During winter in Kyushu, going on trips to the onsen (hot springs) is quite a common thing to do. The winter landscape is truly an unusual sight for us who live in southern, warm countries. Going skiing in Kyushu is hardly an idea that comes to mind. If one wants to have their fill of Japan’s snowy landscape, it’s usually limited to the Touhoku regions or Hokkaido — is what we normally thought, and we didn’t even think that there would be a place in Kyushu where people can ski.
But that’s okay because with that in mind, we’ll be introducing the skiing places in Kyushu to you!
Kyushu has a lot of mountainous regions. During winter, the middle of these stretched-out mountain ranges become quite cold. When the temperature drops to 5 degrees Celsius, snow starts falling on the areas nearby and piles up in places 1000 meters high and above.
Heavy snow covering Mount Aso.
The whole of Aso Kuju National Park is clad in a silver gleam.
The snowy landscape of Mount Kuju in Oita.
Aside from taking in your fill of the winter landscape at these top two ski parks in Kyushu, let’s also enjoy skiing, making snowmen, engaging in snowball fights, and other fun forms of playing in the snow!
Kujyu Forest Park Skiing Ground — Oita Prefecture
This skiing ground is located in Oita Prefecture and can be reached in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Fukuoka. Located high in the mountains, the Kujyu Forest Park Skiing Ground has three advanced different ski slopes. Professional ski contests have been held here before. An average of 30 cm of snow falls yearly. In the case of mild winters, the park prepares man-made snow in order to keep the park open.
A panoramic view of the skiing grounds.
Ropeway to the mountain summit.
Witness the great skills of the veterans!
Even kids can enjoy the slopes!
Tenzan Snow Resort — Saga Prefecture
Located in Saga City, it has six machines which generate man-made snow and begins operating from November every year. Bright lights paint the whole resort with a whimsical atmosphere at night. There are slopes for beginners and veterans, and even people with no skiing experience can safely have a good time.
A panoramic view of the ski resort.
Bright lights illuminate the whole grounds at night.
There is also an onsen (hot spring) in the snow-covered mountain. It’s been said that one can look over the beautiful snowy landscape while healing your body in the hot spring waters, so why not try this unusual experience?
The tranquil hot spring grounds.
Snow piles up around the open-air bath.
Winter break is also the period when Kyushu has snowfall. Even if you don’t go all the way to Hokkaido, you can enjoy skiing in Kyushu as well. Why not take a vacation right away and enjoy skiing in Kyushu with your whole family this winter?
