Japan Lift Tickets Guide: Find the Best Ski Deals

Japan is a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders, and its popularity shows no signs of fading. However, this leaves many riders with pressing questions about how to navigate the experience and make the most of their trip. Which resort has the best powder skiing? Where is the best après ski? And where are the best onsen hot springs?

Related Read → Demystifying Japan

But one of the most common questions we hear is all about lift tickets: How much are they? Which resorts are included on what pass? And of course, how do I get the best bang for my buck? We’re glad you asked, because lift tickets in Japan are a whole different story (in the best way possible).

One of the biggest surprises for international skiers is the cost – or lack of it. Window rates are much cheaper than in the United States, and many Japanese ski areas typically operate on a points system instead of solely half-day or full-day options. The result is a flexible RFID lift ticket that allows skiers and riders unparalleled access to the slopes.

Here's what you need to know.

Japan Lift Ticket Prices: Point, Day, Hour, and Night Passes

At Japan's most popular ski areas, like Niseko United, skiers have access to a myriad of pass options. Full days, multi-day, half days, and night skiing are all on the table. But what's most interesting for the budget skier is the points system at many popular resorts, including Niseko, Rusutsu and Nozawa Onsen. While points hold different values at different ski areas, the basic idea is this: each time you ride a lift, points are taken off your pass. For example, at Niseko United, a gondola ride costs 4 points; each high-speed lift is 2 points; and every other lift is 1 point.

Many top Japanese ski resorts, like Niseko and Rusutsu, also offer flexible hourly lift tickets, ranging from 5 to 50 total hours on the mountain. These options allow backcountry skiers to plan their day ahead of time and use lifts to eliminate an otherwise massive approach. For resort skiers just wanting to take a few runs each day, the savings over the course of a ski trip can be incredible.

Niseko United Lift Ticket Pricing*

• 1 day - 10,500 Yen (~$73.30)
• 12 Point Pass - 6,200 Yen (~$43)
• 50 hours - 101,200 Yen (~$708)

Rusutsu Lift Ticket Pricing*

• 1 day - 14,500 Yen (~$100)
• 5 hours - 12,500 Yen (~$87)
• Point Pass - 800 Yen per point (~$5.50)
  

Hakuba Valley Lift Ticket Pricing*

• 1 day - 9,700 Yen (~$67.50)

*Lift ticket prices and currency exchange rates can fluctuate, so be sure to check with our Mountain Travel Experts for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Pretty sure this lift at Rusutsu is permanently closed | Photo: Ski.com

Ikon & Epic Pass Access

Both the Epic Pass and Ikon Pass offer unprecedented skiing & snowboarding access to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Epic Pass: Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu

For the 2025/26 season: 5 days at Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu

When it comes to skiing on Japan's main island, the Epic Pass currently reigns supreme with access to 10 ski areas that make up the Hakuba Valley: Hakuba 47, Hakuba Cortina, Able Hakuba Goryu, Happo-One, Iwatake, Norikura Onsen, Jiigatake, Kashimayari and Tsugaike Kogen. In Hokkaido, Epic Pass holders can visit one of the best powder, tree skiing meccas in the world at Rusutsu.

Ikon Pass: Niseko United (Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, & Hanazono) and Arai Resort

For the 2025/26 season: 7 days at all Niseko resorts and Arai Mountain Resort

The Ikon Pass delivers access to the largest ski area in all of Hokkaido, Niseko United. The resort, which consists of 4 interconnected base areas, is a go-to for powder hounds from around the world, and for good reason – Niseko sees upwards of 550+ inches during a short season that lasts from December through March. The Ikon Pass also unlocks access to Arai Mountain, a hidden gem that receives an impressive 826 inches of snow each season. Talk about legendary Japow.

Buying Lift Tickets: Book with Ski.com

When you’re planning a ski trip to an international destination like Japan, it pays to talk to the pros. Our Mountain Travel Experts can help you navigate everything, from flights and lodging to lift tickets and on-the-ground logistics. And chances are, we’ve got a Ski.com deal that’ll save you some serious yen on your dream Japow adventure. Fill out a free quote form now.

Because let’s be honest – all that deep powder isn’t going to shred itself!

Related: Skiing in Japan Made Easy