If you are planning a Japan ski trip and want a resort that is easy to reach 2.5 hours drive from Tokyo, Naeba Ski Resort in Nigata is worth considering,
It combines a large ski area, family friendly snow activities, night skiing, acommodation, restaurants and direct access to the famous Dragondola.
Trip.com has put together a guide to Naeba Ski Resort, covering everything from transportation and lodging to nearby hot springs, so you can start planning your winter ski getaway right away!
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Information | Naeba Ski Resort |
|---|---|
Location | Yuzawa, Niigata, Japan |
Nearest major station | Echigo-Yuzawa Station |
From Tokyo | Around 2.5 hours by train or car |
Ski season | Generally December to early April |
Maximum elevation | 1,789m |
Vertical drop | 889m |
Longest run | Approx. 4km |
Beginner terrain | 42% |
Intermediate terrain | 25% |
Advanced terrain | 33% |
Night skiing | Available during selected winter dates |
Nearby ski area | Kagura Ski Resort |
Famous attraction | Dragondola |
Early season can be exciting for the first snowfall, but snow coverage can vary at the beginning of the season.
For more reliable conditions, check the latest snow and lift information before travelling.
January and February are popular months for skiing in Naeba.
These months generally offer the heart of the winter season, with colder temperatures and good opportunities for fresh snow.
For Singapore travellers who want to experience proper Japanese winter conditions, this is also the period to prepare for the coldest weather.
March can be a good choice if you prefer slightly milder temperatures.
However, snow conditions can become more variable later in the season, particularly at lower elevations.
Official Ticket Prices for the Slopes at Naeba Ski Resort | |||
Ticket type | Adult Ticket | Child Ticket | Notes |
1-day cable car ticket | 7,200 yen | Free | Valid from park opening to 5:00 PM |
2-hour cable car ticket | 4,800 yen | Free | 2 hours from the time of ticket purchase |
5-Hour Cable Car Ticket | 5,800 yen | Free | 5 hours from the time of ticket purchase |
Afternoon＆Night Skiing Cable Car Ticket | 7,500 yen | Free | Validity 12:00 PM–8:30 PM |
Night Ski Lift Ticket - Saturdays and Year-End/New Year Period*Every Saturday during 12/21–3/22 and on 12/29–1/3, 1/12, 2/23 | 3,500 yen | Free | Valid 4:30 PM–8:30 PM |
Night Skiing Cable Car Ticket - Weekdays and Sundays | 2,500 yen | Free | Valid hours: 4:30 PM–8:30 PM |
Season Pass (includes Naeba, Kagura, and Hakkaisan) | 110,000 yen | 5,000 yen | Open from the start of operations in 2024 through the end of operations in 2025 (operating periods vary by location). |
Trip.com Ticket Deals | ||
Ticket type | Adult Ticket | Notes |
1-day cable car ticket | S$59.62 | The lift ticket is your ski pass |
2-day cable car ticket | S$135.47 | The lift ticket is your ski pass |
3-Day Cable Car Ticket | S$207.71 | A lift ticket is your ski pass |
Naeba Ski Resort Snowmobile Tour Experience - 60 Minutes (Parent-Child Ticket) | S$321.52 | A family ticket includes 1 adult + 1 child |
Naeba is more than just a place to ski. It is designed as a full winter resort, so you can spend several days here without needing to travel elsewhere for every activity.
Naeba has a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.
Beginners can practise on gentler slopes around the base, while intermediate and advanced skiers can head higher up the mountain for more challenging runs.
The official trail map lists 42% beginner, 25% intermediate and 33% advanced terrain, giving Naeba a relatively balanced selection for different abilities.
One of Naeba's biggest attractions is the Dragondola, which connects Naeba with the Tashiro area of neighbouring Kagura Ski Resort.
The resort describes it as Japan's longest gondola. It gives skiers access to the wider Mt. Naeba area and is also an attraction in its own right for enjoying the mountain scenery.
If you are visiting with friends or family members who are not confident skiers, the Dragondola is another way to enjoy the snowy mountain landscape without spending the entire day on the slopes.
Naeba's ski area stretches from the base at around 900m to Mt. Takenoko at 1,789m.
The resort has runs for different abilities, including wide beginner-friendly slopes and steeper sections for experienced skiers. The maximum running distance is approximately 4,000m, with a vertical drop of 889m.
If this is your first ski trip, start around the lower section of the resort.
The Naeba ski map includes beginner trails such as:
There is also a Kids' Ski Slope and Waku-Waku Family Snow Land, making the base area convenient for families with young children.
Intermediate skiers can explore longer runs and move towards higher sections of the mountain.
Some listed intermediate courses include:
Experienced skiers can try steeper terrain including the South Trail of High-Speed Lift No. 8, World Cup Mogul Trail and Takenokoyama Trail.
Naeba also has designated powder and ungroomed areas, although conditions and access can change depending on the day.
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Shinkansen: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then transfer to a bus or shuttle bus; total travel time is about 2.5 hours.
Buses/Hotel Shuttles: Starting this ski season (12/1/2025 to 3/31/2026), express buses will run from Narita Airport to Naeba Ski Resort, with direct service to the Naeba Prince Hotel.
Departing from Narita Airport's Terminal 3, they then stop in order at Terminals 2 and 1; if you choose the "Express" service, it also makes an extra stop at the Tokyo Yaesu Bus Terminal, so if you want to swing into Tokyo along the way, this bus is a perfect choice!
Right now, there’s one bus per day, departing every evening at 6:00 PM and arriving around 10:30 PM, with an estimated travel time of 4.5 hours.
Fares are 8,000 yen for adults and 4,000 yen for children. We recommend reserving seats in advance; just board with a QR code ticket. You can also buy tickets on site, but only a few seats are usually available. There’s also a return bus from Naeba Ski Resort to Narita Airport—a total lifesaver for skiers that saves you the hassle of hauling suitcases during transfers!
Additionally, travelers can catch a sightseeing bus, a winter-only shuttle bus, or the Naeba Prince Hotel’s free shuttle from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, and the ride takes about 30-40 minutes.
Drive yourself: Travelers who value flexibility can opt to drive, just note you’ll need to switch to snow tires beforehand.
We recommend booking your rental car on Trip.com in advance, you can get up to an exclusive 8% off, choose from a wide range of models to suit your trip, enjoy free cancellation, and more, making it a great companion for your self-guided adventure!
Naeba Prince Hotel is located just a 1-minute walk from Naeba Ski Resort, making it one of the most convenient places to stay for a ski holiday.
The hotel offers a range of room types, with options overlooking the river or ski slopes, so you can wake up to beautiful winter scenery.
Guests can also enjoy several restaurants, relaxing hot spring facilities, a children’s play area, and a free shuttle service to and from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. For a hassle-free ski getaway with everything close at hand, Naeba Prince Hotel is a great choice.
Yuzawa Grand Hotel is conveniently located near Echigo-Yuzawa Station, making it easy to reach Naeba Ski Resort by bus or free shuttle.
The hotel combines traditional Japanese touches with comfortable modern facilities, including onsen baths, a breakfast service, and a gift shop.
Guests also love the spacious rooms and scenic surroundings, making it a comfortable base for a winter getaway in Yuzawa.
Echigo no Oyado Inamoto is about a 2-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, and you can also hop on a bus or shuttle to reach Naeba Ski Resort and other nearby ski areas, it’s a favorite among ski enthusiasts!
The hotel has an open-air onsen, where you can soak while taking in peaceful views of the surrounding mountains and the quiet little town.
Yukemuri no Yado Yuki no Hana blends traditional Japanese charm with elegant wooden interiors, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
Selected rooms feature private open-air baths, while the three spacious hot spring baths on the top floor are perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes, with beautiful views of the snow-covered mountains.
Guests can also enjoy a kaiseki dinner and drinks at the bar, adding a taste of authentic Japanese hospitality to their stay.
Shosenkaku Kagetsu was featured on Trip.Best’s 2024 Global 100 list of top ski hotels.
Located near Echigo-Yuzawa Station and several ski resorts, it is a convenient base for a winter getaway. The hotel is especially known for its range of onsen facilities, including open-air baths where you can relax while enjoying the snowy mountain scenery.
Families are also well catered for with a dedicated kids’ play area, making it a comfortable choice for both couples and families.
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