Want good snow and close-up views of Mt. Fuji? Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti ticks both of those boxes and more. This affordable ski resort is perfect for families and beginners, and is close enough to Tokyo to make day trips possible.
We admit that Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti sounds like a questionable monster or a questionable movie about said monster, but we assure you, it’s legit. Previously known as Snow Town Yeti or Snow Park Yeti, it’s a ski resort on Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, and, though small, it’s fully kitted out for families. It can be a good place to practice your moves before you head to Hakuba or one of the other larger resorts later in winter.
Pro tip: For an easy day out, book an all-in-one Yeti package online.
Opening in late October every year, the resort, situated at the second station of Mt. Fuji, is one of the earliest to kick off the ski season — naturally available snow or no. In 2023, it will be open from October 20.
Terrain difficulty
There are two very gentle slopes for beginners and intermediate snowsters, while two other slopes are more suited to intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Resort stats
| Elevation | Base elevation: 1300 meters Summit elevation: 1450 meters Vertical drop: 150 meters |
|---|---|
| Number of runs | 4 |
| Longest run | 1000 meters |
| Lifts | Quad chairs: 1 Pair lifts: 2 |
| Gradient | Maximum: 25 degrees |
| Night skiing | Available |
| On-piste restaurants | 1 |
2023/24 season lift passes
The following passes are available for the 2023/24 season and can be bought from the ticket shop at the entrance. Day tickets are valid all day until 10 p.m., while you can buy night tickets from 3:30 p.m. onwards. The admission ticket will get you into the resort for sledding, playing in the snow or watching, but you can’t bring equipment in or rent equipment with it. There are also season passports available ranging from ¥34,500 for early-bird weekday passes to ¥44,000 for a regular season passport.
| Ticket type | Adult | Children (3–12) & Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day (weekday) | ¥4,300 | ¥3,300 |
| 1 day (weekends & holidays) | ¥5,000 | ¥4,000 |
| Night skiing | ¥2,900 | ¥2,400 |
| Admission only | ¥1,700 | ¥1,200 |
Rental gear
The rental shop has over 3000 items available, and a ticket machine keeps the rental process smooth. A full day rental of a ski or snowboard set (which includes skis & poles/snowboard and boots) will set you back ¥5,400 for an adult, and ¥3,900 for children and seniors. You can also rent equipment or clothing individually, but the set is better value if you don’t have any of your own gear.
Lessons and guiding
The resort has its own ski school, and lessons can be booked on the day at the school building. A 1.5-hour adult beginner ski or snowboard lesson costs ¥4,000. The information about the ski school is only available on the Japanese website, so we wouldn’t go in expecting English-speaking instructors.
Off the slopes
Food and drink
The only restaurant in the area is the one that’s part of Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti. The menu isn’t exactly extensive, but will keep you warm and full with your choice of ramen, rice bowls, or curry. You’ve also got some sides and salads on there, as well as a small selection of hot, cold, and alcoholic drinks.
Alternative snow activities
Keeping in line with their family-friendly atmosphere, Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti has a dedicated sledding slope and snow playground. Entry into these is included with the admission ticket, so if you or your little ones aren’t keen on hitting the slopes, you can still have a snow day. You can rent a sled from the rental shop for ¥1,000.
How to get to Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti
From Tokyo, you can get to the ski resort by train, bus, or car. Going by train is the fastest option if you’re willing to splurge on a Shinkansen ticket: you’ll get there in about 2.5 hours (with a bus transfer at Mishima Station) for ¥4,600 one way.
There is a Snow Resort Yeti package deal which includes a round-trip bus ticket, gear and one-day lift ticket for ¥23,209/adult. You can book online here.
From December 4, you can also get a direct bus from Shinjuku Station for ¥7,500–¥8,000. And from December 11, direct buses depart from Hachiōji Station (¥7,000–¥7,500) and Machida Station (¥7,500–¥8,000).
If you’re driving, expect it to take 2.5–3.5 hours. Depending on the route you take, you’ll encounter road tolls. From 2023, however, parking at the resort is free, making this a reasonably economical option.
Getting around
There are five buses per day that run from Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti to JR Gotemba Station. It takes about 55 minutes and costs ¥1,190. There are also less regular bus departures that can get you to JR Mishima, JR Susono, JR Fuji, and Yoshiwara Chūō stations. Besides that, there are no shuttle buses or similar services; so if you want to get around a different way, your best bet is to drive.
Where to stay
The closest hotels to Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti are in the nearby city of Gotemba, or in the part of Susono City near Fuji Safari Park. However, given the small size of the resort and its relatively close proximity to Tokyo, many people just make this a day trip and save on a night’s accommodation.
Looking for other ideas for winter day trips and snowboarding escapes? Our guide to ski spots near Tokyo has you covered.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in December 2015. Last updated October 2023 by Shyam Bhardwa.
