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2024 to 2025 Ski guide to the top 5 popular resorts in Echigo-Yuzawa, Japan

Niigata Prefecture is one of the regions with the highest snowfall in Japan and has a long history of skiing. Echigo Yuzawa is renowned for its soft powder snow and natural hot springs, making it an ideal choice for ski enthusiasts. Additionally, you can taste local famous sake at the "Echigo Sake Museum."

Just a two-hour drive from Tokyo, this article will guide you through the top 5 ski resorts in Echigo Yuzawa, ensuring your ski trip is filled with fun and surprises, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro!

Table of contents

Japan Ski Season

Ski Resort Transportation

Ski Resort Weather

Ski Equipments

How to Choose Ski Boards？

Ski Resort Introductions

National Holidays in Japan for 2025

Conclusion

Japan Ski Season

The ski season in Japan generally lasts from December to April of the following year, with actual dates depending on the location. January and February usually have stable and abundant snowfall, making these two months the peak season for skiing in Japan!

Ski Resort Transportation

1.JR Pass

The JR Pass is a railway pass offered by the JR Group for foreign tourists. Holders can travel unlimited times on Shinkansen (bullet trains), JR trains, ferries, buses, and some airport express trains within the validity period. After arriving at the nearest station to the ski resort, you'll need to take a shuttle bus.

2.Chartered Car Service

If you want the easiest way to travel, a charter service is the ideal choice. It eliminates the hassle of checking maps and finding your way, greatly enhancing travel comfort. Charter services not only offer flexible itineraries but also ensure you enjoy a smooth and pleasant journey.

Ski Resort Weather

You can refer to Weather News that contains weather and snowfall information for approximately 400 ski resorts in Japan.

Ski Equipments

Need to bring your own

(based on hygiene and size considerations)

 No need to bring your own, can be rented
snow goggles, waterproof gloves, knee-high socks, anti-fall clothing, protective gear, and base layers snowshoes, snowboards, ski poles, helmet, outer layer of snowsuit and pants 
Suggestion:

1. Skiing is actually a sport that makes you sweat easily, so the innermost layer of clothing should be made of materials that are light and easy to wick away sweat.

2. Avoid wearing woolen accessories (it is easy to get wet and snagged)

How to Choose Ski Boards？

  Skiing Snowboarding
Body Position similar to ice skating and in-line skating, skiing facing forward similar to skateboarding, surfing and other sports, you mainly slide sideways
Level of Skill easier to learn, but hard to master hard to learn, but easier to master

Ski Resort Introductions

According to 全国スキー場人気ランキング, the ranking of ski resorts in Niigata Prefecture is recommended. This website makes comprehensive rankings based on ski resort size, family suitability, hot springs, tram convenience, driving convenience, and the length of the snow season.

Maiko Ski Resort

Official Website：https://www.maiko-resort.com/winter/

  • One of the snow resorts certified by Japan's three major skiing alliances (SAJ, JSAB, SIA).
  • The resort is composed of three main areas:
    • Nagamine Area: Features rich, steep slopes suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers.
    • Maiko Area: Offers wide, flat runs ideal for families with children.
    • Okotani Area: Known for its unique bowl-shaped terrain.
  • It boasts the largest "Nagamine Ranran Run" in the Yuzawa area, with the longest skiing distance of 6 km.
  • Night skiing is available from 16:00 to 20:00.
  • Transportation:
    • By Train：From Haneda Airport, take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to “Echigo-Yuzawa” Station, followed by a bus for about 20 minutes, totaling approximately 3 hours.
    • By Car or Charter：Approximately 3 hours total.
  • Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Maiko Kogen Hotel
    • Offers Ski-in/Ski-out service (the hotel is directly at or near the ski slopes, eliminating the need for additional shuttle transport; guests can gear up at the hotel and ski directly to the slopes).
    • Family-Friendly Facilities and Services：
      • Children's play area "KIDS PIT"
      • Convenience store selling baby diapers and feeding bibs
      • Large public bath with special chairs for bathing infants.

Naeba Ski Resort

Official Website：https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba/informations/

  • It features Japan's longest gondola—Dragondola, which takes you to the famous Kagura Ski Resort, known for its long ski season and abundant snowfall, in just 25 minutes.
  • The resort offers a variety of snow activities for all ages, including snow tubing, slides, snow banana boats, and snowmobiles.
  • Night skiing is available from 16:00 to 20:30.
  • Transportation:
    • By Train: From Haneda Airport, take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to “Echigo-Yuzawa” Station, then take a bus for about 35 minutes, totaling approximately 3.5 hours.
    • By Car or Charter: Approximately 3.5 hours total.
  • Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Naeba Prince Hotel
    • Offers Ski-in/Ski-out service, ski equipment rentals, ski school, and more. With a variety of room types, travelers with specific accommodation requirements can choose the newest Building No. 2.

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort

Official Website: https://ishiuchi.or.jp/winter/

  • A traditional ski resort with over 70 years of history.
  • Located adjacent to GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort and Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort, you can purchase the "Three Mountains Pass" to access all three resorts.
  • Offers scenic spots for non-skiers to enjoy the snowy landscape, including the luxurious snow camping experience at the "Snow Garden" in a transparent dome tent, along with a café and various activity facilities.
  • Night skiing is available from 16:00 to 20:00.
  • Transportation:
    • By Train: From Haneda Airport, take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to “Echigo-Yuzawa” Station, then take a bus for about 10 minutes, totaling approximately 2.5 hours.
    • By Car or Charter: Approximately 3 hours total.
  • Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Ishiuchi Ski Center Hotel
    • Located in the center of the ski area, offering Ski-in/Ski-out service.

Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort

Official Website: https://jkokusai.co.jp/ski/

  • The second largest ski resort in Japan, covering an area equivalent to 214 Tokyo Domes.
  • Features highly scenic facilities such as the Minami Ski Terrain Park, Half Pipe, and a children's playground.
  • Night skiing is available from 17:00 to 20:30.
  • Transportation:
    • By Train: From Haneda Airport, take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to “Echigo-Yuzawa” Station, then take a bus for about 30 minutes, totaling approximately 3 hours.
    • By Car or Charter: Approximately 3 hours total.
  • Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Joetsu Kokusai Green Plaza Hotel
    • Offers Ski-in/Ski-out service, snowboard rentals, and a delivery service for luggage, all within an atmosphere of European-style architecture.

Akakura Onsen Ski Resort

Official Website: https://akakura-ski.com/

  • The resort features 50% of its slopes suitable for beginners, allowing novice skiers and families to enjoy a worry-free skiing experence.
  • Adjacent to Akakura Kanko Ski Resort, you can easily access both resorts by taking the gondola.
  • Night skiing is available from 17:00 to 21:00.
  • Transportation:
    • By Train: From Haneda Airport, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to “Nagano Station,” transfer to the Shinano Railway to reach “Myoko Kogen Station,” and then take a bus for about 10 minutes, totaling approximately 4.5 hours.
    • By Car or Charter: Approximately 4.5 hours total.
  • Recommended Nearby Accommodation: Akakura Hotel
    • A traditional hotel from the Edo period, recognized in Japan's Top 100 Inns for its culinary excellence.

National Holidays in Japan for 2025

When planning your trip to Japan, it is advisable to avoid the following national holidays!

Date Holiday Name Long Weekend
2025/1/13 Comimg of Age Day 1/11-1/13
2025/2/23 Emperor's Birthday 2/22-2/24
2025/4/29 Golden Week 4/29-5/6

Conclusion

After reading this ski guide to the five major ski resorts in Yuzawa, aren't you eager to embark on a spontaneous skiing trip? However, transportation often poses a challenge for many people. If you want to avoid the crowds and aren't comfortable driving abroad, what should you do?

Orange Cat Charter offers professional, customized charter services that not only help you plan your travel itinerary with ease but also provide a comfortable travel experience. You can fully enjoy each journey without worrying about transportation! Contact our LINE customer service now for one-on-one consultation with a dedicated specialist!

Services Offered by Orange Cat

 

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