The Appi Kogen Ski Resort is located in the Appi Highlands (安比高原, Appi Kōgen) in Iwate Prefecture, about 50 kilometers north of Morioka. It is one of the best ski resorts in the Tohoku Region, offering a large variety of wide, long ski courses, including groomed and ungroomed runs and mogul terrains. The ski season lasts from early December to early May.
The resort's courses are situated along the slopes of Mount Maemori (1305 meters), at whose peak there is an observation point from where the surrounding mountain range, in particular Mount Iwate and Mount Hachimantai, can be seen on clear days.
Other attractions include a terrain park for snowboarders and a family park with sleds, snow tubes and mini courses for children to enjoy the snow. At the foot of the slopes stands the resort center, where rental equipment, shops and food establishments are available. There is also a ski school where skiing and snowboarding lessons are offered.
At the base of the ski slopes stand several large resort hotels, including the ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Appi Kogen and the ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort. Furthermore, alternative lodging options are offered by a few pensions in the small town below the resort hotels.
(December 7, 2024 to May 6, 2025)
Getting there and around
Appi Kogen is best reached from Morioka Station, which is about 2.5 hours north of Tokyo by the Tohoku Shinkansen (about 15,000 yen one way, covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass).
By bus from Morioka
Buses connect Morioka Station with the Appi Kogen Ski Resort hourly during the main season 1-2 hours, but there is just one bus per day during the shoulder seasons. The one way trip takes about one hour and costs 1500 yen. The fare is not covered by the JR passes.
By train from Morioka
Appi Kogen Station stands about three kilometers away from the ski resort and is connected with Morioka by direct trains every 2-3 hours. The one way ride between Morioka and Appi Kogen takes one hour and costs 1170 yen. Because the trains partially use non-JR tracks, Japan Rail Pass holders will have to pay a supplement of 660 yen. However, holders of a JR East Tohoku Area Pass or JR East South Hokkaido Pass do not need to pay the supplement. Staying guests can request a pick-up service from the station, but there is no public transportation.
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Links and Resources
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