Geihoku Kokusai Ski Resort, the biggest ski resort in western Japan!

Geihoku Kokusai Ski Resort inside out

This ski resort is located in Yamagata-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture and is the largest ski resort in western Japan offering varied courses accommodating beginner to advanced skiers.

The whole resort is divided into 3 areas and each area has a scenic point at the top offering panoramic views.

20 courses with different characteristics

The resort has 20 courses divided into 3 areas.

“Kokusai Area” is for beginner skiers with average slope gradient of 12 degrees and wide slope width. Some slopes use artificial snow so you can enjoy skiing regardless of the weather condition. There is “Kids Park” in the area where you can have fun sledding.

“Ohira Area” has 6-person express lift with average slope gradient of 17 degrees and the longest run of 2,000 meters.
In “Kazuke Area”, snowboarding is 100% allowed and has slopes running through trees. The steepest point is at 34 degrees slope gradient.

What makes Geihoku Kokusai Ski Resort popular

Geihoku Kokusai Ski Resort is popular not only for the various courses it provides but also for the services and facilities in the resort.

Different lift ticket types to suit different needs

The lift ticket comes in three types: 4 hours, one-day and night skiing depending on the duration of your stay.

Discounts will apply if you purchase your lift ticket online in advance and get a lift ticket (called “Quick Pass”) at the ski resort. If you are considering a spring ski trip, there is also a spring discount package called “Haru Wari” which lets you purchase a 4,800 JPY single day pass for 3,000 JPY.
If you are skiing with your child, there is “Oyako Package” for a parent and child pair at a reasonable 5,000 JPY.

Go luggage-free!

You can rent ski equipment and clothing at a rental shop in “Kokusai Area”, so you can pack light and travel lighter.

“Lift Ticket and Full Set of Ski Rental” package includes a single day lift pass and ski or snowboard equipment plus the clothing rental for 9,800 JPY which is 2,000 JPY less than the regular price. This package is offered only on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays. Gloves and goggles are not available for rent due to hygiene reasons but can be purchased at a shop.

“Gakuwari Rental Package” which is only available on weekdays and with students. The package includes a single day lift pass and ski or snowboard rental for 3,500 JPY.

“U-25 Rental Package” is for age of 25 and under, includes a single day lift pass and ski or snowboard rental for 5,000 JPY.

Stay or day trip by bus

There is no public transportation to Geihoku Kokusai Ski Resort, so you either drive yourself or you can join a ski bus tour provided by bus companies.

There are bus tours from Hiroshima, Shikoku, Okayama and Kyushu regions. Several companies provide different tours including a day trip or a stay by overnight bus that leaves the night before.

Kids Park in Kokusai Area for kids

Kids Park in Kokusai Area is separated from the ski and snowboard piste so children can have fun with snow sleds and other snow toys in this are safely.
There is a moving belt which is almost like a moving walkway so kids don’t have to climb up the hill. An admission is 500 JPY for age 3 and up (free admission with a lift ticket).

What to eat at Geihoku Kokusai Ski Resort

There are three restaurants in this ski resort. Two in Kokusai Area and one in Ohira Area.

Bambina, a kids-friendly cafeteria (Kokusai Lodge)

Bambina serves many hot dishes including Hiroshima’s specialty ramen “Onomichi Ramen” in kids-friendly atmosphere.
There is a kids play area near Bambina where children take off shoes and play. There is a baby care room in the area which is also close to the Kids Park.

Kokusai Hutte Hanzo

This is one of the two restaurants in Ohira Area serving local food such as Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (non sweet, savory pancake) and Tonpeiyaki (easy Okonomiyaki with less flour). From their counter, you have the full-on view of the trail.

Ohira Rest House Todoroki Jaya

The other restaurant in Ohira Area with capacity of 300 seats serving dishes using local ingredients. One of their popular dishes is a juicy deep fried pork on rice.

How to Get Here

It will be either a bus tour or by your own car to get to this resort. The parking space can accommodate up to 4,000 cars. The parking fee is 1,000 JPY for standard vehicles.

By Car

There are three ways to get to Geihoku Kokusai Ski Resort:

1. Take Chugoku Expressway and get off at Togouchi Interchange. Take National Route 191, Prefectural Road 11 or National Route 186, takes about 40 minutes.
2. Take Chugoku Expressway and get off at Kake Smart Interchange. Take National Route 186, about 40 minutes.
3. Take Chugoku Expressway and get off at Chiyoda Interchange. Take National Route 433 or 186, about 50 minutes. (Note) There is a free shuttle bus within the area.

Within this resort, there is a complimentary shuttle bus running between “Kokusai Area” and “Ohira Area” making it convenient for skiers who want to ski in both areas. Because “Kazuke Area” is high on the mountain, there is no shuttle bus.

Recommended accommodations near the resort

We recommend two accommodations that have great access to Geihoku Kokusai Ski Resort.

Gerihoku Hiland Hotel, directly connected to slopes

This is an official hotel of Geihoku Kokusai Ski Resort located half way up the beginner slope in Kokusai Area. You take a step outside and the slope is there. The building has a big triangular window that stands out.
They have western style rooms with beds and Japanese style rooms with futons on tatami mats. There is a restaurant on the 2nd floor serving chef’s specials with a grand view of snowscape. The hotel stay is reasonably priced with a single day lift pass included.

Geihoku Oak Garden, enjohy the natural hot spring

This hotel is only 15 minutes from the ski resort providing a hot spring facility which also allows walk-ins. Both male and female public baths have jacuzzi and and outside bath. Located on approximately 600 meters from the sea level, you will see beautiful stars falling on you from their outside baths at night.

Summary

You can enjoy different types of ski slope and special offers available at Geihoku Kokusai Ski Resort. Highly recommendable for children to elders. With the hotel directly connected, this resort is very convenient.

【Note】
Pricing information and schedule may not be up to date and are subject to change without notice. Please check before your trip.