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Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture is one of the the snowiest regions in Japan. It’s home to Shizukuishi, a resort area with great powder that looks out toward iconic Mt. Iwate. Snow lovers looking for lesser-known resorts will be rewarded with incredible snow quality and authentic, uncrowded resort areas. Here, you can feel the Japanese countryside hospitality at traditional ryokan and minpaku accommodation, as well as many hot springs and carefully prepared local cuisine. Shizukuishi consists of three resorts: Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort and Iwate Kogen Snow Park. They are generally less crowded than other resorts in Iwate such as Appi Kogen, and you’ll get more bang for your yen with affordable lift tickets.
SHIZUKUISHI SKI RESORT
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Shizukuishi Ski Resort is famous for its views of Mt. Iwate—the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture—and has a full-scale downhill race course certified by FIS, and three terrain parks that will challenge any skier or snowboarder. After riding, warm up at Takakura Onsen located in the Prince Hotel at the base. This year, both Shizukuishi Ski Resort and Iwate Kogen Snow Park have expanded their board parks with more jumps, jibs and rails for freestyle riders. For those searching for fresh lines, cat tours operate twice a day. For more information, visit Shizukuishi Ski Resort’s website here.
AMIHARI ONSEN RESORT
The 1,350-meter-high Amihari Onsen Ski Resort is located on the southwestern foot of Mt. Iwate and has a 3,000-meter course. It is also the starting point for backcountry skiing at Mt. Iwate and Mt. Hachimantai. You can enjoy waist-to-chest powder snow without the crowds, especially on weekdays. As its name suggests, there is an onsen (hot spring) for daytrippers at Kyukamura Iwate-Amihari Onsen Hotel at the base of the resort. For more information, visit Amihari Onsen Ski Resort’s website here.
IWATE KOGEN SKI RESORT
On the southern slopes of Mt. Iwate is a small but fun resort worthy of a day trip. It has a range of tree runs, consistent fall line and steeper pitches compared to Amihari Onsen. It is open daily until 9 p.m. as well for night skiing on those deep days and has the area’s only gondola. For more information, visit Iwate Kogen Ski Resort’s website here.
GETTING THERE
The bullet train runs straight to Shizukuishi Station on the Akita Shinkansen Line. Most visitors stop at Morioka Station (30 minutes away) in Morioka City, the regional hub and a great city to explore. There are shuttle buses to the resorts from Morioka Station. All resorts offer gear and wear rentals as well as ski instruction for beginners.