What is Yukiiku? A detailed explanation of activities that promote children's development and deepen family bonds
Skiing or Playing in the snow A new way of learning that develops children's minds and bodies through Snow education ".
In this article, The appeal and benefits of snow education, and tips on what to wear and what to bring We will introduce the following in detail!
Hokkaido ・ Niigata Recommended areas and popular activities such as I will introduce the following to you, so please come with your family. winter Please use this as a reference to enjoy the show.
table of contents
- 1 What is snow cultivation?
- 2 Three benefits of snow cultivation
- 3 At what age should you start snow training?
- 4 What are the recommended places, areas and activities for snow education?
- 5 Things you need to know before starting snow farming
- 6 Strengthen family bonds through snow education
- 7 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What is snow cultivation?
" Snow education " means, Skiing and snowboarding such as Winter Sports or, Playing in the snow Initiatives to support the healthy development of children's minds and bodies through This is what I mean.
recent years, Niigata It is gaining attention in snowy regions, including Hokkaido, as an educational initiative to promote children's development.
The experience of touching snow is something you don't get to experience in your everyday life.
An extraordinary sensory-motor experience
.
Not only is it a great stimulus for children, but the act of balancing on the snow also strengthens their core muscles.
Also, by repeating challenges and successes,
confidence
or
sense of accomplishment
It will also be nurtured!
You may be worried about whether it is okay for small children to ski or play in the snow, but the important thing is Safe, fun and effortless Let your kids experience it!
Kids' park, beginner's course, short lessons By using this service, you can safely incorporate snow cultivation into your plants.
Three benefits of snow cultivation
snow education
What you get out of this is not just the enjoyment of the sporting experience.
In the following,
Three major benefits
We will introduce the following.
1. Accelerate physical and mental growth (basic physical strength, motor skills, sense of balance)
Skiing and snowboarding You put on unfamiliar equipment and slide with your feet fixed in place.
Additionally, the snow surface is not consistent in slope or hardness, resulting in an uneven environment.
By experiencing a variety of sensations and stimuli that you don't get in your everyday life, you will naturally strengthen your core and sense of balance.
.
If this is your first time playing in the snow,
It's safe to use the kids' park or beginner's course, or join the ski school.
!
You can improve your skills safely and gradually, and have fun while gaining success.
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2. Deepening family and parent-child bonds
Another major benefit of snow education is that it deepens family and parent-child bonds.
!
Playing in the snow and skiing with their parents gives children a strong sense of security and connection.
Another benefit is that it creates shared memories between parents and children, and increases family conversations and smiles.
Also, the slopes are difficult for children to go to alone, Another appealing feature is that even when students reach junior high or high school age, they can still enjoy going out together as a family. is.
3. Challenges and achievements increase self-esteem
Playing in the snow
or
Winter Sports
for,
challenge
and
achievement
There are many moments of
.
Making a snowman
Skiing
The successful experience of sliding downhill, stopping and turning on the slopes gives children the confidence that "if they try, they can do it."
self-affirmation
is nurtured.
Even if you fail, the process of getting back up and trying again is what builds perseverance and emotional control. .
There are many challenges that are easy to tackle, ski resort is a great place that naturally brings out the feeling of "I want to do this again!"
At what age should you start snow training?
Snow education is basically You can start at any age is.
For young children, enjoying the coldness and feel of snow and walking on it is a great first step in snow education!
People of all ages can enjoy activities such as making snowmen and sledding.
.
on the other hand, Skiing and snowboarding The age at which you can begin serious activities such as these varies depending on the content.
There is no need to force a challenge, It is recommended to start with an experience that suits your child's development and interests. is!
Winter activities for children from 0 years old
[Niigata, Uonuma] Family-friendly ♪ Koide Ski Resort Lift Ticket & Hot Spring Bathing Set Plan
This family-friendly ski resort offers children's rates up to junior high school age. Preschoolers can ride the lifts for free. This plan includes various lift tickets and a one-minute walk from the slopes! It also includes a day trip to the hot spring facility, Miharashi no Yukomami.
The annual Ice Festival is held at Lake Shikotsu! From Saturday, January 31st to Monday, February 23rd, 2026 (national holiday), you can experience "airport transfers + α" from Sapporo, as well as from New Chitose Airport to Lake Shikotsu to Sapporo city. Traveling with heavy luggage can be very difficult, so arrange a chartered private car for times like these! From hotels in Sapporo city to New Chitose Airport,
[Hokkaido, Hakodate] Ice Island Sled Tour in Onuma Quasi-National Park (15-20 minute course)
Our exclusive ice pleasure boat! Cruise on the ice in 20 minutes! We have six large handmade sleds (each seating 10 people). Our experienced instructors will guide you leisurely on snowmobiles to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Lake Onuma. [Guests with preschool children] Guests aged 0 to preschool children can participate for free. Where to participate
Winter activities for children from 3 years old
[Niigata/Yuzawa] Snow night buggy tour aiming for the winter mountain peak!
★About Snow Night Mega Buggy★ This is a night tour where you will board a 6-seater Snow Mega Buggy and head to the summit at night! It is a night tour where everyone can get on board and enjoy driving on the deserted slopes at night. The guide will drive on the slopes at night, and even small children (3 years old and above) can participate! Together with the whole family! (Preschool children must be accompanied by a parent)
[Sapporo Moerenuma Park] Snowshoe experience & playing in the snow with everyone (half-day plan)
This plan is a half-day plan where you can visit Moerenuma Park, a well-maintained urban park in Sapporo city, and enjoy simple snow activities that can be enjoyed in Hokkaido, such as snowshoeing and sledding on the slopes of Mount Moere, with a guide. It is a private plan for those who want to casually enjoy playing in the snow, without going to a ski resort in Sapporo city or the suburbs.
This plan does not support English.
The lessons are 50 minutes long, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength or athletic ability can take the lessons at their own pace. We also fully support children's camps, with our school's dedicated accommodation, rental equipment, and reliable small group instruction, even for first-time campers.
What are the recommended places, areas and activities for snow education?
In various parts of Japan,
Areas suitable for snow cultivation
There is.
Snow quality, slope environment, surrounding tourist spots, etc.
Each region has its own unique charm, so choose the place that best suits your needs.
1. Hokkaido
Hokkaido
teeth
Powder snow and good snow quality are major attractions
is.
The spacious, gentle slopes are also equipped with plenty of facilities for kids, making it the perfect place for your child's snow education debut!
Skiing and snowboarding
Of course,
Dog sledding
or
Snowshoe hike
You can enjoy a variety of activities, including ice experiences.
A popular destination for winter break and long vacations There is.
Activity Japan has
Hokkaido plan perfect for snow education
Now posted!
Snow trekking
or
Skiing
There are many different types, so be sure to check them out below!
====================================■ Choose your preferred plan for day or night! ■ Free rental of "snowshoe sets" for easy walking on fluffy snow! ■ (Day) Held in a forest inhabited by small animals such as long-tailed tits and Hokkaido squirrels! ■ (Night) Held on a snowy hill with a panoramic view of one of Japan's three greatest night views! ■
You will experience digging up cabbages that have been overwintering under the snow at Endo Farm in Nakafurano, a 20-minute drive from Furano. A method of storing vegetables unique to snowy regions, winter vegetables are overwintered under the snow. Do winter vegetables freeze under the snow? How do winter vegetables survive the winter? What is the life of a farmer in winter? Of course, the cabbages you dig up are also stored under the snow.
This ski lesson is held in Rusutsu, where you can enjoy the world-famous powder snow of Hokkaido. The school is run by a married couple who have over 20 years of snow sports experience and have taught over 2,000 students. All staff members provide easy-to-understand, thorough, and fun lessons! For those who are nervous about skiing for the first time or who are not confident in their physical strength,
This ski lesson plan is safe and enjoyable for those who say, "I want to try skiing, but it's my first time, so I'm nervous and scared!", "I've never ridden a lift on skis, so I'm scared!", or "It's been 10 years since I last skied, so I'm not sure if I can still ski." Of course, this lesson is also satisfying for those who have skiing experience and want to improve their level.
During the snowy season, you can walk through Shiretoko National Park, a World Heritage Site, on snowshoes. If there is no snow, you can walk without snowshoes. You can walk through natural forests and see waterfalls flowing into the Sea of Okhotsk, huge icicles, and depending on the season, drifting ice. You can mainly observe Ezo deer and wild birds. You may also see eagles, woodpeckers, and flying squirrels, which are designated as natural monuments. In bad weather such as blizzards,
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2. Niigata
Niigata for, There are plenty of family-friendly slopes and kids' parks, so you can enjoy the resort with your children in safety. .
Along with the snow-raising experience, Enjoy Niigata's unique cuisine, hot springs, and sightseeing Therefore, it is a recommended area for family trips.
There are also many experience plans available for children to participate in.
.
Children who are experiencing snow for the first time,
Skiing and snowboarding
Even if it's your first time trying these, you're sure to have fun!
Find an experience that interests you and make a reservation!
This plan combines accommodation at a full-scale resort hotel with trekking in snowshoes. The hotel is the Royal Tainai Park Hotel, which has a European appearance reminiscent of a castle. At the hotel, you can enjoy authentic gourmet meals and the hot springs, which boast an open-air bath, an open-air bath with a view, and a sauna. The water quality is also excellent!
[Niigata/Myoko] ☆ For the whole family ☆ Family lessons ♪ Skiing and snowboarding available!
This plan does not support English.
Enjoy lessons for the whole family! This is a family lesson plan! Your dedicated coach will make your family ski trip fun. Since it's a special ski trip, let's spend a memorable time together as a family! We offer both skiing and snowboarding, so please let us know which you prefer! *We offer 4-hour and 5-hour lessons.
[Niigata/Myoko] Kids ski lessons ♪ (ages 3 to preschoolers)
This plan does not support English.
Fun for everyone! Group lesson plan! We have received feedback from parents who want to help their children experience the snowy mountains and skiing for the first time, and who want to help them further expand the joy of skiing! We offer one-on-one lessons tailored to each child. (For preschool children aged 3 and up. Our staff will have fun with you, including playing in the snow.)
3. Nagano
There are many ski resort options, including plenty of family-friendly slopes
Nagano
.
Parents and children can enjoy themselves freely
Various snow activities
You can experience the following.
Also,
Snow-raising is possible in a variety of areas in Nagano
.
If you're in Karuizawa,
Tokyo
It is easily accessible, taking about an hour by Shinkansen from there.
Karuizawa or Hakuba Why not try participating in an activity that fits your schedule?
Become a Ninja on the Slopes! Become a ninja and ski down the slopes! Enjoy skiing while experiencing Japanese culture! Ninja-themed ski wear will give you a special experience on the slopes. With designs that both adults and children can enjoy, it's the perfect memory of your trip to Japan! Available in sizes 120, 140, and S.
This plan does not support English.
The lessons are 50 minutes long, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength or athletic ability can take the lessons at their own pace. We also fully support children's camps, with our school's dedicated accommodation, rental equipment, and reliable small group instruction, even for first-time campers.
This plan does not support English.
Recommended for those who want to have a casual fun time or families with small children. ◎ Stroll and explore the winter forest! Observe animal footprints and winter buds, and enjoy snow activities such as sledding. Relax and unwind with a cafe time on the snow. We will guide you to various fields depending on the snow conditions. Available in the Karuizawa/Kitakaruizawa area, Yunomaru/Takamine Kogen area. ◎ ◆ We cannot accommodate last-minute reservations, weekends, holidays, or other special occasions.
[Nagano/Hakuba] Fun snowshoe tour in Usagi Forest (hot drinks included)
This plan does not support English.
This popular tour involves walking through the snowy forest where rabbits live on snowshoes with a guide! Tea time in the forest awaits! Beginners can feel at ease as the guide will teach you how to put on the snowshoes. The short distance and little elevation change make this tour perfect for beginners. While walking through the snowy forest, you can spot the footprints of rabbits and Japanese serows (a special natural monument!).
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4. Yamanashi
Yamanashi
The greatest attraction of snow education in
It is easily accessible from the city center and can be enjoyed on a day or half-day trip.
!
Tokyo
It takes 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Shinjuku, but you can also get there smoothly by taking the express bus from Shinjuku.
Another unique feature of Yamanashi is the photogenic scenery!
Enjoying snow play and skiing with Mt. Fuji in the background is a special experience perfect for families and recording the growth of children.
is.
In addition to playing in the snow on the slopes, you can also enjoy sightseeing and hot springs for a fulfilling winter day.
In the following,
Winter activities you can experience in Yamanashi
We introduce the following.
If you're considering snow-raising in Yamanashi, be sure to check it out!
[Yamanashi, Kawaguchiko] Fujiten Snowboard School 30 years of experience Burton instructor
He lives in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, and has 30 years of experience as an instructor at Burton Snowboard School in Echigo Yuzawa during his student days. He offers snowboarding lessons for children, from basic to advanced technical skills. The two venues are as follows. They are both about an hour and a half from the city center, making them easily accessible.
[Yamanashi, Kawaguchiko] Choose from 8 nature tours around Mt. Fuji
Here are the English descriptions for each tour:CAVE Tour in Aokigahara Jukai near Mt. Fuji - 3 hoursExplore the mystical Aokigahara Jukai near Mt. Fu
5. Gunma
Gunma The appeal of is not just its easy access from the metropolitan area.
The quality of snow varies depending on the altitude and region. There is a wide range of options, from powder snow slopes to ski resorts with kids' parks that even small children can enjoy, making it the perfect place for a snow education debut. The environment is well-equipped.
Gunma is also
It is also famous as a hot spring paradise.
!
There are also many hot spring resorts, such as Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen, and Minakami Onsen, so you can enjoy a hot spring after playing in the snow.
Activity Japan has
Recommended plans for snow-raising in Gunma
Now posted!
Snowshoeing
There are a variety of plans available, so be sure to check them out below!
Why not put on snowshoes and step into a never-before-seen panorama of flora and fauna? A nature guide will walk you through the snow while giving you fun information about the winter flora and fauna and how to play in the snow. This is a course that includes tea time on the snow, perfect for those who are snowshoeing for the first time! It's so much fun being in the snow!!
"Fun comes first! Look cool!!" Affordable private snowboarding lessons available on-site
If you feel like you're never getting the hang of skating, we'll teach you how to easily look cool! To become a really good skater, it all comes down to the number of days you spend skating. In reality, you don't have to be that good. It's fine as long as you look cool! We offer lessons like that. Of course, if you're looking to steadily improve your level,
Are you a little worried about your physical strength, but want to enjoy a special time in the snow? Walk with your family and friends with a smile, encounter natural winter scenery along the way, and enjoy playing in the snow, all while aiming for your own lunch spot. You can think about and enjoy a light lunch on a table made out of snow, or a special sled course you made yourself.
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Things you need to know before starting snow farming
To make snow farming fun, it is important to prepare in advance.
In the following,
What to bring and what to wear before heading out to snow training
We will introduce the following.
clothing
How to protect yourself from the cold of the snow Cold weather protection is essential However, when children are absorbed in playing, they can start to sweat and get cold. So, I recommend Layered style !
A moisture-wicking inner layer, a warm mid-layer (sweater or fleece), and a waterproof and windproof outer layer By combining these, you can put them on or take them off depending on the situation, allowing you to stay comfortable.
Accessories such as hats, neck warmers, and gloves are also essential.
What to bring
The snow on the slopes reflects UV rays, so be sure to
goggles
or
sunglasses
Prepare some and protect your eyes.
Sunglasses can come off while skiing or snowboarding, so goggles are a safer option.
If you're just playing in the snow, sunglasses are enough.
is.
Also, even if you are wearing waterproof clothing, you may get wet while playing. It is recommended to bring a change of clothes even for day trips. !
others, towel or drink , sweets In addition, Health insurance card or Maternal and Child Health Handbook , sunscreen It's a good idea to have these on hand!
Strengthen family bonds through snow education
This time, Overview and appeal of snow education We featured the following.
In addition to physical and mental growth and improved self-esteem,
Sharing time together as a family deepens the bond between parent and child
This is the benefit of growing plants in the snow.
Skiing
or
Playing in the snow
Through these experiences, children will gain valuable learning experiences and create unforgettable memories.
Why not try your hand at snow cultivation with your family on your next holiday or winter break?
*The content of this article is current as of October 2025.
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