Ski and snowboard in Kyushu?

Ski/Snowboard resorts in Japan

There are around 500 ski/snowboard resorts in Japan. And, most of ski/snowboard areas are located in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Shinetsu regions.

Hokkaido has more than 100 ski/snowboard resorts. One of the most popular ski/snowboard resorts in Hokkaido is Niseko. Many international visitors enjoy skiing/snowboarding in Niseko.

Nagano, where the Winter Olympics were held in 1998, has the second largest number of ski/snowboard resorts in Japan. The popular ski/snowboard area in Nagano is Hakuba. There are many famous and popular ski/snowboard resorts in Hakuba area.

Niigata is also popular ski/snowboard area for Japanese and international visitors. Gala Yuzawa is an unique ski/snowboard resort, which can be accessed by Shinkansen, bullet train. The resort is connected to the Shinkansen station. And, it can be accessed from Tokyo less than 1 hour 30 minutes.

Most ski/snowboard resorts are located in Honshu island and Hokkaido island.

Ski/Snowboard resorts in Kyushu

How about Kyushu island? Are there any ski/snowboard resorts in Kyushu island?

The answer is “Yes”.

While snowfall is rare in Kyushu island, it is not an area where a lot of snow accumulates. However, there are a few ski/snowboard resorts in Kyushu.

List of ski/snowboard resorts in Kyushu

• Gokase Highland Ski & Snowboard
  • Located in Miyazaki prefecture
  • Can be accessed within 3 hours from most of areas in Kyushu
  • Slopes are located at an elevation of 1610 meters above sea level
  • Open from the middle of December to the early March

• Kuju Forest Park Skiing Ground
  • Located in Oita prefecture
  • Children’s park for sledding and snow play
  • Open from the middle of December to the end of March