Why Appi Kogen Is The Best Japanese Ski Resort You May Never Have Heard Of…

When it comes to winter wonderlands, Japan has more than its fair share of world-class resorts which attract visitors in the thousands each year.  

Along with a long list of more well-known and some even world-famous resorts such as Niseko, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen (the list goes on), there's one that has remained a bit of a secret - Appi Kogen Ski Resort – one of the largest ski resorts in Japan. 

We have been very quietly spruiking the wonders of Appi Ski Resort for several years now, having first visited this off-the-radar gem way back in 2015. It’s fair to say a lot has changed since then. We last visited Appi PC (Pre-Covid...*sigh* remember those days!?) and a visit earlier this year confirmed it is as good (if not better) than we remembered.  

Don’t take our word for it though, Appi Snow Resort was awarded ‘Japan's Best Ski Resort’ in 2022 by the World Ski Awards, beating out other better-known resorts such as Furano, Hakuba and Myoko Kogen, just to name a few.  

If you want a quintessential Japanese ski hotel experience somewhere off the radar, with great snow and infrastructure, and with relatively few Westerners then Appi is ideal. Being somewhat off the radar has the added of advantage of not booking out as early as some of the other resorts in Japan.  

So where is Appi?  

Appi Kogen is found in Iwate Prefecture, roughly 3½ hours from Tokyo; the nearest shinkansen (bullet train) station is Morioka (just 2.5 hrs from Tokyo). You then a short 45-minute bus trip to the resort). Morioka was recently named at number two globally in The New York Times list of ‘52 Places to Go in 2023’ so you may want to consider a night or two there on your way to or from Appi Kogen. 

The Appi resort itself is a bit of a rarity in Japan, being that it isn’t really associated with a town or village at its base. What you have is a few hotels of various standards (from high end luxury to simpler accommodations) and a large ski centre with several restaurants and loads of facilities. There is a small village a kilometre or so away, but it is quite separate from the resort.  

This is important because it means that Appi is largely accessed only by visitors staying there and is rarely visited by day trippers. This can change a little on the weekend when locals pop up for the day but, most of the time, you will have the mountain to yourself. This is a huge attraction for those of us who prefer not to share freshies. The mountain is big by Japanese standards and caters for all levels of abilities.  

Appi has designated tree-riding zones of various gradients and difficulty, so this is a great resort to familiarise yourself with the pleasure of tree riding in powder. Of course, if you are already acquainted with tree riding, this is reason enough to book today! 

Now, let's talk digs.

Appi doesn't mess around when it comes to accommodations. From the uber luxury of the brand-new ANA Intercontinental Hotel to the broad range of options that the Crowne Plaza offers, Appi has something for everyone. As far as dining goes, the hotels have several excellent restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines (everything from sushi to Korean Barbeque as well as several western options). Buffet breakfasts and dinner can be included in your room rate at a discount if pre booked. 

Regardless of your room choice, Appi provides the convenience of ski-in ski-out to guests, as well as lockers near the resort access points. As well as a ski school, there are ski and snowboard hire and booting fitting services on site too. 

A huge part of the Japanese skiing experience is being able to enjoy a relaxing soak in an onsen (hot spring). Trust us, there is nothing better after a day of riding powder than a soak in an onsen. Appi has several options, be it your own private onsen on your room’s balcony, or stunning indoor and outdoor onsen. 

So, whether you're a powder hound seeking solitude on the slopes or a family looking for winter adventures without the crowds, Appi Ski Resort has your name written all over it – you might even spot The Snow Concierge team there as we’ve already booked in for a week in January! 

If this sounds like your kind of snow holiday, feel free to get in touch we can talk you through some of the awesome rates we have negotiated.

The Snow Concierge currently has a special Super Early Bird rate offering 30% off standard rates. But you’ll have to be quick as this offer is only until 31 August.  

Wishing you peace, love and powder days. 

The Snow Concierge ❄️