---
title: "IKON & EPIC Passes In Japan: IKON Announces Huge Expansion In Japan"
date: 2025-10-23T15:44:00+09:00
author: Chris Pickering
canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/ikon-epic-pass-in-japan"
section: News
---
[Resort News](https://uchijapan.com/news/resorts)# IKON & EPIC Passes In Japan: IKON Announces Huge Expansion In Japan
Oct 23, 2025
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Big news as ski pass giant IKON announces its expansion into nine new Asian ski resorts—seven of which are in Japan. Keep reading to find out which resorts are joining this global pass for the 2025/26 season.
The **EPIC** and **IKON** passes are two of the most popular global ski passes, offering access to a wide range of resorts across multiple countries, including Japan. Skiers and snowboarders can explore some of Japan’s top destinations with these passes, such as Hakuba Valley, Rusutsu, and Niseko United.
Both passes are ideal for international travellers looking to experience Japan’s famous powder snow, while enjoying the flexibility and variety of multiple resorts.
 Image credit: Someone enjoys the Japow / IKON ## The IKON Pass
The [**IKON Pass**](https://www.ikonpass.com/) is a season ski pass that offers access to various ski resorts around the world, including seven new in Japan. It is designed to provide skiers and snowboarders with access to multiple resorts through a single pass, making it a popular option for travellers who want to visit different locations.
In Japan, the IKON Pass continues to offer access to the following ski resorts:
1. **Niseko United** (Hokkaido Prefecture)
- One of Japan's most famous ski areas, Niseko United is known for its excellent powder snow, international atmosphere, and extensive terrain. The IKON Pass provides **7 days of access** with no blackout dates.
2. **Arai Mountain Resort** (Niigata Prefecture)
- Known for deep snow and backcountry terrain, Lotte Arai is a more recent addition to the global ski scene. The IKON Pass also provides **7 days of access** here, with no blackout dates.
New locations added to the IKON Pass for the 2025/26 season are:
1. **Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort** (Nagano Prefecture)
- The largest and highest ski area in Japan, Shiga Kogen boasts 18 interconnected ski resorts which is famous for its excellent snow with views of Mount Fuji. The IKON Pass provides **7 days of access** with no blackout dates.
2. **Mt.T by Hoshino Resorts** (Gunma Prefecture)
- Formerly formerly Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort, Mt.T has an impressive 15 metres of annual snowfall. The IKON Pass provides **7 days of access**, with no blackout dates.
3. **Myōkō Suginohara Ski Resort** (Niigata Prefecture)
- Abundant snowfall, one of the country's longest groomed runs at 8,500 metres and easy transport links from Tokyo makes Suginohara a popular choice. Enjoy **7 days of access**, with no blackout dates with IKON.
4. **APPI Resort** (Iwate Prefecture)
- Located way in the North, APPI resort has wide-open terrain and a unique climate that offers snow so fine and light it's nicknamed 'aspirin snow'. The IKON Pass gives **7 days of access**, with no blackout dates.
5. **Furano Ski Resort** (Hokkaido Prefecture)
- Divided into two areas: the Furano Zone and the Kitanomine Zone, Furano is home to that world-famous deep Japow. The IKON Pass provides **7 days of access** with no blackout dates.
6. **Nekoma Mountain** (Fukushima Prefecture)
- Now one of Japan's largest ski destinations, Nekoma Mountain unites two skifields: the southern slopes offer views of Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, while the northern side attracts with its ultra-fine powdered snow. The IKON Pass offers **7 days of access** here, with no blackout dates.
7. **Zao Onsen Ski Resort** (Yamagata Prefecture)
- Home to Japan's legendary Juhyo or Snow Monsters—towering rime-covered trees shaped by Siberian winds—Zao Onsen offers the perfect blend of top quality snow with steaming onsens. The IKON pass provides **7 days of access** with no blackout dates.
The days you use do not need to be consecutive, allowing flexibility to visit multiple resorts in Japan. The IKON Pass also grants access to over 60 other ski areas worldwide.
Find out more about the IKON Pass here:
 Image credit: A snowboarder performs a jump / EPIC ## The EPIC Pass
The [**EPIC Pass**](https://www.epicpass.com/region/japan.aspx) is another popular global ski pass, offering access to numerous resorts worldwide, including several in Japan. Like the IKON Pass, it provides a great option for international travellers who want to experience a variety of ski resorts.
Here’s more about where you can use the EPIC Pass in Japan:
1. **Hakuba Valley** (Nagano Prefecture)
- Like the IKON pass used to, the EPIC Pass now grants access to **Hakuba Valley**, which is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski areas. It includes access to ten resorts within the valley, such as Happo-One, Tsugaike, and Cortina. These resorts offer a diverse range of terrain, from beginner slopes to advanced backcountry. EPIC Pass holders can enjoy **unlimited, unrestricted access** to these resorts during the ski season.
2. **Rusutsu Resort** (Hokkaido Prefecture)
- Rusutsu is a well-known resort in Hokkaido, famous for its light powder snow and tree skiing. It offers a less crowded alternative to Niseko while still delivering excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The EPIC Pass gives **5 consecutive days** of unrestricted access to Rusutsu during the winter season.
Find out more about the EPIC pass here:
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