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This page is still being written. The essentials are below; detailed guides for each topic are on the way.

Why Niigata and Gunma?

They are the snow regions closest to Tokyo. Several resorts are reachable by shinkansen in about the time it takes to cross Tokyo by train, which makes a real day trip possible. You will not get Hokkaido-style powder every day, but you get far more time on snow and far less time in transit.

When to go

Most resorts open around mid-December and run until late March, and a few higher resorts keep going into spring. Opening and closing dates change every year with the snow, so check each resort's official site. January and February usually have the most reliable snow.

Getting there

The Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station serves both prefectures. Some resorts are a short walk or free shuttle from the station; others really need a car or a bus. Each resort guide tells you which.

Gear and rentals

You can rent a full snowboard setup at almost every resort, so you can travel with nothing but warm clothes. Rental sizes for boots can run small at some shops, so riders with large feet should check ahead.

Good to know