October 14, 2026
Want to plan a snowy getaway without trekking too far or spending hours in transit? Skiing in Karuizawa is the easiest and most fun winter option near Tokyo!
Trip.com has picked out three of the hottest ski areas in Karuizawa—super easy to reach, fully equipped with rental gear, and packed with on-snow activities—and you can even swing by Karuizawa’s biggest outlet mall or slip into the hot springs at the neighboring resort.
Plus, we’ve rounded up kid-friendly ski schools and winter-only stargazing experiences, so you can have your Karuizawa winter itinerary planned in one go!
Ski Resort | Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort | Karuizawa Snow Park | Palcall Tsumagoi Ski Resort |
Ski run layout | 16 trails (beginner 58%, intermediate 21%, advanced 21%) | 6 trails（Beginner 30%、Intermediate 50%、Advanced 20%） | 24 trails (Beginner 40%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 10%) |
Hours | Around mid-November to the end of March | Around mid-December to the end of March | Around early December～ early April |
Transportation | Shinkansen 1 hour→on foot or by bus 10 minutes | Karuizawa Station Shuttle Bus | Shinkansen→Reservation-Only Shuttle Bus |
Highlights | Chinese-speaking instructors, snow play area, near shopping centers | Ski lessons, sledding, rope courses, and a variety of other snow activities | A cable car about 3,193 meters long, snowmobiling, and snow tubing |
Address: Karuizawa, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture 389-0102, Japan
Want to try skiing in Japan but worried about transportation hassles? The hugely popular Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort in the Kanto region is one of the first to open each season, and of its 16 runs, more than half are green beginner runs, making it easy for first-timers to get comfortable.
The resort is scheduled to open from 31 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. The operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (up to 18 December 2026) and run slightly shorter after that from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Best of all, there's a team of Chinese-speaking instructors, so you don't have to worry about language barriers. Kids even have their own snow park where they can sled and build snowmen for free, and when you're tired out, you can head next door to Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza for a shopping spree.
From Tokyo, it's just a 1-hour ride on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station, then a 10-minute walk or a free shuttle bus to the slopes - it's truly a skier's paradise for city dwellers!
Address: Gunma Prefecture, Agatsuma District, Naganohara Town, Kitakaruizawa
Karuizawa Snow Park may have only six runs, but each one is thoughtfully designed. There are trails perfect for introducing kids to the fun of skiing, plus a magic carpet lift and a dedicated sledding slope, so even little ones who aren’t ready to ski can ease into it.
With professional guidance from the resort’s instructors, beginners quickly find their groove and pick up skills fast. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of fun snow activities, like sledding, snow tubing, and inflatable slides.
The atmosphere here is relaxed with little competitive pressure, making it ideal for families who want to soak up dreamy snowy scenery, as well as first-timers who just want to try skiing at their own pace.
Address: Gunma Prefecture, Agatsuma District, Tsumagoi Village, Oaza Himata, Baragi Highlands
Looking to take your skiing to the next level? As the largest ski resort in the Karuizawa area, Palcall Tsumagoi Ski Resort offers 24 varied runs, so everyone from beginners to experts can find a route that fits.
Hop on the gondola, stretching about 3,193 meters, and ride up to 2,100 meters; the sweeping mountain views unfolding before you are unforgettable even before you start skiing!
Although you'll need to transfer to a reservation-required shuttle bus from Karuizawa Station to get there, this resort has the longest operating season, open from 12 December 2026 all the way through 4 April 2027, making it a fantastic choice if you want to enjoy the entire snow season to the fullest!
Got kids ages 3 to 9 who want to learn to ski? Panda People Ski School has designed super fun classes just for this age group! They use a step-by-step approach that turns learning into play, so kids pick up skiing skills in a relaxed, happy atmosphere.
Lessons start with a warm-up called Panda Gymnastics, then use a magic carpet to help little ones fine-tune their posture, followed by a variety of game-based drills that help them learn to ski naturally.
The school also carefully selects the right ski length and gear based on each child’s height and weight to keep things safe and comfortable. Best of all, they offer instruction in Chinese, Japanese, and English, so families from different countries can join with peace of mind.
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Did you know Karuizawa isn’t just about skiing—its stargazing is second to none? Perched on a plateau about 1,000 meters above sea level, the air is crisp and dry, and being far from city light pollution creates perfect conditions for stargazing.
Nowadays, many nature schools and outdoor experience teams offer specialized stargazing programs: not only do professional guides help you learn the constellations, they’ll also arrange nighttime walks, chats around a campfire, and cozy activities like sipping hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows.
Gazing up at a sky full of stars over a snow-white landscape is an immersive travel experience you just can’t get in the city! These winter-only experiences usually require booking in advance, and while prices start at a few thousand yen, I truly recommend adding one to your ski trip.
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, the largest outlet mall near Tokyo, sprawls over 78,000 tsubo (about 64 acres) and brings together more than 200 shops, with brands you know and ones you’ll be delighted to discover.
Seamlessly integrated into beautiful natural surroundings with open meadows and a tranquil lake, it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy fresh air and lovely views while you shop. Beyond the bargains, you’ll find plenty of dining options, plus drugstores and a dedicated souvenir area, making it easy to pick up everything you need in one go.
Best of all, getting there is a breeze: it’s just a short walk from Karuizawa Station, so you won’t have to worry about transportation at all.
Hoshino Resorts' BEB5 Karuizawa sits in the Naka-Karuizawa area, perfectly blending the natural feel of the forest with an affordable price point for a peaceful, comfortable stay.
The 24-hour cafe and bar, plus an extra-spacious outdoor common area in the courtyard, are perfect for hanging out and chatting with your travel buddies, making the stay feel laid-back and easy. A taxi from the hotel to Karuizawa Station is about 1,800 yen, and driving to the Karuizawa Ski Resort takes just 10–15 minutes, so getting around is quite convenient.
If you want your accommodations right by the ski slopes in Karuizawa, Karuizawa Prince Hotel East is absolutely the top choice! It’s just a 5-minute walk from the hotel to the Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, and there’s a free shuttle bus to Karuizawa Station, so getting around couldn’t be easier.
The hotel is surrounded by lush forests and comes loaded with luxurious amenities, including a golf course, a spa, and hot springs; in winter, you’ll enjoy beautiful snowy views in a setting that’s wonderfully peaceful and elegant. After a full day on the slopes, being able to head straight back to the hotel for a relaxing soak in the hot springs and then take in the snow from your room is truly priceless!
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