Katashina Kogen Ski Resort

Katashina Kogen Ski Resort sits at an elevation of 1,400 meters in the northern mountains of Gunma Prefecture, approximately 150 kilometers north of Tokyo. Originally developed in the 1960s as part of Japan's ski resort expansion during the country's economic boom, the resort has operated continuously for over five decades, maintaining its reputation as a family-friendly destination with reliable powder snow conditions.

The resort occupies a significant position within the Oze National Park buffer zone, an area renowned for its pristine alpine environment and diverse ecosystem. The surrounding landscape features the Katashina River valley and connects to Japan's largest high-altitude marshland at Oze, making it an important gateway for nature enthusiasts exploring the region's protected wilderness areas.

Visitors can access 11 ski runs spanning beginner to advanced levels, serviced by 6 lifts including a quad chairlift that reaches the summit at 1,828 meters. The resort features a 1,400-meter longest run and maintains a ski school with English-speaking instructors. Additional facilities include equipment rental, multiple restaurants serving local Gunma cuisine, and a day lodge with panoramic mountain views.

The ski season typically runs from mid-December through late March, with peak snow conditions occurring between January and February. During summer months, the resort transforms into a hiking and mountain biking destination, offering chairlift rides to scenic viewpoints and access to alpine flower gardens that bloom from June through September. Autumn brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities from late September through mid-October.

Access requires travel via JR Ueno Station in Tokyo to Numata Station on the JR Joetsu Line (1 hour 45 minutes), followed by a 45-minute bus ride on the Kan-etsu Kotsu bus to the resort. Daily lift tickets cost 4,200 yen for adults and 3,200 yen for children, with seasonal passes and multi-day packages available. The resort operates shuttle bus services from nearby accommodations and maintains free parking for 800 vehicles.