Appi Kogen, Iwate
Appi Kogen is one of the largest ski resorts in the Tohoku region, spread across two mountains at the very northwest corner of Iwate Prefecture. Its village emerged out of a development push during Japan’s bubble era with a few high rise hotels and an extensive lift system. A great powder day in APPI is simply a great powder day, spread across nicely varied terrain.
New ownership over the past 5 years has brought in new capital, which has been channeled into hotel improvements and a new onsen complex.
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Snow
Quality: APPI’s snow can range from light powder to slippery hardpack due to its exposed north facing slopes.
Quantity: Volumes average 9-12 meters per winter, which puts APPI solidly in the respectable range. Snow cover can be thin in early December. January and February are the best bets.
Ski Schools
APPI is a full service resort. The internationalization of the ski school is focused on serving a Chinese-speaking customer base, but with advanced reservations an English instructor can be arranged.
Rental/Retail
Despite the size of the overall APPI development, rental and retail options are limited. As a limited destination resort, adequately modern equipment can be rented. The latest models will not likely be available, however.
Dining
General Dining: Among APPI’s lodging buildings, 16 restaurants cover a broad range of Japan’s greatest dining hits, with a healthy dose of wagyu options taking advantage of Iwate’s special bovine breeds.
Fine Dining: While some of the wagyu options at APPI can be considered gourmet cuisine, the resort is not targeting any Michelin stars, so great food is served casually with less attention to the furnishings than you might find at some leading restaurants. Off the main campus of the resort are a few ryokan, with the clear leader being Shikikan Saito, particularly known for its excellent cuisine.
Lodging
Within the APPI resort are 3 hotels run by the ski hill that float in the 3 star range as well as a number of independently run pensions. A five minute drive outside the resort is the elegant Shikikan Saito.
Air/Rail Access
APPI is not really convenient for flying into. A shinkansen to Morioka will get you within shuttle bus range, and switching to the local Hanawa Line can get you by train within five minutes of the resort by disembarking at the APPI Kogen Station.
Cultural Experience
The APPI Kogen resort area feels like a resort, although the relatively new onsen area reaches new heights for Japan’s world leading hot spring experiences. Shikikan Saito provides an authentic ryokan experience without breaking the bank. Morioka City, relatively nearby, is a thriving local metropolis as the largest urban area between Sendai and Aomori. A few historical sites dot the area surrounding Morioka.
Family/Kids
APPI Kogen has a full range of facilities for kids, including ski schools and day care as well as a snow activities park.