Snow in Kyushu?! A Heat-Loving Mom’s Guide to Gokase Highland Ski Resort
I drive a Delica D:5. I decided to challenge the snowy mountains of Kyushu to show my kids “real snow” for the first time!
Hello! I’m Mama Usa.
If you live in Kyushu (southern Japan), snow feels like something from a different world. “Ski resorts seem too cold…” “I’m scared to drive on ice…” Have you given up because of these thoughts? I used to be the same way.
But if you prepare properly, you can enjoy amazing powder snow right here in Kyushu! Today, I’m sharing my family’s trip to “Gokase Highland Ski Resort”, complete with essential tips on prices, food, and road safety!
The 1,000m Paradise Course is Finally Open!
Starting Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Paradise Course extends from 500m to its full 1,000m length!
Plus… rumor has it the “Hell Valley (Jigokudani) Course” might open soon!?
Now is the best time to enjoy the fully open slopes of Gokase! 🏂💨
1. The Road is Dangerous! Even with a 4WD Car
First, let’s talk about access. This is crucial.
My car is a Mitsubishi Delica D:5, known for being tough on rough roads. I thought, “It’s 4WD, I’ll be fine!” and went with standard (summer) tires. That was a huge mistake…
Look at this! It’s a sheet of ice! 😱
The mountain road leading to the resort was completely frozen. Cars with winter tires zoomed past me, but with my standard tires, I had zero grip. Honestly, it was terrifying.
Please do NOT go with normal tires like I did!
Even with 4WD, you cannot climb the slopes of Gokase with standard tires, and more importantly, you cannot stop.
- You MUST bring Tire Chains or have Snow Tires.
- Do not try to force your way up to the top parking lot. Park at the “General Information Center” at the base and take the shuttle bus.
Please put safety first so you can enjoy your trip! 🐰
【Pro Tip】The “Shuttle Bus” is the Safest Bet!
“I’m not confident driving on snow…” or “I have a rental car with chains.”
Good news! You don’t have to drive all the way up.
The smartest move is to park your car at the “Gokase Highland Ski Resort General Information Center” at the bottom of the mountain and take the Shuttle Bus.
This bus is a lifesaver.
On days when the road is frozen (like my trip), most locals park at the bottom. This way, you avoid getting stuck and can head to the slopes stress-free.
“Driving on snow is impossible for me!”
“I don’t want my husband to be exhausted from driving…”
Good news! There is a day-trip bus tour departing from Hakata Station (8:00 AM). You can sleep all the way to the slopes♪
- ✅ Round-trip Bus + Lift Ticket included!
- ✅ Price: ¥8,800 – ¥12,500
*Since a 1-day lift ticket is usually ¥5,000, you are getting the round-trip bus ride for just +¥3,800 or so. That’s a steal! ✨
View Tour Details & Book (Orion Tour) 🚌❄️ Check Before You Go!
“How is the weather?” “Do I need chains?”
Always check the Daily Slope Condition Report on the official website before leaving!
2. Gokase Culture: “The Alaska of the South”
After getting off the bus and taking the lift up, you arrive in a different world! At an altitude of 1,610m, it truly deserves the nickname “The Alaska of the South.”
And speaking of Gokase, we can’t forget *her* (lol).
Posters of “Minami-chan” are everywhere!
Gokase is famous in Japan for its slightly edgy and funny TV commercials featuring this character. Seeing these posters in person makes you feel, “I’m finally here!”
3. Budget: Prices & Rentals
“How much will it cost?” This is the most important question for moms!
Note that Ski and Snowboard rental prices are different. I’ve summarized them below.
🎫 Lift Ticket Prices
※Children: 3 years old to Elementary school. Masters: 60 years and older.
| Type | Adult | Child | Masters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass (All Lifts) | ¥5,000 | ¥3,500 | ¥4,500 |
| 4-Hour Pass | ¥4,000 | ¥2,500 | ¥3,500 |
| Admission Lift Only | ¥1,500 | ¥1,000 | ¥1,500 |
🐰 Every Sunday is “Kid’s Special Day”!
If you are traveling with family, aim for Sunday!
On Sundays, Elementary school students and younger can ride the “Admission Lift” for FREE!
This gets you from the parking lot up to the main gelande area for free.
🎿 Ski Rental Fees
Rentals are available at the “Ski Center” at the top of the first lift.
| Item (Ski) | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Ski Set (Skis, Boots, Poles) |
¥4,000 | ¥3,500 |
| Full Set (Ski Set + Wear) |
¥5,500 | ¥4,500 |
🏂 Snowboard Rental Fees
Snowboard rentals for adults are slightly more expensive than skis.
| Item (Snowboard) | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Board Set (Board, Boots) |
¥4,500 | ¥3,500 |
| Full Set (Board Set + Wear) |
¥6,000 | ¥5,000 |
🧤 Other Items / Accessories
| Item | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gloves | ¥500 | ※Confirmed on-site: Purchase only |
| Sled | ¥500 | Rental |
| Helmet | ¥500 | Rental |
💰 Budget Estimate (Per Person)
For those wondering, “How much cash should I bring?” Here is an estimate for a full day of fun, coming empty-handed (Lift Ticket + Full Rental Set).
🏂 Adult: Snowboard
🎿 Adult: Ski
🏂 Child: Snowboard
🎿 Child: Ski
※Students can get even cheaper rates with the “Student Discount”! (See below)
4. Student Discounts & Ski School
Gokase Highland Ski Resort is very friendly to students and beginners!
🎓 Huge Savings! “Student Discount Plan” (Gakuwari)
Great news for Middle School, High School, University, and Vocational School students!
Just show your Student ID to get a massive discount on Snowboard sets.
| Student Set | Regular Price | Student Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass + Board Set | ¥9,500 | ¥5,000 |
| 1-Day Pass + Board Set + Wear | ¥11,000 | ¥7,000 |
🏫 First time? Try the “Ski School”
If you are worried about skiing for the first time, professional instructors can teach you the basics.
🕒 Lesson Times
Morning: 10:00–12:00 / Afternoon: 13:30–15:30
| Course | 1 Hr | Half Day (2 Hrs) | 1 Day (4 Hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner School (Ski/Snowboard, Elementary+) |
¥2,500 | ¥5,000 | ¥10,000 |
| Private Lesson | ¥10,000 | ¥20,000 | ¥30,000 |
📦 Gear Storage Service
If you plan to visit multiple times, you can store your board here!
- 1 Time: ¥500
- Season Pass: ¥3,000
5. Course Guide: Where to play with kids?
Gokase offers courses for everyone from beginners to experts.
🐰 For Families & Beginners
-
① Beginner Course
A gentle 60-meter slope. Perfect for practicing before getting on a lift. -
⑤ Family Slope
Best for kids! A safe area for sledding and playing in the snow. Great for small children who aren’t ready to ski yet.
🐰 Ready for a Challenge?
-
② Paradise Course
A 1,000m long run from the top! With an average slope of 13 degrees, it’s popular for intermediate skiers. -
③ Dynamic Course
Known as the “Phantom Course.” It’s for experts with a max slope of 30 degrees! (※May be closed depending on weather).
6. Delicious Slope Food & Tips
After playing hard, head to the restaurant in the Ski Center.
You can enjoy local Miyazaki specialties here!
My recommendation: Chicken Nanban Set (¥1,250)
Ramen warms you up instantly (¥800)
🍴 Dining Tips & Services
- Can I bring food?: Yes! I saw people eating rice balls (Onigiri) bought from convenience stores alongside those ordering from the menu.
- Free Drinks!: The restaurant offers free Tea (Hot/Cold) and Water. No need to worry if your water bottle runs dry!
- Menu Recommendations:
- Chicken Nanban Set (¥1,250): Miyazaki’s soul food!
- Tokuhoru-don Set (¥1,200): Local seasoned pork bowl.
- Tonjiru (Pork Soup) (¥500): The best warmer.
7. Mama’s Secret: How to Stay Warm
Finally, let me share my secrets for staying warm. In ski resorts, getting wet leads to getting cold!
🐰 Mama Usa’s Prevention Tips
① Wrap Tissues around your Toes!
Trust me on this. Before putting on socks, put a piece of tissue paper between your toes. It absorbs sweat, preventing your feet from getting cold and getting chilblains (frostbite). It works wonders!
② Vaseline is an Invisible Mask
Apply a thin layer of Vaseline on your cheeks, nose, and lips. It protects your skin from the icy wind.
③ Take off Boots during breaks
Always take off your ski boots during lunch to let your blood circulate!
8. Staying Overnight? Get Half-Price Lift Tickets!
“A day trip is too tiring…” or “I want to enjoy an Onsen (Hot Spring)!”
If that’s you, here is a secret trick.
♨️ Stay at “Gokase Onsen Kijiya” Hotel
If you stay at the nearby “Gokase Onsen Hotel Kijiya”, you get a special perk!
Gokase Highland Ski Resort
1-Day Lift Ticket becomes 【 HALF PRICE 】!
¥5,000 → ¥2,500. That’s a huge saving!
You can use the saved money for a nice dinner or souvenirs.
Relax in the hot spring, enjoy local food, and ski the next day for half price. It’s the perfect plan.
🎥 Watch our Trip Video
@camp_de_zakki #CapCut #GokaseSkiResort #WinterSports #JapanLife ♬ Fun Instrumental – Single Cirquit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
\ Read More /
雪遊びをしに行くなら！
あったらいいものリスト
Essentials for Snow Play in Japan
九州のスキー場など、少し湿り気の多い雪質や寒暖差のある環境で快適に過ごすための「あったらいいもの」をまとめました。
Japanese snow (especially in Kyushu) can be wet. Here is a gear list to stay comfortable in these specific conditions.足元の防寒対策 Foot Protection for Rental Boots
レンタルブーツでも快適に過ごすための重要ポイントです。
厚手で長めの靴下 (Coleman) Thick & Long Socks (Coleman)
理由は、ブーツから染み込んでくる冷気をカバーしてくれるのと、ブーツの中に雪が入り込んでくるのを防いでくれるからです。
私はこのコールマンの3足セットを購入しました！！
頭・耳の防寒対策 Head & Ear Protection
風が強いリフトの上でも安心できるアイテムを選びましょう。
耳まで隠れる帽子 (Oakley パイロットキャップ) Pilot Cap Covering Ears (Oakley)
スキー場は風が強いと、普通の帽子だとぴゅ〜っと飛んでいきそうになります。
耳の寒さ対策も兼ねて、私は顎下でしっかり留められるパイロットキャップを購入しました！
子供用の寒さ対策 Cold Protection for Kids
【Kids】ネックウォーマー一体型帽子 Neck Warmer Integrated Hat
子供はマフラーだと遊んでいるうちに解けて邪魔になったり、隙間風が入ったりするので、すっぽり被れる一体型が可愛くて最強です。
【Kids】防水・防寒グローブ Waterproof & Warm Gloves
雪遊びに夢中になるとすぐに手が濡れて冷たくなってしまうので、しっかりしたスキー用グローブを用意してあげましょう。
寒がりさん必見！最強防寒ウェア Ultimate Warm Wear
蓄熱＆撥水ジャケット (CARESTAR) Heat-Retaining & Water-Repellent Jacket
ズボンタイプにも変形できる優れもので、大きいポケットがついているのが最大の特徴。
温かい飲み物やカイロなども余裕で入るので、子供を見守るパパ・ママに最適です( *´艸｀)
大人用グローブも忘れずに Don't Forget Gloves for Adults
【Adult】防水・防寒5本指グローブ Waterproof 5-Finger Gloves
目の保護対策（ゴーグル） Eye Protection (Goggles)
雪の反射は想像以上！目を守るためにゴーグルは「必須」です。
Snow reflection is strong in Japan too! Goggles are essential.【Kids】ジュニア用スノーゴーグル Junior Snow Goggles
【Adult】UVカット・曇り止めゴーグル UV Cut & Anti-Fog Goggles
今回つけずに行ったのですが、雪の反射がすごくて…室内に入ると視界が暗く、目にかなりダメージがきます（数分待てば治りますが怖かったです）。
現地の売店でも販売してありますが、割高だったりサイズがなかったりするので、事前にネットで買っておくといいですよ！！
思い出をキレイに残す！カメラ Action Cameras for Memories
アクションカメラ (DJI Osmo) Action Camera (DJI Osmo)
Insta360やGoProもありますが、私の推しはDJIです( *´艸｀)
車でのアクセス対策 Driving to Ski Resorts in Japan
九州のスキー場は山奥にあることが多く、ノーマルタイヤでは危険な場合も。備えあれば憂いなしです。
Unlike some snow countries, winter tires are not always standard on rental cars in Kyushu. Chains are often mandatory.装着簡単なタイヤチェーン (KEIKA) Easy-to-Install Tire Chains
いろんなタイプのチェーンがあるのでぜひ見てみてください！！
貧弱な私でも装着することができました！！
Note: Check your tire size carefully. Japan has specific chain regulations.
トラブル体験：あってよかった「車止め」 Trouble Experience: Wheel Stoppers Saved Us
仕方なく停車してチェーンを装着しようとしたところ…
「あれ…車バックしてね？いや、滑ってる！！」
朝早かったので車の通りもなかったのですが、ゆっくりと車が滑り落ちていく感覚は本当に怖かったです。
そんな時に救世主となったのが、たまたま道端にあった「少し太めの木の枝」でした。
後輪に挟むことで、なんとかストップしてくれました。ゆっくりした滑りだったので木の枝で止まりましたが、もしもの時のために「車止め（タイヤストッパー）」になりそうなものを積んでおくと安心だと痛感しました。
Summary: Preparation is Key!
How was it?
I used to hate the cold and was scared of snowy roads, but by preparing properly and using the shuttle bus, I was able to have a fantastic time with my kids.
Seeing your children smile in a world of white snow is a priceless treasure.
Why not make your snow debut at Gokase Highland Ski Resort this winter?
\ Watch the famous Commercial /
古いもの順に載せています( *´艸｀)
冷えた体を癒やす！周辺の温泉・宿情報 Soothe Your Cold Body! Nearby Onsen & Accommodation
スキーや雪遊びの後は、やっぱり温かいお風呂や布団が一番！
五ヶ瀬ハイランドスキー場周辺のおすすめスポットをまとめました。
♨️ ごかせ温泉 森の宿 木地屋 Gokase Onsen Hotel Kijiya
ここは「美人の湯」としても知られる温泉があり、冷えた体を芯から温めてくれます。
バリアフリー対応で、Wi-Fiも完備されているので快適に過ごせますよ。
- 設備 / Facilities 温泉、Wi-Fi、バリアフリー、無料駐車場
Onsen, Wi-Fi, Barrier-free, Free Parking - 住所 / Address 宮崎県西臼杵郡五ヶ瀬町大字赤谷1915
⛺ 五ヶ瀬の里キャンプ村 Gokase no Sato Camp Village
冬場はテント泊よりも、暖房完備のバンガロー（要予約）がおすすめ。
家族やグループでワイワイ過ごしたい方にぴったりです。
- 設備 / Facilities バンガロー、オートサイト、炊事棟、トイレ
Bungalows, Auto-camping sites, Kitchen, Restroom - 住所 / Address 宮崎県西臼杵郡五ヶ瀬町大字三ヶ所141-1
- TEL 0982-82-1536
🍚 高千穂屋旅館 Takachihoya Ryokan
大浴場で疲れを癒やした後は、美味しい田舎料理が楽しめます。
五ヶ瀬町の自然を感じながら、ゆっくりと過ごしたいご家族におすすめです。
- 設備 / Facilities 大浴場、食堂、無料駐車場、テレビ、冷暖房
Large Public Bath, Dining, Free Parking, A/C - 住所 / Address 宮崎県西臼杵郡五ヶ瀬町鞍岡2862
- TEL 0982-83-2825
🧺 熊乃屋旅館（山都町） Kumanoya Ryokan (Yamato Town)
ここはスキーヤー・スノーボーダーに嬉しい「洗濯機（無料）＆ガス乾燥機（有料）」があります！
濡れてしまったウェアや手袋を乾かせるのは本当に助かりますね。
※お風呂は共同使用ですが温泉ではありません。
- 設備 / Facilities Wi-Fi、共同風呂、洗濯機、乾燥機
Wi-Fi, Shared Bath, Washing Machine, Dryer - 住所 / Address 熊本県上益城郡山都町馬見原838
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