Kagura Ski Resort

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Kagura Ski Resort

Crisp winter air, just you and the mountain.

4.83 12

Last update :

Located in Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, Kagura Ski Resort is a vast resort divided into three areas: Kagura, Mitsumata, and Tashiro. It offers runs up to 6,000 meters long, with a total of 30 courses. The resort is known for its abundant snowfall, with an average snow depth of around 350 cm throughout the season.

The Kagura area offers many intermediate to advanced courses, such as the popular Kagura Main Trail and Expert Trail in the Forest, which starts at an elevation of 1,800 meters. The Mitsumata and Tashiro areas are well-suited for beginners and families, offering a wide variety of easier courses. The Tashiro area borders Naeba Ski Resort and is connected by the Dragondola—the longest gondola in Japan at about 5.5 km—as well as by express and local buses. The ski resort is open from late November to around late May, and many Japanese skiers visit even late in the season to enjoy the consistently good snow conditions.

In summer, the resort opens a slope covered with one of Japan’s largest snow mats, stretching about 1,100 meters. Nearby, the Kaido no Yu hot spring offers day-use facilities, perfect for relaxing after skiing.

Highlights

  • A vast ski resort divided into three areas: Kagura, Mitsumata, and Tashiro.
  • The Kagura area features many intermediate and advanced courses, including one that starts at 1,800 meters above sea level.
  • Mitsumata and Tashiro offer a wide range of courses for beginners and families.
  • Connected to Naeba Ski Resort via the Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola.
  • Even in the late season, snow conditions remain excellent, attracting many Japanese skiers.

Autumn Foliage Season Operations(Tashiro Ropeway)

Operating Period
October 10(Sat) - November 3(Tue,National Holiday),2026
Hours
9:00AM - 3:00PM
※Last downhill ride at 4:00PM
Fare
Adults:4,000yen / Children:2,300yen
※①One preschool child may ride free with each accompanying adult.(For two or more preschool children,the elementary school fare applies from the second child.)
※②The child fare applies to elementary school students and younger(children under 12).
Notes
・Pets may ride in a pet carrier that fits inside the Dragondola(maximum width:40cm,maximum height:80cm).
・SPGR Members:Adults:3,700yen / Children:2,100yen

Photos

  • The Kagura area offers many advanced courses where you can enjoy fresh snow.

    The Kagura area offers many advanced courses where you can enjoy fresh snow.

  • The Tashiro area provides sweeping views of Lake Tashiro and the Echigo mountain range.

    The Tashiro area provides sweeping views of Lake Tashiro and the Echigo mountain range.

  • A backcountry paradise that can be enjoyed until late May

    A backcountry paradise that can be enjoyed until late May

  • Wada-goya, accessible only by skiing or snowboarding

    Wada-goya, accessible only by skiing or snowboarding

  • In summer, experience one of Japan’s largest snow mats, about 1,100 meters long.

    In summer, experience one of Japan’s largest snow mats, about 1,100 meters long.

  • In autumn, the Tashiro Ropeway is a popular spot for autumn foliage viewing.

    In autumn, the Tashiro Ropeway is a popular spot for autumn foliage viewing.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Can lift tickets be purchased in advance?

A

Yes, they can be purchased online in advance, and same-day purchase is also available.

Q

Is rental equipment such as skis, snowboards, and ski wear available?

A

Yes, rentals are available. However, gloves, goggles, and hats are not included.

Q

Are there accommodations nearby?

A

Yes, there are accommodations around each base station area. Access from the Naeba Prince Hotel is also convenient, with local and express buses available.

Q

Are there places to eat?

A

Yes, there are restaurants located throughout the ski resort.

Reviews

12

Some reviews are AI-translated.

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    When you come with a group of people who love skiing, it's really easy for "one last run" to turn into three more. By the end, we were so tired we were sitting in the snow, but we were still discussing what time to be the first ones up the mountain tomorrow.

  • See More

    The ski resort is big enough and has plenty of runs, so a group of friends at about the same skill level can keep switching to different runs for new challenges. The people in front charge ahead, and those behind chase after them. Just competing with each other is a lot of fun.

  • See More

    Looking down at Lake Tashiro from Kagura's Tashiro area, the blue-green lake is surrounded by snow-covered mountains. The view is truly unbelievable, and it's worth skiing over just for this scenery.

  • See More

    Moving from Mitsumata to Kagura and then on to Tashiro, the terrain, slopes, and scenery keep changing. Instead of repeatedly taking the same lift and skiing the same run, you can spend the whole day cruising around, which is very appealing to people who enjoy exploring a ski resort.
    Its biggest drawback actually comes from how large it is. Traveling between the three areas takes a lot of time. If you enter through Mitsumata in the morning and want to ski all the way to Tashiro and back, you can't just focus on skiing—you definitely need to keep an eye on the lift times in the afternoon. Missing a key lift can cause a lot of trouble.
    Also, Kagura isn't the kind of modern ski resort with highly efficient lifts where you can keep doing laps. The areas are spread out and require many transfers, and popular lifts may have lines on weekends. Some runs in Tashiro are also relatively flat, so snowboarders in particular may find themselves thinking, "Why do I have to keep my speed up again?" Visitor reviews mention similar issues with holiday lines.

  • See More

    The snow at Kagura Ski Resort is seriously no joke. It feels so floaty when you’re skiing, especially on fresh powder—every run feels like you’re flying. The slopes are long and wide, and the scenery is beautiful too.

Details

Name in Japanese
かぐらスキー場 みつまたステーション
Postal Code
949-6211
Address
742 Mitsumata, Yuzawamachi, Minamiuonumagun, Niigata
Telephone
025-788-9221
Closed
Open year-round
Opening Hours
8:00am - 4:30pm, Weekends and holidays 7:30am - 4:30pm
Rates
1-Day Lift Ticket: Adults (junior high school students and above) 7,500yen; Children (elementary school age and younger): Free
*Rates and hours are subject to change. Please check the official website below for the latest information.
Access
(1) From Haneda Airport: about 18 minutes by Tokyo Monorail Airport Rapid to Hamamatsucho Station. Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station, then take the Joetsu Shinkansen (about 90 min) to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. From there, about 18 minutes by local bus or winter express bus.
(2) From Narita Airport: about 1 hour by JR Narita Express to Tokyo Station. Transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen (about 90 min) to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. From there, about 18 minutes by local bus or winter express bus.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa