Dragondola to Kagura/Tashiro
Ride one of Japan’s longest gondolas (~5.5 km) linking Naeba with the Tashiro area of Kagura for broader terrain and views.
Naeba Ski Resort
A classic ski resort in Niigata Prefecture with night skiing, broad groomers, and the Dragondola link to Kagura/Tashiro. Enjoy the Japanese hot springs in the nearby town of Yuzawa as well as the old-school restaurants and izakayas.
Consistent mid-winter snow
Over 5km long Dragondola lift
Onsens around Yuzawa
Naeba & Nearby Highlights
Ski Naeba’s groomers, link to Kagura for more terrain, then hop down to Echigo-Yuzawa for sake tasting, ropeway views, and easy day-use hot springs.
Naeba Prince Hotel Front
Slope-side hotel complex with rentals, lessons, food courts, and family zones—step out and you’re on the snow.
Echigo-Yuzawa & Ponshukan
Before/after skiing, explore Echigo-Yuzawa Station’s Ponshukan for sake tasting, local snacks, and easy souvenir browsing.
Yuzawa Kogen & Day-use Onsens
Quick day trip: ropeway views, snow play, and plenty of day-use hot springs around Yuzawa to soak tired legs.
Passes & Tickets
- Day & Multi-day Passes: Pick up at Naeba base ticket centers; check combo options with Kagura/Tashiro.
- Night Skiing: Runs on select evenings in peak season—fun laps under the lights.
- Lessons/Rentals: Available slope-side around Naeba Prince; book ahead during holidays.
When to Visit
Dec
Season start; cold temps, early storms.
Jan
Deep winter—best snow, shortest days.
Feb
Reliable snow and longer daylight.
Mar
More sun and softer snow; family-friendly.
Soak Nearby
Warm up in day-use onsens around Naeba and Echigo-Yuzawa. Many hotels offer bathing to non-guests—bring a small towel and follow bathing etiquette.
- Naeba/Asagai area hotel baths (day-use hours vary).
- Yuzawa Station area foot baths and public hot springs.
- Easy bus/taxi back if you’re not staying slope-side.
Eat & Après
Slope-side food courts and izakaya clusters at Naeba base, plus Echigo-Yuzawa’s convenient station eats.
- Hearty ramen, curry rice, and katsu for quick refuels.
- Local specialties: Koshihikari rice dishes and Niigata sake.
- Après around the base area and hotel arcades.
Getting to Naeba
Rail + Bus
Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa (≈1h20 from Tokyo). Then local bus or hotel shuttle to Naeba (≈40–50 min).
Fly
Fly into Tokyo (HND/NRT), then Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa. Winter roads can be snowy—rent a car only if confident with chains/tires.
Around Town
Naeba base is walkable between lifts, hotel, rentals, and food. For Yuzawa side trips, check bus timetables—last services can be early on weekdays.
Mountain Links & Weather
Dragondola operations and inter-area links depend on weather. Check daily notices, obey closures, and layer for ridge winds on exposed lifts.