Marunuma Kogen is located on the western slopes of Mt Shirane in Katashina village close to the Gunma-Tochigi prefecture border. Marunuma Kogen is particularly popular – and busiest - during the early season and late season due to early snowfall and long season in the region. This is because during the peak season months there are more easily accessible resorts. The road just beyond Marunuma Kogen gets blocked off during winter (so you cannot continue on over into Tochigi Prefecture). Marunuma Kogen has been operating since 1974.
The region to the east of Minakami town and to the north east of Numata city in northern Gunma Prefecture is made up of Kawaba village and Katashina village. There are a number of ski and snowboard resorts dotted around the mountains of this region, all of which are accessed off the main Route 120 road from central Numata. This road is otherwise known as the Nihon Romantic Highway and continues through to Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, though the prefecture border section of the road is closed from late December until late April.
Gunma Prefecture is located in the north west area of Kanto region on the main island of Honshu and shares borders with Niigata Prefecture to the north and Nagano Prefecture to the west. There are over 20 ski and snowboard resorts in Gunma Prefecture and they are mainly concentrated in the northern regions of Minakami and Katashina and the western region of the Prefecture.
Ski and snowboard lessons are available at Marunuma Kogen.
Equipment Rental
Ski Rental:
Available
Snowboard Rental:
Available
Ski and snowboard equipment rental is available. Ski and snowboard wear rental is also available.
Children's facilities
The 'Kids Park' is located at the base of the resort in front of Kogen-no-eki Marunuma building. There is also a 'Beginners Area' with a free to use moving escalator. Open from late December until early April.
Park information
The 'Snow Park' area is located on the left hand area of the resort (as you look from the base). There are a few different zones.
Marunuma Kogen Season & Opening Times
Typical season is from Late November until Early May
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
Daytime
Weekends and holidays
Normally open from 8:15am until 4:30pm
Weekdays
Normally open from 8:15am until 4:30pm
'Nighta' (night skiing)
Weekends and holidays
No
Weekdays
No
Opening information
Marunuma Kogen is generally open from 8:15am until 4:30pm with some variations.
There is no night skiing at Marunuma Kogen.
Marunuma Kogen Lift Ticket Charges
Adults
Child
Elementary School age
Older Child
High School age
Senior
55 years and over
1 Day
4,900 yen
2,200 yen
3,700 yen
4,400 yen
5 Hours
4,400 yen
4,400 yen
4,400 yen
4,400 yen
Friendly Pass
2,500 yen
1,500 yen
1,800 yen
2,500 yen
10 Hours
8,000 yen
20 Hours
15,000 yen
3 Points
1,500 yen
Season Ticket
62,000 yen
25,000 yen
30,000 yen
62,000 yen
Season (from 1st Feb)
36,000 yen
15,000 yen
20,000 yen
26,000 yen
Season (from 1st Mar)
26,000 yen
10,000 yen
15,000 yen
26,000 yen
Season (from 1st Apr)
19,000 yen
5,000 yen
10,000 yen
19,000 yen
2020-2021 Season Lift Tickets
The 20 Hour ticket can be used in units of 1 hour during the season. The 10 Hour ticket can be used in units of 1 hour during the season.
The 'Friendly Pass' is valid on the Number 1, Number 4 and Chuo lifts only.
Cheaper tickets are available until 18th December 2020 and from 22nd March 2021.
Getting to Marunuma Kogen
By public transport
Train
51.9km from Jomo Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen line
42.9km from Numata Station on the Joetsu Line
Information
Marunuma Kogen is about 43km from Numata Station on the Joetsu line and about 52km from Jomo Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen line.
The 'Katashina Snow Express' bus service from Tokyo leaves Shinjuku at 7:15am and arrives at Michi-no-eki Oze Katashina at 10:55am. The return charge is 6,000 yen. Reservations are required and the bus operates from 26th December 2020 until 28th March 2021.
A free bus service from there to Marunuma Kogen is available for people using the Katashina Snow Express. Reservations are also required for that service. That bus arrives at the ski resort at 11:30am.
By Car
38.4km from the Numata IC on the Kanetsu Expressway
46.3km from the Tsukiyono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway
46.5km from the Showa IC on the Kanetsu Expressway
Nearest national route: Route 120 (0.1km away)
Direction
Marunuma Kogen is located very close to the border with Tochigi Prefecture. Outside of winter months Route 120 continues past Marunuma Kogen and connects with the Oku Nikko area of Tochigi, but that section of the road is closed during winter. This means that the only way to approach Marunuma Kogen in winter is from the west on Route 120.
Marunuma Kogen is just over 38km from the Numata IC exit on the Kanetsu Expressway.
From the Numata IC exit, turn left onto Route 120 (Nihon Romantic Highway) and head towards Nikko. Continue on Route 120 for just over 38km to the base of Marunuma Kogen.
There are a number of car parks available at the base area of Marunuma Kogen. Parking is free on all car parks apart from the Central (Chuo) car park where it is 1,000 yen on weekends and holidays (free for season ticket holders).
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