[2026 Edition] Recommended Ski Resorts & Activity Spots in the Winter Yatsugatake Area

The Yatsugatake area, spanning Suwa District (Fujimi Town) in Nagano Prefecture and Hokuto City (Kiyosato, Kobuchisawa, Hakushu) in Yamanashi Prefecture, is packed with winter activities like skiing and skating. Since the flatlands don't get much snow, it's also easy to access by car. Here are some popular spots where you can fully enjoy winter in Yatsugatake.

Boasting a magnificent panoramic view from the Yatsugatake Mountains to Mt. Fuji

The Cedar Slope, a medium-incline slope perfect for relaxed skiing
The Cedar slope, a medium-incline slope perfect for relaxed skiing

A comfortable ski resort boasting an 85% sunny weather rate. In addition to seven unique slopes, there is a snow park that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. Its biggest feature is the long 3km course where you can ski down while taking in the superb views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mt. Fuji. Along the way, there is the Linden Slope with a maximum gradient of 27 degrees, but it is a flat, single-slope burn that is well-maintained, so be sure to give it a try. Also, connecting the Larch Slope and the adjacent Alpine Slope creates a heart-shaped slope, making it popular as a sanctuary for lovers.

Snow trekking through snowy forests is also very popular

Walking along gentle paths while enjoying the feel of the snow
Walk along gentle paths while enjoying the feel of the snow

Skis, snowboards, boots, and accessories can all be rented, and there are schools available, so beginners can feel at ease. The kids' park is also recommended for families with children, as they can play in the snow, go sledding, or try tubing.
You can also enjoy snow trekking in snowshoes. The course from the summit gondola station to the top of Mt. Nyukasa is an exhilarating route that offers a 360-degree view of the mountains, including Mt. Fuji and the Southern, Central, and Northern Alps. Experiences unique to winter await, such as searching for animal tracks in the snow and feeling the silence of the snowy forest.

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Snow trekking allows you to fully enjoy the great outdoors, an experience only available in winter.

Fujimi Panorama Resort
  • Address6666-703 Fujimi, Fujimi-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10 minutes by car from JR Fujimi Station, or approx. 7 minutes from the Suwa-Minami IC on the Chuo Expressway
  • Bus accessApprox. 10 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Fujimi Station
  • Business hoursSaturday, December 20, 2025 – Sunday, April 5, 2026
    Lifts: 8:30–16:30 (from 8:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
    Gondola: 8:30–16:00 (last descent at 16:30)
  • ClosedOpen every day
  • Admission FeeLift ticket (1 day): Adults (junior high school students and older) 6,000 yen, elementary school students 2,000 yen, seniors (50 and older) 5,700 yen, etc.
  • TEL0266-62-5666
  • ParkingFree
  • NotesPlease check the website for details on business hours and lift ticket prices

A ski resort that is friendly to families with children

Looking out at the Southern Alps from in front of the rest house
View the Southern Alps from in front of the rest house

This is a ski-only resort, but snowboarding is permitted during night skiing. For intermediate and advanced skiers, the Center Slope, with a maximum gradient of 26 degrees and a 600m run, is recommended. It is perfect for practicing high-speed carving turns. On the other hand, the Romance Slope is popular among beginners. It features a wide, gentle slope where you can practice in a relaxed and comfortable manner.
A must-visit spot is the Sozo no Mori Bokyo no Oka Observatory, located about a 3-minute walk from the top of the No. 1 Lift. It is a rare spot where you can see Japan's three highest mountains: Mt. Fuji (3,776m), Mt. Kita (3,193m), and Mt. Okuhotaka (3,190m), all in one view.

Well-equipped with play areas for kids

Children are delighted by the adorable alpacas
Children are delighted by the adorable alpacas

"Kids Land" features a sledding slope, a snow strider area, an animal amusement park with animal-shaped inflatables and slides, and a UFO slider course. On weekends, mascots also make an appearance. You can dance and take pictures with them. Additionally, the mini zoo, which is open on weekends and holidays, allows you to interact with alpacas, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
There is no end to the fun during lunchtime and after-skiing. The restaurant offers a wide variety of authentic Western cuisine, including pizzas baked in a stone oven. Next to the ski resort is the hot spring facility "Yahoen Shikanoyu," where the green natural hot spring water will gently warm your body.

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The Kids Park has plenty of playground equipment for children, and you can also enjoy playing in the snow.

Fujimi Kogen Ski Resort
  • Address12067 Sakai, Fujimi-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10 minutes by car from JR Kobuchizawa Station, or approx. 8 minutes from the Kobuchizawa I.C. on the Chuo Expressway
  • Business hoursDaytime: Saturday, December 20, 2025 – Sunday, March 22, 2026, 9:00–16:00 (until 16:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) scheduled
    Night skiing: Every Saturday from January 10, 2026, to February 21, 2026, 18:00–20:20
  • ClosedOpen every day
  • Admission FeeLift ticket (1 day): Adults (junior high school students and older) 4,500 yen, children (up to elementary school) 3,400 yen, seniors (60 and older) 3,800 yen
    Night skiing ticket: Adults 2,000 yen, children 1,500 yen, seniors 1,700 yen
    Kids Snow Land: 1,200 yen (free for children under 3 and seniors 65 and older)
  • TEL0266-66-2932
  • ParkingFree

Popular with families for its superb views and diverse courses

A ski resort boasting a variety of courses spread across the foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains
A ski resort boasting a variety of courses spread across the foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains

A ski resort nestled in the embrace of the Yatsugatake Mountains. By taking the 1,100m-long Panorama Lift, you can reach the 1,900m summit in one go. Enjoy exhilarating skiing and snowboarding while gazing at the beautiful mountain ranges, including Mt. Fuji. The resort is well-balanced with a 1,200m-long Course A for intermediate skiers, as well as slopes for advanced and beginner skiers, and a snow park. A highlight is the Fantasy Park, which can be enjoyed by both adults and children. It is lined with various items such as banks, small jumps, and waves, and is reputed to help you improve your skiing just by riding through it.

Enjoy playing in the snow to your heart's content with your children

Sledding in Snow Land. Both adults and children are all smiles
Sledding in Snow Land. Everyone, both adults and children, is all smiles

For families, we recommend the Snow Land, where you can enjoy playing in the snow. The sledding slope is 100 meters long, offering plenty of excitement. Plus, you can easily get to the top of the slope using the snow escalator, so you can slide as many times as you like. The snow striders and the "carousel," which spins you around on the snow in a tire tube, are also very popular. Free rental items such as plastic skis and sleds are also well-received by those with children.
When you get hungry, head to "Kiyosato Cafe" to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. They offer a variety of dishes including pasta, pizza, and meat dishes, as well as Italian beer and wine.

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With courses ranging from beginner to advanced, this is a ski resort that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults.

Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort / Highland Park
  • Address8240-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 10 minutes by car from JR Kiyosato Station
    Approx. 30 minutes from Nagasaka I.C. on the Chuo Expressway
  • Business hoursScheduled for December 13, 2025 (Sat) – April 5, 2026 (Sun)
    Center House 8:00–17:00
    Lift 8:30–16:30
  • ClosedOpen every day
  • Admission FeeLift ticket (1 day): Adults (junior high school students and older) 6,900 yen, elementary school students 5,500 yen, seniors (55 and older) 6,000 yen, toddlers (3 years old to under elementary school age) 3,000 yen
    *Discounted advance web tickets available
  • TEL0551-48-4111
  • ParkingFree
  • NotesPlease check the website for details on business hours and lift ticket prices

Try your hand at making popular Baumkuchen

Roast it over a bonfire to bake the Baumkuchen.
Roast the baumkuchen over a bonfire

"Verga" in Hakushu-cho, Hokuto City, is a vast park equipped with a campsite, hot spring facilities, a restaurant, and more. While various experience programs are available throughout the year, the most popular is "Making Baumkuchen over a Bonfire." It starts with preparing the bamboo "spindle," then you make the batter, light the bonfire, and apply the batter to the spindle to roast it over the fire. Watching the Baumkuchen gradually grow larger as you repeat the process many times is fun in itself. Competing with friends or family to see who can bake the best one will surely make it even more exciting.

▼Making Baumkuchen over a Bonfire
Dates: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays *Inquire for weekdays
Time: 10:30, 13:30
Fee: 2,500 yen per stick (serves approx. 4 people)
Note: Reservation required by phone (0551-35-4411 / Closed Wednesdays)

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Freshly baked Baumkuchen is fluffy and not too sweet. Making it yourself is a moving experience!

Enjoy a roasted sweet potato experience in the winter forest

In about 40 minutes, the golden roasted sweet potato is ready.
Golden roasted sweet potatoes are ready in about 40 minutes

Along with making Baumkuchen, "Bonfire with Fallen Leaves" is also highly popular. As the name suggests, you gather fallen leaves from the forest to start a bonfire. If you bring sweet potatoes, you can also enjoy roasted sweet potatoes. While chatting around the bonfire, wait for them to bake to perfection. Don't forget to add more leaves to adjust the heat if the fire gets weak. The warmth of the bonfire and the piping hot, freshly baked sweet potatoes will make you forget the cold.

▼Bonfire with Fallen Leaves
Period: From November every year *May be canceled in case of strong winds, etc.
Time: 9:00–15:00
Fee: From 1,000 yen per hour
Note: Reception at the General Information Center

Yamanashi Prefecture Hakushu/Ojira Forest Meisui Park "Verga"
  • Address8056 Shirasu, Hakushu-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 20 minutes by car from JR Kobuchisawa Station or JR Nagasaka Station
    Approx. 20 minutes from the Chuo Expressway Sutama I.C.
  • Business hours9:00–17:00
  • ClosedWednesdays (Open if it is a public holiday, closed the following day)
    *Open every day during Golden Week and summer vacation
  • Admission FeeAdmission fee: Usually free
    200 yen per person (elementary school age and up) during Golden Week and summer vacation
    *Free all year round for Hokuto City residents, guests staying at "Verga," and campers
  • TEL0551-35-4411
  • ParkingFree
*The information provided is current as of the date of the article's update. Please check in advance as it may be subject to change.