In a recent article explaining Japan’s ski boom, I mentioned that western Japan still has relatively few foreign skiers and snowboarders. Meiho Ski Resort, which I introduce here, is one of those high-quality ski resorts in western Japan that remains largely unknown to international visitors.
The more local a ski resort is, the more questions foreign travelers tend to have: Can you get by without speaking Japanese? Is access easy? Can you really enjoy JAPOW? In this article, I’ll explain what Meiho Ski Resort is like and why it deserves attention.
Access & Location | About 2 Hours from Nagoya
Meiho Ski Resort is located in the mountainous Meihō area of Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, and is known for its excellent access from the Chubu and Kansai regions.
- About 2 hours by car from Nagoya
- About 3–3.5 hours by car from Osaka and Kyoto
Highways and national roads are well maintained, making access relatively easy even during snowfall. Public transportation is somewhat inconvenient, so for foreign travelers, renting a car is highly recommended.
The resort is not too close to major cities and has not been overly developed as a tourist destination. For travelers seeking the experience of skiing surrounded by authentic Japanese nature, this environment is a major attraction.
Ski Area Scale & Features | One of the Largest in Western Japan
Meiho Ski Resort is known as one of the largest ski resorts in western Japan, boasting an impressive size for a single resort.
- Number of courses: approx. 16
- Maximum run length: approx. 5,500 m (the longest in western Japan)
- Vertical drop: approx. 600 m
The long run from the summit all the way down to the base is one of Meiho’s biggest highlights. You can ski continuously without stopping for a long time, which leads to extremely high satisfaction—especially among intermediate and advanced riders.
Courses for All Levels
Beginner-Friendly Areas
Near the base area, wide and gentle slopes are well prepared, making them ideal for beginners and families. The courses are spacious and rarely feel crowded, reducing the risk of collisions and creating a relaxed learning environment.
Intermediate Terrain
Meiho Ski Resort’s main target audience is intermediate riders. Many courses feature moderate pitch and long distances, perfect for carving turns and enjoying speed. Completing a single run provides a strong sense of accomplishment that is hard to find at other resorts.
Advanced & Powder-Oriented Riders
After snowfall, you can enjoy excellent powder snow in ungroomed areas and courses that make use of natural terrain. The snow is not as ultra-light as Niseko’s, but it offers a well-balanced combination of firmness and lightness typical of the Chubu region. There is even a wall-like course with a maximum slope of 38 degrees.
Snow Quality & Season | Surprisingly Stable for Central Japan
Meiho Ski Resort benefits from weather patterns coming from the Sea of Japan, resulting in stable snowfall throughout the season.
- Operating season: mid-December to late March
- Best season: January to February
During January and February, temperatures are low and dry powder snow is common. Because the resort is relatively unknown, even after fresh snowfall the slopes often remain untracked, and it’s not unusual to find powder lasting well into the day. This season, the resort is already open with plenty of snow, and conditions have been excellent.
Lifts & Facilities | Practical and Comfortable
The lift system mainly consists of high-speed quad lifts, keeping wait times relatively short. Even on weekends, long lift lines like those at major international resorts are rare, allowing for efficient skiing.
The base area includes:
- Rental shops (ski, snowboard, and wear)
- Restaurants and rest areas
- Lockers and changing rooms
- Family-friendly facilities
English support is limited, but the facilities are simple and functional, so most visitors will not experience major inconvenience.
Lift Ticket Prices
Compared to major ski resorts, Meiho offers very affordable lift tickets—roughly half to two-thirds the price of Hakuba or Niseko.
| Meiho Resort | Hakuba Happo-One | Niseko | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | JPY 6,000 | JPY 8,700 | JPY 12,000 |
| Senior | JPY 5,500 | JPY 8,400 | JPY 6,600 |
| Child | JPY 2,500 | JPY 4,350 | JPY 7,200 |
Accommodation | Local Lodging in the Surrounding Area
There are no large ski-in/ski-out hotels at Meiho Ski Resort. Instead, the surrounding area offers business hotels, guesthouses, traditional inns, and hot spring accommodations.
Around Gujo City, you can enjoy traditional Japanese ryokan and onsen, allowing you to combine skiing with authentic Japanese cultural experiences. Nearby, you’ll also find Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park—two of the largest ski resorts in western Japan—making it easy to visit multiple resorts on one trip.
Who Meiho Ski Resort Is For
- Those who want to avoid crowds
- Intermediate to advanced riders who enjoy long runs
- Foreign visitors looking to experience a local Japanese ski resort
- Travelers combining skiing with sightseeing in Nagoya or the Kansai region
On the other hand, it may not suit travelers seeking nightlife or luxury resort experiences.
Conclusion
Meiho Ski Resort may still be relatively unknown, but it boasts the longest continuous run in western Japan and offers many pleasures unique to a local resort. Compared to major destinations, it is affordable, less crowded, and offers excellent JAPOW conditions.
While it’s a bit farther from Tokyo, it’s well worth the trip. Since I live in Nagoya, I personally find Meiho far more appealing than Hakuba or Niseko. If you’re looking for great snow without the crowds, Meiho Ski Resort deserves a place on your list.
