Visitors to Japan may not realise that even from Tokyo, there are some great day tour options to visit the snow nearby at Mt Fuji, and either ski, snowboard, or just play in the snow. In addition, if you want to get some real snow, there is a great day tour option via shinkansen to visit Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort in the Japanese Alps.
There are three main snow sports areas on the lower levels of Mt Fuji which are easily accessible, and several companies have day tour options to enable you to have a great day out in the snow, as well as hopefully have a chance to view the ever elusive Mt Fuji. Here are the best deals on offer.
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1. Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort
Gala Yuzawa is the easiest major ski resort to access from Tokyo, as it is located on the shinkansen line. The journey from Tokyo Station is just under two hours each way, making it accessible for day trips and longer.
Viator has a great all inclusive day trip option from Tokyo for groups of up to six people and includes return shinkansen fares, making it a great option for families. Click here to check out and book your day trip to Gala Yuzawa through Viator.
Alternative options to get to Gala Yuzawa from Tokyo including using a Japan Rail Pass, or purchasing a Tokyo Wide Pass, which is valid for three days of travel in and around Tokyo, and also includes shinkansen access to Gala Yuzawa. Click here to check out and book your Tokyo Wide Pass through Klook.
Klook.com2. Fujiten Snow Resort
Fujiten Snow Resort is located close to Lake Kawaguchi on the northern side of Mt Fuji. The Fujiten Snow Resort has 4 ski lifts and 7 routes which are suitable for beginners and families, and includes a kids snow play area. The ski runs include mostly beginner and intermediate ski runs, and a smaller number of advanced ski runs. Ski and Snowboard lessons are available at the resort. Fujiten Snow Resort is open from early December to late March each year.
Fujiten Snow Resort Snow Play Day Tour from Tokyo
Through Viator you can purchase a small group day tour package to visit Lake Kawaguchi to see the view of Mt Fuji and Fujiten Snow Resort. You will be picked up from any centrally located Tokyo hotel as a small group.
You will first head to the Lake Kawaguchi, which is a popular Mt. Fuji photo spot and have the opportunity to take photos. Then you will continue on to Fujiten Snow Resort, where you can enjoy snow sledding and snow landscape from 11.30am to 3pm. Children can enjoy snow sledding in safety as the area is separated from skiing and snow boarding area. If you would prefer to ski or snowboard you will need to pay for this separately.
Prices start from $US 98.19 for adults, $US 68.18 for children aged 4-11 years old and $US 18.18 for infants aged 1-3 years old.
Click here to book your Fujiten Snow Resort Snow Play Day Tour Package Through Viator
3. Snow Town Yeti Ski
Snow Town Yeti is located on the southern side of Mt Fuji. The Snow Town Yeti Resort has 3 ski lifts, 3 magic carpets and 4 routes which are mostly for beginner and intermediate skiiers and snowboarders, and includes a kids snow play area. Snow Town Yeti is open from late October to late March / early April each year. Note that there are no ski lessons or instructors available.
Snow Town Yeti Skiing and Snow Boarding Day Tour from Tokyo
Through the Klook online travel agency you can purchase a day tour package to visit Snow Town Yeti. You need to travel to and from one of two pick up/drop off points to join the tour for a 7.20am departure. The pick up points are at Shinjuku Station West Exit and JR Sakuragicho Station North Exit, and after you arrive you will have a full day to enjoy the snow before departing at 4.20pm. This tour includes your express bus transfer, ski lift passes and ski or snowboard hire, you just need to wear appropriate warm clothing.
Prices start from $US 92 per adult and $US 74.50 for children aged 3-11 years old.
Click here to book your Snow Town Yeti Skiing and Snow Boarding Day Tour Through Klook
4. Grinpa Amusement Park
The Grinpa Amusement Park is located on the southern side of Mt Fuji at a lower elevation than Snow Town Yeti, and is a snow play only resort – no skiing or snow boarding. On offer during winter is snow sledding with a conveyor belt to get back up the hill, ice skating on their lake and a snow carnival area which includes snow tubing, making snowmen and a snow maze.
Grinpa Snow Play, Shopping, Lunch and Illuminations Day Tour
Through Viator you can purchase a day tour ticket which includes shopping, snow play at Grinpa, a Korean style lunch as well as a visit to the Sagamiko Pleasure Forest to view the illuminations. This tour picks up from either Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku Shinjuku or Shinjuku Washington Hotel from 9.10am and returns at 7.50pm.
Prices start from $US 99.09 for adults, $US 90 for children aged 6-11 years old and $US 50 for children aged 3-5 years old.
Click here to book your Grinpa Snow Play, Shopping, Lunch and Illuminations Day Tour Through Viator
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Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Anne Sutherland-Smith is the creative force behind Pretraveller.com, a travel blog that specializes in offering insightful guidance for exploring Japan, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Her passion for these diverse and dynamic regions shines through in her expert advice, particularly in helping travellers stay connected with the latest in SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and eSIMs.
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Could you suggest any day trips( organised or on our own) we could take from Kyoto to see some snow in January.
Vanessa, I have done some homework and there are two options within proximity of Kyoto, both located close to the town of Ibigawa Town, Gifu which is a 2 to 2.5 hour train and bus trip from Kyoto. First is Kunimidake and the second option is Ibi Kogen. See how you go, you will have to travel independently to get there.