JapanSnowWatch

Lotte Arai Resort: Snow Report, Forecast & Lift Tickets

Lotte Arai Resort is a ski area in Niigata with 1 webcam, 14 runs, 8 lifts and 951 m vertical.

An adult day ticket costs ¥7,777.

Updated November 9, 2026

Lotte Arai Resort gets some of Japan's heaviest snowfall. 1 webcam, 14 runs, 8 lifts and 951 m vertical.

2026-27 season: opening date not announced yet (checked October 27).

Cameras are expected to come back online when the season starts (date not announced). Some cameras stream all year: press play to try one.

The longest run is about 5.2 km. An adult day ticket is around ¥7,777 (check the resort for current prices).

A YouTube live stream shows the slopes. Snow depth and the 7-day snowfall and temperature forecast for Lotte Arai Resort come from Open-Meteo forecast models for its part of Niigata.

Best for: Powder, Advanced Terrain, Premium

Season dates

This Season (Estimated)

Opening: Mid December
Closing: Mid May

The mountain

Resort Statistics

Lifts: 8
Runs: 14
Longest Run: 5.2 km
Vertical Drop: 951m
Skiable Area: 216 ha
Elevation: 306m - 1,280m
Operating Hours (Every day): 8:30am-4:00pm
Lift Types:
- Gondola ×1
- Pair ×2
- Quad ×2
Terrain: Beginner 15%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 45%

Prices

Lotte Arai Resort lift ticket prices 2026-27

Adult (Day Pass) (16-49): ¥7,777
Child: ¥5,555
Senior (50+): ¥7,300

Economy Class, high season (Dec 12 to Mar 21). Adult is 16 to 49, senior rate is 50+

Prices checked 18 Oct 2026

Rental Prices (1 Day) (Estimated)

Ski/Board + Boots (Adult): ¥8,000 JPY
Ski/Board + Boots (Child): ¥5,000 JPY
Jacket + Pants: ¥6,000 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: 245 km
Car: 3h from Tokyo (via Kanetsu/Joshinetsu Expressway)
Train: Tokyo→Joetsu-Myoko (Hokuriku Shinkansen 2h)→Lotte Arai (shuttle 20min)
From Haneda: about 2.5h via Joetsu-Myoko. Japan premier backcountry. Source: Lotte Arai 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

Lotte Arai Japanese Restaurant: Japanese restaurant at Lotte Arai Resort Hotel. The breakfast buffet is especially well reviewed. Book ahead.
Gondola Restaurant: Mountain restaurant at top of gondola. The beef bowl is highly praised.
Asia's Longest Zipline: 1,501-meter zipline dropping from 950m to 240m altitude in 3 minutes. Asia's longest, with views along the way.
Indoor Playground Complex: Japan's largest bouldering wall, square trampoline, Fun-Wall with stories, Wonder Wall with projection mapping.
Hoshizora Hot Spring Spa: One of best hotel onsens in Japan. Hot spring bath with mountain views, spa and wellness center.

Nearby ski resorts

Frequently asked questions

What is Lotte Arai Resort known for?

Lotte Arai is famous for having some of the best backcountry access in Japan with avalanche-controlled sidecountry zones. The resort receives heavy snowfall and is known for steep, challenging terrain alongside excellent resort facilities.

Is Lotte Arai good for advanced skiers?

Yes, Lotte Arai is a paradise for advanced and expert skiers. The resort has steep runs, extensive off-piste terrain, and designated backcountry gates with avalanche transceiver requirements for serious powder hunters.

How much snow does Lotte Arai get?

Lotte Arai receives over 14 meters of snow annually, making it one of the snowiest resorts in Japan. The snow is excellent Niigata quality, and the resort's north-facing terrain preserves powder well.

How do I get to Lotte Arai from Tokyo?

Lotte Arai is about 2 hours from Tokyo. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsumyoko Station (about 2 hours), then a shuttle bus to the resort (about 15 minutes). The resort offers a convenient hotel shuttle service.

What facilities does Lotte Arai have?

Lotte Arai has luxury hotel accommodation, multiple restaurants, an onsen, indoor pool, and waterpark. It offers a premium resort experience compared to more traditional Japanese ski villages.