Niigata Prefecture has a diverse selection of ski resorts, each offering a unique experience - from luxurious hotels by the slopes to rugged, off-road courses that utilize the natural terrain. Many of Niigata's snow resorts revolve around two areas: Yuzawa/Uonuma and Joetsu/Myoko.

The ski season is long, with some resorts operating until early May, which coincides with Japan's Golden Week holiday period.

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Niigata is very accessible from Tokyo by Shinkansen and regular train, with many resorts then connected via bus from train stations nearby. To make the most of your stay in the region, we recommend getting a JR East Nagano-Niigata Area Pass, which allows unlimited rail travel for 5 days.

Many of the ski resorts in Niigata Prefecture open between mid-December and April. The best time to visit is January and February when the snowfall is at its highest. From the new year, fresh snowfall is very consistent, and the amount of powder snow increases.

Yuzawa/Uonuma is an easily accessible region in Niigata, which can be reached from Tokyo via a bullet train in just 1.5 hours. This makes it one of the most convenient regions to visit.

One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Kagura Ski Resort, the highest ski resort, sitting at 1,845 meters above sea level. The resort is well-known for its excellent skiing facilities and is highly regarded by enthusiasts.

Yuzawa/Uonuma is also famous for its heavy snowfall, with some areas receiving over a meter of snow overnight during January and February. This provides visitors with an ample amount of fluffy powder snow to enjoy.

Naeba Ski Resort boasts 24 unique courses, including the giant slope used in the World Cup, one with uncompacted snow, a super long run, and more, making it suitable for a wide range of different levels. Plenty of activities are on offer, such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The kids' ski school, which accepts children as young as 3, has multi-language support, making it an excellent place for your children to discover the joy of skiing with a pro!

Season dates
December 16, 2023 - April 7, 2024

Getting there
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then take the local bus from the East Exit for around 45 minutes. During winter, the limited seasonal highway bus “Naeba White Snow Shuttle” also runs from Ikebukuro to Naeba.

Lift tickets and rentals
For those who want to enjoy a lot of skiing, we recommend getting the Naeba Area One Day Ticket (adults: 6,800 yen). Rental ski sets, including skis, boots, and poles, go for 5,500 yen for adults and 3,500 yen for children (elementary school and younger).

Restaurants and accommodations
Within the slope-side Naeba Prince Hotel is Restaurant Azalea, which serves a buffet of dishes made with top-quality local produce. The hotel also has an overnight guest-only indoor bathhouse called “Naeba no Yu” and an open-air bath, “Hiuchi no Yu,” which is open to day-trip visitors.

Kagura Ski Resort opens for a lengthy period between late November and mid-March. It is split into three areas: Tashiro, Kagura, and Mitsumata. Within this, Kagura is popular for its plentiful powder snow and “Kagura Park,” which has jumps and other jib ski items available at the start of the season and in spring. The Kagura Ski School also offers lessons in powder skiing, mogul skiing, and more.

Season dates
December 16, 2023 - April 7, 2024

Getting there
Kagura Ski Resort can be reached via the same route as Naeba Ski Resort. Take the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then take the local bus from the East Exit for around 30 minutes. If driving, the Mitsumata Station section of the resort is 46 km from the Tsukiyono IC on National Route 17, while Tashiro Station is 39 km.

Lift tickets and rentals
The One Day Lift Ticket (Naeba area) is 6,800 yen for adults and 5,000 yen (for high school students and above). This ticket can be used for the Tashiro, Kagura, and Mitsumata areas. The ski set, which includes ski boots and poles, is 6,000 yen for adults and 5,000 yen for children (elementary school-aged and younger).

*During the winter season, lift tickets for children (elementary school children and younger) are free. Special lift tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths.

Restaurants and accommodations
Tashiro has a Northern European restaurant, Kagura a mountain hut eatery, and Mitsumata a spacious, open restaurant, giving each its own distinctive feel.

For accommodation, Kagura Ski Resort can be accessed on a day trip from the Naeba Prince Hotel on the Kagura-Naeba rapid service bus. Lodging is also available at the Wadagoya Mountain Hut on the 5th Station of Mount Naeba.

GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is best known for its unrivaled convenience - just 74 minutes at the quickest direct on the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train from JR Tokyo Station! There are also multi-language skiing classes, along with additional fun like snowmobile sledding tours and more.

If you’re keen to ski but are anxious about trying it for the first time, GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is where to go!

Season dates
December 16, 2023 - April 7, 2024

Getting there
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Gala Yuzawa Station; the resort will appear right before you! If you get off at the nearby Echigo-Yuzawa Station instead, there is a free shuttle bus service from the East Exit between late December - late March (estimate).

Lift tickets and rentals
If purchased on the day, the One Day Ticket is 6,000 yen for adults and 3,000 yen for elementary school-aged children (all including tax). However, you can get a discount by purchasing tickets online in advance. You can also ensure smooth gear rental with online bookings and prefilling rental forms.

Restaurants and accommodations
GALA has plenty of relaxation facilities perfect after an action-packed day on the slopes, including restaurants, spas, and even a daycare for children. If you’re spending the night, there are many gorgeous traditional “ryokan” style inns around Echigo-Yuzawa Station, such as Onyuyado Nakaya and Takahan.

Maiko Snow Resort, easily accessed by either car or train, has 26 courses spread out over its expansive slopes, including a 6,000-meter-long run!

Beginners, head to the “Run-Run Course” from the cable car summit, where you can enjoy a long, fun cruise while admiring the stunning scenery.

Other activities include snow rafting, snowmobiling, and a park for kids. There is also a ski school specializing in English and Chinese classes.

Season dates
December 20, 2023 - early April, 2023

Getting there
If driving, Maiko Snow Resort is a minute from the Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC. Those taking the bullet train can use a free shuttle bus service from Echigo-Yuzawa Station.

Lift tickets and rentals
The One Day Ticket is 6,200 yen for adults, 5,700 yen for seniors and middle/high school students, and 3,300 yen for elementary school children. There is also an extra priority cable car boarding service for an additional fee. There are three gear rental shops, with ski/snowboarding sets (includes ski/snowboard + boots + poles) costing 4,500 yen for adults, 4,000 yen for seniors and middle/high school students, and 2,500 yen for elementary school children and below.

Restaurants and accommodations
There is a fantastic variety of food to enjoy at the Maiko Kogen Hotel restaurant and the ski slope restaurant. Also within the scenic hotel is a spacious Jacuzzi open to day-trip visitors, allowing a relaxing bath after skiing and eating.

With a total ski area of 236 ha, Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is one of the largest along the Kan-etsu Expressway. It has 23 courses ranging from beginner to pro, along its lush natural snow and spacious terrain.

In addition to skiing, there are also snow glamping facilities to stay the night in a dome tent enveloped in a winter paradise. There is also a kids' ski school with multiple graded classes starting from 4 years old.

Season dates
December 15, 2023 - April 7, 2024

Getting there
Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is a 10-minute ride from Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the free shuttle bus. If driving, the resort is just 5 minutes away on a flat road from the Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC, making it an excellent choice for those nervous about driving in the snow.

Lift tickets and rentals
The 8.5 Hour Lift Ticket is 6,500 yen for adults, 3,600 yen for juniors, and 5,600 yen for seniors. Discounts are also available with advanced online bookings. Rental gear largely consists of the latest models from famous brands.

Restaurants and accommodations
There are 24 eateries on the slopes of Ishiuchi Maruyama, offering authentic Western cuisine, local dishes, and much more. Being spread throughout the mountain from the base to the middle to the summit, you can easily treat yourself to a hot meal no matter where you are! Around the resort are pensions, ryokan, and other accommodations suiting all styles and budgets.

Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is famous for its enormous ropeway system, which can carry up to 166 passengers, making it one of the largest in the world! It will take you straight up from the hot spring town to the 1,000-meter-high mountain slopes, where you’ll find lots of courses from beginner to pro, along with space for sliding, sledding, and more, plus an indoor kids’ room.

There is also a terrace boasting a jaw-dropping panorama. The skiing and snowboarding school has English and Chinese lessons available, so don’t hesitate to contact them to get your technique on point!

Season dates
December 16, 2023 - April 7, 2024

Getting there
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is just an 8-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. You can also ride the free loop shuttle bus, which will take you there in 3 minutes. It is also 5 minutes by car from the Yuzawa I.C.

Lift tickets and rentals
The One Day Ticket is 5,300 yen for adults, 3,500 yen for children, and 4,700 yen for seniors, with discounts available through online pre-booking. You can also buy a ticket for the Yuzawa Onsen Yuki-Asobi Park for a ride on the ropeway.

Restaurants and accommodations
There are several restaurants at Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort, including authentic Italian with slope views, local cuisine using regional produce, and a mountaintop cafe, each suiting a different mood. There is plenty of accommodation around Echigo-Yuzawa Station, including hot spring inns where you can rejuvenate after skiing.

Since its opening, NASPA Ski Garden has been a skiing-only resort. Each slope connects directly to the onsite hotel NASPA New Otani, making it a breeze to return to your room.

Plenty of intermediate and advanced tracks complement the beginner courses, including non-compacted snow and mogul courses to test your skill.

The NASPA ski school holds lessons with English and Chinese support, and there are several side activities like snow rafting, snowmobiling, night buggy tours, and more, making it a great spot to take the family!

Season dates
December 22, 2023 - March 31, 2024

Getting there
Three minutes on the free shuttle bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station or a 5-minute drive from the Yuzawa IC.

Lift tickets and rentals
Regular tickets are 6,000 yen for adults and 4,500 yen for elementary school children and younger. However, you can grab cheaper tickets if you visit on “service days,” generally Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Rental sets, which include skis, boots, and poles, are 4,000 yen for adults and 3,000 yen for elementary school children and younger.

Restaurants and accommodations
There are four places to eat at NASPA Ski Garden, including a restaurant directly connected to the slopes where you can enter in ski boots, and spacious dining options up in the slopes. Best of all, you can stay the night next door at the NASPA New Otani, whose rooms boast breathtaking snapshots of the silvery winter scenery.

In recent years, Joetsu/Myoko has also attracted a passionate fanbase of skiers and snowboarders lured in by the high-quality snow. It is reachable from Tokyo Station in around 3 hours via a mix of bullet train and regular train lines and can also be driven from Yuzawa in roughly 2 hours.

The area receives a lot of snowfall, reaching up to 3 meters in January and February. The snow of Myoko is famous for its soft and fluffy texture, making it feel like you’re flying!

Many ski resorts and facilities here are owned by people from America, Australia, and more, making it particularly welcoming for foreigners.

However, be aware that the weather often changes dramatically in these regions, leading to storms, cold snaps, and more. We recommend wearing tightly fitting goggles, weather-resistant clothing, and more to ensure you’re ready if the weather turns.

Of the 16 courses at Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, around 80% are aimed at beginners and intermediate skiers, making it a safe and fun place for both children and adults alike. The longest ski slope is 8.5 km and is exceptionally spacious and wide, alleviating worries about accidental bumps.

The ski school employs acclaimed instructors accredited by the Ski Association of Japan, who will work at your level to support your improvement.

Season dates
December 23, 2023 - March 24, 2024

Getting there
Take the Hokuriku-Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station and get off at Joetsumyoko Station. Change to the Echigo Tokimeki Railway to Myokokogen Station. Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort is a 15-minute taxi ride from Myokokogen Station.

Lift tickets and rentals
The One Day Pass is 6,000 yen for adults and 5,400 yen for seniors and middle/high school students. Elementary school-aged children and younger can ride the lifts and gondolas for free. The ski/snowboard rental one-day sets are 5,000 yen for adults and 4,000 yen for seniors and children.

Restaurants and accommodations
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort has several restaurants to satisfy one’s hunger dotting the grounds, from the gondola mountain base station to the carpark and more. There is even a ramen joint to warm up and nourish the body! You can book accommodation at the nearby inn with a lift ticket as part of the “Ski Plan” set.

Akakura Onsen Ski Area boasts 100% natural high-grade powder snow on all its courses, which vary from steep, moguled slopes to wide and relaxing ones popular with beginners and experts alike. Three ski schools accommodate different levels, so whether you’re just getting started or looking to take it to the next level, there is a class for you at Akakura Onsen!

Season dates
December 16, 2023 - April 7, 2024

Getting there
An 8-minute drive from the Myokokogen IC on the Joshin-etsu Expressway (1,300 spots in the resort’s free parking space). If you are coming by train, take the free shuttle from Myokokogen Station, which will take you to the resort in around 12 minutes.

Lift tickets and rentals
The One Day Lift Ticket is 5,500 yen for adults, 4,400 yen for seniors and middle school students, and 1,200 yen for children (8:30 am - 5:00 pm). Skiing “passports” are also sold, allowing access from morning until 9:00 pm. Rental gear is also available, all thoroughly maintained and in top condition.

Restaurants and accommodations
Food can be enjoyed around each lift, and there are loads of charming accommodations around the nearby Akakura Onsen township, including slope-side hotels, traditional inns, pensions, and more.

Niigata Prefecture is home to many top-class ski resorts with comparatively easy access from Tokyo. Skiers and snowboarders are attracted to this unmatched convenience, running from absolute beginners to professionals.

Plus, there are many other ways to have fun, like snowmobiling, sledding, snowshoeing, and more. Or, you can relax away your day gazing at the marvelous winter scenery at a cafe or lookout. We wholeheartedly recommend heading to Niigata Prefecture for your next skiing holiday in Japan!

Text by: Madoka Hasegawa
The information in this article is current as of December 2022 and updated in September 2023. Please check the official website for the latest information.