How much does a ski holiday in Japan cost?
This is a question that often pops up when planning a ski trip to Japan. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, this guide will help you get a better idea of what to expect.
There are several factors to consider when budgeting for your Japanese ski adventure.
Getting there
Flights are a big-ticket item when it comes to a Japanese snow trip. Thankfully, we’ve seen a significant decrease in travel costs compared to the crazy prices that followed the reopening of borders. Although it’s still fair to say that they haven’t returned to the bargain fares we all enjoyed before the pandemic.
Which airline you choose to fly with, the number of connections, the day of the week, the time of season, whether it’s a day or a night flight & of course, & where you prefer to sit on the plane, are all factors in cost.
The demand for flights to Japan spikes in December through February as travellers from around the world seek out Japan’s famous powder snow & airlines lean into that.
So, what can you do to reduce the costs?
Keep an eye out for sales & don’t leave booking to the last minute.
Budget airlines can offer more affordable fares, just be aware that they may also have stricter baggage policies, & potentially less reliable schedules.
Many airlines offer very attractive fares for routes with stops in popular destinations like South Korea, Fiji, & Hong Kong so you could even take the opportunity for a stopover on your way to or from the snow.
If you prefer the front of the plane, Premium Economy is now offered on many Japan routes which is a great compromise for those seeking a little extra luxury & legroom without the Business Class fares.
Be flexible with your dates &, if possible, avoid peak periods like Lunar New Year & school holidays.
What can you expect to pay?
You should expect to pay the following return flight from Australia to Tokyo:
Economy: $1,500 - $2,000
Premium: $2,300 - $3,500
Business: $6,000 - $12,000
Staying there
Ski holidays are expensive wherever you go, & while Japan is one of the cheapest places to enjoy a ski adventure, don’t expect a bargain.
The biggest determinant of the cost of your ski trip is going to be your preferred standard of accommodation & its location. This is followed closely by when you plan to visit & when you book your accommodation.
All of these are driven by the economics of supply & demand which has a much bigger impact on pricing than the exchange rate.
This possibly won’t come as a surprise to anyone, but the later you wait to lock down your accommodation, the higher the standard of accommodation you’re after, the more popular the resort. & the busier time of year – the more it’s going to cost.
This is especially true of ultra luxe & high-end properties which can rival the likes of the US & Europe for cost. Most of these properties have been developed by investors offshore who charge ‘international’ rates.
Many properties also charge on a per-person, not per-room basis, which can quickly add up for families.
What can you expect to pay?
As a guide, accommodation per night for two adults can range from:
Budget (1 to 2 star property): $200 to $300
Value (2 to 3 star property): $300 - $500
Comfort (4 star property): $500 - $900
Luxury (5 star property): $900 to $2,000
Deluxe (5+ star property): $2,000+++
Please note that these are approximate figures and prices may vary depending on location and dates.
On mountain costs
Now for the really good news! Japan offers incredible value when it comes to the day-to-day cost of skiing or snowboarding.
Lift tickets are very affordable, especially when compared to resorts in Australia, the US & Europe. Some Japanese resorts are covered by the Epic or Ikon passes meaning holders can ski or board free!
Expect to pay anything between $0 to around 20%-50% of what you would normally back home.
Rental, lessons & guides are cheaper too, although get in early if you are after English-speaking instructors & guides.
One of the absolute joys of skiing in Japan is the food. No over-priced burgers or dry sausage rolls here! Instead, you’ll enjoy Japanese comfort food - gyoza, chicken karaage ramen, katsu curry, tempura…the list goes on. Typically, you can pick these up for ¥1,000 (around $10) – an absolute bargain!
What can you expect to pay?
You should budget for $50 to $70 a day for a ski pass ($100 in Niseko)
Allow $150 to $350 for a half-day private lesson
Hire gear (skis, boots & poles or board & boots) - budget about $60 to $100 per day
$15.00 - $20.00 for lunch plus a hot chocolate or a beer
Other Costs
There are other costs to be considered, such as eating out at night, getting to & from the resort (for example, bus or bullet train tickets, or perhaps an extra flight). Also, consider whether you’ll be spending time in other parts of Japan (a night or two in Tokyo is a must in our opinion!)
Bottom line
Just like a snowflake, every trip is unique & no two trips will cost the same.
If you’re looking for a ballpark figure (without flights) for a family of four, spending seven days in the snow in comfortable accommodation & skiing every day – you should budget between $8k - $10k AUD. Of course, these costs will change if you would prefer something a bit more luxe or in a more expensive resort – Niseko for instance.
Compared to the rest of the northern hemisphere (not to mention Aussie resorts), this is incredible value - & we haven’t even started talking about the quality of the snow yet (which would be worth paying a premium for – but that’s a whole different blog post!)
If you want to plan a ski holiday in Japan so you get the best bang for your buck – please reach out, we’d love to hear from you.
Wishing you Peace, Love & Powder Days! ❄️
The Snow Concierge
Note: all costs are in Australian dollars.
