Naeba is one of Japan's most famous ski areas with a long history and reputation. 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 Kagura via the 8-person Dragondola. There are two other gondolas at Naeba (6 and 8 people), making it one of only a few ski areas 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 annual Fuji Rock Festival venue.
Yuzawa town and neighbouring Minamiuonuma city are home to over 20 individual ski areas, including some of the most well-known in Japan. With easy and quick access by train and road and a wide choice in a relatively compact area, this region is one of Japan's most popular ski destinations. The region usually enjoys very heavy and consistent snowfall each winter. Yuzawa town is known as being the inspiration for the famous Nobel prize-winning novel Yukiguni (Snow Country).
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 & wear rental is 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. Open from 18th December 2021 through 27th March 2022.
The Kappa Snowmobile Land is located by the N-Plateau day trip ski center by the base of the resort. Charges apply. Open from 25th December 2021 through 27th March 2022.
The Pandaruman Hiroba area offers tubing, sledging and other playing in the snow activities. Entry is 1,000 yen.
Park information
The Naeba Snow Park is located by the side of the Number 5 quad lift and features jumps, banks and more attractions. Open from 25th December 2021 until 27th March 2022, 10:00am until 3:30pm.
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 from 4:00pm 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 & Night (Naeba)
5,200 yen
4,700 yen
Mt Naeba (1 day)
6,000 yen
5,300 yen
Night (weekend)
3,200 yen
3,200 yen
Night (weekday)
2,000 yen
2,000 yen
2021-2022 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 ski area.
Various special lift tickets are also available for people who are staying at the base Naeba Prince Hotel.
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.
Bus
A shuttle bus to Naeba from the East Exit of Echigo Yuzawa Station is available. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
A taxi journey from Echigo Yuzawa Station to Naeba costs around 8,000 yen.
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. The Naeba 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.
Parking
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 staying at the Naeba Prince Hotel.
For more details and explanations about the information presented on this page,
please read this.
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Ropeways
Gondolas
Quad lifts
Triple lifts
Pair lifts
Single lifts
Other
