Why Are Hotel Prices and Lift Tickets Rising in Japan’s Most Popular Ski Resorts? Japan ski trip prices are rising, and lift tickets are too.
- OnpointMadarao
- May 12
- 10 min read
From foreign investment to fuel costs, here’s what’s really driving up the cost of your next snow holiday in Japan—and how you can still ski smart.
The Powder is Deep—And So Are the Prices. Rising prices for Japan ski trips and lift tickets, the future norm.
If you’ve been researching your next snow trip to Japan and found yourself blinking at the prices of lift tickets and hotel rooms in places like Niseko, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, or even here in Madarao, you’re not alone. The cost of skiing in Japan has climbed noticeably over the last few years. But why is it happening? Is it just inflation, or is there more to the story?
At Onpoint Madarao, we believe in keeping things transparent and helping our guests understand what’s shaping the mountain experience in Japan today. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a snow-loving family looking for value, this blog will break down exactly why things are more expensive, what’s driving it, and how you can still enjoy Japan’s epic terrain without burning through your yen.
Foreign Investment and a Weak Yen Are Reshaping the Market
Japan’s ski industry has caught the attention of global investors—and fast. With the Japanese yen at historic lows, foreign investors from Australia, Singapore, the U.S., and Europe see Japanese resorts as a bargain. And when you’re used to €400/night chalets in the Alps or $300 lift tickets in Vail, Japan’s pricing feels like a steal—even after prices increase.
This is especially evident in regions like Niseko and Nozawa, where Australian, Chinese, and Singaporean capital has turned sleepy powder towns into bustling, international ski villages. The result? Hotels are snapped up, modernised, and re-listed at premium nightly rates. In Madarao, we’re already seeing this shift in motion—meaning today’s prices reflect tomorrow’s demand. Rising prices for Japan ski trips and lift tickets are the future at popular resorts and will become the norm.
Example:
In Niseko, a night in a boutique lodge that cost ¥15,000 per person a decade ago can now fetch over ¥40,000, with foreign-owned luxury lodges often commanding much more. Even in Madarao, where the vibe remains chill, the ripple effect is undeniable. In the past three years, new foreign investment has entered the Madarao market, setting all-time high nightly rates—often with or without meaningful modernization to the properties themselves. This has raised the pricing baseline for existing accommodations, pushing other local operators to match international expectations. With many investors aiming for a quick return, property rates across the region have surged. But travelers should be aware: the higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee a better experience—what you’re paying for may not always reflect true value in comfort, hospitality, or authenticity. Do your research before booking, and take time to review each hotel through trusted platforms like Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and OTAs to ensure it matches your expectations.
With an influx of new foreign owners who already understand the pricing dynamics of international ski markets, prices in Japan’s most popular resorts are expected to continue rising. These investors are keenly aware of what overseas travelers are willing to pay and how prices compare globally. As a result, they are confidently committing to higher pricing models that support not only better experiences and modern infrastructure, but also sustainable returns on investment. What makes Japan still incredibly appealing, however, is that even with these price increases, resorts here remain more affordable than their counterparts in North America or Europe—delivering world-class snow within a better-value framework.
Skiing Has Never Been a Budget Sport
Let’s be honest—skiing and snowboarding are not cheap hobbies. Between gear, passes, lessons, and logistics, snow holidays rack up quickly. That’s true globally, and Japan is no exception.
What used to make Japan stand out was the value: powder-filled slopes with lift tickets under ¥5,000. But with the global snowsports crowd discovering Japan’s magic, local operators are rethinking pricing. And rightly so—Japanese resorts were historically underpriced compared to international standards.
Current Lift Ticket Prices (2025):
• Niseko United: Around ¥9,500/day
• Nozawa Onsen: Approx. ¥6,800/day
• Myoko (Akakura Kanko): ¥6,500/day
• Madarao Mountain Resort: ¥5,500–¥8,500/day
Prices are still reasonable by global standards, but they’re no longer “cheap.”
Still looking to save some ¥ennies? You’re not out of options. Skip the high-traffic resorts and use areas like Madarao as a strategic basecamp. Within a 45-minute drive of Madarao, there are over 45 smaller ski resorts (6 of which are the larger, most popular in the area), many of which cater almost exclusively to domestic tourism. These lesser-known hills offer beautiful, uncrowded slopes, and on weekdays or non-holiday periods, you might find yourself riding fresh lines with barely another person in sight.
Lift tickets at these local gems can still be as low as ¥4,500, and season passes are often priced around ¥20,000—an absolute steal for those staying a little longer or planning to resort-hop.
If you’re interested in uncovering some of these hidden powder pockets while saving big, check out our Madarao Area Resort Guide for all the best recommendations.
An Influx of Foreign Tourists = Increased Demand
Pre-COVID, Japan was already hitting record tourism numbers. Post-pandemic, the bounce-back has been fierce. In 2024, Japan welcomed over 25 million foreign visitors, and the ski resorts felt it.
More tourists = more bookings, more lift tickets sold, and more demand for private hotels, high-end meals, ski lessons in English, and Western comforts. Local operators, recognizing the shift, have adapted—sometimes reluctantly—with price increases to meet demand and cover increasing costs.
In Madarao, we’ve welcomed returning guests from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the U.S. every year. It’s amazing to see so many cultures embrace Japan’s snow, but it naturally drives up prices across the board, especially during the peak holiday period. Over the past six seasons, we’ve witnessed a complete flip of the coin in Madarao. Once a resort where 80% of businesses were locally owned and the majority of guests were domestic travelers, the area has undergone a dramatic shift. Today, 70–80% of the businesses in Madarao are foreign-owned, and international tourism now makes up roughly 80% of total resort usage during the winter. This international boom has brought exciting energy and revitalization—but it’s also pushed prices up across the board, both in accommodation and services, as the area adapts to meet new global expectations.
The Rising Cost of Running a Business in Japan
Behind the scenes, running a hotel or resort has become significantly more expensive in Japan.
Here’s a breakdown of cost increases over the past few years:
• Building materials: Up over 30–40% since 2020 due to global supply chain issues and inflation.
• Electricity & utilities: Power prices rose by 25–35% in many areas due to fuel import inflation and deregulation of the Japanese energy market.
• Fuel costs: With global oil prices fluctuating, snow-clearing costs and transport expenses have surged.
• Food & groceries: Imported goods (including dairy and meat) are up 30–40%, making food service operations significantly more costly.
• Insurance premiums: Fire and natural disaster insurance in ski areas have increased, especially in regions prone to heavy snowfall and earthquakes.
And let’s not forget one of the most overlooked costs: snow removal.
With the heavy snowfall that accumulates each year in Japan’s popular powder destinations, daily snow clearing is no small job. Whether you’re running a small lodge or a large ski hotel, the machinery, fuel, staff, and time needed to keep roofs, pathways, parking lots, and access roads safe and functional can push operating costs through the roof—literally and figuratively.
These expenses hit both large hotels and small boutique lodges like Onpoint. Many businesses have had no choice but to adjust their pricing to remain viable.
Popular Resorts Will Always Be More Expensive
Sapporo’s ski resorts, Niseko, Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, Myoko, and yes—even Madarao—have all gained international attention. And with popularity comes pricing.
In these destinations, you’re paying for convenience, access, quality services, and the “global ski village” feel. For some, this is exactly what they want—après-ski, Western restaurants, gear shops, and ski schools in English. For others, it might be worth sacrificing a few comforts to enjoy Japan’s hidden gems.
If you’re after the best value, we recommend seeking out resorts that remain primarily domestic in appeal.
There Are Over 500 Ski Resorts in Japan—Explore the Lesser-Known Ones
Here’s the silver lining: Japan has over 500 ski resorts—many of them quiet, local, and incredibly affordable. While the popular resorts grab the headlines, smaller mountains offer equally epic powder at a fraction of the price.
Examples of Budget-Friendly Domestic Resorts:
• Kijimadaira Ski Resort (Nagano): Just 20 minutes from Madarao, this hidden gem offers untouched powder, no lift lines, and lift passes for under ¥4,000.
• Charmant Hiuchi (Niigata): Renowned for deep snow and mellow vibes, this resort remains under the radar for international tourists.
• Togari Onsen: Another neighbour of Nozawa, but without the crowds or the price tag.
• XJAM: A lower-lying resort near Iiyama with a backcountry hike and epic snow park.
These resorts tend to operate around Japanese domestic travel norms, with lower prices across the board—hotels, lift passes, and food. But there’s a trade-off…
If you’re interested in uncovering some of these hidden powder pockets while saving big, check out our Madarao Area Resort Guide for all the best recommendations.
Japanese-Run Lodges Are Budget-Friendly—But Be Prepared for Culture Shocks
Staying in a locally run ryokan or minshuku is a fantastic cultural experience, but it may not suit everyone, especially Western families or first-time visitors.
Things to Expect:
• Early curfews: Many family-run places will lock their doors by 9–10 PM.
• Tatami & futons: Traditional floor bedding, minimal heating, and shared bathrooms may be the norm.
• Limited English: Staff may not speak English, and signage can be minimal.
• Social atmosphere: Often quiet and reserved—great for couples, but less social than a Western lodge or ski hostel. • Limited evening activities: Often quiet towns with little to no evening activities. You'll need a private vehicle to venture out and explore the local scene.
At Onpoint Madarao, we’ve worked hard to blend Japanese hospitality with Western comforts—think private rooms, strong heating, hearty Western breakfasts, and a warm, welcoming vibe. We also know what it means to want a beer after a big day on the hill—and we’re here for it. And the icing on the cake? Our home-cooked Japanese teishoku dinners, served exclusively to our in-house guests. Thoughtfully prepared, balanced, and deeply satisfying, these traditional meals ensure you’re always well-fed and ready for a relaxed evening by the fire. It’s all part of the experience—comfort, connection, and the kind of hospitality that keeps our guests coming back year after year.
Singapore’s Patience Capital Group Is Reshaping Madarao and Suginohara—And Prices Are Following
In recent years, Singapore-based Patience Capital Group (PCG), led by former GIC Japan head Ken Chan, has made significant investments in Japan’s ski industry. PCG has acquired approximately 350 hectares of land, including the Madarao Kogen and Myoko Suginohara ski resorts, with plans to transform the region into a luxury, year-round destination akin to Whistler or Aspen.
PCG’s vision includes constructing high-end hotels, commercial facilities, and staff housing, aiming to attract affluent international tourists. The first phase of development is slated to begin after the snow melts in spring or summer 2026, with the initial luxury hotels expected to open by 2028.
While this influx of investment promises to revitalise the local economy and infrastructure, it also raises concerns among residents about rising costs and the potential erosion of traditional culture. Similar developments in other Japanese ski resorts, such as Niseko, have led to increased property prices and living expenses, often pricing out locals and altering the community fabric.
As PCG’s plans progress, visitors to Madarao and Suginohara can anticipate changes in the resort experience, including higher accommodation and service prices. For those seeking more affordable and culturally authentic ski experiences, exploring lesser-known, domestically focused resorts may be a prudent choice.
Final Thoughts—The Price of Powder
Japan remains one of the best ski destinations in the world. Deep powder, friendly locals, and cultural richness make it unbeatable. But as the world takes notice, prices are rising in line with global demand.
Here’s what you can do to ride smarter:
• Book early—especially if you want to lock in peak season pricing or if you are traveling in a large group. • Book the entire lodge—Traveling in a large group? Seek out lodges that specialize in large groups. They can offer better rates for long stays for the entire property. Alternatively, seek out self-contained accommodation for long stays by contacting the businesses directly.
• Explore beyond the top five resorts—plenty of snow, fewer people, more savings.
• Know your priorities—comfort vs. budget, nightlife vs. local charm.
• Ski locally—find local ski resorts with cheaper pricing and accommodation. • Rent a private vehicle—find a local car rental service close to the Shinkansen station and find a basecamp that sits within your budget and multiple ski resorts. Resort hop daily based on weather conditions, mixing it up between cheaper local resorts and larger popular resorts.
• Travel in shoulder season (early March) for better deals, but expect less powder days.
STAY ONPOINT: Plan your trip with us and experience what it means to be Onpoint.
Ready to Ride Smarter in Japan?
At Onpoint Madarao, we’ve built our lodge around the things we care about most: community, comfort, and the pure joy of a powder day done right. Whether you’re a returning guest or just discovering us for the first time, we’ll help you make the most of your snow holiday in Japan.
At Onpoint Madarao, we specialise in private group lodge bookings. Our team is here to make sure your trip is relaxed, comfortable, and full of good turns.
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