In Japan, as in other parts of the world, ski resorts are often synonymous with winter leisure.
Many people flock to these winter wonderlands, drawn by the allure of activities like skiing and snowboarding.
However, did you know that ski resorts have recently been garnering attention as a summer leisure destination as well?
Summer Ski Resorts – A Trove of Attractions!
Ski resorts are typically located at high altitudes, meaning that even in summer, the temperature stays comfortably cool, an attractive feature in itself.
During the summer months, these resorts, with their expansive, nature-rich lands, offer various leisure activities, attracting more and more visitors each year.
Among these, three facilities stand out as particularly popular. In this article, we'll introduce the charms of each one!
竜王マウンテンリゾート Ryuoo Mountain Resort is located in the 北志賀高原 Kitashiga Highlands in the northeastern part of Nagano Prefecture.
Take one of the world's longest ropeways to the mountain's peak, where you will find the "SORA terrace" café, situated at an altitude of 1,770 m (5,807 ft).
Its biggest charm is that it affords a close-range view of a dramatic sea of clouds that makes frequent appearances!
While this sea of clouds only appears under certain conditions, the occurrence rate at SORA terrace in 2022 was 65.9%! Interestingly, it occurs more frequently in the evenings than in the early mornings.
The café's menu features a wide range of dishes made from carefully selected ingredients, and an abundance of sweets made using locally grown fruits!
The menu even includes dishes inspired by the sea of clouds, which are so adorable you can't help but take a photo!
In addition, they operate a glamping facility at the foot of the mountain.
The air is pure, so on clear nights, you can see a sky full of stars.
If you visit before dusk, you can enjoy both the sunset and the starry sky.
A day spent amidst such scenic beauty guarantees a relaxing time!
白馬八方尾根スキー場 Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort (pronounced "happoh-oh-neh") is located in 白馬村 Hakuba Village, Northwestern Nagano Prefecture, a place often referred to as a winter sports mecca.
At this resort, you can easily enjoy trekking.
Take the gondola and lift to about 1,800 m (5,906 ft) above sea level, walk for about an hour, and you will arrive at a popular scenic spot, 八方池 "Happō Pond."
On clear days, they say you can see the reflection of the three peaks of the Hakuba mountain range in the crystal-clear water.
Thanks to a beginner-friendly trail, even those new to mountain climbing can visit with ease.
As the timberline in this area is low, there is nothing to obstruct your view, allowing you to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the beautiful flowers and views at your own pace.
After a pleasant mountain hike, nothing beats the taste of a picnic lunch by the pond as you bask in the satisfying weariness of a good workout!
Furthermore, for those who don't feel like trekking, there's "HAKUBA MOUNTAIN BEACH," a café with a beach resort-like location.
In addition to fresh drinks and food inspired by the beach, you can enjoy a sauna, a recent trend in Japan.
An outdoor sauna and jacuzzi located at an altitude of 1,400 m (4,593 ft) is guaranteed to refresh both your body and mind!
Also located in the Hakuba area, つがいけマウンテンリゾート Tsugaike Mountain Resort turns into the largest outdoor park in the area during the summer.
In addition to camping and glamping on the slopes, and dog runs for those with canine companions, one of the most popular attractions is the innovative adventure facility called "WOW!"
"WOW!", as the name suggests, is packed with thrilling activities. These include "Cogidas," where you can take a leisurely bike ride in the air, and "Tobidas," where you can slide down from a height of 12 m (39 ft) on a rubber tube and then jump into the air.
What's more, the resort offers an assortment of activities for children to adults, such as mountain biking, zip-lining, and bouldering. This makes it an ideal destination for families or groups with varying interests.
Since you're high up in the mountains, you can enjoy a comfortable environment even in the middle of summer.
Whether visiting with family or friends, it's guaranteed to be a blast!
What's more, if you take a gondola and ropeway ride further up from "WOW!", you'll find one of Japan's foremost high-altitude wetlands, where you can observe a variety of flora and fauna.
There are various programs to experience the nature park, and on clear days, you can enjoy the great outdoors at an altitude of 1,900 m (6,234 ft), with alpine views featuring the three peaks of the Hakuba mountain range.
All these facilities are easily accessible, and can be reached using the Shinkansen or highway buses. You can visit easily, even if you don't have a car.
It's quite a challenge, but you can reportedly tour all the facilities introduced here in a single overnight trip!
These summer ski resorts are packed with unique attractions that you can't experience anywhere else.
Moreover, since the area is serviced by ropeways and gondolas, there's no need for any strenuous effort, which is a welcome relief.
If you're unsure about where to go for your summer vacation in Japan, why not consider visiting a ski resort?
In Japan, as in other parts of the world, ski resorts are often synonymous with winter leisure.
Many people flock to these winter wonderlands, drawn by the allure of activities like skiing and snowboarding.
However, did you know that ski resorts have recently been garnering attention as a summer leisure destination as well?
Summer Ski Resorts – A Trove of Attractions!
Ski resorts are typically located at high altitudes, meaning that even in summer, the temperature stays comfortably cool, an attractive feature in itself.
During the summer months, these resorts, with their expansive, nature-rich lands, offer various leisure activities, attracting more and more visitors each year.
Among these, three facilities stand out as particularly popular. In this article, we'll introduce the charms of each one!
Unwind amidst a beautiful sea of clouds at "Ryuoo Mountain Resort"
Discover breathtaking views with easy trekking at "Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort"
Enjoy activities galore for kids and adults at "Tsugaike Mountain Resort"
Ryuoo Mountain Resort
竜王マウンテンリゾート Ryuoo Mountain Resort is located in the 北志賀高原 Kitashiga Highlands in the northeastern part of Nagano Prefecture.
Take one of the world's longest ropeways to the mountain's peak, where you will find the "SORA terrace" café, situated at an altitude of 1,770 m (5,807 ft).
Its biggest charm is that it affords a close-range view of a dramatic sea of clouds that makes frequent appearances!
While this sea of clouds only appears under certain conditions, the occurrence rate at SORA terrace in 2022 was 65.9%! Interestingly, it occurs more frequently in the evenings than in the early mornings.
The café's menu features a wide range of dishes made from carefully selected ingredients, and an abundance of sweets made using locally grown fruits!
The menu even includes dishes inspired by the sea of clouds, which are so adorable you can't help but take a photo!
In addition, they operate a glamping facility at the foot of the mountain.
The air is pure, so on clear nights, you can see a sky full of stars.
If you visit before dusk, you can enjoy both the sunset and the starry sky.
A day spent amidst such scenic beauty guarantees a relaxing time!
Learn more about "Ryuoo Mountain Resort" here!
Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort
白馬八方尾根スキー場 Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort (pronounced "happoh-oh-neh") is located in 白馬村 Hakuba Village, Northwestern Nagano Prefecture, a place often referred to as a winter sports mecca.
At this resort, you can easily enjoy trekking.
Take the gondola and lift to about 1,800 m (5,906 ft) above sea level, walk for about an hour, and you will arrive at a popular scenic spot, 八方池 "Happō Pond."
On clear days, they say you can see the reflection of the three peaks of the Hakuba mountain range in the crystal-clear water.
Thanks to a beginner-friendly trail, even those new to mountain climbing can visit with ease.
As the timberline in this area is low, there is nothing to obstruct your view, allowing you to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the beautiful flowers and views at your own pace.
After a pleasant mountain hike, nothing beats the taste of a picnic lunch by the pond as you bask in the satisfying weariness of a good workout!
Furthermore, for those who don't feel like trekking, there's "HAKUBA MOUNTAIN BEACH," a café with a beach resort-like location.
In addition to fresh drinks and food inspired by the beach, you can enjoy a sauna, a recent trend in Japan.
An outdoor sauna and jacuzzi located at an altitude of 1,400 m (4,593 ft) is guaranteed to refresh both your body and mind!
Learn more about "Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort" here!
Tsugaike Mountain Resort
Also located in the Hakuba area, つがいけマウンテンリゾート Tsugaike Mountain Resort turns into the largest outdoor park in the area during the summer.
In addition to camping and glamping on the slopes, and dog runs for those with canine companions, one of the most popular attractions is the innovative adventure facility called "WOW!"
"WOW!", as the name suggests, is packed with thrilling activities. These include "Cogidas," where you can take a leisurely bike ride in the air, and "Tobidas," where you can slide down from a height of 12 m (39 ft) on a rubber tube and then jump into the air.
What's more, the resort offers an assortment of activities for children to adults, such as mountain biking, zip-lining, and bouldering. This makes it an ideal destination for families or groups with varying interests.
Since you're high up in the mountains, you can enjoy a comfortable environment even in the middle of summer.
Whether visiting with family or friends, it's guaranteed to be a blast!
What's more, if you take a gondola and ropeway ride further up from "WOW!", you'll find one of Japan's foremost high-altitude wetlands, where you can observe a variety of flora and fauna.
There are various programs to experience the nature park, and on clear days, you can enjoy the great outdoors at an altitude of 1,900 m (6,234 ft), with alpine views featuring the three peaks of the Hakuba mountain range.
Learn more about "Tsugaike Mountain Resort" here!
All these facilities are easily accessible, and can be reached using the Shinkansen or highway buses. You can visit easily, even if you don't have a car.
It's quite a challenge, but you can reportedly tour all the facilities introduced here in a single overnight trip!
These summer ski resorts are packed with unique attractions that you can't experience anywhere else.
Moreover, since the area is serviced by ropeways and gondolas, there's no need for any strenuous effort, which is a welcome relief.
If you're unsure about where to go for your summer vacation in Japan, why not consider visiting a ski resort?
Unwind amidst a beautiful sea of clouds at "Ryuoo Mountain Resort"
Discover breathtaking views with easy trekking at "Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort"
Enjoy activities galore for kids and adults at "Tsugaike Mountain Resort"