What other travelers are saying about Hunter Mountain Shiobara, Nasushiobara
Highly recommended.
Visited with a group of ski and snowboard friends. We had amazing experience with the facilities offered here. The quality of the slopes, lifts, information, rental, food and services were perfect.
With availability for all levels of expertise everyone can visit and have fun time with steep hills, terrain park and wide beginner slopes. We were able to quickly get back to sliding thanks to the very fast lifts.
The ones who rented snowboards had nice first time experience with step on bindings and skiers also commented on the good state of their equipment.
Everything is very well marked and easy to get around, with good assistance at the rental, coin lockers, bathroom and desk. The restaurant had enormous portions for ramen and rice, most of the party didn't even manage to finish the food
On top of everything the price for the day pass is not even expensive compared to most slopes in the region, easy to access from the highway and conveniently close even for one day trips from bigger cities from other prefectures.
Hunter Mountain operates as a year-round destination with seasonal attractions. During winter months, the resort features 12 ski courses with 7.6 kilometers of slopes and 7 lifts, catering to all skill levels from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Summer transforms the mountain into Hunter Mountain Lily Park, showcasing 4 million flowers of 50 species as Japan's largest lily garden. Autumn offers spectacular foliage viewing via the "Gondola in Autumn Colors" along the Nichien Momiji Line. The resort also operates an auto campground from early May to November.
The resort is located approximately 150 minutes from Tokyo by car via the Tohoku Expressway to Nasushiobara. For public transportation, take a train to Nasushiobara Station, where Hunter Mountain provides a free shuttle bus service to the resort. This makes the destination accessible for visitors without private transportation, though travel times may vary depending on train schedules and connections.
No, you don't need to bring your own equipment. Hunter Mountain offers rental services for ski and snowboard equipment and clothing on-site. This is particularly convenient for visitors traveling from Tokyo or international tourists who prefer not to transport bulky winter sports gear. The rental facility ensures that visitors have access to properly maintained equipment suitable for the mountain's conditions.
Hunter Mountain has a unique international heritage, having been developed by the owners of Hunter Mountain in New York, creating a distinctive connection between Japanese and American ski resort traditions. It holds the distinction of being the largest snow resort in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area and sits at 1,300 meters above sea level on Mount Takaharayama's northwestern slopes. The resort's year-round operation and transformation into Japan's biggest lily park during summer sets it apart from traditional ski-only destinations.
The resort features on-site dining facilities and rest areas to accommodate visitors throughout their stay. As part of the Tokyu Resorts & Stay network, Hunter Mountain provides lodging options that complement the mountain experience. The facilities are designed to serve guests during both winter ski seasons and summer lily park operations, though specific restaurant menus and accommodation details may vary by season and availability.
Plenty of snow even at the beginning of the season. Kids lesson and playpark in addition to several lifts should be fun for a whole day. The road toward the location gets increasingly icy around zero degrees so be prepared for chain/socks on the wheels.
Short distance from hotel we stayed. Driving up the mountain was very smooth. Some part of the roads under maintenance & potholes. Nice place to bring family. English speaking at the ticket counter..
A fantastic ski facility with plenty of space to zoom down the slopes without getting stuck in a human traffic jam. The runs are well-maintained, so you can focus on having fun instead of dodging snowplows (or other skiers). Whether you’re a pro or just trying not to face-plant, there’s something for everyone. The vibe is super laid-back—no one’s judging your form, even if your style looks more “flailing octopus” than graceful skier. Definitely recommend for a fun day on the mountain with minimal drama!
Honestly 1st time going here. Twas really lovely but having your own board set would be very helpful. It’s so expensive. Since the place was huge too the staff wasn’t really hands on. They did was required and that’s it. I would only go back if I get my own board set. The information house section was probably the most helpful. Was able to get some souvenirs at the end. Nice snow time though.
