ABOUT
About this spot
Kagura Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, is a sacred destination for winter sports lovers, with some of the finest conditions in Japan. The top area, at 1,845 m above sea level, opens onto magnificent snowy panoramas, and thanks to the abundant snowfall typical of the Sea of Japan side, the resort delivers a remarkably long season, with skiing usually possible from late November until mid-May, well past Golden Week. The resort's three distinctive areas, Kagura, Mitsumata and Tashiro, are linked together, making up one of the largest ski domains in Japan. The Tashiro area is especially prized for its spectacular panoramic view over the emerald-green Lake Kassa far below. Steep slopes popular with advanced skiers and gentle runs where beginners can glide at ease are well balanced, so everyone from families to dedicated skiers can enjoy the mountain. Easy access is another draw: it takes as little as about 70 minutes by Shinkansen from central Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then 20 minutes by bus. Whether you come for a day trip in search of real powder or stay in a hot spring town and take things slowly, this is an ideal spot for a winter-to-spring getaway. Once you have felt the refreshing sense of freedom of spring skiing, you will never forget it.
Last updated March 27, 2026
