Naeba is one of the most famous ski and snowboard resorts in Japan with both a long history and reputation. It has been the venue for numerous international events including the 2016 Alpine Skiing World Cup. Naeba is located in the southern area of Yuzawa town in Niigata Prefecture, close to the border with Gunma Prefecture. It is lift-connected with the Kagura resort via the 8-person Dragondola. There are two other gondolas at Naeba (6 and 8 people), making it only one of the two resorts in Japan with more than two. Naeba and Kagura are collectively known as 'Mt Naeba' and a joint ticket is available. In late July, Naeba is also the venue the for the annual Fuji Rock Festival.
The Number 2 high speed quad (from base) will not be operating during the 2020-2021 season.
Yuzawa town and neighbouring Minamiuonuma city - located around 200km to the north north-west of the Tokyo region in Niigata Prefecture - are together home to over 20 individual ski and snowboard resorts, including some of the most well-known ski resorts in Japan. With easy and quick access by both train and road and a wide choice in a relatively compact area, this region is one of the most popular ski destinations in Japan. The region usually enjoys very heavy and consistent snowfall each winter and with Yuzawa town also being the inspiration and setting of the famous Nobel prize-winning novel Yukiguni (Snow Country), it can certainly lay claim to being the original 'Snow Country'.
Niigata Prefecture is located in the central region of Honshu to the north of Tokyo and has a 250km long coastline facing the Sea of Japan. Convenient transportation links make Niigata very easy to get to from Tokyo and other surrounding regions. Most of the larger ski and snowboard resorts in Niigata Prefecture are concentrated in the southern regions around Yuzawa town, Minamiuonuma city and Myoko city.
Ski and snowboard lessons are available at Naeba. There are a number of independent ski and snowboard schools that cover the Yuzawa area and offer lessons in English - please check the Lessons in English section for current listings on SnowJapan.
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 'WakuWaku Family Snowland' is located by the Naeba South Gate and is open from 9:30am until 4:00pm on weekdays and until 4:30pm on weekends and holidays. The entry charge is 1,300 yen for children and 1,100 yen for an accompanying adult. There are three areas - Chibikko Hiroba, Chibikko course and a 'snow train'. Entry to the 'Kids & Snowpark N-Hiroba' is included in the price of entry to this area.
The 'Kappa Snowmobile Land' is located by the N-Plateau day trip ski center by the base of the resort. Charges apply. Open from 19th December 2020 through 28th March 2021.
The ‘Pandaruman Hiroba’ area offers tubing, sledging and other playing in the snow activities. Entry is 1,000 yen.
There is a child care facility within the base Naeba Prince Hotel. Charges apply.
Park information
The 'Naeba Snow Park' is located by the side of the Number 5 quad lift and features jumps, jib, banks and more attractions.
Naeba Season & Opening Times
Typical season is from Early December until Early April
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
Daytime
Weekends and holidays
Normally open from 8:00am until 8:30pm
Weekdays
Normally open from 8:00am until 8:30pm
'Nighta' (night skiing)
Weekends and holidays
Yes
Weekdays
Yes
Opening information
Naeba is normally open from 8:00am until 5:00pm every day in the daytime.
Night skiing is until 8:30pm between 18th December 2021 and 27th March 2022
Dragondola season dates: Saturday 25th December 2021 until Monday 21st March 2022
Naeba Lift Ticket Charges
Adults
Child
High School age
Senior
55 years & over
1 Day (Naeba)
5,200 yen
4,700 yen
2 Hours (Naeba)
3,900 yen
3,400 yen
5 Hours (Naeba)
4,700 yen
4,200 yen
PM & Nighta (Naeba)
5,200 yen
4,700 yen
Mt Naeba (1 day)
6,000 yen
5,300 yen
Nighta
3,200 yen
3,200 yen
Season Ticket
77,000 yen
62,000 yen
2020-2021 Season Lift Tickets
Children up to elementary school age can ride the lifts for free.
The 2 Hour ticket is valid for two hours from the time of purchase.
The 5 Hour ticket is valid for five hours from the time of purchase.
The 'Mt Naeba' 1 Day one day ticket is valid at Naeba and also the connecting Kagura resort.
Various special lift tickets are also available for people who are staying at the base Naeba Prince Hotel.
A season ticket valid at Naeba, Kagura and Muikamachi Hakkaisan costs 90,000 yen (adults); 75,000 yen (seniors).
Ladies Day is every Tuesday and Thursday between 5th January until 25th March 2021. On those days a ladies ticket is 3,500 yen.
Senior Day is every Wednesday between 6th January and 24th March 2021. On those days a senior ticket is 3,500 yen.
Getting to Naeba
By public transport
Train
23.4km from Echigo Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen line
23.4km from Echigo Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Line
23.4km from Echigo Yuzawa Station on the Hokuhoku Line
Information
Naeba is just over 23km from the main Echigo Yuzawa Station. Echigo Yuzawa Station is serviced by the local Joetsu line and Joetsu Shinkansen line as well as connecting with the Hokuhoku line.
The Naeba White Snow Shuttle operates from 26th-31st December 2020 and then on weekends and holidays between 1st January and 28th February 2021 and 22nd February 2021. Reservations are required.
A taxi journey from Echigo Yuzawa Station to Naeba costs around 7,000 yen.
A shuttle bus that operates between Naeba Prince Hotel, and the Tashiro and Mitsumata Stations of Kagura resort is also available. This service is free if you have an 'all Mt Naeba' lift ticket; otherwise 300 yen adults, 150 yen children.
By Car
21.9km from the Yuzawa IC on the Kanetsu Expressway
31.5km from the Tsukiyono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway
Nearest national route: Route 17 (0.6km away)
Direction
Naeba is about 22km from the Yuzawa IC and 32km from the Tsukiyono IC of the Kanetsu Expressway.
From the Yuzawa IC exit, turn left onto Route 17 and continue on the road until arriving in the Naeba area. Naeba resort and car parks are on the right hand side of Route 17 and clearly signposted.
People approaching from the south will often get off at the Tsukiyono IC exit and head north on Route 17. The drive up into the mountains from Tsukiyono IC features many curves and usually takes about 50 minutes in good conditions.
There is ample parking for about 3,800 vehicles close to the base areas of Naeba. Parking is free on weekdays and 1,000 yen on Saturdays, Sundays and special holidays. (Parking is free for guests of the Naeba Prince Hotel).
Updates to 2021-2022 season information on these individual ski areas listing pages are ongoing. All information will be manually checked and updated. Some official information from ski areas becomes available earlier than others, so not all our data can be updated simultaneously. The ongoing process will continue through December 2021.
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