Japan is renowned as an excellent winter sports destination. Although there are plenty of places to ski, Niigata is considered the birthplace of Japanese skiing.
Niigata prefecture is situated on the western side of Japan's main Honshu island. The region is known for its ski resorts, but it also boasts beautiful national parks and tons of hot springs (onsen). The stunning natural environment, mountainous terrain, and healing thermal water all contribute to making Niigata one of the top ski destinations in the world.
If you're considering a ski trip in Japan, this guide will convince you to head straight for Niigata.
So, why should you choose to go skiing in Niigata? First of all, the Yuzawa region is easily accessible from Tokyo. This makes it a popular ski destination for locals but also for travelers who have limited time in Japan.
As a result, there are numerous different ski resorts in Niigata to choose from both in the Yuzawa and Myoko areas. The main reason why the area is so popular is that it receives a high average snowfall, and the snow quality is excellent. Skiing first started in Japan during the early 1910s, and it all started in this part of the country. Decades later, Niigata is still a firm favorite with Japanese skiers. With large volumes of snow, Niigata offers a longer ski season than most destinations. The high-quality powder adds to the appeal and attracts skiers from all over Japan and the world. Therefore, Niigata is enjoyable for all levels of skiers, from beginners all the way through to advanced.
However, there is so much more to Niigata prefecture. Niigata is one of the leading rice-producing regions in Japan and also one of the top liquor-producing regions. As you can imagine, the sake overflows in this part of Japan. This is where the famous Uonuma Koshihikari rice and Hakkaisan sake come from, after all. Combine this with wintery weather, and you can expect plenty of good food and top-class sake to enjoy after an eventful day on the slopes. To make the experience even more fun, there are many hot springs all around to soak in and soothe your tired muscles after a full day of skiing.
Yuzawa is situated in the southern part of Niigata prefecture and happens to be the main ski destination in the area. Since Yuzawa is only about 200km northwest of Tokyo, it is relatively easy to reach by car, train, or bus.
The fastest option is to take the Joetsu Shinkansen (bullet train). Hop on the train at Tokyo Station and then get off at Echigo-Yuzawa Station. The journey takes about 80 - 90 minutes. Once you reach Echigo-Yuzawa Station, you can take a shuttle bus to your preferred ski resort or arrange a private transfer.
You might also want to spend some time at the all-you-can-try sake shop located in Echigo-Yuzawa Station, where you can sample over 100 different varieties. If you don't want to drink, then explore this fun station which is full of market stalls where you can buy food, souvenirs, and more.
Public transport in the area is excellent, with regular bus and train schedules between ski resorts and the main towns in Yuzawa. There are also plenty of taxis available outside Echigo-Yuzawa Station.
There are numerous ski resorts in Niigata in general but the Yuzawa area is most loved. However, these are the best ski resorts in this area that you may want to consider for your ski trip:
Naeba Ski Resort is one of the top ski destinations in the area. It has well-developed facilities and quality infrastructure that ensures a wonderful experience for everyone who visits. At the center of the resort is Naeba Prince Hotel which is the main activity hub. Here you'll find accommodation, restaurants, facilities, and all non-skiing-related activities. You can literally ski in and ski out of this unique hotel, making it a convenient base.
This is an entertainment focussed ski resort which means that there is plenty to do. There are slopes and terrains for all skiers and even fun trails for kids. Some activities that can be enjoyed are Family Snowland, Cat skiing, and snowshoeing. Plus, there are over 20 onsite restaurants at the hotel. Naeba Ski Resort is also connected to the neighboring Kagura Ski Resort via the longest gondola in Japan, called Dragondola.
How to get to Naeba Ski Resort: Take the Narita Express train from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station. Then board the JR bullet train and get off at Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Finally, take the direct shuttle bus from the station to the ski resort.
• Address: 202 Mikuni, Yuzawa Town, Niigata 949-6292
• Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM daily.
NASPA Ski Garden is the only ski resort in Japan where you can meet the beloved character "Pingu." This makes it a rather popular destination for kids and families. The ski resort slopes are situated right behind the New Otani Hotel. Although both hotel guests and day visitors may take to the slope, it's important to note that NASPA is a skiers-only resort. Therefore, you won't be able to snowboard here.
As with most ski resorts in Niigata, NASPA is a hub of activity that centers around the hotel. You can rent equipment and take lessons on the varying terrains. There are plenty of family and kid-friendly activities to enjoy as well. For the adults, there are numerous on-site restaurants and regular events that take place during ski season.
How to get to NASPA Ski Garden: Take the Narita Express train from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station. Then board the JR bullet train and get off at Echigo-Yuzawa Station. From there, get on the free shuttle bus line that connects from the station to the ski resort.
• Address: 2117-9 Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Niigata 949-6101
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort stands out from the others simply because it is the only ski resort with its own bullet train. That's right. You can hop off the train, buy a ticket, rent equipment, and get on the gondola, all in the same building. This makes it the ideal destination for a day ski trip because you can hit the slopes almost immediately after arriving from Tokyo. Unlike the previous two ski resorts, GALA doesn't revolve around the main hotel. Rather, you can find accommodation in the nearby traditional Japanese town of Yuzawa.
It is a modern resort with quality facilities and infrastructure. Best of all, GALA has a spa area where you can soak in the hot springs and enjoy the open-air jacuzzi. There is also a separate pool for children. Besides this, you'll also find restaurants, shops, and more in the rest house which is directly connected to the mountaintop gondola station.
How to get to GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort: Take the Narita Express train from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station. Then board the JR bullet train from Tokyo Station and get off at GALA Yuzawa Station. The trip takes about 74 minutes.
• Address: 1039-2 Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Niigata 949-6101
• Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM daily.
Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort is one of the biggest ski resorts in Japan. You'll find that the resort is split into 4 distinct zones making it a destination that absolutely everyone can enjoy. Like most other Niigata ski resorts, the property spreads out from a central hotel. Hotel Green Plaza Joetsu is rather unique because of its striking red roof and Tudor-goth blend architecture. Although the building is impressive, you'll simply use it as a base from which to explore the large grounds.
The 4 zones to choose from are "Mother's Zone" and "Kid's Paradise," which are themed snow parks to enjoy some family-friendly fun. Then there is the "Active Zone," with a steep slope for more extreme skiers and snowboarders. Finally, the "Forest Zone," which offers longer slopes and trails that weave through the trees. Visitors can also sample local cuisine at the buffet restaurant, relax at the onsen and have fun with karaoke at the hotel.
How to get to Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort: The resort has its own train station. Take the Narita Express train from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station. Then board the JR bullet train and get off at Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Next, take the Joetsu line and get off at JoetsuKokusai Station.
• Address: 112-1 Kabansawa, Minamiuonuma-shi, Niigata 949-6431
• Opening hours: 8 AM - 4:30 PM daily.
Are you ready to hit the slopes for a Niigata ski vacation? It's truly the easiest ski destination if you're from Tokyo.
Experience a unique winter ski season in Naeba Ski Resort with its outstanding slopes, exciting outdoor activities, and cozy, comfortable accommodations.
Experience Japan’s premier family-friendly winter season ski resort destination, NASPA Ski Garden and NASPA New Otani Resort.
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