Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort
A convenient ski resort near Tokyo, perfect for families and day-trippers with ski-in/ski-out access and a fun snow park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresher snow
Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresher snow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A convenient ski resort near Tokyo, perfect for families and day-trippers with ski-in/ski-out access and a fun snow park.
"A perfect place for ski lovers! The ski-in, ski-out access is extremely convenient."
Rentals Near Station
Save money by renting gear near Karuizawa Station's North Exit; it's half the price of resort rentals. :moneybag:
Family Snow Fun
Toddlers and young kids love the dedicated snow park with sledding and play zones. No skis needed! :snowman:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ski-in, Ski-out Convenience
Directly from hotel
Hit the slopes immediately from your accommodation. Perfect for maximizing your time on the snow.
Dedicated Snow Park
Karuizawa Snow Park
A wonderland for kids with sledding, tubing, and a snow play zone. Toddler-friendly and great for first-time snow fun.
Beginner Ski Trials
Ski Center
Ideal for first-timers, offering short trial lessons to get you on your feet and sliding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Easy Access from Tokyo
Family-Friendly Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rentals Near Station
Save money by renting gear near Karuizawa Station's North Exit; it's half the price of resort rentals. :moneybag:
Family Snow Fun
Toddlers and young kids love the dedicated snow park with sledding and play zones. No skis needed! :snowman:
Day Trip from Tokyo
Easily accessible via Shinkansen in ~2.5 hours, perfect for a day of skiing. :bullettrain_top: +1
Non-Slip Boots Essential
Wear or rent non-slip boots for navigating icy patches around the resort. :boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Rentals Near Station
Save money by renting gear near Karuizawa Station's North Exit; it's half the price of resort rentals. :moneybag:
Family Snow Fun
Toddlers and young kids love the dedicated snow park with sledding and play zones. No skis needed! :snowman:
Day Trip from Tokyo
Easily accessible via Shinkansen in ~2.5 hours, perfect for a day of skiing. :bullettrain_top: +1
Non-Slip Boots Essential
Wear or rent non-slip boots for navigating icy patches around the resort. :boot:
Check Night Skiing
Note that night skiing is often not available. Plan your day accordingly. :moon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort for its exceptional convenience, especially the ski-in, ski-out access and its family-friendly snow park. Its proximity to Tokyo makes it a highly accessible winter getaway. However, some guests find the rooms a bit dated and note that rental and lift ticket prices can be on the higher side compared to other resorts.
"A perfect place for ski lovers! The ski-in, ski-out access is extremely convenient, making it easy to hit the slopes right away. The facilities are well-equipped and sufficient for the number of guests staying at the resort.
The only downside is that the rooms feel a bit outdated, and the shared bathrooms could be cleaner. However, everything else—from the location to the overall experience—was excellent. If you’re looking for a great ski resort with easy access to the slopes, this is a solid choice!"
Pornpong W.
"We came to the ski resort in early January, the weather is cold with sun shine🌞, so the snow is not powdery, some skiing routes are too icy for the skiers.🧊
Moreover, the lift ticket and rental in the ski resort is relatively high compare to other ski resorts in japan.💸 Recommend to do rental nearby the North Exit of the train station🚄 which is half-price of that of in the ski resort.
Overall, the experience is not bad, having fun in the all levels of ski routes, and here is the nearest place from Tokyo for skiing. Btw, this place has NO night-ski in this winter season.🏂"
Aaron
"We spent a winter day at the Karuizawa Snow Park (part of Prince Snow Resort), and it turned out to be a perfect fit for our toddlers and beginner-friendly for adults too. The Snow Park area is well-designed for families, with a fun sledding and tubing hill that our kids couldn’t get enough of, and a dedicated snow play zone filled with toys, soft mounds, and little tunnels to explore.
We entered from the Ski Center, which is about a 10–12 minute walk from Karuizawa Station or the Prince Shopping Plaza. The location makes it really accessible, even if you're just coming for a day trip from Tokyo. There’s also a one-hour beginner ski trial available for those who want to try skiing for the first time, but we skipped that since our kids were still too young. Rental gear is available at the base — from boots and jackets to full ski/snowboard sets — but we only needed ski boots for the adults.
Pricing was clear and fair: around ¥2,500 for 4 hours or ¥3,000 for a full-day ski/snowboard boot rental. We arrived around 11 AM on a weekday and the crowds were totally manageable, but it’s probably even better to come earlier (9–10 AM) if you want fewer people and fresh snow. Entry was ¥2,500 per adult; I’m not sure if our kids were free or discounted, but it was worth every yen for the fun they had.
For families: this is a toddler-friendly snow park with a gentle layout and dedicated play zones. Our kids (ages 3 and 5) had a blast without needing skis. For accessibility: strollers aren’t really usable once you’re in the snow zone, but the Ski Center and walkways are manageable if you plan ahead. Non-slip boots are essential — it gets slippery in places. For rentals: snow gear for all ages is available on-site, or you can wear your own winter clothing and just rent specific items. It’s a fantastic winter activity spot for first-timers or those traveling with young kids, whether you stay overnight in Karuizawa or visit as a day trip."
Laura Khairunnisa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Karuizawa Station, the resort is a short walk (about 10-12 minutes) or a quick taxi ride.
Yes, it's very accessible without a car. The resort is within walking distance from Karuizawa Station, making it a popular day trip destination from Tokyo.
The Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Karuizawa takes about 1.5 hours. Including travel to and from stations, it's a feasible day trip. +1
While the resort is walkable from Karuizawa Station, local buses do operate within Karuizawa town, which could be useful for exploring other areas.
Absolutely! It's a prime destination for day-trippers from Tokyo due to its accessibility and proximity. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift ticket prices can be relatively high compared to other Japanese ski resorts. It's recommended to check the official website for current pricing, as it can vary.
Equipment rental is available at the resort. However, for significant savings, consider renting near the North Exit of Karuizawa Station, which is about half the price.
Yes, the resort offers beginner ski trials for those new to the sport. This is a great way to get started.
It's advisable to check the official Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort website for online ticket purchasing options and potential discounts.
Yes, there is an entry fee for the snow park, typically around ¥2,500 per adult for a set duration.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Yes, it's very beginner-friendly with dedicated slopes and a snow park. The resort also offers beginner ski trials.
The resort has a fantastic snow park with sledding, tubing, and a snow play zone, perfect for toddlers and young kids who may not be ready for skiing.
Typically, night skiing is not available at this resort, so plan your visit for daytime hours.
Snow quality can vary. In early January, it might be cold with sunshine, leading to icier slopes rather than powdery snow.
Yes, ski instructors are available, and some may be multilingual, which is helpful for international visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the resort has eateries available, and being connected to the Prince Shopping Plaza offers a wide variety of dining choices nearby.
Given the family-friendly nature of the resort and its proximity to the shopping plaza, you should be able to find kid-friendly meal options.
The resort offers various dining options, likely including Japanese cuisine and international fare to cater to a diverse clientele.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning winter landscapes with the snow-covered slopes as your backdrop. The ski-in/ski-out access points and the snow park offer picturesque scenes.
Absolutely! The dedicated snow park is a perfect place to capture joyful moments of children playing in the snow, building snowmen, or sledding.
The higher slopes offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the resort area, providing excellent photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Prioritize the Snow Park for non-skiers, consider renting gear near Karuizawa Station to save money, and arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds.
🏂 Ski & Snowboard Enthusiasts
Key recommendations: Take advantage of the convenient slope access. If you're an experienced skier looking for a multi-day challenge, consider combining your visit with other resorts or exploring Karuizawa town. Be aware that rental costs can be high, so explore off-site options near the station.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Tokyo
Key recommendations: Aim for weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds. Consider purchasing lift tickets and rental gear in advance or exploring rental options near Karuizawa Station to save time and money.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort
While the resort is easily reachable by public transport, it's worth noting that exploring other attractions in Karuizawa, such as Shiraito Waterfall or Kumoba Pond, might be more convenient with a car or by utilizing local bus services. However, for the sole purpose of enjoying the ski resort, a car is not necessary.
Family Fun at the Snow Park
The resort provides rental gear for all ages, including boots, jackets, and full ski/snowboard sets, though for the snow park, only boots might be necessary for adults accompanying children.
Cost-Saving Tips for Ski Rentals
This cost-saving tip is particularly valuable for day-trippers or those on a budget who want to enjoy the slopes without breaking the bank. By planning ahead and picking up rentals before heading to the resort, visitors can allocate their budget towards other aspects of their trip, such as dining or souvenirs from the nearby Prince Shopping Plaza.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit