Ah, Tsugaike Mountain Resort. Where do I start? I have been there 3 times now, with so many photos almost enough for me to create my own Tsugaike 4-season calendar.This is a place where nature demands your attention year-round, and one of those places you just have to go back a different time for a different experience.
Nestled in the Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture, this sprawling wonderland somehow manages stay under the mainstream tourists’ radars despite being one of the most wonderful gem I have discovered within the Hakuba Valley—a region renowned for its world-class ski resorts and international crowds.
While nearby spots like Happo-One and Hakuba Goryu draw throngs of skiers from around the globe, Tsugaike quietly offers a more relaxed, less crowded escape. It’s the kind of place where you can truly breathe in the crisp mountain air without accidentally inhaling someone’s GoPro.
Beautiful All 4 Seasons
The most obvious reason to visit Tsugaike Mountain Resort is its pristine snow and world-class facilities for winter sports. But if your adventure ends with the downhill gondola ride, you’re missing out.
Beyond the snow lies a resort that evolves so dramatically across seasons that it might as well have a split personality. Winter boasts a fairytale landscape of immaculate snow walls reaching for the sky, while summer transforms the area into a lush sanctuary bursting with verdant greens and delicate alpine flowers.
Come autumn, the hills erupt in fiery reds and oranges, a spectacle so vivid it could make a Monet painting look muted. These dramatic seasonal shifts make it one of Japan’s most compelling cases for multiple visits—because once is never enough.
Gear Rental
The SPICY gear rental shop located just above the ticket counter at Tsugaike Village is your one-stop solution for all things snow sports.
Forgot your goggles or gloves? SPICY offers a range of essential snow accessories to keep you prepared and comfortable on the slopes. The shop also stocks snow play toys, perfect for keeping little ones entertained while you enjoy the more adrenaline-filled aspects of the resort.
Now let’s see what Tsugaike Mountain Resort has to offer across the yearly calendar…
Winter & Spring: Friendly Slopes for Beginners, but more than that…
Before anything, you should know that Tsugaike Mountain Resort boasts one of the longest ski seasons in Japan, running from early December all the way through May, weather permitting.
This extended season is a dream for snow enthusiasts, offering months of powder-filled fun while other resorts are already packing up their lifts. The high elevation and consistent snowfall make it a haven for skiers and snowboarders eager to stretch their winter adventures into the spring months, making it the destination that offers one of the most prolonged winter experiences in Japan.
When in comes to winter sports, skiing and snowboarding are the obvious headliners here, with their wide-open slopes cater to beginners and intermediates, so it’s forgiving—unless you’re me… who only manages to squeeze out that 3-seconds footage decent enough for my reels no matter how many times I practiced.
And for those who prefer their winter activities sans adrenaline, snowshoeing trails offer a quieter way to explore the winter wonderland.
The resort has recently launched its snow walls extravaganza, allowing visitors to get a taste of the grandeur of towering snow corridors that feel like nature’s very own art installation all to yourself, without having to wait in line after buses of tourists for that photo-op like the ones at Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Got a family member who flat-out refuses to strap on skis? No problem—Tsugaike Mountain Resort has the non-skiers and faint-hearted covered too.
Enter Hakuba Tsugaike SNOWWOW!, where a lineup of cool and quirky rides awaits. From snow racers and snow skates to snow striders and snow feet, there’s a fun new way to zip around for everyone. Not sure what they all are? Well, you’ll just have to try them all to find out—and maybe discover a new favorite along the way.
For the little ones with boundless energy, the Amidas (spider nets) are the ultimate playground. They’re perfect for climbing, bouncing, and frolicking their way through the day—at least until dinner calls them inside.
Summer: The Marsh Awakens
With Tsugaike Mountain Resort’s welcomingly long snow season extending well into spring, summer becomes the next chapter of adventure waiting to be explored.
When summer rolls around, Tsugaike Nature Park opens its trails for hikers. This highland retreat, adorned with blooming alpine flowers and surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, provides a refreshing sanctuary where you can recharge your spirit and reconnect with nature.
Meanwhile, the snow-covered slopes melts away to reveal a lush green playground. The same slopes that once thrilled skiers and snowboarders now offer opportunities for entirely different adventures.
The “WOW” area (now snow-free, hence sans snow, haha) transforms into a summer paradise for kids. Favorites like the tubby slide jump, zippy bike rides, and buggy cruises keep young adventurers entertained for hours with non-stop thrills and laughter.
For those looking to beat the summer heat, the water park offers a refreshing escape where kids and adults alike can cool off in style. That said, the mountain’s elevation ensures that even during the peak of summer, the air remains pleasantly cooler compared to the sweltering city below, making it an ideal retreat from the heat.
Autumn: The Color Explosion You Didn’t Know You Needed
Comes autumn,Tsugaike Nature Park remains a star attraction, where the gondola ride is once again your ticket to awe, as the surrounding mountains turn into a patchwork of reds, oranges, and yellows.
With 5.5 kilometers of trails winding through stunning marshlands, alpine fields, and colorful forests, it makes one of the best hiking trails for mountain lovers. For those who prefers an easier walk, the wooden boardwalks offers a mostly flat route, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn foliage at their own pace.
The marshlands come alive in autumn, their reflective waters perfectly mirroring the fiery hues of the surrounding foliage, creating a breathtaking tapestry of color. See if you can spot a secret heart-shape pond near the observatory deck at the peak!
Eats and Treats
In winter, Tsugaike Mountain Resort serves up a wide range of food options to satisfy your cravings, whether you’re at the foothill, midway up the slopes, or even at the peak.
From comfort food like burgers, ramen and curry rice to wagyu beef bowl and stews, there’s something to satisfy every appetite, giving you plenty of opportunities to recharge before heading back to the snowy action.
For a delightful experience, I recommend visiting the food street at the foothill, where you can grab a quick, tasty snack and unwind at the free foot bath.
Keep in mind that some restaurants and eateries may close during the summer and autumn seasons, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead before planning your meals.
That said, when you’re at the top of Tsugaike Nature Park, don’t miss out on my favorite snack—oyaki. These delicious steamed buns, stuffed with savory or sweet fillings, are the perfect treat to enjoy while soaking in the breathtaking views of the park.
Where to stay
When it comes to accommodations near Tsugaike Mountain Resort, the area is dotted with numerous individual inns and lodges, each offering a cozy and personal touch to your stay.
Among these, Yamaichi is my top recommendation. Conveniently located near the resort, Yamaichi is a humble inn that offers friendly, traditional Japanese hospitality, run by a lovely couple who welcomed us warmly always.
It’s a place where you can relax after a long day on the mountain with hearty meals made from fresh, local ingredients.
Access from Tokyo
Getting to Tsugaike Mountain Resort is pretty straightforward, and here’s the best way:
By Train: The most scenic and efficient option is taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, which takes about 1.5 hours.
From Nagano, take the east exit to the bus station. The Alpico Highland Express will bring you directly to Tsugaike Mountain Resort in about 1.5 hours.
That’s all for today! It took me three visits to truly appreciate the region’s ever-changing seasonal charm, and I’m confident it’s something you’ll fall in love with too.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort is a destination that keeps giving, no matter the time of year. The mountains are calling—and this is one call you’ll be glad you answered!
