Our founder, Chris, and COO, Ange are huge fans of skiing in Japan with the kids – they've been many times. Here are their real-life tips on where to stay, eat, and ski for a great family snow holiday in Japan!
Dreaming of a snowy family getaway? At HoneyKids, several of our team members have hit the slopes in Japan with their kids in tow, experiencing the world-class powder, breathtaking mountain scenery, and surprisingly family-friendly resorts. So we’ve rounded up all their insider tips and must-knows to help you plan your own unforgettable ski adventure in Japan with the kiddos. Ange is a mum to two boys aged 13 and 11, and are a family of avid skiiers. Chris has three kids, one daughter aged 16, two boys, aged 13 and 10.
Best ski locations: Club Med Tomamu, Niseko, Grand Hirafu
Which ski resort(s) in Japan did you visit with your kids? Why did you choose that resort?
Ange: Our first-ever family ski trip was to Club Med Tomamu (read our HoneyKids Asia review before you go!). It was ideal for beginners, being all-inclusive made it so easy, with lessons, gear hire, and meals all taken care of. After that, we spent three weeks skiing at Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, which gave us a taste for bigger mountains and more challenging runs. But we love Japan for the incredible powder, the wide variety of food options, and how well it works for families and groups of friends. Now we are hooked on Niseko, and Grand Hirafu (we’ve been back four years in a row!)
Chris: We second the Grand Hirafu! Safe, convenient, and full of variety, it gives parents easy access to world-class skiing while keeping kids entertained both on and off the slopes. Hirafu has wide, mellow beginner slopes right at the base, making it easy for kids (and parents) to learn in a safe environment.
How would you describe your overall skiing experience in Japan as a family?
Ange: You really can’t beat Japan’s snow, it’s consistently amazing and rarely icy. We honestly feel it’s the safest bet for a good ski holiday, especially compared to friends who’ve gone to Europe or Australia and had disappointing snow. While Grand Hirafu isn’t quite as easy to get around as somewhere like Whistler, Canada (it’s hillier and you get fewer bluebird days), the snow quality, Japanese hospitality, and affordability more than make up for it.
Chris: OMG, my kids love skiing in Japan. The snow is amazing, the food is incredible, the Japanese are so friendly, helpful and there are a lot of English speaking guides. And when you can tie it in with a visit to Tokyo, it wins hands down as our favourite ski destination.
Planning & travel
What time of year did you go, and how was the weather/snow condition for kids?
Ange: We always go in January, which lines up with school holidays and gives the best snow mid-season. Conditions are usually great, lots of soft powder (so falls don’t hurt as much!), though it can get cold when it’s snowing all day.
Chris: We have been twice in January, and the snow was incredible both times. It is definitely very cold, but the buildings are very well set up for the snowy-cold climate, and as long as you have the right gear, it is very comfortable. I invested in a pair of electric / battery-powered socks (which I bought in Japan at the ski gear shop) and they have been the best investment. Warm toes all day means a very happy ski experience!
What tips would you share about planning and booking a ski trip to Japan with children?
Chris: We used a travel agent (Adrian from Niseko Ski). I found that super helpful, as it is a bit tricky to know where to book and how to organise transfers. I would definitely recommend using a travel agent!
Ange: Lessons are a must. Don’t let your partner convince you that they can teach the kids – ski schools are worth it. We love GoSnow in Niseko. The past couple of years we’ve shared a private instructor with friends, which worked out cheaper than group lessons and meant the kids had the same instructor the whole trip. It’s great for confidence and progression.
How was the journey there? Any tips for making the travel experience smoother with kids?
Chris: The journey to Niseko is a bit tricky, as we had to travel via Singapore to Sapporo (which is about 8 hours). Then, from the New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) to Niseko Hirafu is about 2.5 – 3 hours. From there, you’ve got several family-friendly options. A private transfer or shuttle van (which we took), takes 2.5 hours. You can also travel by airport coach bus (takes 3 hours), or train (3.5 hours).
Hirafu Village is compact and walkable, but with luggage and kids, many accommodations offer a pick-up service from Hirafu Welcome Centre. If you book a private chalet or condo, transfers are often included.
Ange: Honestly it is a long journey. The flights are ok, it’s the last leg that’s a killer! Mainly because to get to any mountain there is a car ride to contend with, which for us has been about two hours each time. You can fly into Sapporo CTS Airport and then drive from there, so it’s worth preparing for the ride with snacks or a plan to stop along the way.
What has worked well for us the past few years travelling to Niseko, is that we always book in advance a car service from the airport and ask them to stop at the supermarket in Kutchan. It’s a great chance to stock up on breakfast essentials like bacon, eggs, fruit, and veggies and also a bit of pasta and other staples for quick and easy dinners. Much easier than trying to bus there later. Once that’s done, we head straight to ski hire. The sooner it’s sorted, the sooner you can relax (or hit the slopes).
Kid-friendliness: Ski schools, kids’ clubs, and non-ski activities
How kid-friendly was the resort you chose? Were there specific programs or ski schools tailored for children?
Ange: Ski-lessons for kids are a non-negotiable for me. It gives the adults time to enjoy the snow, while also teaching correct technique and safety skills. Tomamu is brilliant for kids of all ages – Club Med makes it really easy. They have tailored ski lessons that focus on safety and fun, so little ones can gain confidence on the slopes. The resort is super kid-friendly, with a kids club (even for the tiniest kiddos aged 2-3 and babies, at an extra cost). There are also plenty of other activities to keep them entertained off the mountain, like talent shows and nightly entertainment. There’s even a kids corner serving snacks in the main auditorium!
In Niseko, Grand Hirafu, GoSnow runs small, personalised ski lessons for children (max six per class), which we’ve found fantastic. The kids follow a ski passport system, ticking off skills as they progress, which keeps them motivated and learning steadily. Even for families like us who are mainly focused on powder, these lessons are a great way to keep kids safe, active, and having fun while parents get some ski time too. Off the slopes, my nephew and niece did ice cream making – we are all about the powder so don’t do much outside!
Chris: The ski schools (English-speaking, like NISS) specialise in kids’ programs with dedicated learning zones, magic carpets, and fun activities to keep children engaged. There were plenty of non-ski activities too: tubing, snowshoeing, reindeer sleigh rides, and even indoor play areas for little ones. Some accommodations also offered babysitting or kids’ clubs, so parents could sneak off for a few runs or a soak in an onsen!
Accommodation & dining
Where did you stay, and how suitable was the accommodation for families?
Ange: In Niseko, Grand Hirafu, we stay at Chatrium and previously Kizuna. Chatrium is bigger and very family-friendly. They have sleds, a small area where kids can build snowmen and throw snowballs and a Rhythm ski rental return on the property (makes things so much easier when you are leaving). Kizuna is just apartments, so not much in the way of kids’ facilities, but they are more spacious, which is nice for families.
Wherever you stay, make sure there’s a kitchen if you like cooking at home or just want ot make the kids something simple for dinner, and also make sure that they provide a shuttle service to the slopes (the walk up to the gondola is brutal otherwise!). Ski-in ski-out hotels like the Maples and Skye are ideal if you can afford it, but it’s much more expensive.
Chris: We stayed in a family-friendly ski-in ski-out condo in Hirafu Village called SnowDog, which made things so much easier. No trudging around with tired kids and heavy gear to get to the slopes. The condo had a kitchen (a lifesaver for breakfast and quick snacks) and bunk-style bedrooms that worked well for the kids.
What were the dining options like for kids? Any family-friendly restaurants or food hacks you discovered?
Chris: Dining was surprisingly easy. Hirafu has a wide range of restaurants, from casual ramen bars to pizza and Western-style cafés, so there was always something for the kids. A couple of food hacks: book ahead for restaurants if you are travelling in a larger group. Also, we kept some groceries (like cereal, fruit, and snacks) in the apartment from the local convenience store, which was perfect for picky eaters or tired nights.
Ange: Booking early is key, reservations open 1 October and we always make them as soon as possible, particularly if you are travelling with other families. It’s a lot more difficult to wing it. Grand Hirafu has heaps of food trucks with a lot of different cuisines which are great for takeaway or casual meals (you can sit and eat at outdoor seating if you can brave the cold!).
Some of our go-to restaurants with the kids in Niseko:
– Kougetsu is a family run Japanese Izakaya
– Lava Lounge, casual pizza sports bar
– Ren, fantastic sashimi and Japanese cuisine
– Rin, great for sushi
– Our kids love Taj Mahal for Indian curry
– The Alpinist does fondue which is fun!
– We love Kumo Niseko, western-style Japanese with views of night skiing if you get the right spot.
– Bang Bang for the best sashimi (but very difficult to get a reservation!)
Cooking at home is also a lifesaver, ski days can be exhausting and no one wants to go out! We do simple rice and teriyaki chicken, or grab fresh seafood from Ezo Seafood. Some nights we are in bed by 8pm!
For parents looking for a cocktail:
– Gyu Bar (you enter via a fridge!) is an institution
– Toshiro’s Bar does an excellent martini
– Mina Mina has the best live music!
Gear & budget
Did you rent gear or bring your own? Any recommendations for gear rental places near the resort?
Ange: We bring our own ski jackets and clothing, but I recommend renting helmets, skis and poles. You have to buy your own goggles too. The prices on the mountain aren’t terrible, so it’s ok to buy a few things when you arrive. Rhythm is the best rental spot, as they are the biggest and have looked after us over the years (we’ve returned early and they refund, if you’re boots don’t feel right easy to swap them out).
Chris: We rented gear locally. There are plenty of reputable rental shops in Hirafu like Rhythm Japan and Niseko Sports, with high-quality kids’ equipment and clothing if you don’t want to lug too much from home. If you’re traveling with kids, I’d recommend renting rather than bringing with you. They grow so fast, and it saves so much hassle at the airport as you have much less luggage!
A few tips
Ange: Buy jackets that extend for the kids so you get as many years wear out of them as you can. Ours are Burton and last for years. Affordable thermals can be picked up at Decathlon. If you are going to spend money on anything, get super good quality gloves and socks for the kids (if they are cold they will not have fun!). We like Evo and Oyuki.
Also – buy your kids jackets that are easy to spot or kit them in fun headgear! The worst decision I made was buying black jackets the first year we went skiing – it was almost impossible to find them.
Was the trip budget-friendly? What would you splurge or save on next time?
Ange: Skiing is honestly really expensive. It isn’t a trip that can be classified as budget-friendly in my opinion! We almost always splurge on the accommodation, and if I have to save on anything it would be expensive meals out – a kebab and an early night works for me!
Chris: Niseko is not the cheapest ski destination, but the experience felt worth it. Next time, I’d definitely splurge on ski-in, ski-out accommodation and quality lessons, and maybe save a little by eating in more often and booking transfers in advance.
Local culture & travel tips
Did you or your kids enjoy any cultural experiences beyond skiing (e.g., onsens, local food, sightseeing)?
Chris: Our kids loved the Japanese cultural touches. The highlight was definitely the onsens. Soaking in an outdoor hot spring surrounded by snow was magical. We also introduced them to Japanese treats like Hokkaido soft-serve ice cream and hot bowls of miso ramen after skiing which were huge hits with the kids.
Ange: We’re mostly about the powder, but for sightseeing we add a few days in Tokyo. The boys are obsessed with sumo wrestling so we’re all going to a live tournament!
Were there any language barriers or local customs that families should be aware of?
Chris: Language wasn’t much of a problem in Hirafu since it’s so international. Most staff in rentals, restaurants, and ski schools spoke English. But outside the resort bubble (for example, if you venture to Kutchan town), a few basic Japanese phrases and lots of smiles go a long way!
Ange: Japanese people are incredibly polite. Returning that courtesy with a smile, a bow, or a thank you goes a long way.
Final tips
What’s one thing you wish you’d known before going that would help another parent planning a trip?
Chris: One thing I wish I’d known is to book restaurants, ski schools, and even gear rentals early! Niseko is very popular with international families, and spots fill up fast, especially during school holidays. Having everything locked in before you arrive saves stress. Also, build in some downtime. It’s easy to over-schedule, but kids love simple things like playing in the snow outside your accommodation. Sometimes the best memories aren’t on the slopes!
Ange: I agree to book everything early – lessons, restaurants, transfers – the lot. My other top tip is to make sure your accommodation has easy access to the slopes (shuttle or ski-in ski-out).
Got a question about taking a ski holiday with the kids in Niseko or Japan? DM us on Instagram, we’re happy to help!
