Top 12 Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Japan

If you’re looking for something fun to do the next time you’re in Japan, ditch the usual vacation style of shopping and visiting touristy attractions and turn to Japan’s scenic slopes for a change.

Home to one of the highest average snowfalls in the world and with 75 percent of its land mass being mountainous terrain, it’s no wonder that Japan houses more than 500 ski resorts! You’ll find thick blankets of pristine white snow during winter and a slew of exciting outdoor adventures in the summer for people of all ages. Here are some great family-friendly ski resorts to check out:

1. The Green Leaf Niseko Village

Still unable to find rooms that can accommodate your big family? Look no further! At The Green Leaf Niseko Village, every Deluxe Twin room is connected to a Deluxe King room for groups and families who wish to stay close together.

Also, you may have already guessed, The Green Leaf Niseko is the best hotel for “ski in, ski out” access (skiing to and from the accommodation) because of its location near Mount Yotei. It also houses its own nature activity centre, Pure, that offers incredible activities like zip line tours and horseback riding which even your little ones can join! During winter, engage in a snowmobile adventure or reindeer sledding for an out-of-the-world experience.

Prices start from S$150/night

The Green Leaf Niseko is located at Higashiyama-onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1592, Japan.

2. Hilton Niseko Village

At Hilton Niseko Village, choose from a variety of rooms ranging from Twin Hilton to Twin Deluxe Family. Apart from the free WiFi and LCD TV available, the floor-to-ceiling windows in Hilton Niseko offer commanding views of Niseko that will leave you speechless.

Good news for ski enthusiasts: Hilton Niseko is adjacent to the Niseko Gondola that will take you straight to the slopes so you save all that hassle of getting there. And of course, being an affiliate of the global Hilton chain means that amenities are exceptional. Pick up your golf clubs and head to the golf course or dip in a Japanese onsen with a spectacular view of the mountain ranges!

Moreover, as the hotel is just a short distance from the village shopping and dining, this means that the myriad of restaurants and bars are only one step away. Food options are limitless and even better, they’re all at your fingertips. You’ll never have to worry about your meals at Hilton Niseko.

Prices start from S$230/night

Hilton Niseko Village is located at Higashiyama-onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1592, Japan.

3. Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse

For a luxe escape, discover the Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse that can accommodate up to six persons, with complimentary usage of townhouse facilities that vary depending on your travel package. You can expect to enjoy a terrific view of Mount Yotei, in the comfort of a traditional Japanese tatami-style dining area within the townhouse.

For families with young children below 12 years old, you can even opt to convert this dining area into an additional bedroom with futon bedding. Now that’s service!

Prices start from S$600/night

Kasara Niseko Village is located at Higashiyama-onsen, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1592, Japan.

4. Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort

Being a stone’s throw away from the ski slopes and the activities centre, the Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort is the place for avid skiers who wish to take on the slopes, or thrill seekers gunning for activities like snow-rafting and adventure tours. Choose from a variety of Deluxe rooms that will fit a family of four comfortably or a Superior room for bigger families.

Apart from its superb location, the Sheraton Hokkaido even houses a Tokiwa Geothermal Spa. After a day of fun-filled activities, retreat into the therapeutic hot springs that will surely melt your worries away!

Prices start from S$140/night

Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort is located at 128-1 Aza-Tokiwa, Akaigawa-mura, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido, 046-0593, Japan.

5. The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido

The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido has different types of comfy rooms to suit different needs. For a retreat into nature, go for the incredible Mountain Suite which hosts up to four adults, and on top of that, offers the most scenic natural surroundings. Located in the heart of nature, you’ll be rewarded with the luxurious view of the vast wilderness. Just bask in the restorative powers of nature while in the comfort of your room!

In the name of love, why not spoil your family with an exclusive Hokkaido-themed breakfast? Or treat yourselves to a premium barbeque with charcoal grilled seafood freshly caught, at Kiroro Premium BBQ. If you’re looking for authentic Japanese sushi, head down to Fuga Sushi House and dig in! At The Kiroro, you and your family can hope to relax and unwind to your heart’s desire.

Prices start from S$140/night

Kiroro Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located at 128-1 Aza-Tokiwa, Akaigawa-mura, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido, 046-0593, Japan.

6. The Westin Rusutsu Resort

The Westin Rusutsu Hotel offers rooms ranging from standard twin rooms to deluxe family rooms; with the most popular being the Japanese-style rooms that incorporate Japanese Tatami. For bigger families who require more space, there is even the Junior Suite room to accommodate you!

Nurse your weary souls in the complimentary outdoor bath (rotenburo) while in the midst of the beautiful Hokkaido landscape or get interactive with the 4D-theatre located within Game World for some family bonding time.

Prices start from S$260/night

Rusutsu Resort is located at Rusutsu, Izumikawa, Hokkaido 048-1711, Japan.

7. Rusutsu Resort Log House & Cottage

For multiple families travelling together, opt for the Rusutsu Resort Log House or the Cottage. The latter houses an impressive six people but the Log House can hold up to a whopping 24 pax!

All log houses and cottages are fully furnished with well-stocked bathrooms and a refrigerator! But one thing to note, WiFi is not available here.

Prices start from S$400/night

Rusutsu Resort Log House & Cottage is located at Rusutsu, Izumikawa, Hokkaido 048-1711, Japan.

8. Rusutsu Resort Travel Lodge

For families on a budget, Rusutsu Resort Travel Lodge provides basic accommodation at a reasonable price. This is optimal for those who wish to exhaust themselves in the Amusement Park located within the resort as you can easily return later.

However, it’s important to note that WiFi is not available and the temperatures in the rooms cannot be adjusted. In essence, only expect the bare necessities in Rusutsu Resort Travel Lodge. This may seem off-putting, but for older families who are more tolerant, this is a steal!

Prices start from S$140/night

Rusutsu Resort Travel Lodge is located at Rusutsu, Izumikawa, Hokkaido 048-1711, Japan.

9. Risonare Tomamu

Risonare Tomamu is an all-suite hotel situated within the forested area. What sets Risonare apart from the rest of the hotels is the sheer size of their suites. For big families, you can opt for a Suite Fourth room that sleeps up to four adults or a Suite Sixth room that sleeps up to six and yes, all in one room! What’s more impressive is that every room is fitted with an observatory jet bath and an advanced toilet seat. This spells an awesome bath!

Moreover, guests will be granted free access to several amenities around the resort such as the indoor wave pool, Mina-Mina Beach. But this is not just any ordinary beach, at a perfect temperature of 30°C, it is an indoor beach with one of the largest wave pools in Japan. Your little ones will be thrilled!

Another perk of being a guest here at Risonare is that you get to enter the magical Ice Village for free (only available during winter). You and your family members will be dazzled by exquisite ice sculptures such as life-size igloos and our personal favourite, the ice slide! Furthermore, there is also an ice restaurant, an ice bar serving food and drinks and a dessert buffet too! There’s something in store for everyone in Risonare!

Prices start from S$200/night

Risonare Tomamu is located at Naka-Tomamu Shimukappu Yufutsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

10. Tomamu The Tower

Tomamu The Tower is a serious contender for the title of the most family-friendly ski resort. Boasting big family rooms like the Standard Fifth rooms and Family Fifth rooms which can both host five adults, it also features two bathrooms in each room. What a relief! Furthermore, this hotel is situated in the middle of the resort which means it’s more convenient to access the activities and restaurants!

Also, like Risonare, guests are entitled to a wide variety of activities depending on your travel package. However, if you have a choice, do opt for the package that includes the lift coupon which will allow you to ride the UNKAI gondola up to The Terrace of Frost Trees in the Winter or to the UNKAI terrace in the summer.

At the former, you can marvel at the grand Hidaka Mountains and admire the remarkable Frost Trees. If you’ll be travelling during the December holidays, make sure not to miss the light up event where these frost trees will be beautifully illuminated. It’s been said that if you’re lucky, you may even witness the phenomenal diamond dust!

Prices start from S$150/night

Tomamu The Tower is located at Naka-Tomamu Shimukappu Yufutsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

11. Rockwood Hotel and Spa

Nestled within Mount Iwaki in Aomori, Rockwood offers the full natural experience. On top of spectacular mountain views, gape at Tsugaru Plain and the Sea of Japan through the windows of your very own room!

For families who prefer a private, onsen bath to themselves, Rockwood’s Suite rooms will satisfy you. This room is able to accommodate up to four adults and is fully furnished with two bathrooms, apart from the indoor hot spring. Boasting such rare features in ski resorts, Rockwood definitely knows how to treat!

To add the finishing touches for a perfect stay, Rockwood even has connecting Twin rooms that can sleep up to six adults for bigger families.

Prices start from S$230/night

Rockwood Hotel and Spa is located at Ajigasawa-Kogen, Ajigasawa-Machi

Nishitsugaru-Gun, Aomori 038-2793, Japan.

12. Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido

For fuss-free families only interested in winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, Club Med Sahoro is perfect for you. Located 150 minutes away from New Chitose Airport and 90 minutes away from Obihiro Airport, Sahoro boasts of premium powder snow and smooth white slopes. One other thing Club Med Sahoro can be proud of is its all-inclusive accommodation!

For small-sized families, the Club rooms in Sahoro Club Med is made for you. At a span of 27 to 37 sq.m., this room will sleep three adults comfortably. These rooms can also be adapted to fit medium sized families since it’s possible for adjoining rooms to interconnect. For bigger families, go for the Deluxe Family rooms or Suite rooms which can host up to four adults. It even includes a Japanese Tatami sitting area where you can dine in or enjoy simple card games.

Guests can also expect to enjoy hotel facilities like the Snow Garden. Children aged four to 10 years old can learn to ski, use the ski tow and snow belt as well as take on the circuit course under professional guidance.

Prices start from S$1662/5 nights

Sahoro Club Med is located at 147-1 Niinai Nishi 6 Sen, Shintoku, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 081-0039, Japan.

The makings of an amazing holiday are all listed here. Foster close familial bonds and create a legacy of memories so good that you’ll never forget. So what are you waiting for? Hurry, book your next ski trip to Japan today!