Naeba

Cathy’s Guide to Naeba Ski Holidays

If you're looking for a Japan ski holiday that's easy to combine with time in Tokyo, Naeba is definitely worth considering.

Located in Niigata Prefecture on the island of Honshu, Naeba offers a convenient resort-style ski holiday with the slopes directly in front of the Naeba Prince Hotel.

One of Naeba's biggest advantages is its accessibility. You can travel from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa by bullet train and continue by bus or transfer to the resort, making it a great option if you want to combine skiing with a few days exploring Tokyo.

Why Ski Naeba?

Naeba offers a good variety of terrain for different abilities, from beginner areas and long groomed runs through to more challenging skiing.

But there's another big advantage.

Naeba Ski Resort is connected to neighbouring Kagura Ski Resort by the Dragondola, a spectacular 5.5-kilometre gondola journey between the two ski areas.

Together, Naeba and Kagura form Mt. Naeba, giving you access to considerably more terrain during your stay.

Naeba also offers night skiing on selected dates during the winter season, so your ski day doesn't necessarily have to finish when the sun goes down.

Who Does Naeba Suit?

Naeba could be a great choice if you're looking for:

• A convenient Japan ski holiday

• Easy access from Tokyo

• Skiing suitable for different ability levels

• A family-friendly resort

• Ski-in, ski-out accommodation

• Access to both Naeba and Kagura

• A resort-style holiday with plenty of facilities close by

• A ski holiday that's easy to combine with a Tokyo stay

Staying at Naeba Prince Hotel

One of the things that makes Naeba particularly easy is the Naeba Prince Hotel, located directly at the base of the ski resort.

It's a large resort hotel offering ski-in, ski-out convenience, with restaurants, rental facilities and other services within the complex.

For families in particular, having your accommodation, ski slopes, rentals and dining all close together can make a Japan ski holiday considerably easier.

There are different room configurations available, so I can help you choose an option that works for couples, families or groups.

Is Naeba Good for Families?

Yes, Naeba is one of the Japanese resorts I'd certainly consider for a family ski holiday.

There are beginner trails, children's snow activities and ski programs, as well as more challenging terrain for stronger skiers.

That means families with different skiing abilities can enjoy the same resort without everyone needing to ski the same runs.

The convenience of staying at the base of the mountain is another big advantage when you're travelling with children and ski gear.

Skiing Naeba and Kagura

One of the highlights of skiing here is being able to explore beyond Naeba itself.

The Dragondola links Naeba with the Tashiro area of Kagura Ski Resort. At around 5.5 kilometres long, it's Japan's longest gondola and the journey takes you across the mountains between the two ski areas.

Kagura adds more terrain to your holiday and is particularly popular with more experienced skiers and those looking for a little more adventure.

A Mt. Naeba lift pass option provides access to both Naeba and Kagura, making it possible to explore the wider area during your stay.

More Than Just Skiing

There's plenty to do when you're ready for a break from the slopes.

Naeba offers snow activities for non-skiers and children, while the wider Yuzawa area is known for its onsen hot springs.

And because Naeba is relatively easy to reach from Tokyo, it's particularly well suited to a holiday combining skiing with a few nights in Tokyo either before or after your time on the mountain.

How to Get to Naeba from Australia

For Australian travellers, Tokyo is the most convenient international gateway for Naeba.

From Tokyo, the Joetsu Shinkansen takes you to Echigo-Yuzawa Station in around 70 minutes.

From Echigo-Yuzawa, it's approximately another 40–50 minutes by road to Naeba, depending on the service and winter conditions.

Local buses operate between Echigo-Yuzawa and Naeba, and transfer options may also be available depending on your travel dates and accommodation.

I can arrange your flights and help organise your transport to Naeba as part of your ski holiday, including any Tokyo accommodation you'd like to add before or afterwards.

When Is the Best Time to Ski Naeba?

Naeba's winter ski season generally runs from December into early April, although opening and closing dates depend on snow conditions each year.

For the 2026–27 season, the resort currently has a tentative opening date of 18 December 2026.

January and February are popular months for Australian travellers, particularly if you're looking for mid-winter snow conditions.

If you're travelling during Christmas, New Year or Australian school holidays, it's worth planning early — particularly if you need family rooms.

Planning Your Naeba Ski Holiday

At Let’s Travel Jindabyne, I can help put together your complete Naeba ski holiday, including flights, accommodation, lift passes, transfers, Tokyo stays and travel insurance.

Naeba can be a particularly good option if you want a straightforward resort-style ski holiday without complicated transfers or lots of moving between accommodation and ski areas.

And with Tokyo so easy to add before or after your ski stay, it's a great way to combine skiing and Japan sightseeing in one holiday.

Get in touch and let's start planning your Naeba ski holiday.

Cathy Burns
Let’s Travel Jindabyne