When foreigners plan a ski holiday in Japan they often head straight for the obvious choices – Niseko and Hakuba. Both deserve their reputations, but there are plenty of excellent alternatives worth considering. On my most recent trip I based myself near the small city of Iiyama in Nagano Prefecture. That proved a great choice: easy access to a couple of resorts, most notably Nozawa Onsen and Kijimadaira.
Kijimadaira may not be the biggest name overseas, but it has a lot to offer visitors for a day or two.
Location and value
If you stay in Iiyama, Kijimadaira is very convenient – from my guesthouse it was within walking distance of the nearest lift. It’s also affordable: when I visited a single-day lift ticket cost ¥4,000 and rental gear (skis, boots, poles) was ¥2,700. That’s excellent value for Japan and a bargain compared with prices back home in Australia.
Who it suits
Kijimadaira is especially friendly for beginners: there are lots of easy, wide, well-groomed runs and gentle slopes perfect for learning. There are also several intermediate runs for when you want a bit more challenge, plus a small terrain park for boarders.
Advanced terrain
Advanced skiers and riders aren’t totally ignored. A slow double chair runs near the upper mountain (check operating days and times – it doesn’t always run daily). From the top you can access the Pioneer trail, a steep (One of the steepest in Japan – up to 45-degrees) black-diamond run that gets serious in places — a demanding line that rewards experienced skiers and boarders.
Snow and conditions
I visited in February 2024, when locals said snow was about 2.5 m below their usual levels. Even so, the resort had continuous top-to-bottom coverage that season. As with any mountain, conditions vary year to year, so check snow reports before you go.
Planning tips
Some tourist guides and lift passes link Kijimadaira with nearby resorts under a combined ticket. Check local information carefully before attempting to cross between resorts – I ended up skiing to a nearly abandoned resort a few miles away after assuming a linking ticket would apply. Don’t make the same mistake – it’s a long walk back. Lucky for me I hitched a ride.
Bottom line
Kijimadaira is compact but enjoyable – especially for beginners and intermediate skiers looking to practice their turns at a relaxed, affordable spot near Iiyama. It’s well worth a day or two on a Japan ski itinerary.