As a child, I started skiing under the guidance of my father in my home country, Switzerland. I gained experience skiing at resorts with breathtaking views of the Alps and top-quality snow. Even in Japan, every winter, I visit famous ski resorts like Hakuba, Myoko, and Yuzawa. This winter, I decided to visit Hachikita Kogen Ski Resort, the largest snow park in the Kansai region. It’s my first time skiing in Hyogo! I’m excited to see what this ski resort has to offer!

Enjoy the Snow in Kansai! Hachikita Kogen Ski Resort

Hachikita Kogen Ski Resort in Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture, is a long-established ski resort that opened in 1969. With convenient access—about 2.5 hours by car or 3 hours by train from Kobe and Osaka—it is an easily accessible ski destination for people in the Kansai region. The resort features a vast ski area on the slopes of Mt. Hachibuse, which stands at an elevation of 1,221 meters. It offers 14 courses suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. For this trip, I planned a two-day, one-night stay with my intermediate and advanced-level friends, aiming to try out as many courses as possible. First, we’re heading straight to the summit to kick things off!

Heading to the summit with my friends on a triple lift!

Challenging the Juhyo (Frost-Covered Trees) Course and the North Wall Course, with Stunning Views from the Summit!

There are about six ways to access the summit. You can check the lifts on the resort map.

First, we take a series of lifts to reach the summit of Mt. Hachibuse, passing through emerald-green forests along the way.

In front is the North Wall Course, lined with moguls, and to the right is the Juhyo (Frost-Covered Trees) Course.

We’ve arrived! The 360-degree panoramic view is absolutely breathtaking! In the distance, I can see the horizon of the Sea of Japan.

The sign at the summit displays an elevation of 1,221 meters. The digital display shows a temperature of 1.5°C.

First, we’re taking on the Juhyo (Frost-Covered Trees) Course, a scenic intermediate course where we can enjoy the majestic views at a relaxed pace.

The Juhyo (Frost-Covered Trees) Course has a maximum slope of 20 degrees.

A mystical world of frost-covered trees

The fresh snowfall created fluffy powder snow, making for an incredible experience. Next up is the North Wall Course. Standing at the summit, I can feel my adrenaline surging—whether from excitement or nervousness, I’m not sure...!

Here I go!

Maximum slope of 32 degrees!

Can you see the steep incline? I gathered my courage and took on the challenge. I was nervous at first, but as soon as I glided over the fresh snow, I felt an instant rush of exhilaration. I couldn’t help but exclaim, “De Wahnsinn!” (This is unbelievably amazing!).

Savoring the local flavors with wild vegetable udon

For lunch, I visited Tenbō Restaurant Hachikita, located near the summit, where I enjoyed a warm bowl of wild vegetable udon while taking in the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view.

Tenbō Restaurant Hachikita's “Wild Vegetable Udon (with Inari Sushi) – 1,250 yen (tax included)”

This hearty udon is packed with wild vegetables like warabi and zenmai. At Hachikita Kogen (Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture), you can enjoy wild vegetable foraging from late April to late May. The fresh greenery season also seems perfect for hiking—I’d love to come back then. Phew, I’m full! Time to power through the afternoon!

Taking on the Nature Zone, Where Snow and Scenery Intertwine

In the afternoon, I challenged the Nature Zone! Entering a small forest, I found myself in a fluffy powder area.

The Nature Zone is for advanced skiers

This powder area only opens on days when fresh snow falls. I plunged into the untouched grove, carefully turning to avoid the trees. Covered in snow, I felt as if I had the entire natural landscape to myself! It was quite a challenging course. The time is now 4 PM. After so much skiing, I decided to take it easy at the lodge. Thinking about Tajima beef, local sake, and a hot spring waiting for me makes me excited...

Unwinding After Skiing with a Relaxing Stay and Delicious Local Sake

Near Hachikita Kogen Ski Resort, there is a ryokan district with many traditional inns. Parking is also abundant within the area, making it convenient. Tonight, I’ll be staying at Ryokan SASAYA.

The charming exterior of Ryokan SASAYA

Ryokan SASAYA was originally a family-run guesthouse, started in 1970 when the owner’s grandparents renovated their home after Hachikita Kogen Ski Resort opened. Today, it is still run by the family, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The lift to the ski slopes is nearby, and there is a parking lot right in front of the ryokan.

To warm up my body after skiing in the cold, I headed straight to the bath. The ryokan uses water piped from Hachikita Onsen. This rare radium hot spring, known worldwide, is colorless and odorless, gentle on the skin, and is said to keep the skin moisturized for a long time after bathing. My room had a kotatsu (a traditional Japanese heated table), so I cozied up with my feet inside. For dinner, I ordered Tajima beef sukiyaki, a meal I had been eagerly looking forward to!

Tajima Beef Sukiyaki

The Muraoka area of Hachikita Kogen is known as the birthplace of Tajima beef. Tajima beef is a premium brand from Hyogo Prefecture, famous for its tender texture and rich umami flavor.The sukiyaki was filled with fresh local vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, green onions, and chrysanthemum greens, sourced directly from nearby farmers. Thanks to the area’s temperature differences, the vegetables grow sweet and flavorful.

Gathering around the hot pot with friends, we enjoyed a satisfying and heartwarming meal.

After dinner, we headed to the bar inside the ryokan for some late-night girl talk...

Known for its excellent whiskey selection, some visitors come here just for the bar.

The owner, who has experience as a bartender, has carefully crafted a refined bar space. The bar offers a variety of spirits, cocktails, and seasonal local sake carefully selected from Tajima’s breweries. In addition to the bar counter, there is also a cozy sofa area with a fireplace. Sitting by the fire, listening to the gentle crackling of burning logs, I enjoyed my drink at a leisurely pace.

The firewood for the fireplace is handmade by the owner.

The homemade umeshu and gin and tonic made with locally grown yuzu are especially popular.

I decided to try the fruit liqueur recommended by the owner’s mother. I chose umeshu, which had been aged for 30 years—amazingly, almost the same age as me! It had a deep, rich flavor and was absolutely delicious. I also had some great conversations with the owner and his mother. Everyone was so friendly, and I could feel the strong bond of their family.

Hoping for another perfect day of skiing tomorrow.

Day 2: Enjoying a breathtaking cruise from the summit on the Sky Road Course

A classic Japanese breakfast. A sunny-side-up egg in the center, surrounded by natto, simmered spinach, seaweed, grilled fish, miso soup, and rice.

I had a restful night and woke up feeling refreshed.

For breakfast, I enjoyed a traditional Japanese meal. The rice was homegrown, fluffy, and pleasantly chewy. I was especially happy that it came with my favorite—natto!

As I left for the slopes on the second day, the owner’s little child waved and cheerfully said, “Have a great day!”

The Sky Road Course is approximately 1,600 meters long, offering a breathtaking cruise from the summit.

On a morning when the trees were still covered in frost, the scenery was so stunning it took my breath away. The Sky Road Course consists of two sections.

The upper section has a 20-degree slope, making it suitable for intermediate skiers. The lower section has a 16-degree slope, making it beginner-friendly. From start to finish, the course offers plenty of variety, making for a relaxing long cruise. With its wide and extended layout, I could ski comfortably without feeling crowded.

After two perfect days of skiing to my heart’s content, I decided to visit an onsen (hot spring) near Ryokan SASAYA before heading home.

Wrapping up the ski trip with a relaxing hot spring and souvenir shopping

Hachikita Onsen Yūji no Sato

Hachikita Onsen Yūji no Sato is a hot spring facility located near the ryokan district, close to Hachikita Kogen Ski Resort. It is a popular spot for skiers and hikers to relax and soothe their fatigue after outdoor activities.

The two-story wooden building has a picturesque appearance, almost like a scene from a painting. Some even say it looks like something straight out of a Studio Ghibli film, making it a popular photo spot for visitors.

The facility also has a restaurant and a souvenir shop, making it accessible even for visitors who don’t use the hot spring.

The two-story wooden facility has separate baths for men and women.

The water is kept at a lower temperature, making it gentle on the skin, and allowing me to enjoy a long soak. The sodium-rich hot spring, known as a “beautifying bath,” has a smooth and slightly thick texture. It warms the body quickly and retains heat well, preventing chills. After soaking, my body felt completely rejuvenated from the fatigue of skiing.

On the drive back, I made a stop at Michi-no-Eki Hachikita, a roadside station about 15 minutes by car from Hachikita Kogen Ski Resort.

From left: “Kuroushi no Hanakuso,” “Sweet Potato Cake,” and “Sukasshu (Ginger Ale)”

I picked up these unique souvenirs! The packaging caught my attention, so I bought “Kuroushi no Hanakuso” (literally “Black Cow’s Booger”), a humorously named snack inspired by Tajima beef. It’s a delicious sweet made of peanuts coated in cocoa. I shared it with my friends in the car, and we had a great time laughing about it.

Visiting Hachikita Kogen Ski Resort for the first time, I found it just as comfortable as skiing in my home country, Switzerland. The powder snow was fantastic, and this has now become one of my favorite ski resorts. I was also surprised to see a convenience store inside the ski area. After living in Hyogo for a year, I had always traveled to Niigata and Nagano for skiing, but now I realize I can enjoy skiing, hot springs, and amazing food right here in my own area! I can’t wait to brag about this to my friends.

Hachikita Kogen Ski Resort
https://www.hachi-hachikita.co.jp/en/hachi/index.html
Address: 580-1 Ozasa, Muraoka-ku, Kami-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
TEL: 0796-96-0201
Operating season: Varies each year, please inquire.
Operating hours: 8:30 AM - 4:50 PM (weekends & holidays start at 8:00 AM)
Lift operating hours vary depending on the slope.

Hachikita Kogen - Ryokan SASAYA
http://www.h-sasaya.com/english.html
Address: 687-1 Ozasa, Muraoka-ku, Kami-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
TEL: 0796-96-0246
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sasaya.hachikita

Hachikita Onsen - Yūji no Sato
https://www.spa-hachikita.com/
Address: 129-1 Ozasa, Muraoka-ku, Kami-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
TEL: 0796-96-1666
Operating season: During the snow season (please contact the facility for details).
Operating hours: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM (varies by season, please check the website for updates).
Admission fees: Adults: 700 yen, Children: 350 yen

Michi-no-Eki Hachikita (Roadside Station Hachikita)
https://www.kami-tourism.com/spot/detail_10026.html
Address: 608-1 Fukuoka, Muraoka-ku, Kami-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
TEL: 0796-96-1600 (Japanese only)
For inquiries in foreign languages, please use the contact form on the website.
Operating hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last order for the restaurant is 4:30 PM).
Closed on: Tuesdays, New Year’s Day, Autumn festival day in September (date varies by year).