Ani Ski Resort sits deep in the snow-heavy interior of Akita Prefecture, offering steady powder, wide runs, and a quiet sense of character that’s become rare in Japan’s ski scene. Positioned along the western slopes of Mt. Moriyoshi, it attracts tourists and skiers in search of silence and a more grounded winter experience.
Snow and Scenery
One of the most striking natural attractions at Ani Ski Resort is the formation of juhyo or “snow monsters”, a globally rare natural phenomenon that forms only under very specific meteorological conditions. For juhyo to take shape, several factors must align. Most notably, a strong western wind carrying supercooled water droplets (liquid droplets that remain unfrozen even below freezing temperatures) must be present. These droplets freeze instantly upon contact with coniferous trees, layering them in thick, ghostly frost. Only a few places in the world, such as Mount Moriyoshi, consistently meet these requirements. As this mixture hits the coniferous forests on Mt. Moriyoshi’s slopes, it turns the trees into towering white sculptures. The result is an eerie, otherworldly landscape that’s unlike anything found at more commercial ski resorts in Japan.
The snow monsters are at their most impressive between mid-January and March. Visitors can access them via a 20-minute gondola ride to the summit, followed by a short walk to a viewing area. From there, the frozen forest stretches into the distance, offering a surreal backdrop for photographers, snowshoers, and sightseers alike. Nighttime illumination events are occasionally held during peak season, making the experience even more atmospheric.
Courses
Ani Ski Resort offers a modest but thoughtfully designed selection of ski courses that suit both beginners and intermediate skiers. There are five official trails: three classified as beginner-friendly and two for those with more experience. The terrain also includes tree-lined sections that offer shelter and a variety of ski slopes, especially on snowy days.
The standout among the five is the Paradise Course, a scenic 2,800-meter-long run with an average gradient of 12 degrees. This course is known not just for its forgiving slope, but also for its elevated views of the Ouu Mountain Range, which stretches across northern Honshu. With fewer skiers on the trails, it’s easy to move at your own pace and fully enjoy the mountain’s natural surroundings.
Ani Ski Resort offers a range of lift ticket options to accommodate different schedules and budgets:
- 1-Day Pass: Adults ¥4,500; Seniors (60+) ¥3,500; Elementary school students ¥2,000
- 5-Hour Pass: Adults ¥4,000; Seniors ¥3,000; Elementary school students ¥1,500
- 3-Hour Pass: Adults ¥3,500; Seniors ¥2,700; Elementary school students ¥1,300
- Single Ride (Romance Lift): ¥500
- Gondola One-Way: Adults/Seniors ¥1,400; Elementary school students ¥600
- Gondola Round-Trip: Adults/Seniors ¥2,000; Elementary school students ¥900
For those planning multiple visits, season passes are available:
- Adults: ¥53,000
- Seniors (60+): ¥45,000
- Children (Junior High School and below): ¥25,000
For detailed information on rental fees and packages, please visit the official page.
Getting to Ani Ski Resort and Where to Stay
Ani Ski Resort is located in Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture, and while it’s more remote than Japan’s major ski areas, access is straightforward with some planning. For those traveling by plane, the fastest route is from Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to Odate-Noshiro Airport via ANA (about 1 hour 10 minutes), followed by a 60-minute drive to the resort. If coming by train, take the Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kakunodate Station (about 3 hours), then transfer to the Akita Nairiku Line for a local train to Aniai Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes). Another option is from Shin-Aomori Station via the Ou Main Line to Takanosu, and then on the Akita Nairiku Line to Aniai. The Akita Nairiku Line is a charming local railway that winds leisurely through snow-draped forests, quiet rural villages, and panoramic mountain landscapes, offering passengers a serene and nostalgic glimpse into Japan’s untouched countryside. In recent years, it has attracted a growing number of inbound travelers drawn to its authentic, off-the-beaten-path appeal.
For the final leg of the trip, the most convenient way to reach Ani Ski Resort is by using the Mount Moriyoshi Tour Taxi, a seasonal, reservation-based shared taxi service that connects Aniai Station and Odate-Noshiro Airport with the resort. Operated during peak winter months, this service provides easy access while letting visitors enjoy the dramatic snowscapes and rural charm of Kitaakita City. Reservations for the shared taxi can be made online via the resort’s official site.
Once you arrive, you’ll find modest but welcoming accommodations in the area. Options range from cozy guesthouses to rustic lodges, many located at the base of Mt. Moriyoshi. Hotel Fusch, just minutes from the resort, is a small highland hotel known for its homemade meals and seasonal views. A more popular choice among international visitors is Anaba Lodge, a recently opened lodge run by an American owner and designed with inbound tourists in mind. The lodge features a stylish cedar-wood interior, a cafe, and a full-service bar, creating a warm, social atmosphere for skiers and snowboarders. The owner is also a local ski guide, so you can even ask him for tips or join one of his guided runs.
A bit farther out, places like Utto Onsen Matagi no Yu and Quince Moriyoshi offer hot spring facilities and hearty mountain cuisine, blending well with the region’s laid-back rhythm. Whether you’re looking for simplicity, onsen relaxation, or a base for backcountry adventure, these small-scale lodgings keep you close to the snow—and closer to Akita’s rural charm.
Before settling in, though, don’t miss the chance to meet Hokuto, the resort’s resident Akita dog. Akita is famous for this loyal breed—especially Hachiko, the legendary dog at Shibuya Station. Hokuto carries on that legacy in his own sweet way, welcoming guests with his adorable personality.
