Tazawako Ski Resort, the largest ski area in Akita Prefecture, when combined with nearby onsen resorts and dining options creates a unique Japanese ski experience worth exploring on a road trip through Tohoku, writes Phil Osborn.
Tazawako Ski Resort
Tazawako Ski Resort is a good size resort that offers plenty of variety in the terrain. Tazawako caters perfectly for families and powder junkies, who are wanting to explore multiple ski resorts around Tohoku region, and spend two or three action packed days here. Tazawako Ski Resort is situated in a stunning location overlooking Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake at 423 metres. Interestingly, there are multiple theories as to what created Lake Tazawa. One theory is it is a caldera lake, which is where the lake has formed in the crater of an the extinct volcano. The second theory is the lake was created by a meteorite impact.
At Tazawako Ski Resort, you will get to experience a genuine Japanese snow resort, with welcoming locals who are both knowledgable and passionate skiers and snowboarders who are running the resort. The mountain has a fantastic base area, with comprehensive services that will have you eating well priced Japanese food, getting your skis or snowboard waxed, or repaired by experts, or if you need any snow rental equipment they are well stocked.
Tazawako Ski Resort Terrain?
Tazawako Ski Resort has 6 lifts, with the highest lift access at 1,186m and a vertical drop of 600m. The 13 resort courses are split up into various areas suitable for all levels of ability and covers 100 hectares of skiable terrain. The snow quality is certainly excellent in Tazawako, with well maintained groom runs and some inbound tree runs and un-groomed areas to explore. There is a small terrain park. Tazawako has hosted many FIS races on it’s steepest course – the Kuromoriyama Champion Course.
Tazawako backcountry?
Our guide explained that there are many terrain traps in the backcountry around Tazawako and he considered it dangerous for under-prepared or in-experienced skiers and snowboarders. So in this area stay within the resort boundaries for your safety unless guided by a local expert. You can access guides here
Where is it?
Tazawako Ski Resort is located in eastern Akita Prefecture.
It’s physical address is Shimotakano-73-2 Tazawako Obonai, Semboku, Akita 014-1201, Japan
The city of Semboku, Akita Prefecture has a population of 24,000 is the closest large town.
How do you get there?
I flew into Odate-Noshiro Airport from Haneda Airport in Tokyo. The Odate Airport is 92 kms away and takes around 2 hour to drive to Tazawako. I visited Ani Ski Resort before heading to Tazawako.
You can fly into Akita Airport, that is 70kms or 1.5 hours drive away.
You can access the resort via the Akita Shinkansen and get bus or taxi. But in this part of the region, you are most likely going to be self-driving, creating a road trip through Tohoku. Click here for more access information
Where to stay?
Tazawako Ski Resort doesn’t have accommodation at the ski resort, but there are a wide range of accommodations options only minutes away. We stayed at the Ryokan Aoni Sanso. This 3 star onsen hotel was excellent. With spacious rooms, traditional Japanese dining experience that was amazing (see photos for proof), inside and outside onsen baths made this accommodation feel personal and intimate.
Special mention: Granvia Restaurant:
Discover Granvia restaurant, a Spanish and Japanese fusion dining experience, with a dedication to farm fresh products from the local Akita Prefecture. The high quality prosciutto is a highlight. It’s a short drive from the resort or onsen hotels. See photos below for inspiration.
Is Tazawako Ski Resort worth visiting?
Yes, Tazawako Ski Resort is certainly worth visiting. Just be prepared to move between ski resort, accommodation and dining experiences to get the most out of this location, so having a car would be really helpful here. Akita Prefecture and Tazawako Ski Resort scores loads of snow, is surrounded by mountains, so it’s really a great destination to explore if you are chasing a unique Japanese ski trip.
For more information on visiting Tazawako Ski Resort click here for more information.