Heavens Sonohara Snow World is located in Achi village in the south-western region of Nagano Prefecture. Heavens Sonohara is a skiers-only resort meaning that snowboarders are not allowed on the slopes.
The ski area features a gondola lift that goes up to what is effectively the base of the ski area. There is no downhill course back to the car parks. In the evening (not every day) there is a special 'Night Tour' event that is described as 'the best night sky entertainment in Japan' and uses projection mapping.
Heavens Sonohara Snow World has been operating since 1996. The ski areas in this region are within easy reach of the Aichi, Gifu and Shizuoka areas.
Nagano Prefecture is located in the Chubu region of the main island of Honshu. Most of the Northern Alps, Central Alps and Southern Alps are located within Nagano (along with neighbouring prefectures). Nagano has the second highest number of ski and snowboard resorts in all of Japan and they are spread around the whole prefecture. Nagano city and many of the major ski resorts are located in the northern region.
Ski lessons are available at Heavens Sonohara Snow World.
Equipment Rental
Ski Rental:
Available
Snowboard Rental:
Not available
Ski equipment and wear rental is available.
Children's facilities
A 'Kids World' area with sledding and snow tubing is located near the Number 6 lift, close to the base of the ski area (top of the ropeway). The entry charge is 500 yen.
Park information
No specific snow park.
Snow shoe tours are available at Heavens Sonohara Snow World.
Heavens Sonohara Snow World Season & Opening Times
Typical season is from Late December until Mid March
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
Daytime
Weekends and holidays
Normally open from 8:30am until 4:30pm
Weekdays
Normally open from 8:30am until 4:30pm
'Nighta' (night skiing)
Weekends and holidays
No
Weekdays
No
Opening information
Heavens Sonohara Snow World is normally open from 8:30am until 4:30pm.
There is no night skiing at this area.
Heavens Sonohara Snow World Lift Ticket Charges
Adults
Child
Pre-school
Older Child
Elementary School age
Senior
60 years & over
1 Day
4,200 yen
2,400 yen
2,700 yen
PM Ticket
3,700 yen
2,200 yen
Gondola Return
2,300 yen
1,100 yen
1 Lift Coupon
200 yen
11 Lift Coupons
2,000 yen
Season Ticket
33,000 yen
17,000 yen
2020-2021 Season lift tickets
The afternoon ticket is valid from 12:00 noon until 4:30pm.
The 1 Day ticket includes use of gondola and ski lifts.
Pre-school children can ride the lifts for free.
Getting to Heavens Sonohara Snow World
By public transport
Train
21.9km from Tenryukyo Station on the Iida Line
24.3km from Iida Station on the Iida Line
Information
Heavens Sonohara Snow World is 22km from Tenryukyo Station and just over 24km from Iida Station on the Iida line.
Bus
Various tour bus services are available.
By Car
2.9km from the Sonohara IC on the Chuo Expressway
14.1km from the Iida Yamamoto IC on the Chuo Expressway
Nearest national route: Route 256 (5.4km away)
Nearest prefecture road: Prefecture Road 477
Direction
Heavens Sonohara Snow World is about 3km from the Sonohara IC exit of the Chuo Expressway.
At the Sonohara IC exit, turn left onto Prefecture Road 477 and follow the signs to resort base.
MESSAGE FROM SNOWJAPAN We feel for everyone who wanted to be able to visit Japan this winter but are unable to. Please read this message about this season and coronavirus. Stay safe everyone, wherever you are.
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Ropeways
Gondolas
Quad lifts
Triple lifts
Pair lifts
Single lifts
Other
