Burton’s Official Guide to Snowboarding in Japan

If you have ever wanted to experience snowboarding in Japan but were not sure where to begin planning your trip, you have come to the right place. Burton’s official guide to snowboarding in Japan, which was created by local Japanese snowboarders, covers all the necessities, including where to stay, where to ride, and how find the best après.

Japan is a small island nation in Asia, with around 70% of its terrain covered by mountains. Just a short trip from the city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking mountainous landscapes. From November through April, these mountains are blanketed with some of the finest powder snow in the world, affectionately known as Japow. This exceptional snow quality makes snowboarding in Japan something that every rider should experience.

The snow conditions and mountain scenery in Japan vary from region to region, but no matter where you go, you can always count on safe travel, and warm hospitality from the locals.

Beyond snowboarding, Japan offers rich cultural experiences with its diverse local cuisines, premium Japanese sake, and rejuvenating hot springs (onsen). The further you explore and the more Japanese snowboarding destinations you visit, the more unique and exciting experiences you’ll discover.

If this will be your first time traveling or snowboarding in Japan, review these general tips so you know what to expect.

In Japan, about 80% of businesses accept cashless payments, and credit cards are widely accepted. However, it's advisable to carry some cash too, as certain ski resort restaurants may use ticket machines that only accept cash, and some privately owned restaurants in rural areas may not accept card payments.

Power in Japan is 100 volts AC and requires a type A plug for electrical appliance

Useful Smartphone Apps for Japan Snowboarding Trips

The following local smartphone apps are very useful for anyone who is traveling or snowboarding in Japan.

• Yukiyama: Check slope maps, measure your snowboarded distance and speed, and create groups with friends to track each other’s location in real time.
• Japan Transit Planner: Transfer guide for Japanese railways.
• Tabelog: Search for restaurants, cafes, and bars. Includes reviews and ratings.
• PayPay: Cashless payment service.
• GO (Taxi App): App to call a cab.

Lift Ticket and Resort Services Pricing in Japan

Lift tickets, meals, and snowboard equipment rentals vary from place to place in Japan. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay at some of the primary destinations.

Lift Tickets

• Niseko, Hokkaido: ¥10,500 per adult, per day (AUD: 105 CNY: 525 )
• Hakuba Valley, Nagano: ¥9,700 per adult, per day(AUD: 97 CNY: 485 )
• Others: ¥5,000 – ¥8,000 per adult, per day(AUD: 50-80 CNY: 250-400 )

Restaurants & Food

• Restaurants: ¥1,000 – ¥3,000(AUD: 100-300 CNY: 50-150 )
• Beer: ¥500 – ¥1,000(AUD: 5-10 CNY: 25-50 )

Rental Cars

• Rental Car: ¥8,000/day

1 AUD= 100 JPY , 1 CNY= 20 JPY

Despite Japan's modest size, some travelers may find the idea of planning a Japan snowboarding trip to be overwhelming, and we understand. With so many remarkable cultures and experiences, choosing a place to start can often feel like the hardest part.

When planning your Japan snowboarding trip, we recommend starting by looking at our Japan snowboarding map which outlines all of the major destinations and regions you might want to visit. You can then review each of our regional guides for more information and to help organize the more detailed logistics of a Japan snowboarding trip.

When planning your Japan snowboarding trip, you may want to create your itinerary based on the following regions, which all have multiple resorts to visit.

• Hokkaido
  • Niseko
  • Rusutsu
  • Furano
  • Asahikawa
• Tohoku (Coming Soon)
• Tokyo
• Gunma
• Nagano
  • Hakuba
  • Nozawa Onsen(Coming Soon)
• Niigata
  • Myoko(Coming Soon)
  • Yuzawa
• Gifu (Coming Soon)

Hokkaido Snowboarding

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a favorite destination for many of the world’s top professional snowboarders. What draws them back year after year is the unparalleled quality of the snow. Whether it’s the silky powder of Niseko or the ultra-dry “aspirin snow” found in the inland areas, Hokkaido's snow conditions are irresistible to any snowboarder.

After a day on the slopes, Hokkaido’s authentic Japanese cuisine awaits you. Savor the freshest seafood, indulge in rich bowls of ramen, sample the unique soup curry, or feast on "Genghis Khan," a local favorite of lamb grilled on a hot iron plate. If you’re staying in Sapporo, the bustling nightlife of Susukino will keep the excitement going. From morning till night, Hokkaido offers endless opportunities for adventure and enjoyment.

To begin planning your Hokkaido snowboarding trip, review Burton’s Hokkaido snowboarding guides.

• Hokkaido Snowboarding Guide: Niseko

Tohoku Snowboarding

Tohoku, located in the northernmost region of Honshu, is renowned not only for its generous snowfall but also for the exceptional quality of its snow, thanks to its northern location in Japan. The area boasts a wide variety of slopes, with the majestic Ou Mountains stretching inland for nearly 500 km. Despite these excellent conditions, Tohoku remains less crowded than Hokkaido or Nagano, offering a more laid-back snowboarding experience.

In many ways, Tohoku is a "hidden gem" of Japan’s snowboarding scene. Imagine gliding down the slopes amidst stunning landscapes, with towering ice-coated trees known as "ice monsters" add a magical touch to the scenery.

To begin planning your Tohoku snowboarding trip, review Burton’s Tohou snowboarding Guide .

Tokyo & Gunma & Yuzawa Snowboarding

Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, may not be known for snow, but just a two-hour drive from the city center lies one of the snowiest regions in the country—Gunma. Thanks to its inland location, the powder here is often as light and airy as the famed snow of Hokkaido. Gunma offers something for every snowboarder, from the steep backcountry terrain of Tanigawa-dake to more family-friendly resorts with gentler slopes.

One of the greatest perks of this area is its convenience—you can easily enjoy a day trip from Tokyo, hitting the slopes and returning to the city, all within the same day.

To begin planning your Tokyo and Gunma snowboarding trip, review Burton’s Tokyo snowboarding Guide.

Niigata is one of Japan’s snowiest regions, experiencing incredible snowfall several times each season. Due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan, the area is known for its moist powder snow, as opposed to the lighter, silkier powder found elsewhere. This type of snow offers the advantage of being easier to ride, even when it gets deep, allowing snowboarders to enjoy the powder without getting stuck.

The moisture-rich snow also makes it ideal for building snow park features early in the season, earning Niigata a reputation as a sacred spot for snow parks in Japan.

To begin planning your Niigata snowboarding trip, review Burton’s Niigata snowboarding Guide.

Nagano Snowboarding

While this region may not be a cultural melting pot, it certainly is a melting pot for snowboarders. The Northern Alps, which stretch from north to south, attract riders who live for backcountry snowboarding, challenging themselves on hard, technical lines every day. Nagano is also home to some of Japan’s best snow parks, where young freestyle snowboarders hone their tricks. Meanwhile, expert riders carve their own paths in terrain parks that replicate the challenges of natural landscapes.

With its diverse slopes and varied terrains, Nagano’s mountains have something to offer every snowboarder, no matter their style or skill level.

To begin planning your Nagano snowboarding trip, review Burton’s Nagano snowboarding Guide.

Gifu Snowboarding

Japan’s Gifu region offers two distinct snowboarding areas. The first is Okumino, home to some of Japan’s top terrain park and the training ground for many world-class snowboarders. The second is Hida, known for producing free-riders with a refined, stylish approach to the sport. Although these two areas are geographically close, their cultures and snowboarding styles are worlds apart, making Gifu the ideal destination for those who want to experience both.

In addition to great snowboarding, the nearby World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go provides a picturesque, snowy landscape and a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture, adding another layer to your visit.

To begin planning your Gifu snowboarding trip, review Burton’s Gifu snowboarding Guide[

Japan is located in the Northern Hemisphere, so it usually starts snowing in as early as November and may snow as late as May. However, the best time to snowboard in Japan, with the best chances of powder, is from January through February.

・Winter in Japan: November through May
・Powder Season in Japan: January through February

Ski resorts in Japan typically begin to open in November, with the help of artificial snow making. By December, more resorts will gradually open as natural snowfall increases. January and February tend to receive the most frequent snowfall with the best chances of fresh powder.

From March onwards, the focus shifts toward freestyle and terrain parks, with many parks expanding their features and hosting various events. Most ski resorts close by early May.

While Hokkaido’s extensive ski areas can handle a good number of visitors, there are certainly times when the slopes get busier. Here’s a breakdown of when you can expect crowds to be at their peak, along with tips for finding quieter times to enjoy the powder:

• December Holidays:
  The season kicks into gear in late December, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays. This is one of the busiest times, as both international visitors and Japanese locals flock to Hokkaido for festive skiing and holiday vibes. Resorts like Niseko and Furano are particularly popular at this time, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher accommodation rates.
• Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year):
  Usually falling between late January and mid-February, the Chinese New Year holiday is another peak period for tourism in Hokkaido. Expect an influx of visitors from other parts of Asia, particularly China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. If you’re planning to visit during this time, early bookings for both accommodations and lift tickets are highly recommended.
• Mid-February Events:
  February sees another wave of visitors due to the Sapporo Snow Festival, which usually runs for a week in early February. While the festival draws large crowds to Sapporo itself, it also brings many tourists to nearby ski resorts, adding to the busy vibe across central Hokkaido.
• Japanese School Holidays:
  The winter school holidays in Japan run from late December to early January, while spring break is from late March to early April. Resorts tend to be busiest during these periods, as many Japanese families take advantage of the vacation time to hit the slopes.
• Weekends vs. Weekdays:
  Across the season, weekends generally see more visitors, especially from within Japan, as locals make the most of their time off. If you’re aiming to avoid crowds, weekdays (particularly Monday to Thursday) offer a more relaxed experience, with shorter lift lines and more open terrain.
• Finding Quieter Times:
  The best time to enjoy Hokkaido’s slopes in a more laid-back setting is typically mid-January to early February (outside of the Lunar New Year period) and again from late February to early March. By this time, the peak holiday rush has settled, but the snow conditions are still excellent. March weekdays also tend to be quieter, with more sunshine and fewer crowds.

Burton Snowboarding Events in Japan

Whether you ride a Burton snowboard or not, we highly recommend coming to ride and party with us in Japan. Here are some Burton snowboarding events in Japan that you’ve got to experience.

• Burton Mystery Series - February and March
• A Day for Jake - Mid-March

For anyone who will be snowboarding in Japan, you should consider whether it is easier to fly with snowboard equipment or instead to rent or demo snowboard gear once you arrive. Burton can help with this, with online snowboard rentals in Japan, Burton Test Ride centers, and snowboard tuning at Burton retail stores in Japan.

Burton Online Snowboard Rentals in Japan

With Burton’s online rental service, there’s no need to fly with heavy snowboard gear. Simply order online, and your Burton equipment will be delivered directly to your accommodation, tuned, waxed, and ready to shred.

Burton Test Ride Centers in Japan

Burton Test Ride centers in Japan offer high-spec Burton demo equipment including snowboards, snowboard bindings, and snowboard boots. This includes popular gear like the Burton Custom snowboard, Family Tree series of boards, and Step On® boots and bindings. Test Ride Centers always have the latest Burton equipment and are located at the Burton Flagship store in Sapporo and the Burton Hakuba Goryu store. For more information, call or visit a Burton Test Ride center in Japan.

Snowboard Waxing and Tuning in Japan

Snowboard waxing and tuning services are available at Burton stores in Japan. Additionally, Kanda’s snowboarding district offers a variety of shops that provide waxes and tuning services too. For those visiting Nagano, tuning services are also available at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort.

Local Japanese Snowboarding Deals: Online Lift Ticket Deals & Midweek Lift Tickets

Many ski resorts in Japan offer discounted lift tickets when purchased online through their official websites. You can also find discounts via leisure reservation platforms such as Asoview and Klook.

What to Wear on Those Cold Days

Base Layer: Keep Warm, Stay Comfortable

On cold days, start with a solid base layer to keep yourself insulated. The Living Lining® fabric used in the X series of base layers adjusts to your body temperature—absorbing sweat when you're warm and retaining heat when you're cold. This keeps you at a comfortable temperature, not too hot and not too cold.

• Recommended Base Layer
  • Burton Midweight X Crew and Pant Set
  • For extra warmth on windy snow resort days, try the Burton Heavyweight X 1/4 Zip and Pant.

Both sets are available in men's and women's versions.

Mid-Layer: Lightweight Comfort

In areas like mainland, where insulation isn’t always necessary, mid-layers work just fine. We recommend:

• Burton Stockrun Warmest Hooded Full Zip Fleece (Men’s & Women’s versions)
• Burton Cinder Full-Zip Fleece (Men)
• Burton Cinder Pullover Fleece (Women)

Outerwear: Protection from the Elements

For areas with packed snow, you’ll need sturdy outerwear. The Burton Men’s [ak] Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket and Pants offer extra durability, thanks to the thick yarns in the fabric. For women, try the Burton Women's [ak] Upshift GORE-TEX 2L Jacket and[ak] Summit GORE-TEX 2L Pants.

If you need more insulation, the Men's [ak] Swash GORE-TEX 2L Jacket and Women's [ak] Embark GORE-TEX 2L Jacket feature PrimaLoft insulation in the torso for extra warmth.

Gloves: Stay Warm, Stay Protected

With hard snow surfaces in mind, leather palms are recommended for better durability and warmth. Mittens are also warmer than gloves with individual fingers. Check out:

• Men’s:
  • Burton Deluxe GORE-TEX Mitten
  • Burton Gondy GORE-TEX Leather Mitten
• Women’s:
  • Burton Deluxe GORE-TEX Mitten
  • Burton Gondy GORE-TEX Leather Mitten

Additional Cold-Weather Gear

For extra warmth, consider the Burton Ember fleece neck warmers and Burton Ember fleece balaclava face masks.

What to Wear on Warmer Days

Base Layer: Stay Dry and Cool

On warmer days, a lightweight base layer is key to staying comfortable. The Burton Lightweight X Crew and Pants are perfect—they absorb sweat and dry quickly. These are available for both men and women.

Mid-Layer: Keep It Light

Mid-layers aren’t a huge priority in warmer weather, but if you tend to feel cold, having a lighter one can help. Otherwise, you’re good to skip it.

Outerwear: Go Oversized

For your outer layer, try something trendy like the oversized-fit Futuretrust 2L Jacket and Futuretrust 2L Bib Pants. Both are unisex, so they work for everyone and keep the look stylish without overheating you.

Gloves: Minimal Warmth, Maximum Durability

For gloves, we recommend the Burton Lifty Leather Gloves. They offer just the right amount of warmth and waterproofing while being tough enough to handle the wear and tear from jump grabs, thanks to the genuine leather.

Gear for Powder Riding

Snowboards: Smooth Powder Cruising

If you’re looking to cruise through fresh powder while snowboarding, check out these models:

• Burton Unisex Family Tree Alekesam Camber Snowboard
• Burton Unisex Family Tree Gril Master Camber Snowboard

Both boards are designed to give you that floaty, smooth ride in deep snow.

Bindings: Quick and Easy On/Off

To make the most of your powder days without wasting time strapping in and out, we recommend the latest Burton Genesis Step On EST bindings for men and the Escapade Step On EST for women. These will have you ready to ride in seconds.

Boots: Support and Flexibility for Powder

For boots, you’ll want something that offers both support and flexibility. Try the Burton Men's Photon Step On Wide or the Women's Felix Step On Soft—both are perfect for tackling powder while keeping your feet comfortable.

Gear for Resort Cruising

Snowboards: Built for Speed and Control

If you're setting up for high-speed riding at the resort, go for boards that can handle aggressive turns and all snow conditions. For men, we recommend the Burton Men's Custom Camber Snowboard, while for women, the Women's Burton Feel Good Camber Snowboard is a top pick.

Bindings: Responsive and Versatile

For precise carving and quick responsiveness, check out these bindings:

• Men’s:
  • Burton Men's Step On X Re:flex for that quick, easy Step On convenience.
  • If you prefer traditional bindings, go for the Men's Cartel X, which is lightweight, versatile, and built for responsive riding.
• Women’s:
  • Women's Step On Re:flex for easy on/off and a great connection to the board.
  • If you prefer non-Step On, the Women's Lexa X offers excellent performance for all styles of resort riding.

Boots: Stability and Comfort at High Speeds

For high-speed, deep turns, your boots need to keep up. For men, the Burton Men's Ion Step On offers a solid and comfortable ride even at top speeds. For women, try the Felix Step On Wide. If you’re after non-Step On options, the Men’s Ion BOA and Women’s Supreme Wide are both excellent choices for resort cruising.

Gear for Backcountry and Sidecountry Riding

Backpacks: Essentials for Off-Piste Adventures
When heading out for backcountry or sidecountry snowboarding, having a backpack is crucial to carry your gear safely and comfortably.

• For Sidecountry Trips:
  We recommend the [ak] Dispatcher Vest Pack 13L or the[ak] Surgence Tour Pack. Both packs are designed like vests, ensuring they won’t get in the way of your ride while still providing enough space for the essentials.
• For Backcountry Adventures:
  If you’re venturing deeper into the backcountry with a guide and can reduce the amount of gear you carry, opt for the[ak] Dispatcher 25L Pack.
  For trips that require more equipment—such as avalanche safety gear, extra layers, food, water, and even bivouac gear—the[ak] Dispatcher 35L Pack is the better choice.

Burton Flagship Tokyo
5-17-4 Jingumae Shibuya-Ku
Tokyo 150-0001
[TEL] 050-3506-8000

Burton Flagship Sapporo
3-4 Odori Nishi Chuo-Ku Sapporo
Hokkaido 060-0042
[TEL] 050-3506-6133

Burton Flagship Nagano
2298 Yashima Nagano-Shi
Nagano 381-0021
[TEL] 050-3506-9200

Burton Flagship Osaka
1-19-23 Minamihorie Nishi-Ku Osaka-Shi
Osaka 550-0015
[TEL] 050-3506-8585

Burton Store Niseko
190/13 Aza Yamada Kutchan-Cho Abuta-Gun
Hokkaido 044-0081
[TEL] 0136-55-5697

Burton Store Rusutsu
Rusutsu Resort North Wing
13 Izumikawa Rusutsu Abuta-Gun
Hokkaido 048-1711
[TEL] 0136-55-5697

Burton Store Yokohama
4-2 Shiraho Kanazawa-ku Yokohama-Shi
Kanagawa 236-0007
[TEL] 050-3506-7171

Burton Store Karuizawa
NE42A Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Karuizawa Karuizawa-Machi Kitasaku-Gun
Nagano 389-0102
[TEL] 050-3506-9090

Burton Store Hakuba Goryu
22184-10 Kamishiro Hakuba-Mura Kitaazumi-Gun
Nagano 399-9211
[TEL] 0261-75-2101

Burton Store Skijam Katsuyama
170-70 Katsuyama-Shi
Fukui 911-0000
[TEL] 0779-64-4106