JapanSnowWatch

Kagura Ski Resort: Snow Report, Forecast & Lift Tickets

Kagura Ski Resort is a ski area in Niigata with 3 webcams, 23 runs, 12 lifts and 1225 m vertical.

An adult day ticket costs ¥8,500.

Kagura has Japan's longest ski season, often open until late May. 3 webcams, 23 runs, 12 lifts and 1225 m vertical.

2026-27 season: opening Sat, November 28, planned closing Sun, May 16 (source: resort site, checked October 27). Kagura and Mitsumata areas. The Tashiro area runs December 19 to May 5.

Cameras are expected to come back online when the season starts (opening: Sat, November 28). Some cameras stream all year: press play to try one.

The longest run is about 6 km. An adult day ticket is around ¥8,500 (check the resort for current prices).

Still images from the resort's cameras show the slopes. Snow depth and the 7-day snowfall and temperature forecast for Kagura Ski Resort come from Open-Meteo forecast models for its part of Niigata.

Best for: Powder, Long Runs, Advanced Terrain

Season dates

This Season (Official)

  • Opening: November 28
  • Closing: May 16

One of the longest seasons in Japan, with some years running to late May.

The mountain

Resort Statistics

  • Lifts: 12
  • Runs: 23
  • Longest Run: 6.0 km
  • Vertical Drop: 1,225m
  • Skiable Area: 103 ha
  • Elevation: 620m - 1,845m
  • Operating Hours (Weekdays): 8:00am – 4:30pm
  • Operating Hours (Weekends/Holidays): 7:30am – 4:30pm
  • Lift Types:
    • Gondola ×1
    • Ropeway ×2
    • Pair ×10
    • Quad ×5
  • Terrain: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 30%

Prices

Kagura Ski Resort lift ticket prices 2026-27

  • Adult (Day Pass): ¥8,500
  • Child: FREE
  • Adult (Half Day): ¥6,700

Kagura, Mitsumata and Tashiro areas. Mt. Naeba pass ¥11,800. Elementary age and under ski free

Prices checked 18 Oct 2026

Rental Prices (1 Day) (Estimated)

  • Ski/Board + Boots (Adult): ¥6,000 JPY
  • Ski/Board + Boots (Child): ¥4,000 JPY
  • Jacket + Pants: ¥5,000 JPY

On-mountain rental counters are convenient, but village shops are usually 20-30% cheaper and discount further for advance bookings.

Getting there

  • Distance from Tokyo: 195 km
  • Car: 2.5h from Tokyo (via Kanetsu Expressway)
  • Train: Tokyo→Echigo-Yuzawa (Joetsu Shinkansen 1h17m)→Kagura (bus 20min)
  • From Haneda: about 2h via Echigo-Yuzawa. Long season until May. Source: Kagura Ski Resort official

Road Conditions & Access

  • Tyres: Winter tyres required. Yuzawa and Myoko are among the snowiest places in Japan and chain restrictions are frequent.
  • Driving: Snow depth differs sharply from one valley to the next, and expressway sections close or require chains in heavy snow. At peak snowfall the Shinkansen is the more reliable way in.
  • Live closures: Niigata prefectural road information system lists closures.

Things to do nearby

Dining & Activities

  • Wada Goya Mountain Hut: Famous mountain hut at 1,380m. Udon, rice bowls, curry. Tatami seating, guests can stay overnight for first tracks.
  • Kagura Backcountry Skiing: Famous for accessible backcountry terrain and long season (until May). Gate system, submission of climbing plan required.

Nearby ski resorts

Frequently asked questions

What makes Kagura special?

Kagura is one of Japan's largest ski areas with 23 courses and one of the longest seasons (November-May). The resort is connected to Naeba via the 5.5km Dragondola, creating a massive ski domain.

Is Kagura connected to Naeba?

Yes, Kagura and Naeba are connected by the Dragondola, Japan's longest gondola at 5.5km. A combined pass allows access to both resorts, creating over 50 courses and extensive terrain.

Why does Kagura have such a long season?

Kagura's high elevation (1,845m summit) and north-facing slopes help preserve snow late into spring. The resort often operates from late November until late May, one of the longest seasons in Japan.

Is Kagura good for advanced skiers?

Yes, Kagura has excellent advanced terrain including steep mogul runs, off-piste areas, and the challenging Tashiro area. The resort offers varied terrain for all levels but is particularly popular with experienced skiers.

How do I get to Kagura from Tokyo?

Kagura is about 2 hours from Tokyo. Take the Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (about 80 minutes), then a shuttle bus to the resort (about 20 minutes). Direct buses also operate from Tokyo.

Plan your trip to Kagura Ski Resort

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