Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by Vlad
Here’s the thing about snow in Tokyo: it almost never happens. You might get a light dusting once or twice a winter, but the kind of proper, boots-sinking-in, snowball-throwing snow that kids go absolutely wild for? That’s not Tokyo’s thing.
The good news is that real snow is much closer than most people realise.
If you’re planning a Tokyo winter trip and want to see real snow in Japan with kids, these are the easiest places to do it without staying overnight. Within 75 to 120 minutes of Tokyo Station, you can reach mountains with guaranteed snowfall, proper ski resorts, snow play parks, and sledding hills that’ll have your kids begging to go back next year.
Whether you’ve got a toddler who just wants to throw snow at your face or a 10-year-old ready for their first ski lesson, there’s a Tokyo winter day trip that works for your family.
Can You See Snow Near Tokyo?
Short answer: not in the city itself, but head towards the mountains and you’re sorted.
Tokyo sits at a low altitude on the Kanto Plain, so snowfall in the city is rare and usually light. The surrounding mountains are a completely different story. Areas like Niigata, Nagano, and Gunma get some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, thanks to cold air sweeping in from Siberia across the Sea of Japan.
Here’s roughly how far you need to go:
- 60 minutes: Chances of snow improve but still not guaranteed
- 75 minutes: Gala Yuzawa and the Niigata mountains, proper snow almost all winter
- 90 minutes: Minakami, Fujiten, and the Fuji Five Lakes area, reliable December to February
- 3–4 hours: Hakuba, serious alpine snow country (better as an overnight)
| Destination | Travel Time | Snow Guarantee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gala Yuzawa | ~75 mins | High (Dec–Mar) | All ages, ski + snow play |
| Karuizawa Snow Park | ~1hr 40mins | Medium–High | Young kids, gentle activities |
| Minakami | ~90 mins | High (Dec–Mar) | Families wanting quieter resorts |
| Fujiten (near Mt Fuji) | ~90 mins | Medium | Sledding, views, day trips |
| Kawaguchiko | ~90–100 mins | Low–Medium | Scenic, sightseeing families |
| Hakuba | ~3–4 hours | Very High | Serious snow, better overnight |
Best Months for Snow Day Trips from Tokyo
Not all winter months are equal. Here’s when to go:
- January – the most reliable month for guaranteed snow across all destinations. Resorts are well and truly open and fully stocked.
- February – consistent snow, and mid-week visits are noticeably less crowded. A great sweet spot for families who can travel outside school holidays.
- March – higher elevation resorts like Gala Yuzawa are still excellent. Lower altitude spots may be hit and miss later in the month.
- December – later in the month works well, especially from mid-December. Earlier in December can be patchy depending on the year.
Yuzawa Snow Resorts – Best Snow Day Trip from Tokyo
Most travel blogs talk about Gala Yuzawa and leave it at that. But here’s what they don’t tell you: Yuzawa is an entire snow resort area with multiple mountains & resorts, each with its own personality. Gala Yuzawa gets all the attention because it’s the easiest to access by Shinkansen (it’s got its own shinkansen train station!), but depending on what your family wants to do, another resort nearby might actually suit you better.
Here’s a breakdown of the main options:
Gala Yuzawa – Easiest for Families Arriving by Train
Gala Yuzawa is hard to beat for sheer convenience. The Shinkansen from Tokyo Station takes around 75 minutes and drops you off directly inside the resort. Literally. The train station is inside the building. Walk off the bullet train, grab a locker, and you’re on the snow within 20 minutes of arriving.
When we pulled into Gala Yuzawa Station, my kid looked and said “What, are here already?!” That pretty much sums up the Shinkansen experience for kids.
- Dedicated snow play park with sledding slopes, no ski skills needed
- Beginner ski and snowboard lessons in English available
- Full rental gear on site so you don’t need to bring a thing
- Onsen on site, which is absolutely magic after a cold day in the snow
- Relaxed, family-friendly vibe rather than a hardcore ski mountain feel
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort – My Personal Favourite
Right next door to Gala Yuzawa sits Yuzawa Kogen, and honestly, if I’m choosing for myself, I prefer it. The resort is accessed via the Yuzawa Onsen Ropeway, which alone is worth the trip. The views over the snow-covered mountains and valley from the ropeway are genuinely stunning, the kind of moment that makes you remember why you came to Japan in winter.
The mountain has a quieter feel compared to Gala Yuzawa, and the slopes suit a range of abilities. You don’t need to ski or snowboard, you can just come here for the Ropeway (book online to save, adult round trip ticket costs 2,800-3,200 yen per person).
Iwappara Ski Resort – Best for Beginner Skiers
My Japanese friends, who know these mountains far better than most guidebooks do, consistently recommend Iwappara to anyone learning to ski. The slopes are super wide and gentle, which makes it far less intimidating for kids and adults having their first crack at skiing. There’s a lot more room to fall over without feeling like you’re in everyone’s way, which matters more than you’d think when you’re learning.
Yuzawa Nakazato – Best for Sledding
This is where my son had the most fun of any snow day we’ve done in Japan. The sledding at Yuzawa Nakazato is great, and it’s the one I’d point families toward if sledding is the main event for the day. Easily accessed by car (parking is right in front on the entrance), or a short stroll from Echigo-Yuzawa train station.
How to Get to Yuzawa
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station towards Echigo-Yuzawa. For Gala Yuzawa, stay on until Gala Yuzawa Station (direct, no transfers, only operates in winter, usually late December to early May). For the other resorts, get off at Echigo-Yuzawa Station and either take a shuttle bus or taxi to your chosen mountain.
Costs at Gala Yuzawa
- Shinkansen: Around ¥6,000–¥7,000 each way per adult (kids half price)
- Snow play area pass: Around ¥2,000–¥3,000 per person
- Rental gear: From ¥5,500 for snow clothes, ¥6,500 for a full ski set per day
- Ski lessons (English): ¥12,000 per person for a 2.5-hour group lesson, or ¥33,000 for a 2-hour private lesson for up to 6 people (great value split across a group)
Budget roughly ¥25,000–¥30,000 per adult for the full day including transport, activities, and food. Kids come in cheaper, and the private lesson cost drops significantly when split with other families.
If you’re only doing one snow day trip from Tokyo with kids, make it Yuzawa. Arrive by Shinkansen, start at Gala Yuzawa for convenience, then explore from there.
See also: My Winter in Japan with Kids guide.
Karuizawa Snow Park – Family-Friendly Snow Near Tokyo
Karuizawa is one of those places that feels a bit like a fancy mountain village, which is exactly what it is. It’s been a popular resort town for over a century, and in winter it turns into a cosy snow destination that’s particularly good for younger kids.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen gets you to Karuizawa station from Tokyo in around 60 minutes, then it’s roughly 40 minutes on a shuttle bus to the resort. So allow about 1 hour 40 minutes door to snow in total.
Pros
- Smaller, quieter resort feel compared to Gala Yuzawa
- Snow play areas designed for young children
- Easy walking around the town after snow activities
- Good food options in the resort village
- Prince Snow Resort nearby for families who want proper skiing
Cons
- Snow is less reliable than Niigata resorts depending on the year
- Transport from the station to the resort requires an additional bus or taxi
- More spread out than Gala Yuzawa, so you need a plan for the day
Ideal Age Range
Best for kids aged 2–8. The snow play areas are gentle enough for toddlers, and the vibe is relaxed rather than high-adrenaline.
Official Website
Visit their official website here to stay up to date with the latest info and snow conditions.
Minakami Snow Resort – Hidden Gem Snow Near Tokyo
Minakami in Gunma Prefecture doesn’t get the same attention as Gala Yuzawa or Hakuba, but it absolutely should. It sits around 90 minutes from Tokyo and gets heavy, with reliable and massive snowfall from December through March.
What makes it worth knowing about is that it’s genuinely less crowded than the more famous resorts (and way less international crowds), which is a big deal if you’re visiting on a weekend or during Japanese school holidays.
What Minakami offers families:
- Multiple family-friendly ski resorts in the valley including Okutone Snow Park and Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort (now Mt.T by Hoshino)
- Reliable deep snow thanks to its position in the Gunma mountains
- Snow play and sledding areas for non-skiers
- White-water rafting in summer, but in winter the focus is all snow
- Less English infrastructure than Gala Yuzawa, so a bit more adventurous
Getting there: JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen Station (around 70–80 minutes from Tokyo), then a bus to the resort area.
Best for: Families who’ve done Gala Yuzawa and want to explore somewhere a bit different, or those travelling mid-week who want to avoid weekend resort crowds.
Fujiten Snow Resort – Snow Near Mount Fuji from Tokyo
If seeing Mt Fuji from a snowy mountain is on your bucket list (and let’s be honest, it should be), Fujiten is your answer.
Located near Kawaguchiko at the base of Mt Fuji, Fujiten sits at around 1,000 metres elevation and gets reliable snowfall from December through to March. On a clear day, the views of Fuji rising above the snowfields are genuinely stunning.
Getting there takes around 90 minutes from Shinjuku by bus. The Keio Highway Bus runs directly from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to the Fuji Five Lakes area. It’s not as slick as the Shinkansen options, but it’s considerably cheaper.
What to do here:
- Sledding runs that kids absolutely love
- Beginner ski slopes with lessons and rentals available
- Snow play areas for non-skiers
- Clear day views of Mt Fuji (not guaranteed, but spectacular when it happens)
Best for: Families with kids aged 4+, those who want a more scenic, adventurous day rather than a polished resort experience.
Kawaguchiko – Snow Views with Mount Fuji
Kawaguchiko is less about getting into the snow and more about experiencing a stunning winter landscape around the base of Mt Fuji.
What to know:
- Snow is not guaranteed, especially on the Tokyo side
- More of a sightseeing destination than an active snow day
- Great for families who aren’t into skiing but want that winter Japan atmosphere
- Icicle festivals at nearby Narusawa Ice Cave are worth checking out in January–February
- About 90–100 minutes from Shinjuku by bus or train plus bus
Best for: Families who want snow scenery without the activity pressure. Works brilliantly combined with a Fujiten visit if you’re making a full day of it.
Hakuba Valley – Better as an Overnight Stay
I’m including Hakuba here because you’ll hear about it and wonder if it’s doable as a day trip. It is, technically, but it’s a long one. Around 4 hours each way.
Hakuba is serious snow country. The valley received over 11 metres of snow during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. If your family wants the proper alpine Japan experience with deep powder and a real mountain village, Hakuba is worth the trip.
But do it as an overnight. The day trip maths just doesn’t work well when you’ve got kids, and don’t cope well with 8 hours of transit in a single day.
Full details: Hakuba Winter Guide
What to Wear for a Snow Day Trip from Tokyo
You don’t need to buy a full ski wardrobe for a day trip, but you do need to be prepared. Getting this wrong is a fast track to a miserable day.
The basics for kids:
- Waterproof outer layer (jacket and pants)
- Thermal base layer (merino or synthetic, not cotton)
- Warm mid layer (fleece works well)
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Warm hat that covers the ears
- Waterproof snow boots or thick waterproof hiking boots
- Spare dry clothes for the trip home
Most resorts like Gala Yuzawa have full gear rental, so if you’re not planning to ski you can focus on staying warm and dry rather than kitting everyone out head to toe.
One thing I learned the hard way: rental boot sizes run limited, especially for larger feet. I needed a 29cm and the only size left was 28cm. I made it work for a few hours but by early afternoon my feet were not happy. If you’re a men’s size 10+ (AU), seriously consider bringing your own boots or booking rentals in advance online where possible.
Full details: Japan Winter Packing Checklist
Train vs Bus – What’s Easier with Kids?
Shinkansen
- Very fast and comfortable
- Seats are spacious enough for kids to settle in
- Expensive, but the time saving is significant
- Best for: Families with young kids who need to minimise travel time
Highway Bus
- Significantly cheaper, sometimes half the price or less
- Slower, usually 90 minutes to 2+ hours
- No transfers needed on many routes
- Toilet onboard, usually
- Best for: Budget-conscious families with older kids who travel well
For very young kids under 4, I’d lean towards Shinkansen every time. For older kids who are good travellers, bus is a perfectly fine option, especially to Fuji area destinations.
Is a JR Pass Worth It for Snow Day Trips?
For Gala Yuzawa and Karuizawa, a JR Pass covers the Shinkansen, which only makes it great value if you’re already planning other bullet train travel during your trip. For Fujiten and Kawaguchiko, you’re mainly using buses and private rail lines the JR Pass doesn’t cover, so it’s less relevant for those routes.
The short answer: if you’re visiting Japan for 7+ days and doing multiple Shinkansen trips, a JR Pass will almost certainly pay for itself.
Use the JR Pass Calculator to work out whether it stacks up for your specific itinerary.
Sample Easy Snow Day Plan from Tokyo
Here’s what a well-paced Gala Yuzawa day looks like with kids in tow:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Depart Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen |
| 8:15 am | Arrive Gala Yuzawa, grab lockers and gear rentals |
| 9:00 am | Hit the snow. Sledding hill, snow play area |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch at the resort (loads of options on site) |
| 1:00 pm | Ski or snowboard lesson, or back on the sledding hill |
| 3:00 pm | Ropeway ride for those views |
| 3:30 pm | Onsen time. Seriously, do this. It’s the best part |
| 4:30 pm | Board the Shinkansen home |
| 6:00 pm | Back in Tokyo, probably with two asleep kids on the train |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it snow in Tokyo?
Rarely. Tokyo averages only 5–6 days of snowfall per year, and most of it is light. Don’t count on a snowy Tokyo experience. Head to the mountains instead.
Where can kids play in the snow near Tokyo?
Gala Yuzawa is the easiest option with the most kid-focused facilities. Fujiten near Mt Fuji is great for sledding, Minakami is a quieter alternative, and Karuizawa Snow Park works well for younger children.
Is Gala Yuzawa good for beginners?
Yes, it’s probably the most beginner-friendly resort accessible from Tokyo. The dedicated snow play areas require no skiing skills at all, and the ski school is well set up for first-timers including young kids.
Is Gala Yuzawa crowded on weekends?
It can get busy, especially on weekends during January and February and over Japanese school holidays. If you can go on a weekday, do it. If a weekend is your only option, arrive early, ideally on the first or second Shinkansen of the morning, to beat the crowds to the snow play areas.
Do I need to book ski lessons in advance?
For Gala Yuzawa, yes, particularly on weekends and during peak season (January school holidays, late January, early February). Lessons can fill up fast. Book online before you travel if possible to avoid disappointment on the day.
Can toddlers enjoy snow day trips from Tokyo?
Absolutely. Toddlers love snow, full stop. The snow play areas at Gala Yuzawa, Yuzawa Kogen and Karuizawa are well suited to little ones. Just make sure they’re dressed properly in waterproof gear and have a warm, dry change of clothes for the trip home.
When is the best month for snow near Tokyo?
January and February are the most reliable months for guaranteed snow. December can work, especially later in the month. March is still possible at higher elevations like Gala Yuzawa, which typically stays open until early May.
Are snow day trips suitable in late March?
It depends on where you go. Lower altitude spots like Karuizawa become less reliable in late March. Higher elevation resorts like Gala Yuzawa are generally still running well into March and sometimes April. Always check current conditions before you book transport.