Burton’s Official Guide to Snowboarding Near Tokyo

The powder hounds at Burton Japan have created this guide to snowboarding near Tokyo, which has all of the information you need to plan your next trip. This article is part of our Japan Snowboard travel guides, which provide expert travel tips for snowboarders who want to experience all that Japan has to offer.

Tokyo is a city of around 13 million people, where the mix of modern and traditional culture creates an endless stream of inspiration for visitors. This makes Tokyo an amazing destination for snowboarders, with quick and easy mountain access as well as a rich local cultural worth exploring on your non-riding days.

In Tokyo, Shibuya and Harajuku are fashion meccas, while Roppongi and Ginza are packed with Michelin-starred restaurants. Then there’s Akihabara, the go-to place for anime lovers. No matter where you go in the city, you’ll find a unique blend of sleek urban landscapes, old-school temples, and nature, with plenty of outdoor spaces to escape the city’s buzz and unwind.

Even though Tokyo is Japan’s largest and busiest city, it still manages to feel fresh and clean, with minimal litter and a super safe vibe. You can stroll the streets, even at night, without any worries. The public transportation system here is also next-level. Trains, subways, and buses are so efficient that getting around—whether it’s to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza—is a breeze, even if you don’t have a car. Tokyo offers amazing convenience, making it easy to explore every corner of the city without hassle, and this is why we recommend Tokyo as the starting point for any snowboarding trip in Japan.

Tokyo provides quick and easy access to amazing snowboarding destinations like Yuzawa and Gunma, but it is also a great spot to begin trips to farther destinations like Hokkaido, Tohoku, Niigata, and Nagano. Whether you're hopping on a plane from Haneda or Narita, catching a bullet train zipping across the country, or taking an express or night bus, getting out of town is a breeze. There are also plenty of car rentals available, if you prefer to drive yourself.

Planning a 2 or 3-day trip to explore another parts of Japan while staying in Tokyo is very easy and a great option for your first snowboarding trip in Japan.

The Yuzawa area is super easy to get to from Tokyo and is one of Japan’s snowiest spots. Thanks to the Kan-etsu Expressway, you can drive to more than 10 ski resorts within an hour from Echigo Yuzawa Station. If you don’t feel like driving, the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train is an awesome option for a day trip. It only takes 72 minutes to get from Tokyo Station to Echigo Yuzawa Station, letting you hit the slopes and be back in Tokyo by evening easily.

Yuzawa is often called the “holy land of snow parks,” and for good reason. It's packed with top-tier snow resorts like Ishiuchi-Maruyama, Gala Yuzawa, Kandatsu-Kogen, and Maiko which all offer high-quality snow parks that attract a younger crowd. The vibe at these resorts is energetic and lively, making the atmosphere just as exciting as the riding itself.

Being one of Japan’s snowiest regions, Yuzawa’s resorts also feature rugged, snow-covered terrain. Resorts like Hakkaisan are perfect for those who want to dive into some serious powder riding. Plus, if you're into both backcountry and snow parks, Kagura is a great spot that offers the best of both worlds.

Snow Conditions in Yuzawa

Due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan, the snow in Yuzawa often has a higher moisture content. At lower elevations, the snow can be quite wet, but as you head to the top of the slopes, you’ll find lighter, more enjoyable powder snow that’s perfect for riding.

Average monthly snowfall in Yuzawa (1991–2020 Average, Japan Meteorological Agency).

● December: 210 cm

● January: 377 cm

● February: 288 cm

● March: 159 cm

● April: 20 cm

Planning a Snowboarding Day Trip from Tokyo to Yuzawa

Planning a snowboarding day trip from Tokyo to Yuzawa is relatively easy. Begin your day early by taking the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Echigo Yuzawa Station.

Pro tip: You can purchase a combination train ticket and snowboarding lift ticket for Kandatsu-Kogen for between 8,500 and 16,000 yen per adult, depending on the package.

From Echigo Yuzawa station, catch the free shuttle bus to Kandatsu-Kogen ski resort. Kandatsu-Kogen offers snowboard rental packages featuring high-performance Burton gear—including Step On options—so you can ride with confidence.

Ski lifts start operating at 8:00 am on weekdays (7:00 am on weekends and holidays), so we recommend getting there as early as possible to make the most of your day. After some powder riding, carving, and freeriding on the wall terrain, be sure to check out the snow park, which opens around 10:00 am. Depending on when you visit, the banked slalom course may also be open.

When you’re ready for a break from snowboarding, grab a bite at one of the restaurants at the ski resort village or midway up the slopes. Make the most of your Japan snowboarding trip by eating some of Niigata’s local food.

In the afternoon, wrap up your day of snowboarding by unwinding at the Kami-no-yu hot spring, conveniently located at the base of the slopes. Afterward, hop back on the shuttle to Echigo Yuzawa Station for an early dinner in Yuzawa town. We recommend Ninjin-tei, just an 8-minute walk from the station, where the pork cutlets made with Niigata pork are a must-try.

Before catching the train back to Tokyo, take some time to explore the souvenir shops in the Yuzawa station. Ponshu-kan is the perfect spot to sample sake from all the local Niigata breweries. After picking up some sake or local beer as souvenirs, enjoy the relaxing train ride back to Shinkansen station before returning to your accommodations in Tokyo.

Snowboarding Near Tokyo: Gunma

It’s about a 2-hour drive from Tokyo’s Nerima Interchange via the Kan-etsu Expressway to reach some of the best snowboarding spots in the Kanto region. Kawaba Resort, a popular destination in the Numata area, is just 25 minutes from the Numata Interchange exit. If you keep driving for another 50 minutes, you’ll reach the Katashina area, home to Oze National Park with its vast mountain wetlands.

A bit further north from the Numata Interchange, you’ll find the Minakami Interchange, where the iconic Mt. Tanigawa—one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains—dominates the view. This whole Gunma region is known as the snow haven of Kanto.

When cold air from the continent passes over the Sea of Japan, it creates snow clouds that carry just a bit of moisture. But as they hit the Mikuni Mountains on the border of Niigata and Gunma, the moisture is stripped away, leaving behind ultra-light, dry powder—perfect for freeriding. That’s why you’ll see lines of powder lovers forming early in the morning at resorts like Kawaba, Marunuma, Tenjindaira, and Hodaigi, all aiming to make the first tracks on the pristine snow.

The area isn’t just known for its powder—it also offers plenty of steep slopes, streams, and R terrain that attract mountain freestyle riders. And it’s worth mentioning that the local riders play a big role here, teaching visitors proper backcountry etiquette and safety tips to ensure everyone can enjoy the mountains responsibly.

Snow Conditions in Gunma

As snow clouds move from the Sea of Japan toward the Mikuni mountain range, they lose much of their moisture. This results in dry powder snow across the Numata, Katashina, and Minakami areas, making for perfect riding conditions throughout the Gunma region.

Average monthly snowfall in Gunma (1991–2020 average, Japan Meteorological Agency)

● December: 187 cm

● January: 296 cm

● February: 241 cm

● March: 145 cm

● April: 30 cm

Planning a Two-Day Snowboarding Trip from Tokyo to Gunma

If you want to travel from Tokyo to Gunma, we recommend renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle and driving yourself. 2525 Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, TOYOTA Rent-a-Car, or Nissan Rent-a-Car are all reputable options. Because many car rental agencies in Japan don’t open until 8:00 a.m., and since Tokyo roads get busy by 5:00 a.m., picking up your rental vehicle the evening before departing is a must, if you want to get an early start and avoid traffic.

Day 1

Plan to leave Tokyo at 4:00 a.m. to reach Kawaba Resort by 7:00 a.m., just in time for their FIRST TRACK service. This special experience must be booked in advance online and requires an extra fee but is totally worth it. First Track lets you ride a snow tractor to the top of the mountain for a private run before the lifts start operating. There’s nothing quite like carving down freshly pressed, untouched snow.

Whether you go for First Track or not, Kawaba resort has plenty of wall terrains that keep things exciting, and if conditions are right, you can try the OFF THE PISTE non-groomed course (if you've never skied out of bounds, it's important that you bring the proper avalanche safety equipment and understand how to use it).

Once you are done snowboarding, head toward Oze and Nikko for the next day’s ride at Marunuma Kogen. Make a pit stop at Kawaba Plaza, a roadside station, to grab some local food, beer, and other drinks. For overnight lodging, you can choose Oigami-Onsen Village, located midway between Kawaba and Marunuma, or stay at one of the pensions near the base of the Marunuma Plateau.

Day 2

Start early at Marunuma Kogen, where you’ll find beautifully groomed slopes, maintained side terrain, and runs as long as 4 km. It’s a paradise for freeride and freestyle enthusiasts. If you plan to return your rental car in Tokyo the same day, be sure to leave Marunuma by 2:00 p.m. to avoid heavy traffic back to Tokyo.

Pro tip: If you’re more interested in a backcountry snowboarding than riding at a resort, consider booking a tour with One Drop, a local guide service that knows the best routes through the stunning scenery of Oze.

Snowboard Base Layers for Cold Days

On cold days, start with a solid snowboarding base layer to keep yourself insulated. The Living Lining® fabric used in Burton’s X Base Layer series adjusts to your body temperature—absorbing sweat when you're warm and retaining heat when you're cold. This keeps you at a comfortable temperature, not too hot and not too cold.

Recommended Base Layers

● Burton Midweight X Crew and Pant Set

● For extra warmth on windy snow resort days, try theBurton Heavyweight X 1/4 Zip

Snowboard Insulators to Add Warmth

In areas like Kanto, where temperatures may be milder, light insulating layers will compliment your layering system.

Recommended Insulators

● Burton Stockrun Warmest Hooded Full Zip Fleece (Men’s & Women’s versions)

● Burton Cinder Full-Zip Fleece (Men)

●Burton Cinder Pullover Fleece (Women)

Snowboard Outerwear for Protection from Snow and Ice

For areas with packed snow, you’ll need sturdy outerwear. The Burton Men’s [ak] Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket and Pants offer extra durability, thanks to the thick yarns in the fabric. For women, try the Burton Women's [ak] Upshift GORE-TEX 2L Jacket and[ak] Summit GORE-TEX 2L Pants.

If you need more insulation, the Men's [ak] Swash GORE-TEX 2L Jacket and Women's [ak] Embark GORE-TEX 2L Jacket feature PrimaLoft insulation in the torso for extra warmth.

Snowboard Gloves to Keep Hands Warm and Protected

With hard snow surfaces in mind, gloves with leather palms are recommended for better durability and warmth. For people who have trouble staying warm, mittens are warmer than gloves.

Recommended Gloves

● Men’s:

○ Burton Deluxe GORE-TEX Mitten

○ Burton Gondy GORE-TEX Leather Mitten

● Women’s:

○ Burton Deluxe GORE-TEX Mitten

○ Burton Gondy GORE-TEX Leather Mitten

Additional Cold-Weather Snowboard Clothing

For extra warmth, consider the Burton Ember fleece neck warmers and Burton Ember fleece balaclava face masks. A pair of snow goggles are also crucial to keep your eyes protected from cold wind, blowing snow, and harmful UV rays.

Snowboard Clothing for Warm Days

On warmer days, a lightweight layering system will keep you comfortable.

Base Layer: A light base layer is key to staying comfortable on warmer days. The Burton Lightweight X Crew and Pants are perfect—they absorb sweat and dry quickly. These are available for both men and women.

Mid-Layer: Mid-layers aren’t a huge priority in warmer weather, but if you tend to feel cold, having a lighter one can help. Otherwise, you’re good to skip it.

Outerwear: For your outer layer, try something trendy like the oversized-fit Futuretrust 2L Jacket and Futuretrust 2L Bib Pants. Both are unisex, so they work for everyone and keep the look stylish without overheating you.

Gloves: For gloves, we recommend the Burton Lifty Leather Gloves. They offer just the right amount of warmth and waterproofing while being tough enough to handle the wear and tear from jump grabs, thanks to the genuine leather.

Snowboard Gear for Powder Riding

If you are snowboarding near Tokyo and looking to ride some of the famous Japow, having equipment that is designed specifically for powder riding will make everything more fun.

Powder Snowboards: If you’re looking to cruise through fresh powder while snowboarding, check out these models.

●Burton Unisex Family Tree Alekesam Camber Snowboard

● Burton Unisex Family Tree Gril Master Camber Snowboard

Both boards are designed to give you that floaty, smooth ride in deep snow.

Bindings for Powder Riding: To make the most of your powder days without wasting time strapping in and out, we recommend the latest Burton Genesis Step On EST bindings for men and the Escapade Step On EST for women. These will have you ready to ride in seconds.

Snowboard Boots for Powder Riding: For boots, you’ll want something that offers both support and flexibility. Try the Burton Men's Photon Step On Wide or the Women's Felix Step On Soft—both are perfect for tackling powder while keeping your feet comfortable.

Snowboard Gear for Resort Cruising

If you’ll be sticking to ski resorts (instead of backcountry or off-piste riding) when snowboarding near Tokyo, the experts at Burton have some recommendations for gear to help you make the most of your trip.

Snowboards: If you're setting up for high-speed riding at the resort, go for boards that can handle aggressive turns and all snow conditions. For men, we recommend the Burton Men's Custom Camber Snowboard, while for women, the Women's Burton Feel Good Camber Snowboard is a top pick.

Bindings: For precise carving and quick responsiveness, check out these bindings.

Men’s:

●Burton Men's Step On Bindings: For quick, easy Step On convenience.

● Men's Cartel X: If you prefer traditional bindings that are lightweight, versatile, and built for responsive riding.

Women’s:

● Women's Step On: For easy on/off and a great connection to the board.

● Women's Lexa X: If you prefer non-Step On, the Lexa X offers excellent performance for all styles of resort riding.

Boots: For high-speed, deep turns, your boots need to keep up. For men, the Burton Men's Ion Step On offers a solid and comfortable ride even at top speeds. For women, try the Felix Step On Wide. If you’re after non-Step On options, the Men’s Ion BOA and Women’s Supreme Wide are both excellent choices for resort cruising.

Snowboard Gear for Backcountry and Sidecountry Riding

Whether you plan to tour the backcountry on a splitboard or regular snowboard, there is some specific equipment that you’ll want to have to stay safe and have fun.

Splitboarding Backpacks: When heading out for backcountry or sidecountry snowboarding, having a backpack is crucial to carry your gear safely and comfortably. For Sidecountry Trips we recommend the [ak] Dispatcher Vest Pack 13L or the[ak] Surgence Tour Pack. Both packs are designed like vests, ensuring they won’t get in the way of your ride while still providing enough space for the essentials.

If you’re venturing deeper into the backcountry with a guide and can reduce the amount of gear you carry, opt for the[ak] Dispatcher 25L Pack. For trips that require more equipment—such as avalanche safety gear, extra layers, food, water, and even bivouac gear—the[ak] Dispatcher 35L Pack is the better choice.

Burton Flagship Tokyo
5-17-4 Jingumae Shibuya-Ku
Tokyo 150-0001
[TEL] 050-3506-8000

Burton Flagship Sapporo
3-4 Odori Nishi Chuo-Ku Sapporo
Hokkaido 060-0042
[TEL] 050-3506-6133

Burton Flagship Nagano
2298 Yashima Nagano-Shi
Nagano 381-0021
[TEL] 050-3506-9200

Burton Flagship Osaka
1-19-23 Minamihorie Nishi-Ku Osaka-Shi
Osaka 550-0015
[TEL] 050-3506-8585

Burton Store Niseko
190/13 Aza Yamada Kutchan-Cho Abuta-Gun
Hokkaido 044-0081
[TEL] 0136-55-5697

Burton Store Rusutsu
Rusutsu Resort North Wing
13 Izumikawa Rusutsu Abuta-Gun
Hokkaido 048-1711
[TEL] 0136-55-5697

Burton Store Yokohama
4-2 Shiraho Kanazawa-ku Yokohama-Shi
Kanagawa 236-0007
[TEL] 050-3506-7171

Burton Store Karuizawa
NE42A Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Karuizawa Karuizawa-Machi Kitasaku-Gun
Nagano 389-0102
[TEL] 050-3506-9090

Burton Store Hakuba Goryu
22184-10 Kamishiro Hakuba-Mura Kitaazumi-Gun
Nagano 399-9211
[TEL] 0261-75-2101

Burton Store Skijam Katsuyama
170-70 Katsuyama-Shi
Fukui 911-0000
[TEL] 0779-64-4106

Text: Haruaki Kanazawa
Translation: Neil Hartmann