Niigata Prefecture boasts a wide range of unique ski resorts, from those with luxury hotels right by the slopes, to more rough, off-road courses utilizing the characteristics of the terrain.

Opening seasons are relatively long, with some operating until early May, which is the Golden Week holiday period in Japan.

Unfortunately, most are also very busy in winter, and avoiding the “high season” is recommended to make the most of them. This article will introduce Niigata ski resorts with easy access from Tokyo and high-quality powder snow in the Yuzawa/Uonuma area and Joetsu/Myoko area.

Yuzawa/Uonuma is reachable from Tokyo via bullet train in around 1.5 hours at the shortest, making it one of the most convenient regions in Niigata. The highest ski resort, Kagura Ski Resort, sits 1,845 meters above sea level, and is particularly well regarded. Yuzawa/Uonuma is also famous for its abundant snowfall, with over a meter falling in some areas overnight during January and February, gifting visitors with ample fluffy powder snow.

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 to 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 of the 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.

Many of the ski resorts in Niigata Prefecture open between mid-December until 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.

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

Season dates
December 17, 2022 - April 9, 2023

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: 6,000 yen, middle/high school students: 5,000 yen, seniors: 5,500 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 also 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 along with “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 8, 2022 - May 21, 2023
*The Tashiro area is open December 17, 2022 - May 7, 2023

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 is 6,000 yen for adults, 5,000 yen for middle and high school students, and 5,500 yen for seniors. This ticket can be used for both the Tashiro, Kagura, and Mitsumata areas. The ski set, which includes gear and clothing (both upper and lower) is 6,500 yen for adults, 5,500 yen for middle and high school children + seniors, and 3,500 yen for children (elementary school-aged and younger).

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. Accommodation 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 feeling anxious about trying it for the first time, GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is where to go!

Season dates
December 17, 2022 - May 7, 2023

Getting there
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Gala Yuzawa Station, and the resort will appear right before your eyes! If you get off at the nearby Echigo-Yuzawa Station instead, there is a free shuttle bus service from the East Exit running between December 23, 2022 - March 26, 2023.

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 too, along with prefill 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 lots of 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’ll be able to enjoy a long, fun cruise while admiring the stunning scenery. Other activities include snow rafting and snowmobiling, along with a park for kids. There is also a ski school specializing in English and Chinese classes.

Season dates
December 16, 2022 - April 2, 2023

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

Lift tickets and rentals
The One Day Ticket is 5,500 yen for adults, 5,000 yen for seniors and middle/high school students, and 3,000 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 one-day sets costing 4,800 yen for adults, 4,200 yen for seniors and middle/high school students, and 2,800 yen for elementary school children and below.

Restaurants and accommodations
There is a fantastic variety of food to enjoy at both the Maiko Kogen Hotel restaurant and at 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 making full use of 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 16, 2022 - April 2, 2023

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 a great choice for those nervous about driving in the snow.

Lift tickets and rentals
The 8.5 Hour Lift Ticket is 6,000 yen for adults, 3,600 yen for juniors, and 5,200 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 a whopping 24 eateries on the slopes of Ishiuchi Maruyama, running from authentic Western cuisine to 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 from the hot spring town straight up 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 + 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 17, 2022 - March 26, 2023

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 or 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. Plenty of accommodation can be found 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 get back to your room. Complementing the beginner courses are plenty of intermediate and advanced tracks, 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 23, 2022 - April 2, 2023

Getting there
3 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 5,000 yen for adults (middle school and older), 4,000 yen for elementary school children and younger, and 4,500 yen for seniors. However, you can grab cheaper tickets if you visit on “service days,” which are generally Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Rental sets, which include skis, boots, and poles, are 5,000 yen for adults and 4,000 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, along with spacious dining options up in the slopes themselves. Best of all, you can stay the night right next door at the NASPA New Otani, whose rooms boast breathtaking snapshots of the silvery winter scenery.

Within 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 extremely 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 24, 2022 - March 26, 2023

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 5,300 yen for adults, 4,700 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. There are three ski schools accommodating 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 10, 2022 - April 13, 2023

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 coming by train, take the free shuttle bus 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 of the lifts, 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 a number of top-class ski resorts with comparatively easy access from Tokyo. Skiers and snowboarders of all kinds are attracted to this unmatched convenience, running from absolute beginners to professionals. Plus, there’s lots of other ways to have fun, like snowmobiling, sledding, snowshoeing, and more. Or, you can simply relax away your day gazing at the marvelous winter scenery at a cafe or lookout. For your next skiing holiday in Japan, we wholeheartedly recommend heading to Niigata Prefecture!

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