Overview
Ignite your winter spirit on this seamless day trip from Shinjuku to Hodaigi Ski Resort in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture—a powder haven at 1,400m elevation renowned for its pristine snow and diverse terrain.
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Contact Jasumo Now →As one of the Kanto region’s top spots, Hodaigi opens mid-December 2025–late March 2026 with 16 runs spanning gentle family slopes to a heart-pounding 40-degree Eagle Course, backed by 5–8m annual snowfall and 7 lifts for effortless ascents. Beginners build confidence on wide greens and the Challenge Park’s playful features, intermediates flow through blue cruisers, and experts charge black diamonds with fresh powder turns—all amid Tanigawadake’s dramatic peaks.
With round-trip bus transfers (3 hours each way), full ski/snowboard/wear rentals (insurance ~¥1,000 on-site), and 5.5 hours on slopes, this ~9-hour adventure is perfect for first-timers, intermediates, families, or powder chasers. Book for January 2026 peak snow, when Hodaigi’s uncrowded magic shines under clear Kanto skies.
Why Choose This Experience?
- Powder Paradise: Hodaigi’s 5–8m snowfall and 16 runs offer Kanto’s best—40-degree Eagle for thrills, family zones for ease.
- All-Level Terrain: Beginner greens, intermediate blues, expert blacks—7 lifts and Challenge Park ensure progression.
- Hassle-Free Shinjuku Start: 3-hour buses from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building—rentals included, no gear lugging.
- Value Rentals & Lifts: Ski/snowboard/wear bundled (~¥5,000 gate value); insurance ~¥1,000 on-site for peace.
- Family Focus: Ages 4+ half-price; wide slopes and playground features delight kids.
- Seasonal Snow: Mid-December 2025 opener; January–February 2026 peak powder—mid-week for crowds.
Highlights
- Hodaigi Slopes: 16 runs (greens for beginners, blues for flow, 40-degree Eagle blacks)—7 lifts, 1,400m elevation with Tanigawadake views.
- Challenge Park: Beginner-friendly features like rollers and jumps—magic carpets ease in.
- Full Gear Setup: Ski/snowboard, boots, poles, wear—hit slopes ready (sizes 15–33cm).
- Unlimited Lifts: 1-day pass for all-day access—explore from family zones to expert steeps.
- Easy Access: 3-hour bus from Shinjuku—free parking, multilingual staff (English/Japanese).
- Winter Thrills: Mid-December 2025–March 2026; January peak for deep snow (0–5°C).
Pricing
From ¥19,800 per person
Includes
- A (BASIC SKI): Round-trip bus, Ski rental (skis, boots, poles), Wear rental, 1-day lift ticket.
- B (SNOWBOARD): Round-trip bus, Snowboard rental (board, boots), Wear rental, 1-day lift ticket.
- C (SKI+LESSON): Round-trip bus, Ski rental, Wear rental, 1-day lift ticket, 1-hour beginner lesson.
- D (FAMILY): Round-trip bus, Mixed ski/snowboard rentals (child sizes), Wear rental, 1-day lift ticket (family of 4).
Note: Prices for 2025/26; child (4–12) ~50% off, under 4 free (lap-held). Rental insurance ~¥1,000 on-site. Book January 2026 for peak snow; season mid-December–March.
Itinerary
Starting location:
都庁大型バス駐車場 (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Bus Parking)
Bus/coach (3 hours)
Hodaigi Ski Resort
Free time (5.5 hours)
- Gear up with rentals (ski/snowboard/boots/poles/wear), hit 16 runs—greens for beginners, 40-degree Eagle for experts, Challenge Park features. Lifts unlimited; cafe ramen (~¥1,000).
Bus/coach (3 hours)
Finish at:
Shinjuku City
Note: Total ~9 hours; meet 6:45 AM for 7:00 AM departure. Resort open 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; times adjust for traffic/snow. January 2026 peak.
What to Expect
Meet at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Bus Parking (6:45 AM for 7:00 AM departure), boarding a comfortable coach for a 3-hour drive to Minakami’s Hodaigi Ski Resort (1,400m).
Arrive by 10:00 AM for 5.5 hours of snowy bliss: 16 runs span gentle family greens (magic carpets for ease), flowing blue cruisers, and the 40-degree Eagle black diamond—7 lifts whisk you up amid Tanigawadake’s peaks, with 5–8m powder for smooth turns. Gear up with included rentals (ski/snowboard/boots/poles/wear, sizes 15–33cm; insurance ¥1,000), then shred: Beginners practice on wide slopes, intermediates flow B-courses, experts charge Eagle’s steeps.
Challenge Park adds playful rollers/jumps; on-site cafe fuels with ramen (¥1,000). January 2026 peak snow (0–5°C, goggles essential) ensures prime conditions. Return by ~7:00 PM to Shinjuku City—thrilling for beginners (wide greens build skills), families (kid zones delight), or powder hounds (deep snow thrills).
Pre-Departure Notice
- Meeting Point: 都庁大型バス駐車場 (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Bus Parking, 6:45 AM for 7:00 AM departure)—from JR Shinjuku West Gate, walk underground passage left of ticket gate (South Passage, right of Meiji Yasuda Life Building); lateness forfeits (100% fee).
- Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; specify skill level, shoe size (15–33cm), allergies. January peak snow.
- Weather: Slopes open in light snow; heavy storms may close lifts (prorated refund). Mid-December 2025 snowmaking; January natural powder.
- Health: Moderate skiing; no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Helmets recommended (~¥500 rental).
- Children: Ages 4+ for slopes (reduced rates); under 4 free (lap-held). Family zones safe.
Good to Know
- Age Rules: 4+ for skiing; under 12 supervised. Beginner-focused greens.
- Group Size: Up to 40 (bus); shared, solo OK.
- Attire: Layers, non-slip boots, gloves, goggles, helmet (rentals included); sunscreen for glare.
- Duration: ~9 hours; season mid-December 2025–March 2026 (January peak).
- Accessibility: Beginner slopes flat; advanced steep—limited wheelchair (notify). English/Japanese staff.
- Photos: Tanigawadake views prime—staff assist; no drones.
- Sustainability: Respect Minakami—no litter; follow piste rules.
Reviews
“Hodaigi was beginner paradise—gentle slopes, fresh powder, and the lesson got me turning fast. Bus from Shinjuku easy; rentals perfect. January magic!”
“Family favorite: Kids loved greens, we the blues. Gear fit well, lifts unlimited—worth the 3-hour ride. Recommend for quick Tokyo ski fix.”
“Thrilling Eagle run—40 degrees of pure adrenaline! English staff helpful, snow quality top. Mid-December opener was solid.”
FAQs
When is Hodaigi open in 2025–2026, snow quality?
Mid-December 2025–March 2026—snowmaking starts, January–February natural powder peaks for fluffiest turns.
Are lift passes/rentals in all packages?
Yes—all include lift pass, ski/snowboard/boots/poles/wear; insurance ~¥1,000 on-site.
Suitable for beginners/kids, with safety?
Yes—greens/lessons for ages 4+; helmets included, staff supervise.
What if storms/low snow affect slopes?
Light snow fine; heavy storms close lifts (prorated refund). Mid-December snowmaking; January natural.
How long is Shinjuku round-trip bus, amenities?
3 hours each way on comfortable coach with rest stops; staff share Minakami tips.
Can I bring own gear, storage?
Yes—own gear saves ~¥4,000; prices fixed. Free lockers; staff check safety.
What dining options at resort?
Cafe ramen/kaiseki (~¥1,000); family-friendly, self-paid—staff recommend Gunma specialties.
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