Use the city as your base and explore the snowy mountains within a 50km radius. The mountain you'll head to tomorrow can be decided based on the morning weather and snow conditions. Explore some of the driest snow in the Tohoku region, found in the Ou Mountains. We'll introduce you to some of the best ski resorts and stopover spots in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, that you can visit
Enjoy powder snow comparable to that of Hokkaido with the atmosphere of Michinoku
Morioka, located in the center of Tohoku, is a basin sandwiched between the Ou Mountains and the Kitakami Mountains, where snow gathers. The dry powder snow, nurtured by the inland cold climate, is lighter than that of Hokkaido
Morioka is a hub for ski trips in the Tohoku region, a "snow city" with a rich culture. It's surprisingly close to Tokyo by Shinkansen, arriving in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. By renting a car in front of the station, you can easily travel around the area, from big ski resorts like Appi Kogen, Shizukuishi, and Hachimantai scattered within a 50km radius, to a number of smaller, more rustic, yet still charming local ski resorts that are definitely worth visiting
You can access various ski resorts on a daily basis, and in the backcountry, the vast natural terrain around Hachimantai awaits. Additionally, there are many famous hot springs around Morioka that you can enjoy along with your ski trip. After skiing, relax at Tsunagi Onsen or Oshuku Onsen, and enjoy Morioka cold noodles, jajangmyeon, or wankosoba, or perhaps a glass of sake first. If the weather turns bad, you can also visit literary-inspired tourist spots like Kogensha and the Ishikawa Takuboku Memorial Museum, or browse craft shops selling the region's famous Nanbu ironware
With a diverse range of ski fields, rich food, and a sophisticated culture, Morioka is a quiet base town that is not flashy but deeply touches the soul, with a strong sense of snow and travel
The benefits of being based in this city
- Light and dry powder comparable to that of Hokkaido [JAPOW]
- Excellent access to BC and powder around Hachimantai
- You can tour around a hidden ski resort with a strong local flavor
- Less crowded, making it easier to secure time to ski
- A great selection of hot springs, food, and cultural attractions
- Access by Shinkansen from Tokyo and travel around by car is convenient
Ski resorts that can be toured around Morioka
Appi Kogen Ski Resort
Tree runs, ungroomed snow, and grooming all satisfy you
With 21 courses radiating out from Maemoriyama, the resort boasts long runs of over 2km. In addition to fine, high-quality powder, the resort is also known for its ever-expanding 6 areas of ungroomed snow and tree runs. The resort is also famous for the beauty of its groomed runs, which are the result of advanced snow-packing technology, and is known as a carving paradise
This mountain is representative of Tohoku, boasting world-class groomed snow quality and a tranquil atmosphere. On a sunny day, the groomed long runs are some of the most enjoyable in Japan. The natural terrain and ungroomed snow are also appealing, and the way you play can change freely depending on the snow conditions, creating a deep and challenging experience. It satisfies both the motivation of core skiers and the completeness of your trip
Access: Approximately 50km from central Morioka | Approximately 60 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/appikogen/
Shizukuishi Ski Resort
A luxurious, super-long CAT ride that can only be enjoyed here
Featuring authentic downhill skiing and one of the largest scales in Tohoku, the resort boasts magnificent views of Mt. Iwate and high-quality powder snow. In addition to the wide variety of courses, the CAT tour is a one-of-a-kind premium experience, featuring an ultra-long 4km course on ungroomed snow using a CAT-exclusive course. Powder lovers will also have a blissful time
Shizukuishi has all the luxury you could want: a grand scale, long vertical drop lines, deep terrain and scenery, superb powder, and not too crowded, so you can ski deep at your own pace. It's the mountain you want to choose on days when you want to enjoy the best skiing quietly and secretly
Access: Approximately 20km from central Morioka | Approximately 35 minutes by car | Bus available
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/shizukuishi/
Kyukamura Iwate Amihari Onsen Ski Resort
A hidden resort where you can enjoy five famous hot springs in a hop-hopping style
This mountain is typical of Tohoku, where you can experience both the tranquility of the mountains and the warmth of hot springs at the same time. Its old-fashioned retro atmosphere has made it popular among local skiers, but it is still a hidden gem. The 5km downhill run from the frost-covered fields is refreshing. The course layout, with its exquisitely intricate mix of gentle and steep slopes, becomes even more interesting when the snow conditions are right
Amihari Onsen is a group of five hot springs located within the grounds of Kyuka Mura. It is famous as a traditional hot spring, even among the many hidden hot springs in the Tohoku region, and has long been known for its effectiveness in curing all kinds of illnesses. "Oshaku no Yu" is just a one-minute walk from the slopes. You can relax in the hot springs immediately after finishing your skiing. Plus, you can visit all five hot springs to make your trip even more satisfying
Access: Approximately 25km from central Morioka | Approximately 45 minutes by car | Bus available
Official website: https://qkamura.or.jp/iwate/ski/
Hachimantai Resort Shimokura & Panorama Ski Resort
Although it may be small in size, it has a huge appeal that attracts core fans
This mountain resort, which stretches out to the north of Mt. Iwate, is surrounded by the lush nature of the Hachimantai mountain range and offers a wide range of ski runs. It is divided into two parts, Panorama Ski Resort and Shimokura Ski Resort, and although you can travel between the two by shuttle bus, they are completely different in type. Panorama is the place to go if you want to relax at a hot spring resort, but Shimokura is the place to go if you want to ski
The openness of the panoramic view and the rich terrain of Shimokura. The two mountains combine "fun" and "training." There is also a strong spiritual connection with the surrounding BCs, giving you a strong "feeling of skiing in the mountains" that goes beyond just a slope
Access: Approximately 45km from central Morioka | Approximately 60 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/hachimantai_panorama-shimokura/
Iwate Kogen Snow Park
You'll be on the snow in just 30 minutes! There's also a free shuttle from Morioka Station
It's about a 30-minute drive from central Morioka, and there's also a free shuttle bus from the Morioka Station West Exit bus terminal, making it easily accessible. It boasts a panoramic view of Morioka city and the only 2,000m gondola in the Morioka Shizukuishi area. If you approach the summit in one go, you can enjoy a long cruise of about 2.6km
The lifts are centered around the gondola, making for a comfortable flow, and the fact that you can spin around at a good pace makes for a very satisfying experience. When fresh snow piles up, the ski area takes on a new look, making it a field that even powder lovers can get excited about, and its depth is also an attraction
Access : Approximately 18km from central Morioka | Approximately 30 minutes by car | Bus available
Official website : https://iwatekogen.jp/
Geto Plateau
A unique presence in the "Heavy Snow Powder Tree Run"
You can enjoy the luxurious dry powder created by the heaviest snowfall in Honshu on 16 of the most diverse tree runs in the country. In addition to the forest line with its diverse terrain, there is also a guided tree run service. It's a bit of a drive from Morioka, about 80 minutes, but it's easily within day trip distance
One of the symbols of powder snow in Tohoku. Located in a heavy snow belt, it is a "dense mountain" with an extremely rich tree and terrain. The satisfaction level on snowy days is among the highest in the country. The amount of snow, the quality of the snow, and the vertical terrain all combine to create a "serious skiing experience." It's well worth the trip from Morioka
Access: Approximately 75km from central Morioka | Approximately 80-90 minutes by car
STEEP Guide Page: https://steep.jp/skiarea/getokogen/
Lake Tazawa Ski Resort
The spectacular view of the cobalt blue lake is a highlight
The spectacular view of Lake Tazawa, the deepest in Japan, overlooks the cobalt blue waters. There are 13 diverse runs, including three ungroomed powder zones. This beautiful location allows you to enjoy vast runs, varied runs, snow, and scenery all at the same time. There are many snowy days, and the potential for powder days is also high. Another appealing feature is that it has a local feel and is always empty
When the weather is fine, the experience of skiing with the lake and mountains as a backdrop is truly a journey in itself. Another attraction is the many places you'll want to stop by, including the famous Nyuto Onsen, atmospheric hot springs, tourist spots, and gourmet food around the ski resort
Access: Approximately 70km from central Morioka | Approximately 90 minutes by car
Official website: https://www.tazawako-ski.com/
Okunakayama Kogen Ski Resort
Enjoy a relaxing time in a quiet local atmosphere
A total of 11 diverse courses are spread across a large scale with a total run of 10,000m. With a local atmosphere, it is the perfect playground for families with children and those trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time. There are also technical slopes, and it is a relatively quiet environment that is always empty, so it is nice to be able to pursue skiing at your own pace.
In the kids' area, you can enjoy making snow sculptures and playing in the snow, making it the perfect playground for families with children and those trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time. It is not flashy, but including it in your tour plan will surely add variety to your trip.
Access: Approximately 50km from central Morioka | Approximately 70 minutes by car
Official website: https://www.okunakayama-kougen.com/
Hanamaki City Namari Onsen Ski Resort
Experience the essence of traveling to a snowy country: skiing and hot springs
The weather is incredibly stable, with lifts operating 100% of the time during the season! There are two pair lifts and five courses. The resort's signature courses include the first slope, with an average gradient of 9 degrees, where even beginners can ski safely, and the champion course, with a maximum gradient of 32 degrees, allowing you to ski down 1,100 meters in one go
On weekdays, Wednesdays, lift tickets are half price, a great deal. On weekends, the first five people to arrive will receive a free snowboarding lesson (held from 10am to 12pm). Afterwards, relax in the Namari Onsen. This mountain allows you to directly experience the essence of a snow country trip: skiing + hot springs
Access: Approximately 50km from central Morioka | Approximately 70 minutes by car
Official website: https://www.nanbu-onsen.co.jp/ski/
Morioka's must-visit ski shops
Narrows
Proposing "authentic" skiing to suit the style of the skier
Narrows is a ski and snowboard shop located in Morioka, a city surrounded by magnificent snowy mountains. Since opening in 2006, the shop has continued to offer suggestions for equipment and skiing that suit the style of its users, the "skiers." With the motto of "keeping our ears open to information on gear that evolves every year, but not being misled by information, and valuing authenticity and a sense of fun," the shop offers a carefully selected selection and also offers mail order
Access: 7km from central Morioka, JR Morioka Station (approximately 7 minutes by car)
Official website: https://narrows.jp/
Ishii Sports Morioka Store
A reliable outdoor specialty store based in Morioka
This store is located in the center of Morioka City, about 30 minutes by car from the Shizukuishi area and 50 minutes from the Hachimantai area. Being close to the ski resorts, it is popular with serious racers, technical athletes, and backcountry skiers from Mt. Iwate and Hachimantai. We also offer in-season boot processing and binding installation. Our experienced staff are on hand to recommend materials that are best suited to each customer
Access: 10 minutes by car from Morioka IC, 10 minutes on foot from JR Morioka Station
Official website: https://www.ici-sports.com/