Appi Kogen (安比高原) is a large ski resort in Hachimantai, Iwate, Japan.

Best known as one of Japan's largest ski resorts, Appi brands itself as an "all-season resort" with golf, sports, hot springs and more. Opened in 1981, it's a Bubble-era creation and hasn't been discovered by international tourists in the same way that places like Niseko, at least in part due to its somewhat awkward location 500 km north of Tokyo with no major airports nearby. Skiing is still the main draw, with 16 lifts and 45 km of trails, and there's been a large wave of investment since 2021.

Map of Appi Kogen

The nearest major city is Morioka, 2.5 hours north of Tokyo by Shinkansen. See Morioka#Get in for details. From Morioka, Appi is served by 40.012583140.9973061 Appi Kogen station on the JR Hanawa Line, with 7 services per day (60 min from Morioka, 2.5 hrs from Odate), but you'll need to take a shuttle or taxi to get from the station to the resort area. During the winter season only, Iwate Kenpoku Bus operates buses from Morioka station directly to Appi Kogen, no booking required.

Appi Resort also operates direct shuttle bus services for IHG hotel guests only. The main one runs from Morioka station to Appi Kogen three times per day (70 min, ¥2000/1000 adult/child). In season, there are also once-daily airport shuttle buses directly from Hanamaki, Odate and Sendai airports. Advance reservations tied to a confirmed hotel booking are required for all of these.

The three large hotels at Appi are all operated by Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), with three hotels at three price points.

• 40.0014140.968291 ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort, 117-46 Appi Kogen, ☏ +81 195-68-7550. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Opened 2022, this is an understated low-rise 5-star resort with direct ski-in/ski-out access. Offers refined service and spacious rooms. Features multiple restaurants and bars, onsen, spa, sauna, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. A premium option for a high-end stay. 
• 40.00219140.968362 ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Appi Kogen (Appi Grand Hotel), 117-17 Appi Kogen, ☏ +81 195-73-5011. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Huge Bubble-era resort hotel in two canary yellow buildings including the "iconic" (hideous) 78 m Hotel Tower, with a wide range of dining options, indoor pool, gym, karaoke, amusement facilities, and a large public onsen. Some rooms have private tubs. Provides ski-in/ski-out access and is well-suited for longer stays. 
• 39.99714140.97383 ANA Holiday Inn Resort Appi Kogen (Appi Kogen Onsen Hotel), 605-227 Appi Kogen, ☏ +81 195-73-6011. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Casual resort hotel typically open during the winter season. Offers comfortable rooms and convenient access to the ski slopes. Features restaurants, a communal bath, and is directly connected to the large Shirakaba no Yu hot spring complex. 

There are also numerous smaller lodgings, but they lack the ski-in/ski-out convenience (and price tags) of the big boys.