Where to buy skis in Japan

Getting a new skis or snowboard for up coming japow in Hakuba or Niseko?

Stay in Tokyo for a day and visit the largest ski shop avenue and get right pair.

Ogawamachi (小川町) area 

The biggest ski shop district in Japan

Otherwise known as Kanda (神田) or Ochanomizu (御茶ノ水) area is where all ski and snowboard shops gather in Tokyo. It's in between Ogawamachi and Jinbocho subway station along the Yasukuni street. Unlike European ski resorts, Japanese ski areas often don't have ski shops in the valley. To make sure you're ready for your trip, this area will be more convenient for you.

Closest stations are

Subway: Ogawamachi (小川町) sta. and Jinbocho (神保町) sta. 

JR: Ochanomizu (御茶ノ水) station

Tips

･ Always ask the price.

Very often they only show the original price, which they offer discounts. They will understand English enough for you to buy skis. There are many small shops across the area and try to look into different shop and they would have various models and price. 

･ 3pm is the time when all the shops are less crowded. 

･ Remember to bring your passport and ask for tax reduction.

･ Floor plan are different from Europe, this article will be written in European style.

Ground floor (EU) = First floor (JPN)

First floor = Second floor 

Second floor = Third floor

Freeride skis

･ Ski shop Vail

This would be one of the shop if you are a freeride skier. They offer 37 ski brands from Japanese to European skis focusing on freeride and tour skis. Following the recent trend in powder snow this shop is crowded among other shops. In the end of February, they have new model freeride ski test in Tsugaike Kogen ski area in Hakuba. Ask the store for more info. Skis and Boots are on the ground floor and Jacket, Pants and accessories are on the first floor. 

2-1 Ogawamachi Kanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo

+81 3-5577-6411

Open hours Nov. ~ Feb. 

Weekdays: 11:30 ~ 20:30

Weekend: 10:30 ~ 20:30

Open all year as ski shop

･ Mt. Ishii Sports Kanda main shop (Mt. 石井スポーツ 神田本館)

This shop offer both freeride and on piste skis. They have shops nation wide and this is its main store. Good place to ask for local info for backcountry skiing. This is also one of the shop for freeride skiers to visit. It has more space and uncrowded. Skis and boots are on the ground floor and jackets and other gears are on the first floor.

3-10 Ogawamachi Kanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo

+81 3-3295-3215

Open hours 11:00 ~ 20:00

･ Sports Crew (スポーツクルー)

This shop is a smaller version of Vail. Amazing how they manage to place all the freeride ski in such a small space. The shop is owned by the same company as Vail. However, they have different skis displayed in store front. They only have skis and boots. 

3-2-6 Ogawamachi Kanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo

+81 3-3293-6887

Open all year as ski shop

Open hours Nov. ~ Feb.

Weekdays: 11:30 ~ 20:30

Weekend: 10:30 ~ 20:30

On piste and Freeride

･ Mt. Ishii Sports Kanda main shop (Mt. 石井スポーツ 神田本館)

Same place as above. They offer on piste skis and boots. They also have their mountain equipment store near by.

･ Pro ski shop Aspen

The skis in this shop are 85% on piste and 15% freeride and freestyle skis. Carving is the main focus in this shop. They have variety of poles and also offer custom insoles. The shop has three floors, ski and boots on the ground floor, jacket and pants on the first and helmet, goggles and gloves, etc. are on the second floor. It's also owned by the same company as Vail and Crew. 

3-6 Ogawamachi Kanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo

+81 3-3233-1607

Open all year as ski shop

Open hours Nov. ~ Feb.

Weekdays: 11:30 ~ 20:30

Weekend: 10:30 ~ 20:30

･ Fuso ski & boots tune

Few stores next to Vail, and it's owned by the same company. Their stores are spacious and filled with on piste skis and few freeride skis. They have the Wax future (infrared wax machine) in store, which allows them to apply with in half an hour. 

2-3-3 Ogawamachi Kanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo

+81 3-3293-8965

Open all year as ski shop

Open hours Nov. ~ Feb.

Weekdays: 11:30 ~ 20:30

Weekend: 10:30 ~ 20:30

Racing skis and service

･ Mt. Ishii Sports Compe Kan (Mt. 石井スポーツ コンペカン)

This shop focuses on fis racing skis, Compe stands for competition in Japanese. Their ski service level is said to be top class in tokyo. World cup skiers visit this shop to finish their boots. They have staff who participated in INTERSKI as Japanese national team and various ski trainers who run ski camps. In addition, they are the first Atomic Pro Center in Japan.

1-6-1 Jinbocho Kanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo

+81 3-3295-6060

Open all year as ski shop

Open hours: 11:00 ~ 20:00 *closed on Tuesday (also on Wed. thru March ~ September)

These are just few shops in the Jinbocho area, look around and hope you find your new skis. Remember, always ask for its price and passport for tax reduction.

Enjoy your stay in Tokyo and have some Japanese lunch while looking for your gear.