Kagura Ski Resort Guide
Kagura Ski Resort, located in Niigata's Echigo-Yuzawa region, is one of Japan’s largest ski resorts. Due to its high altitude and abundant snowfall, Kagura offers one of the longest ski seasons in Japan, lasting from early winter until April or May. You can even take Japan’s longest gondola, the "Dragondola," to connect to Naeba Ski Resort for an extended skiing adventure.
Here’s your complete guide to Kagura Ski Resort, including its unique features, ticket prices, transportation options, and recommended accommodations to make your trip as seamless as possible.
Overview of Kagura Ski Resort
Image credit: Kagura Ski Resort
Kagura Ski Resort is part of the larger Mt. Naeba ski area and consists of three main zones: Kagura, Mitsumata, and Tashiro. Each zone offers unique experiences for skiers and snowboarders.
- Kagura Zone: The largest and highest zone, known for its high-quality powder snow and breathtaking views. This area features a 4,000-meter-long trail perfect for advanced skiers looking for speed and excitement.
- Mitsumata Zone: Offers a variety of slopes for all levels, including family-friendly play areas for snow activities like sledding. Mitsumata also has the Wada Lodge, where you can stay right on the mountain.
- Tashiro Zone: A sprawling area with scenic views, perfect for beginners practicing their skills. Tashiro is also connected to Naeba Ski Resort by the Dragondola, allowing easy access to both resorts.
Key Features of Kagura Ski Resort
Longest Operating Season
Image credit: Kagura Ski Resort
Thanks to its 1,800-meter altitude and generous snowfall, Kagura Ski Resort offers one of Japan’s longest ski seasons. Typically, the resort opens in mid-November and stays operational until late May, meaning you can ski all the way through spring.
Dragondola
Image credit: Naeba Sukoba
Skiers can enjoy access to both Kagura and Naeba Ski Resorts via Japan's longest gondola, the Dragondola, which takes just 20 minutes to connect the two resorts. This allows visitors to experience a wide variety of slopes in one day.
Stay at Wada Lodge
Image credit: Kagura Ski Resort
Wada Lodge, located in the Mitsumata zone, offers a cozy cabin experience. You can wake up right on the slopes, ski the first tracks of the day, and enjoy a warm, homey atmosphere in the evening.
Fun for All Levels
Image credit: Kagura Ski Resort
Kagura offers 32 ski trails with varying difficulty, covering a total distance of 28.8 kilometers. While experts can tackle the longer, steeper slopes, beginners will find plenty of wide, gentle slopes to practice on. Mitsumata also has a dedicated kids’ zone for snow play.
Scenic Dining
Image credit: Kagura Ski Resort
The resort features several restaurants serving a variety of dishes, from Western-style steaks and pasta to Japanese favorites like beef sukiyaki and udon. Many of these restaurants have large windows offering stunning views of the snow-covered mountains.
Ticket Prices & Operating Hours at Kagura Ski Resort
圖片出處：かぐらスキー場粉絲頁
- 1-Day Lift Pass: ¥6,800 (adults)
- Half-Day Pass: ¥4,500 (morning or afternoon)
- Naeba-Kagura Pass: ¥8,000 (adults) for unlimited access to both resorts via the Dragondola.
Discounts are available for early-bird tickets, multi-day passes, and group bookings. Be sure to check the resort's website for the latest deals and purchase options.
Ski Gear Rentals & Lessons
Kagura Ski Resort offers full rental services, including ski and snowboard equipment, helmets, and clothing. You can rent gear at both Mitsumata and Tashiro stations, with rental fees based on the type of gear and rental duration.
For those new to skiing or snowboarding, Kagura provides professional ski lessons. You can book group classes or private one-on-one sessions, and English or Chinese instructors are available. Lessons cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.
How to Get to Kagura Ski Resort
Image credit: Kagura Ski Resort
By Train and Bus
From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (about 1 hour and 20 minutes). From there, you can take a shuttle bus to the resort:
- Mitsumata Station: 20 minutes by bus
- Tashiro Station: 30 minutes by bus
Bus schedules are available on the official website, and tickets can be purchased at the station.
By Car
If you prefer to drive, the resort is about 200 kilometers from Tokyo, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours. Parking is available at both Mitsumata and Tashiro stations, with 1,200 parking spaces at Mitsumata and 800 spaces at Tashiro. Just follow Route 17 for easy access.
Accommodation Options at Kagura Ski Resort
While Wada Lodge in the Mitsumata zone is a popular choice for skiers looking to stay right on the slopes, there are also plenty of nearby accommodations, including traditional inns and larger hotels in the Echigo-Yuzawa area.
Here are some recommended options:
Kagura White Horse Inn
Located in the heart of the forest near Mitsumata, Kagura White Horse Inn offers comfortable twin, double, and family rooms. With just a 1-2 minute walk to the slopes, this lodge is perfect for those wanting quick access to the ski area. The inn also offers discounted lift tickets and equipment rentals.
- Distance to Mitsumata Station: 1-2 minute walk
Kagura House
Just 300 meters from Mitsumata Station, Kagura House offers budget-friendly accommodations with traditional Japanese-style rooms. It’s perfect for those looking for an affordable stay close to the slopes. Kagura House also offers discounts on lift tickets and ski rentals.
- Distance to Mitsumata Station: 5-minute walk
Kagura Mitsumata Cottage
Kagura Mitsumata Cottage provides cozy accommodations with a mountain-view dining room and traditional Japanese-style guest rooms. With shared bathrooms and a large drying room for ski gear, the cottage offers an authentic mountain lodge experience.
- Distance to Mitsumata Station: A few minutes walk
Experience the Longest Ski Season at Kagura Ski Resort
Kagura Ski Resort is the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders looking to enjoy a long, action-packed season. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Kagura offers a wide variety of trails, stunning views, and convenient Ski In/Ski Out lodging options. With Japan’s longest ski season and easy access to neighboring Naeba via the Dragondola, Kagura is a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts. Book your trip now and get ready to experience the best of Japan’s snow season!
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