The Kijima Snow Park is a local ski resort that had recently re-opened after a brief hiatus. The resort is located in the Iiyama area, where it is known for a heavy snowfall each winter; and it is not just the amount of snow that stands out, but also the quality of snow. For all of those powder hunters who wish to score an amazing powder experience away from the crowds, you may want to keep this resort in mind while visiting Nagano. At the same time, this resort provides easier slopes and snow activity options for family and beginners, making it a recommendation for everyone.

— The Kijima Snow Park : The Next Secret Find of Nagano

— How To Get to The Kijima Snow Park

— Japan Ski Resorts: Everything You Need to Know

The Kijima Snow Park : The Next Secret Find of Nagano

The Kijima Snow Park very much flies under the radar for international visitors, and very few ever venturing to this distinctively local and cozy little resort. The Kijima Snow Park can be accessed from Iiyama Station, making it a convenient location for those who plan to use the Hokuriku Shinkansen. One of the more picturesque resorts in the region – on clear days you’ll have fantastic views of the surrounding mountains – The Kijima Snow Park is well-suited to visitors wanting to escape the international feel and crowds of Nozawa Onsen and enjoy a distinctly Japanese winter adventure.

Operating Dates & Times

Dependent on snow conditions, the resort is typically open from mid-December until late-March. Lifts operate daily from 08:30 to 16:30. The resort does not have night-skiing.

Ski Runs

The Kijima Snow Park offers a total of 31ha of terrain accessed via 6 ski runs and 4 chairlifts. Courses breakdown as: beginner 40% / intermediate 40% / advanced 20%. The resort sits between 469 to 1271 meters with a modest 802 meters of vertical and actually offers some steep black runs which when full of powder, are left ungroomed and a lot of fun. For the 2024-25 Season, 3 of the chairlifts are scheduled to operate: the No.1 Chair Lift and the No. 3 Chair Lift will operate daily, and the No.5 Chair Lift operating only on the Weekends.

Kids / Family Zone

The Kids and Family zone will be located right next to the No.3 Chair lift, with a variety of activities, such as sledding, for everyone to enjoy. This zone also is scheduled to be enriched for the 2024-25 season.

Highlights

The Kijima Snow Park is largely unknown by international visitors however given its close proximity to Iiyama Station and typically quiet ski runs, it has quite a lot of going for it. There’s a nice mix of terrain suitable for all levels with some gentle and wide runs perfect for beginners, while multiple black runs will keep advanced riders entertained. The black runs on the upper side of the resort are steep and left ungroomed, leaving a high chance for an unforgettable Japanese powder experience.

Tickets & Passes

A day-pass (Weekday) will cost: Adults JPY4200 / Children JPY1700 / Seniors (50+) JPY2700 while a day-pass (Weekends and Holidays) will cost: Adults JPY4700 / Children JPY2000 / Seniors (50+) JPY4000.

How To Get to The Kijima Snow Park

The Kijima Snow Park is located in the Northeastern part of Nagano called the Iiyama area, known for a consistent snowfall each winter. It is close to some of Japan’s most well-known Ski Resorts such as Nozawa Onsen and Madarao, but maintains a more laid back and local atmosphere than those major resorts. Located around 250 km away from Tokyo, it is nonetheless easy to reach thanks to the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) service connecting Tokyo and Iiyama Station.

From there, the shuttle services provide easy access to The Kijima Snow Park; by getting on the “Kijimadaira Shuttle” service shuttle from Iiyama station bus stop No. 4, you will be able to arrive directly to the snow park. Click here for the time schedule and details of the shuttle service.

Japan Ski Resorts: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that The Kijima Snow Park is just one of the more than eighty ski resorts in Nagano and more than five hundred in Japan? Needless to say, when you choose Nagano for your winter getaway you are spoiled for choice! Our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ page has everything you need to know to start planning your ski and snowboard adventure including: LATEST NEWS & DEALS, THE BEST RESORTS IN NAGANO & JAPAN, FAQs and of course OUR SKI PACKAGES, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & TOURS.