Kandatsu Snow Resort, located in Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, stands as the closest 100% natural snow resort to the Tokyo metropolitan area. With easy access—just 69 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, followed by a 7-minute free shuttle bus ride—this premier ski destination offers an exceptional winter sports experience. The resort features 16 diverse courses, extended night skiing until 2:00 AM, and authentic onsen facilities, making it an ideal choice for day trips or extended stays.
The History of Kandatsu Snow Resort
Kandatsu Snow Resort first opened as “Kandatsu Kogen Ski Resort” during Japan’s Second Ski Boom era, coinciding with the bubble economy period. From its inception, the resort focused strategically on day-trip visitors. When the Kan-Etsu Expressway opened and dramatically improved access from Tokyo, this mid-sized resort achieved remarkable success, welcoming over one million visitors annually during the peak ski boom years.
In 2019, the resort underwent a major rebranding transformation, adopting the name “Kandatsu Snow Resort” for the 2019-2020 season. This rebrand included comprehensive facility renovations at GROUND BASE, the addition of tree skiing areas on the Hercules course, improvements to make the descent course more beginner-friendly, and the introduction of first-track services. The resort also simplified lift naming to an alphabetical system (A through E lifts) for easier navigation.
In 2021, the operating company ME Resort Yuzawa changed its name to Kandatsu Resort Corporation, reinforcing its commitment to continued facility enhancement. The resort’s official character, “Kandatsu Pegasus”—a winged horse with golden wings—has remained beloved throughout these changes. The facility’s exterior evolved from yellow-and-white to red-and-white color scheme, while the Kandatsu logo received a modern, single-color redesign.
Understanding the Resort Layout and Peak Season Considerations
Before planning your visit to Kandatsu Snow Resort, understanding its unique structure is essential. The main base area, GROUND BASE, sits at the bottom of the mountain. To reach the actual ski slopes, visitors must take the Tozawa Pair Lift (A Lift), which ascends approximately 610 meters. While this lift operates with two lines, it can become a bottleneck during peak weekend and holiday periods, potentially resulting in wait times.
The resort’s course composition consists of 30% beginner terrain, 40% intermediate terrain, and 30% advanced terrain, indicating a stronger emphasis on intermediate and advanced skiing. Novice skiers should focus on gentler slopes such as the “Pollux” course or designated beginner descent routes, where they can safely develop their skills. The resort’s compact layout allows for easy navigation, making it crucial to select courses that match your ability level.
Japan’s Closest 100% Natural Snow Resort to Tokyo
Kandatsu Snow Resort’s primary appeal lies in its exceptional accessibility combined with superior snow quality. Despite being just 69 minutes from Tokyo Station via the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, and a mere 7 minutes by free shuttle bus from the station, the resort maintains 100% natural snow throughout the season. Situated at elevations ranging from 460m to 1,000m, with northeast-facing slopes, the resort preserves high-quality snow conditions throughout the winter.
The surrounding topography naturally accumulates snow, with the terrain enclosed by ridges on three sides creating abundant snowfall. Kandatsu boasts some of the finest snow quality and highest accumulation in the Yuzawa area. Even when other resorts close due to strong winds, Kandatsu typically remains operational, earning it a reputation for reliability.
The resort offers free all-season parking for approximately 2,000 vehicles. Located just 1km and 3 minutes from Yuzawa IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, the resort is equally convenient for drivers. Those wishing to avoid traffic congestion can opt for the Shinkansen and free shuttle bus combination, allowing for a hands-free ski experience.
Diverse Terrain: 16 Courses and Snow Parks
Kandatsu Snow Resort features 16 courses catering to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. With a maximum run length of 3,500 meters and generally moderate gradients, even novices can enjoy long, satisfying runs.
Beginner-Friendly Courses
Pollux represents Kandatsu’s signature wide, gentle main slope. Characterized by its broad expanse and gradual incline, this course provides an ideal environment for beginners and families. The spacious area immediately beyond the lift exit offers a safe space for practicing fundamental techniques.
The Descent Course is a 3,500-meter beginner-oriented long run that leads directly to GROUND BASE. Its gentle, consistent gradient allows first-time skiers to complete the entire run with confidence.
Intermediate Terrain
Castor and Regulus are popular intermediate courses offering appropriate challenges and varied terrain features for skill development. During the 2022-2023 season, both Regulus and Polaris courses were expanded, widening the trails and improving overall comfort.
Advanced Terrain
Orion is an ungroomed course that descends toward maximum gradient zones. This run attracts advanced skiers seeking deep powder and ungroomed terrain, offering dynamic skiing through natural topography.
Hercules features designated tree skiing areas. Tree skiing through forest terrain provides an immersive natural experience integrated with the landscape.
Super Downhill boasts a maximum gradient of 45 degrees, making it primarily suitable for experienced skiers and snowboarders. While intermediate skiers may attempt the course immediately after grooming, it generally requires significant experience. On clear days, the upper sections offer spectacular panoramic views of Echigo’s mountain ranges.
Three Distinctive Snow Parks
Kandatsu Snow Resort features three snow parks designed for different skill levels.
GoPro FUN PARK, created in collaboration with the action camera brand GoPro, represents one of Japan’s largest terrain parks. Produced by professional snowboarder Atsushi Ishikawa, the park offers kickers (jump features) ranging from beginner to expert levels. The advanced lane features high-specification jumps and jib items, while the beginner lane provides a dedicated practice zone perfect for progressive skill development.
Beginner Park offers accessible features designed for park newcomers. Small waves and boxes provide an ideal environment for learning basic tricks and making your park debut.
Hike-Up Park allows riders to practice jumps without using lifts, climbing on foot instead. This format enables efficient repetition, making it popular among those focused on technical improvement.
Regular section maintenance ensures dynamic, engaging spaces that avoid monotony.
Comprehensive Facilities and Night Skiing Appeal
GROUND BASE
The six-story GROUND BASE facility at the resort’s base consolidates all essential services. The first floor houses spacious locker rooms and SNOW CAFÉ, with the women’s locker room equipped with professional-grade Dyson hair dryers throughout.
The second floor serves as the central hub, featuring information desks, rental services, shops, and ticket sales. This floor also provides the main access point to the ski slopes, functioning as the facility’s operational center.
Floors three through five contain Kami no Yu & Sauna, nap facilities, and event halls, offering comprehensive amenities for post-skiing relaxation.
Dining Options
Kandatsu Snow Resort offers diverse dining establishments showcasing local Niigata ingredients.
Pegasus
GROUND BASE’s only full-service restaurant specializes in dishes featuring Minamiuonuma-grown Koshihikari rice. The menu includes hearty options such as tare katsudon (pork cutlet with sauce over rice), seafood bowls, generous curry portions, and ramen. Operating hours are 10:00-15:30, with breakfast service on weekends and holidays (7:00-9:00).
KANDATSU THE KITCHEN
MID BASE’s main restaurant serves photogenic, substantial portions. The menu emphasizes locally-sourced Niigata pork and chicken in curries, plated dishes, pasta, and udon preparations.
Mountain Hut Ajito
This venue features the popular “Volcano Ramen,” along with Niigata-exclusive “Fumi Sokai Nishite” beer, renowned tare katsudon, Tsubame-Sanjo style back-fat soy sauce ramen, and mushroom tempura bowl showcasing Yukiguni Maitake mushrooms—authentic local Niigata cuisine.
Rihee
This establishment serves onigiri (rice balls) made exclusively with Minamiuonuma Koshihikari rice and soba/udon featuring house-made noodles from local Kasahara Seimensho. These noodles, produced by a 45-year specialist noodle maker, perfectly absorb the umami-rich dashi broth.
Kandatsu Crepes
The resort’s official crepe shop offers carefully crafted crepes with attention to both wrapper and toppings.
Jackie’s Crepes
This shop distinguishes itself with “mochi-mochi” (chewy) batter that incorporates locally-produced Koshihikari rice flour, featuring extensive menu options and toppings from classic crepes to snack-style varieties.
Night Skiing and Extended Operations
One of Kandatsu Snow Resort’s standout features is its extensive night skiing program. For the 2025-2026 season, long-night operations run from December 19 through March 28 on Fridays, Saturdays, and pre-holiday evenings, extending from 18:00 until 2:00 AM. During the year-end holiday period (December 26-January 3), nine consecutive nights of operations are scheduled, allowing visitors to maximize skiing time after work or during weekend evenings.
Night operations feature atmospheric illumination, creating a distinctly different ambiance from daytime skiing. Monthly fireworks and candlelight nights showcase spectacular fireworks against the night sky, with candlelit slopes creating memorable special occasions.
After late-night skiing sessions, visitors can unwind in the 24-hour Kami no Yu & Sauna, rest in nap facilities, and depart refreshed. This flexible usage pattern has gained particular popularity among younger demographics.
Kami no Yu & Sauna: Premium Relaxation
Another major attraction at Kandatsu Snow Resort is “Kami no Yu & Sauna,” an authentic onsen facility within GROUND BASE. Featuring spacious indoor baths and panoramic open-air baths, this facility provides ideal post-skiing relaxation.
The outdoor bath offers stunning views of snow-covered mountains while soaking in warm waters—a quintessentially Japanese winter experience. Complete sauna facilities allow deep, thorough warming.
Weekend combination packages including lift tickets are available. The weekday Ladies’ Day special combines a day pass with either Kami no Yu access or a crepe, with all purchasers receiving an original face pack gift.
Adjacent nap facilities primarily offer shared sleeping areas, with optional private rooms available. A popular usage pattern involves night skiing until late, napping, then departing after morning traffic subsides.
Rental Equipment and Ski Schools
Rental Facilities
Kandatsu Snow Resort’s rental operation, located on GROUND BASE’s second floor, maintains extensive ski and snowboard inventories for both adults and children, accommodating all skill levels from beginners to experts.
The comprehensive accessory selection includes outerwear, helmets, and boots, ensuring visitors can arrive empty-handed yet fully equipped. Notably, the resort also rents snow scooters and snow motos (snow bikes), offering alternative sliding experiences beyond traditional skiing and snowboarding.
Certain snowboard rentals feature BURTON’s Step On binding system. Step On represents an innovative technology that allows riders to attach their boots to bindings simply by stepping down—the boot automatically locks into place without requiring manual strap adjustments. Unlike traditional strap bindings that require sitting down to fasten each strap individually, Step On enables standing attachment and instant riding after lift exits. The quick attachment and release mechanism makes it particularly popular among beginners and frequent lift users. Kandatsu stands as one of few Yuzawa-area resorts offering Step On-compatible snowboard rentals.
Diverse Instruction Programs
Kandatsu Snow Resort offers various schools addressing different needs.
INOUE K2 Pro Ski School covers everything from recreational to competitive skiing across all ability levels. Known for attentive instruction, the school accommodates beginners through advanced skiers with level-appropriate lessons.
Kandatsu Fusion Bump School specializes in mogul skiing. This program suits anyone from absolute beginners seeking fundamental bump technique to advanced skiers refining their skills.
R-LABO, FREE STYLE SKI SCHOOL, and DIAMOND FREE STYLE SNOWBOARD SCHOOL focus on freestyle disciplines, teaching park tricks and jump techniques.
VIP SNOWBOARD ATTEND SERVICE provides specialized private instruction for those seeking individualized, intensive guidance.
Operating Hours and Lift Ticket Information
2025-2026 Season Schedule
| Period | Dates | Lift Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Season | December 12-19, 2025 | 8:00-16:00 |
| High Season | December 20, 2025-March 29, 2026 | 7:00 (weekdays 8:00)-16:30 |
| Spring Season | March 30-April 19, 2026 | 8:00-16:00 |
| Year-End Holiday | December 29, 2025-January 2, 2026 | 7:00-16:30 |
| Night Skiing | December 19, 2025-March 28, 2026 (Fri/Sat/Pre-holidays) | 18:00-2:00 AM |
*Schedule subject to change based on snow and weather conditions
Special Discounts
Weekday Ladies’ Day (day pass + Kami no Yu or crepe) includes a complimentary original face pack for all purchasers—a popular package option.
19-20 Kandatsu Discount offers reduced day pass rates for visitors aged 19-20 (born April 2, 2005-April 1, 2007). Valid government-issued photo ID is required, making this an excellent value for young adults.
Birthday Special provides free day passes to visitors on their actual birthday upon presentation of photo ID. Children of preschool age always receive complimentary lift access.
Lift tickets can be purchased online in advance for convenient same-day pickup. Purchase lift tickets through online to minimize time spent in ticket lines.
Resort Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Resort Name | Kandatsu Snow Resort (KSR) |
| Address | 4121-1 Kandatsu, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata 949-6102 |
| Phone | 025-788-0111 |
| Operating Period | December 12, 2025-April 19, 2026 (scheduled) |
| Number of Courses | 16 |
| Number of Lifts | 5 (3 high-speed quads, 2 pair lifts) |
| Longest Run | 3,500m |
| Maximum Gradient | 45 degrees |
| Elevation | 460m-1,000m |
| Course Distribution | Beginner 30% / Intermediate 40% / Advanced 30% |
| Parking | Approx. 2,000 spaces (free all season) |
Access Information
By Train
- Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station: Minimum 69 minutes via Joetsu Shinkansen
- Echigo-Yuzawa Station to resort: 7 minutes via free shuttle bus
By Car
- From Yuzawa IC on Kan-Etsu Expressway: Approx. 1km, 3 minutes
- From Nerima IC to Yuzawa IC: Approx. 110 minutes
Nearby Ski Resorts
The Yuzawa area features numerous attractive ski resorts beyond Kandatsu. Visiting multiple resorts allows you to experience each one’s unique character.
GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort
GALA Yuzawa represents one of Japan’s rare station-connected ski resorts, directly linked to Gala Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Accessible in just 71 minutes from Tokyo with immediate slope access after exiting the station turnstiles, this resort epitomizes convenience. From the 800m gondola summit station, three zones unfold with 16 courses accommodating all ability levels. Facilities include Japan’s largest rental center, spacious locker rooms, and “SPA Gala no Yu” hot spring facility complete with fitness pool. The resort sits approximately 5 minutes by car from Kandatsu Snow Resort, with excellent access from Yuzawa IC.
Kagura Ski Resort
Kagura Ski Resort comprises three areas—Kagura, Mitsumata, and Tashiro—forming a vast skiing complex with diverse terrain options. Abundant lifts and exceptional snow quality define this resort, where high elevation ensures excellent powder conditions well into spring. The maximum run extends 6,000 meters, with balanced terrain distribution: 35% beginner, 35% intermediate, and 30% advanced. The Kagura area offers spectacular views from 1,845m elevation combined with powder and steep terrain for dynamic skiing. Mitsumata features a 121-passenger ropeway and varied attractions, while Tashiro provides Nordic resort-style vistas with gentle terrain. The family-friendly policy of free lift tickets for elementary students and younger adds significant value.
Naeba Ski Resort
Naeba Ski Resort stands as one of Yuzawa area’s premier large-scale facilities. Featuring 24 courses and 12 lifts, the maximum run stretches 4,000 meters. Regular events attract visitors of all ages, with comprehensive facilities for both children and adults. Permanent features include a 45-meter snow escalator and mountain tarzan attractions, plus snow rafting and towing experiences. The weekly Sunday “First Track” program, offering access to untouched slopes, proves particularly popular among intermediate and advanced skiers. The world’s longest ropeway, the Dragondola, connects Naeba with Kagura Ski Resort, enabling inter-resort travel.
Exploring the Echigo-Yuzawa Area
Beyond skiing and snowboarding at Kandatsu Snow Resort, the surrounding Echigo-Yuzawa area offers rich experiences including hot spring districts, sake breweries, and exceptional dining opportunities.
Ponshukan Echigo-Yuzawa Station
Located within Echigo-Yuzawa Station, Ponshukan is a popular destination for experiencing Niigata’s local sake culture. The “Kikisake Bansho” tasting corner allows visitors to sample up to five selections from approximately 100 Niigata sake varieties for 500 yen. Wall-mounted tasting machines enable easy sake selection—simply insert coins and press buttons to enjoy authentic local brews.
The facility also houses “Bakudan Onigiri-ya” serving explosive-sized rice balls made with Minamiuonuma Koshihikari, “Sake Bath Yuzawa” natural hot spring infused with sake, and “Koji Ratte” café offering fermented beverages. The product sales area features carefully selected sake, rice crackers, seasonings, and Minamiuonuma Koshihikari rice—ideal for souvenir shopping. Its station-adjacent location makes it perfectly convenient for pre- or post-ski visits.
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel
Kiyotsu Gorge, designated one of Japan’s three great gorges, showcases dramatic scenery where emerald green Kiyotsu River flows between towering rock walls. The 750-meter Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel provides safe gorge viewing through a purpose-built observation tunnel.
The tunnel terminus “Panorama Station” features shallow water covering the floor, creating mystical reflections of the gorge scenery. The water mirror effect unifies reflected and actual landscapes into an art installation-like tableau. Contemporary artworks displayed throughout the tunnel create a unique space merging nature and art. Accessible by bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, this scenic spot reveals different seasonal expressions year-round.
Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway
This world-class ropeway spans approximately 1,300 meters with 166-passenger capacity. The seven-minute aerial journey reaches “Alp no Sato” panorama station at approximately 1,000m elevation. The summit offers sweeping views of Echigo’s magnificent mountain ranges, with seasonal natural variations throughout the year.
Winter operations support the ski resort, while the green season features alpine plant gardens showcasing seasonal flowers and autumn foliage. “Cloud Top Café” provides leisurely relaxation with spectacular views. Located just 10 minutes on foot from Echigo-Yuzawa Station with excellent access, this year-round attraction welcomes visitors across all seasons.
Daigenta Lake
This scenic reservoir lake showcases seasonal natural beauty. The lakeside “Hope Bridge” suspension bridge and observation platform provide panoramic lake views serving as premium scenic viewpoints. Particularly during autumn foliage season, red and yellow mountains reflecting on the lake surface create breathtaking vistas.
Surrounding camping facilities offer diverse accommodation options including tent sites, bungalows, and cottages. Activities such as canoeing and fishing enable full nature immersion—paddling across lake waters while surrounded by nature, or relaxing while fishing—supporting various recreational styles. Located approximately 25 minutes by bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, or 15 minutes by car from Yuzawa IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
Naeba Dragondola
Japan’s longest gondola lift extends 5,481 meters, connecting Naeba Ski Resort with Tashiro Ropeway (Kagura Ski Resort). The approximately 25-minute aerial journey showcases spectacular scenery as the primary attraction. Gondola views transition through seasons—vibrant spring greenery, colorful autumn foliage, and mystical winter snowscapes—each offering distinct aerial perspectives.
Futai Lake, visible en route, presents a mysterious quality as lake color changes with weather conditions, creating impressive emerald-green water surfaces. Particularly during foliage season, red and yellow mountains spreading below create overwhelming beauty. Winter operations serve as inter-resort transportation, while green season operations function as a scenic observation gondola.
Making the Most of Your Japan Ski Trip
When planning winter sports adventures in Japan, consider working with a dedicated tour conductor service for a seamless, stress-free experience. Professional tour conductors handle all travel arrangements, including transportation coordination, accommodation bookings, and on-site support, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying your time on the slopes.
Dedicated Tour Conductor Service provides personalized assistance throughout your journey. From navigating Japan’s public transportation system to arranging ski equipment rentals and making restaurant reservations, a tour conductor ensures every aspect of your trip proceeds smoothly. This service proves especially valuable for international visitors unfamiliar with Japanese language and customs, transforming potential challenges into effortless experiences.
Conclusion
Kandatsu Snow Resort delivers an exceptional winter sports destination combining 100% natural snow with outstanding accessibility—just 69 minutes from Tokyo and 3 minutes from Yuzawa IC. The resort offers everything needed for perfect day trips: 16 varied courses, comprehensive snow parks, extended night skiing operations, and authentic onsen facilities.
Course design accommodates all ability levels from beginners to experts, supported by modern rental equipment, diverse instruction programs, and restaurants serving authentic Niigata regional cuisine—ensuring enjoyment extends well beyond skiing and snowboarding. Weekend night skiing operations allow visitors to arrive after work, ski until late night, relax in onsen facilities, and return home refreshed—a uniquely Japanese luxury unavailable in urban environments.
After enjoying the slopes, extend your experience throughout Echigo-Yuzawa area attractions: sample Niigata sake at Ponshukan station facility, marvel at spectacular Kiyotsu Gorge scenery, enjoy aerial perspectives from Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway, or explore the serene beauty of Daigenta Lake. Kandatsu Snow Resort serves as an ideal base for discovering the complete Echigo-Yuzawa region.
The 2025-2026 season operates from December 12 pre-opening through April 19. Free all-season parking, advance online lift ticket purchases, and various discount programs ensure maximum value and convenience. Experience Japan’s premier winter destination at the closest 100% natural snow resort to Tokyo.