Olympics in Nagano. Because Shiga-Kugen is a bunch of mountains that are taller than many of Tokyo's ski fields, and often have the driest and most muddy snow. Due to the large number of ski fields, there are many options for border guards and skiers. Because it is so high, there is no village tied to Shige-Kougen, and most of the premises and eateries are usually built before the bubble burst in 89. This is a great place to explore the area and often provides reliable skiing when other slopes become sleet.
4. Hakuba
Hakuba is a valley located at the back of the Nagano prefecture. There is a really good choice of mountains to ski, with Happo One and Hakuba 47 being the most popular. Zugaike, Cortina and Ivatake are all highly recommended. Other resorts in the area are Sun Alpina, Goryuu Tomi and Norikura. All these slopes are very interesting in their own right, and they are worth checking out. You need to spend at least one day skiing. The snow is usually pretty good here, and there are many cafes if you explore this area. There are also a couple of good Onsens.
5. Yuzawa
Gala Yuzawa has its own railway station and can be reached by train from Tokyo in just an hour. He also quickly gets there by car, taking just over two hours, which makes this slope one of the most popular (and crowded) ski resorts. Definitely avoid this place during the holidays. However, if you only have a day to ski, this is a good mountain that offers a beautiful view on a clear day. Population and many amenities for the whole family.
6. Naeba / Kagura
Naeba is located in Yuzawa, along with Gala Yuzawa and Iwapara, and is arguably the most popular ski resort in Japan because of its proximity to Tokyo and the reputation of good powder. The Naeb ski field is enhanced by its link to the Kagura resort with the help of Dracondole. Between the two resorts there is a huge variety of trails and landscape. For a short trip from Tokyo, this is one of the best places. Beware, Naeba can become very crowded.
7. Kusatsu
Kusatsu is a resort town located in the mountains of Gunma. The village itself is extremely beautiful and boasts a geothermal spring that hovers from the ground in the very center of the city. Kusatsu is a popular family resort, and it feels like a little of it. There are many onsen, restaurants and souvenir shops for buying local delicacies. The ski field (Kusatsu Kokusai) is great for beginners and intermediate levels. During the holiday periods it may overflow.
8. Ontake
Ontaks is a mountain with a good size with many lifts and slopes on board / on skis. It boasts a beautiful view on a clear day and a little closer to Tokyo than Hakuba. It is located on the southwest side of the Nagano prefecture and is located near Chuo Douro. There are not many of them, but nearby there are public baths in which it is pleasant to be absorbed.
9. Karuizawa
Karuizawa is a rich resort town that boasts a rather large shopping center, onsans and its own ski field. The ski field is not very difficult, but it's great for a family. There are many things that others can do if there are non-skiers in your group. Karuizawa makes an ideal day trip from Tokyo, as the ski field is very close to the station.
10. Minakami
Minakami District is located in the north of Gunma Prefecture in the Tanigawa mountain ranges. This area is famous for its Onsens, and there are many truly picturesque places that you can swim after skiing in the snow. In the area there are 10 ski and snowboard resorts, including; Minaki Gudaygi, Minaki Kougen, Minaki Koug Fujiwara, Minaki Okouton, Norn Minaki, Ohana, Tanigawa Onsenskoy Valley and Tanigavadaka Tenjindayra Just 70 minutes by train from Tokyo, this place leaves the Internet when people are delighted with Yuzawa and Naeba. However, this area is less crowded and far surpasses you when you add to beautiful Onsens. Houdaigi is highly recommended for border guards, as there are some really good runs left and right when you get to the top of the mountain. The valleys are shaped like large half pipes and make it a hidden stone (as the name implies). Don't expect the mountains to be as big as Naeba / Yuzawa, but there are 10 fields to choose from.
