June 1, 2025
Overview of Kawaba Ski Resort ski resort including lifts, pistes, elevation, terrain breakdown, and on-mountain layout. Explore resort stats, trail difficulty, and key information for planning your ski trip.
This is another ski resort that is fairly close to Tokyo. The resort is about 180km of about 2 to 3 hours away from Tokyo, subject to traffic. It is not so easy to access via train. You can quickly notice that it is frequented by people from Tokyo as the multi-story parking lot takes up to 900 vehicles (max height 2.3m). There is a further 900 spots available elsewhere. By train, you can jump on at Tokyo Station to Jomo Kougen Station (abt 1 hr and 20 mins). There is a free shuttle bus to Kawaba Ski resort which takes about 1 hour.
There is no night skiing available.
The resort is normally open from the beginning of Dec to late April so it does have a slightly longer season than other resorts. In the 23/24 season, it opened Dec 2 and closed Apr 21. Learn how to get a snow report here.
First Tracks – Kawaba Ski Resort offers “first tracks”. You will be whisked away to the top of the mountain by snowcat before the lifts open to enjoy first tracks. Seems like seating is limited to 12 per cat. Price is Yen 2,000 per person, but breakfast is included! You can also bundle your first tracks ticket with a lift ticket. Departure is at 0740hrs weekdays and 0710hrs weekends. Reservations are must and can be made online here.
There is a good amount of side country (off piste) available to ski/ snowboard. There are four areas to choose from. In order to use these areas, you must:
You will need to check in at the “mountaineering window” on the 7th floor of Kawaba Ski Resort. Also, you will need to complete and submit the “mountaineering notification form. Finally, you pay the rental fee (Yen 1,100 includes a COCOHELI) for equipment and lift fee (Yen 2400 return or Yen 1200 one way). You will be given an explanation on how to use the equipment.
Absolutely no let downs here. They have it all:
There are about 7 restaurants to choose from include Japanese, Chinese, Western and even Indian. Vegan is also a menu choice in some restaurants.
There is a souvenir shop, a pro shop (can buy googles, gloves, etc), and Murasaki Sports, a popular sporting goods shop in Japan. Ski / Snowboard tune up/ maintenance also offered.
A full range of rentals are available for skiers and snowboarders including wear and helmets. You can also purchase insurance for Yen 500.
There are 4 ski schools to choose from as follows and they are offered in multiple languages as follows:
As already mentioned, lots of it. 900 vehicles can be accommodated in their multi-floor parking lot with another 900 spots available.
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