The undisputed powder capital of Japan, Niseko has earned a global reputation for seemingly endless snow days that carpet the slopes in meters upon meters of the good stuff. Niseko’s four resorts are located on the western end of Hokkaido island, surrounded by lively villages boasting restaurants, shopping, and vibrant nightlife — a rarity among Japanese ski areas. Up on the mountain, 32 lifts and gondolas service more than 47 kilometers of groomed runs, with options that will suit everyone from beginners to experienced riders. But Niseko’s true crown jewel is its pristine backcountry. While many other resorts in the country strictly regulate access to off-piste routes, Niseko has nine gates leading to hundreds more hectares of skiable terrain. You can easily cruise through waist-deep drifts all day long out here, but save some energy for nightfall. All four Niseko resorts keep the lights on and the lifts running well into the evening, making for the biggest night skiing area in the land of the rising sun.