Travel information brought to you by a tour conductor writer. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Naeba Ski Resort located in Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture. Known as one of Japan’s premier large-scale snow resorts, Naeba features approximately 134 hectares of expansive terrain with 24 diverse courses, offering an ideal environment for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to experts. With excellent access of approximately 2 hours from Tokyo and well-equipped facilities, the resort attracts over 1 million visitors annually. Let’s explore the attractions of this popular ski destination.
Important Considerations for Access from the Kanto Region
While Naeba Ski Resort boasts convenient access of about 2 hours from Tokyo, its high altitude and inland location mean winter conditions can bring unexpectedly heavy snowfall and low temperatures. The route requires traveling approximately 33 kilometers along National Route 17 from the Tsukiyono Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, and road conditions can become challenging during snowfall. Studless tires are mandatory, and carrying chains is highly recommended.
Additionally, parking lots tend to be crowded on weekends and holidays, so arriving early in the morning is advisable. For those using public transportation, the journey takes approximately 50 minutes by bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, so checking the timetable in advance provides peace of mind. While dedicated buses are available for guests staying at Naeba Prince Hotel, they may fill up depending on reservation status, making early booking essential.
Historical Background and Development of Naeba Ski Resort
The history of Naeba Ski Resort began on December 28, 1961, when it opened as “Naeba International Ski Resort.” Yoshiaki Tsutsumi, then head of the Seibu Group, personally led the initiative to purchase Mount Takenokoyama at an elevation of 1,789.7 meters and develop a major resort destination. At opening, the resort featured 3 lifts, a ski house accommodating 500 people, and a cafeteria for 1,000 people, pioneering the development of ski resorts in Japan.
The Naeba area was actually recognized as an ideal location for mountain climbing and skiing even before the ski resort opened. In 1931, the Jikei Medical University Mountain Club built the Jikei Naeba Hut on the mid-slope of Mount Naeba, and in March 1935, the first Naeba Mountain Downhill Ski Competition was held, establishing early recognition as a prime location for winter sports.
In March 1973, the resort was renamed “Naeba Ski Resort,” and that same month hosted Japan’s first FIS Ski World Cup competition. This event was a groundbreaking moment in Japanese skiing history and became the catalyst for establishing Naeba’s position as an international ski resort. In 1975, the Ski World Cup was held again, solidifying Naeba’s reputation as a world-class venue for competitive skiing.
During the peak of the ski boom in the late 1980s, Naeba reigned as the center of Japanese ski culture. During the ski boom triggered by the 1987 film “Take Me Out to the Snowland,” peak visitor numbers reached approximately 3.8 million annually. During the first three days of January 1998, the resort recorded 150,000 visitors, ranking second among Japanese leisure destinations after Tokyo Disneyland. At that time, it was a regular fixture in the top rankings for New Year holiday visitor numbers alongside Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Disneyland.
The slope design was created by Austrian ski instructor Rudy Matt. His internationally standardized course design became the foundation for hosting numerous international competitions. The resort continues to be selected as a venue for international events, hosting the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup Mogul Competition in 2012 and the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in 2016.
While current ski participation is about one-third of its peak period, Naeba still boasts the highest number of visitors for a single ski resort in Japan. With over 60 years of history, Naeba Ski Resort remains a symbolic presence that has evolved alongside Japanese ski culture.
Attractions of One of Japan’s Largest Ski Areas
Naeba Ski Resort features diverse course designs that take advantage of an 889-meter elevation difference, ranging from 900 meters to 1,789 meters above sea level. The ski area is broadly divided into the base area spreading in front of Naeba Prince Hotel and the summit area of Mount Takenokoyama, each offering distinct attractions.
The base area features an impressive single slope exceeding 600 meters in width, with 7 lifts and a gondola efficiently positioned. The “Daisyamen Gelande” (Big Slope) is synonymous with Naeba, offering the highest quality flat terrain immediately after morning grooming. For intermediate to advanced skiers, this smooth slope provides an excellent opportunity to refine techniques.
Meanwhile, the summit area offers spectacular views from Mount Takenokoyama at 1,789 meters elevation. On clear days, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of surrounding mountains, with significantly superior snow quality compared to the base area. Located in the most inland section of the heavy snowfall Yuzawa region, Naeba is blessed with dry powder snow, a quality that continues to captivate many skiers.
Diverse Course Configuration for All Skill Levels
Naeba Ski Resort’s 24 courses are balanced with 30 percent beginner courses, 40 percent intermediate courses, and 30 percent advanced courses. This composition allows families and groups to enjoy skiing according to their respective skill levels.
For beginners, “Course 4 Gelande” and “Course 5 Gelande” located directly in front of Naeba Prince Hotel are particularly popular. Course 4 is divided into south and north sections, with the south side having a maximum gradient of 14 degrees and an average gradient of 9 degrees, making it very gentle. At approximately 330 meters in length, it provides a safe environment for those just starting skiing or snowboarding. For those wanting to try longer distances, the “Course 4 High-Speed Lift South Side” with a run of 821 meters is recommended.
For intermediate skiers, the forest course “Takenokoyama Skyline Course” stretches 1,245 meters. This course, winding through the forest, is popular for enjoying changing scenery. A long course with a maximum run distance of 4,000 meters is also available, offering an exhilarating skiing experience.
The highlight for advanced skiers is the “World Cup Mogul Run.” This course was actually used in the 2012 FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup, featuring a maximum gradient of 30 degrees and an average gradient of 25 degrees. The experience of skiing the same course where world-class athletes competed holds great appeal for advanced skiers.
Another noteworthy feature is the powder-only “Splash Bowl.” This ungroomed course has a maximum gradient of approximately 39 degrees and opens only under favorable conditions. This course, where fresh powder snow can be enjoyed, is especially popular among advanced skiers, attracting many when it opens.
Aerial Adventure on Japan’s Longest Gondola
An essential feature of Naeba Ski Resort is the “Dragondola,” Japan’s longest gondola at 5,481 meters. Officially named the “Naeba-Tashiro Gondola,” it opened in December 2001. This gondola connects Naeba Ski Resort with the Tashiro area of Kagura Ski Resort in approximately 25 minutes and attracted attention as the world’s longest gondola at the time of opening.
The name “Dragondola” was coined by Yuming (Yumi Matsutoya). She has been holding concerts at Naeba annually since 1981 and is known for her deep connection with the resort.
The greatest attraction of this gondola is that it functions as an attraction itself rather than merely a means of transportation. The large 8-person gondolas offer high comfort, allowing entire families to ride together. Throughout the journey, which includes ups and downs across an elevation difference of approximately 430 meters, passengers can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the snow-covered world below and majestic mountains.
A particularly noteworthy sight is “Futai Lake,” shining in emerald green. The vivid colors of this lake floating in the winter snow landscape create a spectacular viewing point that captivates many visitors. With luck, visitors may even spot wild animals such as Japanese serow, offering opportunities to connect with nature.
The Dragondola operates not only during winter ski season but also during spring fresh greenery season and autumn foliage season. The autumn foliage season is especially popular, referred to as “Japan’s best autumn foliage aerial walk,” attracting many tourists seeking spectacular mountain views in autumn colors. Near pillar 14, visitors experience a steep descent that feels like diving into the foliage, creating a truly spectacular viewing point.
Well-Equipped Kids Park for Families
Naeba Ski Resort offers extensive facilities for children to fully enjoy, not just adults. The “Wakuwaku Family Snow Land” is a popular area where children can enjoy snow play even without skiing or snowboarding.
This kids park features attractions including regular sledding, “snow tubing” where riders slide down on tube-like floats, and “snow train” where snowmobiles pull boats across snow fields. Snow trains accommodate 2 to 4 passengers, allowing families to participate together, and speeds can be adjusted to preferences, providing peace of mind for families with small children.
The park also features “Carousel,” a snow version of a merry-go-round, and “Wanpaku Gym” playground equipment, with thoughtful touches throughout to keep children entertained. Snow escalators are also equipped, making the climb after sledding effortless.
Particularly noteworthy is the “Pandaruman Kids School.” This school for children ages 3 to 9 employs a patented lesson program unique in the world. Starting with practice on friction mats in an indoor slope, instruction progresses to a dedicated outdoor slope in stages.
Using specially developed lesson skis allows children to naturally acquire skills while having fun. The cute original character “Pandaruman” joins in warm-up exercises, helping even children anxious about separating from parents smoothly integrate into lessons.
Welcome Benefit of Free Lifts for Elementary Students and Younger
One of Naeba Ski Resort’s major attractions is that children in elementary school and younger receive free all-day lift tickets. This benefit provides tremendous advantages for families with children, allowing families with multiple children to significantly reduce lift ticket costs.
For a family with three children, this translates to savings of tens of thousands of yen. This benefit significantly lowers the barrier for entire families to enjoy skiing together, encouraging children’s skiing debuts.
Additionally, the 2nd floor of “N Plateau,” the day-use center adjacent to Naeba Prince Hotel, features a kids room. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, it provides a convenient facility for tired children to rest or change clothes. With nursing rooms also available, families with small babies can visit with confidence.
Japan’s One of the Largest Resort Hotel “Naeba Prince Hotel”
An essential element in discussing Naeba Ski Resort’s appeal is “Naeba Prince Hotel,” directly connected to the slopes. This hotel opened on December 23, 1962, as “Naeba Ski House Annex,” becoming a pioneer among Japanese ski resort hotels.
Subsequently, renovations and annex additions occurred repeatedly from the 1970s through the 1980s. During the late bubble economy ski boom, it became a coveted destination for young people as a representative Japanese resort hotel. Not only during Christmas season and year-end/New Year holidays but even on weekends, hotel reservations were notoriously difficult to secure. In 1990, the 24-story Building 2 tower was completed, followed by the 13-story Building 4 in 1991.
Currently divided into Buildings 2, 3, 4, 6, and World Cup Lodge, the hotel boasts 1,224 total rooms, one of Japan’s largest capacities. The distance from hotel to slopes is literally zero steps, creating an ideal environment where guests can start skiing immediately upon waking.
Diverse Room Types
Naeba Prince Hotel offers diverse room types tailored to stay purposes and group compositions.
Buildings 2’s 11th through 21st floors feature “Dandan ROOM,” characterized by spacious areas with a sense of warmth. “Hammock” type rooms incorporate mountain lodge-like touches throughout, with actual hammocks installed and puzzle features built into tea tables, full of playful elements. The other “Forest” type features ceiling fans and large L-shaped sofas creating a resort atmosphere.
Building 6 houses “Asobi ROOM,” family-oriented rooms packed with features for children to enjoy hotel stays. “Asobi ROOM Wall” includes hanger hooks utilizing rock climbing holds and blackboard walls for free drawing, creating secret base-like spaces.
The top 23rd floor features Royal Suite Rooms and maisonette-type suites, creating special stays. Royal Suites include living rooms and two bedrooms, accommodating up to 6 people, with all rooms offering slope views.
Urban Resort in the Mountains
Naeba Prince Hotel’s greatest characteristic is its highly “urban” presentation despite its mountain location. The 24-story Building 2 tower stands out as a landmark among surrounding mountains.
The hotel features a fully glass-enclosed indoor heated pool available even in winter, popular among guests since its 1981 opening. The luxurious option of swimming between skiing sessions is available.
Drugstores, shops, ATMs, and medical clinics are all available, ensuring comfort even during extended stays. Having immediate medical response capabilities for injuries provides particular reassurance for families with children.
Parking lots feature snow-melting equipment, eliminating parking inconveniences typical of snowy regions. Additionally, passageways allow direct gondola access without going outdoors, with thoughtful touches throughout enabling comfortable slope access even on cold days.
Dining at Diverse Restaurants
Approximately 20 restaurants are available within the hotel, offering diverse options including Japanese, Western, Chinese, Italian, and yakiniku. Restaurants on the slopes also provide efficient dining while skiing.
Each restaurant offers menus utilizing local Niigata ingredients, including Minamiuonuma Koshihikari rice and other locally sourced dishes. Beyond skiing, culinary enjoyment is fully available, a major attraction of Naeba Prince Hotel.
Event Hall “Blizzardium”
Building 4’s 2nd floor houses “Blizzardium,” an event hall accommodating up to 1,000 people. This name was also coined by Yumi Matsutoya and has served as the venue for her “SURF&SNOW in Naeba” concerts since its 1991 opening.
This 1,080-square-meter hall possesses authentic sound and lighting facilities unusual for resort hotels, utilized for concerts, events, corporate training, and music camps. Large windows allow natural light to create an open atmosphere, enabling mountain resort-specific spatial productions.
The main stage consists of 42 stage panels combined together, with adjustable height, accommodating various event formats. By changing panel combinations, flexible stage size adjustments are possible from small recitals to large concerts. Theater style accommodates up to 1,000 people, group meeting style up to 500 people, with large screens also available.
Relaxation in Natural Hot Springs
The hotel features hot spring facilities for soothing bodies tired from full-day skiing. Spring quality includes chloride sulfate springs and sodium/calcium chloride springs, effective for muscle pain, neuralgia, and fatigue recovery.
“Naeba no Yu,” exclusive to hotel guests, is located next to Building 4’s front desk, featuring indoor baths and saunas. Neutral hypotonic natural hot springs gently envelop the body, warming ski-tired bodies to the core.
“Hiuchi no Yu” in the day-use center features outdoor baths, with both indoor and outdoor facilities. Outdoor baths overlooking snow landscapes represent winter’s highlight. Chloride spring heat retention effects keep bodies warm even after bathing, maintaining comfort during cold winters.
Savoring Slope Gourmet Cuisine| Local Flavors at Diverse Restaurants
Naeba Prince Hotel houses approximately 20 restaurants offering diverse options including Japanese, Western, Chinese, Italian, and yakiniku. Each restaurant provides menus utilizing local Niigata ingredients, allowing full enjoyment of culinary pleasures beyond skiing.
Restaurant Azalea
“Azalea” ranks among the hotel’s most popular restaurants. In an open space overlooking slopes, guests enjoy Japanese-Western buffets centered on Minamiuonuma Koshihikari rice. The culinary theme is “Enjoy Naeba! Mikuni Kaido Flavor Tour,” featuring local production for local consumption menus along the Mikuni Highway.
Breakfast features freshly cooked Minamiuonuma Koshihikari rice, fluffy omelets prepared to order, and aromatic bread made with Kiryu yeast. Dinner buffets include roast beef made from domestic wagyu, seasonal Niigata ingredients in simmered and grilled dishes, colorful salad bars, and extensive dessert corners.
Restaurant Beauséjour
For authentic French cuisine, “Beauséjour” is recommended. Offering French cuisine abundantly utilizing local production, each dish conveys regional connections. The attraction lies in experiencing the land’s climate and culture through cuisine, with children’s menus also available, making it family-friendly.
Japanese Restaurant Matsukaze
For authentic Japanese cuisine, “Matsukaze” is recommended. Shabu-shabu and sukiyaki featuring tender meat with rich sesame sauce are highly regarded. Guests can leisurely enjoy Japanese cuisine in a calm atmosphere.
Restaurant Alm
“Alm” near the Dragondola summit station is popular as a restaurant close to the sky. Large windows overlook Tashiro Plateau and surrounding mountains, allowing dining while viewing spectacular scenery. Including gondola travel time, this location offers special dining experiences.
Multiple restaurants are also positioned within slopes, enabling efficient dining while skiing. The ramen shop in day-use ski center “Schnee” is popular for its authentic pork bone and seafood soup. The slope food court features hearty menu items like thick-cut bacon and coarse-ground sausage potato pizza.
Additionally, drugstores, ATMs, and medical clinics are available within the hotel, ensuring comfort even during extended stays. Having immediate medical response capabilities for injuries provides particular reassurance for families with children.
Night Skiing and Slope Fireworks Attractions
Naeba Ski Resort operates night skiing from late December through late March. Operating hours are 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, allowing skiing in fantastical atmospheres different from daytime. Illuminated slopes are beautiful, offering different skiing sensations from daytime.
Furthermore, “Slope Launched Fireworks” are held on specific dates throughout the season. For the 2025-2026 season, fireworks are scheduled for December 25, 31, January 1, 3, 10, 31, February 7, 11, March 7, and 14. Colorful fireworks launch from near Course 4 at 8:45 PM after night skiing ends.
Fireworks reflected on pure white snow slopes further enhance winter night skies. Many skiers visit specifically for these fireworks, creating special experiences unique to Naeba Ski Resort. Hotel guests can enjoy fireworks from their rooms, creating perfect memories to conclude each day.
Green Season HOSHIZORA Gondola
Naeba Ski Resort’s attractions extend beyond winter. During green season, “HOSHIZORA Gondola” offers nighttime aerial walks. This gondola departs from directly in front of Naeba Prince Hotel, arriving at summit “HOSHIZORA Terrace” in approximately 10 minutes.
At the summit, sound and light projection mapping creates extraordinary spaces resembling outer space. “HOSHIZORA Cafe” adjacent to the summit station offers cocktails, drinks, and food inspired by starry skies. The center circle features exhibits about planets and space, with library corner “Planet Station” stocked with books about stars and space.
Operating periods span late April through mid-June and mid-July through late September, basically operating 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. However, Sundays and specific dates may operate from 11:30 AM, allowing daytime scenery enjoyment. This represents valuable opportunities to discover Naeba’s attractions completely different from winter ski season.
Summer Naeba as Fuji Rock’s Sacred Ground
Naeba Ski Resort serves not only as a winter ski resort but also as the venue for Japan’s largest rock festival “FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL” during summer. This event, held at the location since 1999, enables multiple stage setups utilizing expansive slopes, typically held over 3 days in late July annually, attracting numerous music fans domestically and internationally.
The 2026 Fuji Rock Festival is confirmed for July 24-26 over 3 days. Snow-covered slopes in winter transform into lush green outdoor festival venues in summer, a uniqueness specific to Naeba. Such diverse utilization across seasons enables Naeba to entertain many people year-round.
Healing in Surrounding Hot Spring Areas
Numerous hot spring areas dot the vicinity of Naeba Ski Resort. The environment enables luxurious winter experiences of healing bodies tired from skiing in hot springs.
Mikuni Naeba Onsen and Mikuni Touge Onsen are located along National Route 17, both within close distance of Naeba. Via Tsukiyono Interchange, Sarugakyo Onsen also becomes an option. These hot spring areas offer different spring qualities and atmospheres, with many facilities accommodating day-use bathing.
Naeba area hot springs are particularly known for abundant water volume and quality spring water, considered effective for muscle pain and fatigue recovery. The experience of soaking in hot springs after skiing and savoring local cuisine represents quintessentially Niigata winter enjoyment.
Surrounding Ski Resorts
When visiting Naeba Ski Resort, nearby ski resorts worth visiting include:
Kagura Ski Resort
Kagura Ski Resort, connected to Naeba via Dragondola, boasts a maximum elevation of 1,845 meters, among the highest in the Yuzawa area. High elevation ensures excellent snow quality, with operations often extending through Golden Week in May, especially recommended for spring skiing enthusiasts. All 32 courses divided into Kagura, Mitsumata, and Tashiro areas offer terrain different from Naeba.
GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort
The ultimate accessibility of direct connection with Joetsu Shinkansen’s GALA Yuzawa Station is attractive. Zero-step access from station to slopes enables authentic skiing in as little as 75 minutes from Tokyo. High elevation ensures good snow quality, particularly popular among beginners wanting casual day-trip skiing empty-handed.
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Excellent location 8 minutes walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station plus access via the world’s largest 166-person ropeway to the summit creates a distinctive style. The ropeway offers panoramic views of Echigo Sanzan and Tanigawa mountain ranges, with approximately 7 minutes of aerial walk functioning as an attraction itself. Courses centered on beginner-intermediate levels make it popular among families.
Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
Boasting Yuzawa area’s largest scale of 26 total courses, maximum run distance reaches 4,000 meters. Excellent access approximately 1 minute from Shiozawa-Ishiuchi Interchange makes it ideal for day-trip skiing. Spacious course designs allow beginners to ski confidently while offering diverse terrain including advanced courses with maximum 32-degree gradients and forest courses.
Kandatsu Snow Resort
Weekend night skiing operations until 2:00 AM during high season feature lengthy operating hours as an attraction. North-facing location enables enjoyment of quality powder snow from 100 percent natural snow. The renovated day-use facility “GROUND BASE” houses Yuzawa area’s largest panoramic bath “Kami no Yu,” enriching après-ski experiences.
Maiko Snow Resort
Excellent access approximately 1 minute from Kan-Etsu Expressway’s Shiozawa-Ishiuchi Interchange features gentle slope courses across flat mountains popular among beginners and families. Diverse layouts across 26 courses plus slope-connected hotels and lodges with nursing rooms provide family-friendly comfort.
Recommended Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Ponshukan
Located within Echigo-Yuzawa Station, this museum showcases Niigata’s local sake. Popular experiences include receiving a sake cup and 5 tokens for 500 yen to sample representative brands from all prefecture breweries via sake-tasting machines. Sake baths and specialty product sales enable full enjoyment of Niigata’s sake culture.
Yuzawa Town Historical and Folklore Museum “Yukiguni-kan”
This museum introduces the world of Yasunari Kawabata’s novel “Snow Country” through various exhibits. Displays centered on Yukiguni Yuzawa’s lifestyle and history enable deep understanding of regional culture. Recommended for novel fans and those interested in Yuzawa’s history.
Daigenta Lake
This beautiful dam lake spreading at Mount Daigenta’s base features particularly spectacular autumn foliage scenery. Campgrounds and barbecue facilities are maintained, enabling outdoor enjoyment amid nature during summer. A healing spot for fully appreciating seasonal natural beauty while strolling lakeshores.
Experience Workshop Genta
This workshop offers traditional Niigata hands-on experiences including soba-making and sasadango (bamboo leaf-wrapped dumpling) making. Under careful instruction from skilled instructors, children through adults can enjoy experiences, ideal for family memory-making. Freshly made flavors created personally taste exceptionally delicious.
Summary
Niigata Prefecture’s Naeba Ski Resort, with over 60 years of history, represents an authentic snow resort that has developed alongside Japanese ski culture. With 24 diverse courses across expansive terrain, Japan’s longest Dragondola, well-equipped kids parks, and perfect integration with Naeba Prince Hotel boasting Japan’s largest 1,224 rooms, environments are established for all people to enjoy, from beginners to advanced skiers, children to adults.
Attractive elements abound, including welcome family benefits of free lift tickets for elementary students and younger, night skiing, and slope fireworks. Beyond winter ski season, attractions unique to Naeba enable year-round enjoyment including green season HOSHIZORA Gondola and summer Fuji Rock Festival.
Surrounding areas offer abundant distinctive ski resorts, hot springs, and tourist spots, ensuring activities never run dry during stays. This winter, why not enjoy the ultimate snow resort experience at Niigata Prefecture’s Naeba Ski Resort? Create unforgettable winter memories at Naeba Ski Resort where powder snow, spectacular views, and excellent facilities await.