Naeba Ski Resort
Japan's largest ski resort by piste length — 30 runs covering 200 hectares with the Dragon Gondola (5.5km, Japan's longest) connecting to neighbouring Kagura resort. Naeba is also the site of Fuji Rock Festival, Japan's largest and most prestigious music festival (late July), which draws 120,000 people to a mountain meadow snow-free for just three months.
1–3 days
Ski pass from ¥7,800 (Naeba 1-day), ¥9,800 (Naeba–Kagura common)
Ski season: typically Dec–Mar; summer green season: Jun–Oct (chairlift operates for hiking); Dragon Doola gondola to Kagura area: operates in ski season
December–March (skiing), Late July (Fuji Rock)
Echigo-Yuzawa Station on Joetsu Shinkansen (75 min from Tokyo) + bus
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Dragon Gondola (5.5km) — Japan's longest gondola, crosses to Kagura resort through deep forest
- 2
Fuji Rock Festival (late July) — Japan's best music festival in a mountain meadow setting
- 3
200 hectares of skiing with consistent deep powder snow from late December
Local Tips
Naeba is one of Japan's largest ski resorts with 30 lifts and excellent powder. The summer Fuji Rock Festival (late July) transforms the site — one of Asia's best music festivals. The gondola connection to Kagura area (23 minutes) offers the best off-piste terrain. Stay in the Prince Hotel at the base for ski-in/ski-out convenience.
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