There are 11 ski fields in Echigo Yuzawa—let us help you choose
Echigo Yuzawa is the setting for "Snow Country" by Yasunari Kawabata, the first Japanese author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Echigo Yuzawa is internationally-known for its abundance of fluffy, powder snow. Accessible from Tokyo in under two hours, this area is abuzz with activity in winter. There are 11 ski fields scattered around the main station, and each has its own perks. Here are some top picks:
How to Get There
Naeba Ski Resort: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station then take a 50-minute bus to Naeba.
Kagura: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. There are two areas of this ski resort. The first is a 20-minute bus ride from the station to the Mitsumata station, then a ride on the Mitsumata ropeway to the slopes, and the second is a 30-minute bus ride to the Tashiro station, then a ride on the Tashiro ropeway to the slopes.
Gala Yuzawa: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen directly to Gala Yuzawa Station. There is also a free shuttle bus service from Echigo Yuzawa Station.
Kandatsu Snow Resort: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station then take a free 10-minute shuttle bus to Kandatsu.
Naeba Ski Resort
Naeba Ski Resort is ranked one of the top ski resorts in Japan thanks to its reputation as an international skiing event venue, home to Japan's largest rock music festival, and a beautiful alpine park on the top of Mt. Naeba .
The elevation of the slopes is steep, and the courses are best for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
Kagura Ski Resort
Kagura Ski Resort is interconnected with Naeba Ski Resort via the Dragondola—the longest lift in Japan. It is quieter than Naeba, and there are more beginner courses. Many skiers and snowboarders are attracted to Kagura because it is less crowded than Naeba Ski Resort and has plenty of beginner runs but also offers off-piste fun.
Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort
With its own shinkansen station, Gala Yuzawa Resort is one of the most easily accessible ski resorts in the Echigo Yuzawa region and receives a lot of snow each year. With its convenient access from Tokyo, it can, however, get crowded on weekends.
Like Naeba, the courses at Gala are best for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
Kandatsu Snow Resort
Kandatsu Snow Resort is the place to be for snowboarders. It boasts some of the steepest terrain in Niigata , with gradients of up to 45 degrees on some runs. Off-piste and tree run courses are also available.
* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.