a TLDR to skiing in japan: the no stress starer pack

I wrote this because a lot of people on the internet ask me for tips on skiing in Hokkaido, Japan. Here is all the stuff we tirelessly combed the Internet for before our trip, or learned the hard way. I promise you none of this is fluff - it is all useful. At least as of 2025.

📱 before you go: Apps You’ll Actually Use

  • eSIM apps (Airalo, Ubigi, etc.) – Grab data before you land so you’re not hunting for Wi-Fi when you’re already jet-lagged. Ubigi is Japan-operated and the popular choice. View setup video

  • Suica – Arguably the most important app other than your eSIM. The magic card for trains, buses, and even convenience store snacks. Load it into your phone wallet and skip the ticket machines. View setup video

  • Papago – A translation app that’s scary good with Japanese menus and signs. Generally more accurate translation for Japanese than Google Translate but functions the same way.

💴 cash only places in japan

A lot of places are cash only, especially smaller restaurants and bars. You’ll be glad if you pulled out a bunch of yen before leaving the US.

For reference, a bowl of ramen is about ¥700 - ¥1,000 ($4.40 to $6.80 USD)

🚗 International driver’s permit + car rental

⚠️ Don’t forget: you must get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) online from AAA in the U.S. before you go if you want to rent a car. No IDP = no keys.

Apply for your IDP online in advance. It costs $30 and requires at least 5 days for processing and shipping. It is valid for one year.

We rented from Toyota Rent a Car and spent $600 total for a 9 day rental for an automatic AWD car that held two people, our ski bags and luggage only.

🏔 Where to Ski in Japan (and How to Get There)

Japan has a ton of ski resorts, but three areas usually steal the spotlight:

  • Niseko (Hokkaido) – The most famous, with big international vibes, tons of restaurants, and deep powder. Fly into New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo. This is also near Rusutsu (Epic Pass) and Kiroro (great backcountry skiing).

  • Central Hokkaido (Furano, Asahikawa, Tomamu, etc.) – Quieter, less crowded, and known for super-dry powder. Perfect if you want a more local feel. Ideal for backcountry and mellow skiers. Many resorts are low angle and those who can go out of bounds and skin back will enjoy themselves the most. Fly into Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) preferably, or New Chitose (CTS) in Sapporo for a ~2hr drive.

  • Hakuba (Nagano Prefecture) – Easy to reach from Tokyo, with lots of terrain and a mix of Japanese and international ski culture. Fly into Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT), then train or bus it. Ship your ski bags from the airport if possible and take a nice pit stop adventure in Tokyo.

Quick tip: if you want steeps and nightlife + après, go Niseko and Rusutsu.

If you want backcountry skiing, untouched snow and a more local vibe, head to Central Hokkaido.

If you want the easiest “Tokyo + ski trip” combo, Hakuba’s your spot.

🎿 Skip the Ski-Lugging Struggle. ship your skis from the airport

Dragging skis through Tokyo stations? Yeah no hard pass. Think: stairs, crowds, and zero space.

Instead, hand your gear over to Yamato Transport (aka Black Cat) at the airport. They’ll deliver it straight to your hotel or resort so you can travel light. Trust me, this is a game-changer.

You will need to fill out a Waybill to ship your skis and you bet your butt it’s going to be in Japanese. Scroll down on this page and click “When Shipping To Ski Resorts” to learn what to put in each field.

🚆 Mastering Tokyo Trains (Without Tears)

Tokyo’s train map looks like rainbow spaghetti, but don’t panic. Apps like Rome2Rio or HyperDia will lay out exact routes and transfers for you. Just follow the arrows, and boom—you’re a train pro.

🗣 A Few Handy Japanese Phrases

Even if you don’t speak Japanese, it’s nice to know a few phrases. More helpful phrases for use in restaurants and mini marts on my communication page here.

  • Hello / Good day – Konnichiwa (こんにちは)

  • Thank you – Arigatō (ありがとう) or more polite: Arigatō gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

  • Excuse me / Sorry – Sumimasen (すみません) - For getting waitstaff attention, or apologizing for bumping into someone

  • Excuse me, I don’t speak Japanese – Sumimasen, nihongo ga hanasemasen

  • Yes – Hai (はい)

  • No – Iie (いいえ)

  • Cheers! – Kanpai! (乾杯) – very important for après-ski 🍻

🗣 Japanese Phrases people will say to you

  • Fukuro wa irimasu ka? – Do you want a bag? (Hai for yes or iie for no)

  • Cardo - Are you using credit card?

  • Genkin - Cash. If you hear this word when trying to use a card, they are probably telling you it’s cash only

🎉 Powder Awaits

That’s it—the basics to survive (and actually enjoy) your first Japan ski adventure. With these hacks, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time chasing fresh snow, slurping ramen, and soaking in hot springs.

Japan powder is calling. Pack smart, travel light, and go get it.