Gokase Highland Ski and Snowboard Resort

While southern Kyushu and a ski resort may seem like an unlikely pairing, Miyazaki Prefecture’s Gokase Highland Ski and Snowboard Resort will quickly show you otherwise. As Japan’s southernmost ski resort, it has been attracting people to its slopes for over 30 years.

Mount Mukozaka

Photo by: PIXTA/ 雪海 Take in the “sea of clouds” in the early morning

Gokase Highland Ski and Snowboard is located near the top of Mount Mukozaka. With a height of over 1,600 meters, Mount Mukozaka is one of the tallest peaks in Miyazaki and is part of the Kyushu Highlands. This group of mountains stretches across the Miyazaki/Kumamoto borderlands. As you ride the slopes, take a moment to enjoy the view from the summit. On the best days, you can see some of the Highlands’ most famous peaks, including Mounts Ichifusa and Kunimi. If you’re especially lucky, you’ll be able to spot some of the Five Peaks of Mount Aso. Nearby, in the town of Gokase, you can also enjoy weeping cherry trees at Josenji Temple from late March to early April.

Gokase Highland Ski and Snowboard Resort

Photo by: PIXTA/ 雪海 The resort reopened at the end of 2024

Gokase Highland Ski and Snowboard lies on the northern face of Mount Mukozaka. Although there were doubts that a ski resort could be successful in the warm southern Kyushu climate, Gokase Highland’s long history, starting from 1990 shows that it is possible. Despite peaking in popularity in 1993, attracting more than 90,000 visitors to its slopes, it still managed to welcome over 24,000 people in 2021. Due to a typhoon that rocked the region, the resort was closed for several years before finally reopening at the end of 2024.

All Skill Levels Welcome

Gokase Highland Ski and Snowboard is home to a variety of courses regardless of your skill level. The beginner course is perfect if you’re just starting out and features a 60-meter slope with a gentle incline. The Paradise Course is aimed at intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Covering about 1,000 meters of terrain, this course lets you coast at an incline of around 13 degrees. Also known as the Phantom Course, the Dynamic Course is great for advanced skiers. At about 650 meters in length with an average slope of 25 degrees, this one offers a worthy challenge.

If you’re more into catching some air and landing a trick, try launching off a kicker or sliding across a rail in the Snow Park. In addition to the slopes, there are plenty of other attractions at Gokase Highland. For small children not yet ready to strap on a pair of skis, there’s the Family Zone complete with snow mounds and sleds.