Mt. Naeba
Two mountains. One gondola. Japan's longest aerial connection.
Ski Area Guide
About Mt. Naeba
Mt. Naeba is where serious Tokyo skiers disappear for powder road trips - two massive resorts connected by Japan's longest gondola, offering 1,225m of vertical across terrain that ranges from World Cup slalom courses to untouched tree runs. While the Instagram crowds chase Niseko, you'll be floating through waist-deep powder on a mountain complex that feels authentically Japanese.
“This is weekend warrior central for Tokyo's powder obsessed - serious Japanese families, local rippers who've been coming for decades, and the occasional gaijin who's done their homework. Naeba brings the energy with its massive Prince Hotel complex, while Kagura attracts purists who prioritize snow quality over amenities. Expect retro 70s charm, functional facilities, and that rare feeling of skiing Japan without the international circus.”
What Sets It Apart
Two mountains. One gondola. Japan's longest aerial connection.
Best For
- ✓Tokyo skiers who want multi-day mountain immersion without international resort prices - massive terrain that takes 3-4 days to fully explore
- ✓Powder hunters ready to graduate from crowded resort skiing to serious tree runs and off-piste exploration with actual Japanese locals
- ✓Groups with mixed abilities who need variety - from gentle cruisers to steep World Cup terrain, everyone finds their zone
- ✓Snow geeks who want extended seasons - Kagura's high elevation means skiing into May while wearing shorts at the base
Skip If
- ✗Your Japanese stops at 'arigatou' and you panic without English signage - this is local territory with minimal international accommodation
- ✗You need cutting-edge facilities and Instagram-worthy lodges - the 70s Prince Hotel vibe is real and unapologetic
- ✗You're chasing vibrant apres-ski scenes - both mountains roll up by 4:30pm with limited dining options
- ✗You're visiting during peak Japanese holidays - weekend crowds create serious bottlenecks on the Dragondola connection
Beyond the Slopes
The Local Experience
Where to Eat
Dining options are surprisingly limited for such a large complex - the Prince Hotel at Naeba offers multiple restaurants but expect dated hotel fare, while Kagura's new restaurant gets mixed reviews for quality.
Onsen Culture
The Naeba Prince Hotel's massive onsen complex offers both indoor and outdoor baths with mountain views - not the most authentic soak in Japan, but perfectly positioned for that post-powder recovery ritual without leaving the building.
Most onsens in Mt. Naeba require removing shoes at the entrance, washing thoroughly before entering the bath, and keeping towels out of the water. Tattoos may be an issue at some traditional establishments.
After Dark
Nightlife essentially doesn't exist - both mountains shut down by early evening with the Prince Hotel offering the only real gathering spots for evening socializing.
Mt. Naeba offers everything from cozy izakayas to international bars. Most spots stay open until late, making it easy to swap powder stories over local sake or imported craft beers.
Which Resort
Is For You?
Naeba serves up classic family resort vibes with its massive Prince Hotel base and varied terrain for all abilities, while Kagura delivers serious high-alpine powder hunting at nearly 1,850m elevation. The 5.5km Dragondola connection lets you sample both personalities, but wind closures can trap you at one mountain or the other.
For a 4-day trip, base at Naeba Prince Hotel for convenience but spend your best powder days at Kagura - the elevation difference means better snow quality when storms roll through.
Where To Stay
Accommodation centers around the massive Naeba Prince Hotel complex offering ski-in/ski-out access and every amenity, while Kagura options are extremely limited. Most visitors base at Naeba and day-trip to Kagura via the Dragondola connection.
Accommodation Zones
Budget Smart
Naeba Prince Hotel rooms offer the best value proposition - ski-in/ski-out access, multiple dining options, onsen facilities, and direct lift access for much less than equivalent Hokkaido properties
Go Big
Naeba Prince Hotel's Premium Mountain View rooms offer the best accommodation in the area - ski-in/ski-out convenience with upgraded views of the slopes you'll be carving tomorrow
Mt. Naeba 1-Day Ticket covers both Naeba and Kagura ski resorts with unlimited lift access and Dragondola connection between mountains
All-Mountain Pass
Mt. Naeba 1-Day Ticket covers both Naeba and Kagura ski resorts with unlimited lift access and Dragondola connection between mountains
Single Resort Tickets
Single resort tickets make sense if you're committed to just one mountain or if weather forecasts show wind closures that will shut down the Dragondola connection
Buy your pass online before arrival to skip ticket office lines. Most passes can be activated at automated gates using a QR code.
Individual Resorts
Ski Resorts in Mt. Naeba
Kagura Snow Resorts
Kagura delivers serious high-alpine terrain at nearly 1,850m elevation where snow stays cold and dry well into May. While everyone crowds Niseko's Instagram-famous runs, you'll be floating through waist-deep powder on 6km of continuous vertical with actual Japanese skiers who know what they're doing.
Naeba
Naeba is where Niigata does big mountain skiing with zero pretense - 24 runs across 889m of vertical, connected to Kagura by Japan's longest gondola for the ultimate powder road trip. Skip the Instagram crowds and ski somewhere that actually feels like Japan.
Continue Exploring
Other Regions
Hokkaido
The North Sector
Nagano
The Japanese Alps
Niigata
Snow Country
Tohoku
The Powder Frontier
Akita
Budget Powder Paradise
Aomori
Honshu's Deepest Powder
Fukushima
Hidden Powder Sanctuary
Gunma
Tokyo's Secret Powder Stash
Iwate
Tohoku's Powder Secret
Yamagata
Snow Monsters & Onsen
Yamanashi
Ski With Mt. Fuji