In winter in Japan, there is a lot of snow, especially in the northern regions, so winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are popular. Niigata Prefecture, famous for being one of the areas with the heaviest snowfall in Japan, is a particularly popular destination as there are ski resorts that can be visited on a day trip from Tokyo.
In this article, we will introduce 7 attractive ski resorts in Niigata Prefecture, ranging from large, full-fledged ski resorts to ski resorts with hot springs where you can relax.
Characteristics of ski resorts in Niigata
Niigata has one of the highest levels of snowfall in Japan, with snowfall reaching up to 4 meters. Niigata Prefecture also has 48 ski resorts, as there are many high mountains over 1,500 meters high and the terrain is perfect for ski resorts. This is the prefecture with the third largest number of ski resorts in Japan. (as of 2021)
The biggest feature is that it is easily accessible as a day trip from Tokyo. Shinkansen and expressways are well-developed, so you can easily go to the ski resorts.
Most of the ski resorts in Niigata usually open from late November to early December, and operate until around mid-March to early May.One of the characteristics of Niigata’s ski resorts is that you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding for a long period of time.
Recommended ski resorts in Niigata
Recommended #1: Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort
Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort (GALA湯沢スキー場) is a ski resort located in Yuzawa Town, the southernmost tip of Niigata Prefecture. The intermediate course “Grenoble” in the central area is a popular course that descends 750 meters from the summit of the mountain at an altitude of 1,181 meters. For families, there is a “Snow Play Park” located below the central area where you can enjoy sledding.
In addition, if you purchase a three-mountain common lift ticket, you can also use the adjacent Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort and Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort. You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in a vast area that you will never get tired of no matter how many times you visit.
The nearest station, Gala Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, is easily accessible from central Tokyo in as little as 71 minutes. When you get off at Gala Yuzawa Station, there is a gondola right in front of you that will take you directly to the ski resort.
▶ Information
| Opening hours | Please refer to the official website for details. |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://gala.co.jp/winter/ |
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
Gala Yuzawa Station is a station built to take you to Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort. This is a temporary station where you can only get on and off during the ski resort’s operating hours. It is very convenient to use this station when going to Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort.
Recommended #2: Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort
Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort (上越国際スキー場) is a large ski resort that is said to be one of the largest in Japan in terms of course area. It is easily accessible as JR Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort Station is right nearby, so you can enjoy it even on a day trip from Tokyo.
The beginner’s course, the Mina Family Rinkan Course, has a gentle average slope of 7 degrees and a long run of 6,000 meters, making it a course that beginners can fully enjoy. Therefore, it is a recommended ski resort for beginners.
▶ Information
| Opening hours | Please refer to the official website for details. |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://jkokusai.co.jp/ski/ |
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
At Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort, the specialty “Oshiruko” (a sweet Japanese red bean soup) is very popular. Be sure to try it to warm up your body after skiing.
Recommended #3: Maiko Snow Resort
Maiko Snow Resort (舞子スノーリゾート) is a ski resort located in Minami-uonuma city in southern Niigata Prefecture. It is located 1 minute from the Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC on the Kanetsu Expressway, so it is a recommended ski resort if you are going to the ski resort by car.
There is a long course with a maximum length of 6,000 meters, where you can slide down while enjoying the spectacular scenery. For those who want to enjoy a more relaxing resort experience rather than just a day trip, there is Maiko Kogen Hotel, located next to the ski slopes. It’s a popular hotel known for its buffet-style meals and Maiko hot springs.
▶ Information
| Opening hours | Please refer to the official website for details. |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://www.maiko-resort.com |
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
You can use Maiko Onsen at Maiko Kogen Hotel even if you are not a hotel guest! (Adult 1,200 yen, child 700 yen)
Recommended #4: Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort (妙高杉ノ原スキー場) is a ski resort famous for its long course with a maximum skiing distance of 8,500 meters. You can ski almost non-stop from near the summit to the base.
Furthermore, the “Super Giant Course” with a maximum slope of 38 degrees is a course for extremely advanced skiers, and is said to be scary even for professional skiers.
Of course, there are courses for beginners, but in order to fully enjoy the charm of Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, it is best to reach a certain level of skill. Therefore, it is a ski resort recommended for intermediate skiers and above.
▶ Information
| Opening hours | Please refer to the official website for details. |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/myoko/winter/ |
▶ Map
Recommended #5: Akakura Kanko Ski Resort
Akakura Kanko Ski Resort (赤倉観光リゾートスキー場) is a ski resort located 8 minutes by car from the Joshinetsu Expressway’s Myoko Kogen IC. Established in 1937 with the opening of the Akakura Onsen Kanko Hotel, it is one of the ski resorts with the longest history in Japan, and has been the venue for numerous tournaments.
The most popular course is the “Hotel B Course.” The course has a moderate slope and changes in slope.
For advanced skiers, the “Champion B Course” is popular, offering views from Lake Nojiri to the Sea of Japan. This is an advanced course where Alpine competitions are also held, and is a famous and highly difficult course that allows you to ski 1,200 meters with a maximum slope of 22 degrees.
It is an attractive ski resort that everyone can enjoy, from children to adults, beginners to experts.
▶ Information
| Opening hours | Please refer to the official website for details. |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://akr-ski.com |
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
Akakura Kanko Hotel offers a day trip plan that includes lunch and hot spring bathing. The idea that it can be enjoyed not only by hotel guests but also for day-trippers is a great feature.
Recommended #6: Kagura Ski Resort
Kagura Ski Resort (かぐらスキー場) is a ski resort that can be reached in about 2 hours from Tokyo Station by Joetsu Shinkansen and bus. Although it is located close to Tokyo, it is unique in that it is open from April to May in early spring due to its high altitude.
Kagura Ski Resort is a vast ski resort consisting of three areas, with a total of 32 courses. Of course, there is also an area for children where they can play on sleds. It would be impossible to go through everything in one day.
Naeba Prince Hotel, a large resort hotel, is located nearby, so we recommend staying overnight and enjoying the area to the fullest. There is a free shuttle bus, which is very convenient.
▶ Information
| Opening hours | Please refer to the official website for details. |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/kagura/winter/ |
▶ Map
▶ Recommended information
There are 7 schools at Kagura Ski Resort, with a wide variety of skiers ranging from beginners to advanced skiers. Another good point is that some schools are also available in English and Chinese, so they are easy to use.
Recommended #7: Kandatsu Snow Resort
Kandatsu Snow Resort (神立スノーリゾート) is a ski resort with the tagline: “The closest snow resort from Tokyo metropolitan area with 100% natural snow”. It is conveniently accessible, taking about 2 hours by car from the Tokyo metropolitan area, or approximately 70 minutes from Tokyo Station to Echigo Yuzawa Station by Joetsu Shinkansen + 7 minutes by free shuttle bus. Therefore, its biggest feature is that it is convenient for day trips from Tokyo.
Kandatsu Snow Resort is also famous for its long night skiing operation on weekends, where you can ski until 2:00 the next day. You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in a fantastically illuminated atmosphere.
▶ Information
| Opening hours | Please refer to the official website for details. |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://www.kandatsu.com |
Comment