Kagura Ski Resort

Kagura Ski Resort, located in Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture, represents one of Japan's premier winter sports destinations. The resort was formed in 2006 through the merger of Kagura Mitsumata and Kagura Tashiro ski resorts, creating a comprehensive skiing complex that has since become renowned for its exceptional snow conditions and extended season.

The resort's significance lies in its remarkable elevation and geographic positioning. Situated at an altitude of 1,800 meters, Kagura receives abundant light dry powder snow and operates the longest ski season in Japan. The 2024-25 season runs from November 23, 2024, to May 18, 2025, offering nearly six months of skiing opportunities. This extended season is possible due to the resort's high-altitude location, with the Kagura area's slopes starting at 1,845 meters.

Kagura is divided into three distinct areas: Kagura, Tashiro, and Mitsumata. The resort features 24 lifts serving 1,225 meters of vertical descent across 544 acres of terrain with 23 pistes. Each area caters to different skill levels, with the main Kagura section offering advanced and intermediate runs on steep terrain, while Mitsumata provides gentler slopes ideal for beginners and families. The resort connects with the larger Naeba ski area, creating an even more extensive skiing network for adventurous visitors.

Visitors can experience diverse terrain ranging from groomed beginner runs to challenging off-piste areas. The resort offers excellent opportunities for intermediate to early advanced skiers to develop their skills across varied terrains, with numerous off-piste short runs adjacent to marked trails. Professional backcountry tours are available through Triforce, offering fully guided English-language tours starting at 8:00 AM daily for ¥12,000 per person. The scenic beauty is exceptional, with views encompassing snow-covered ridges and reflective lakes in the valley below.

Transportation to Kagura Ski Resort is accessible via the JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, followed by shuttle bus services to the resort's base areas. The resort operates multiple access points, with the main entrances at Mitsumata and Tashiro stations. Accommodation options include the Kagura White Horse Inn, located within walking distance of the slopes and offering discounted lift tickets to guests.

Adult daily lift tickets cost ¥7,200 for high school students and above, while children of elementary school age and younger ski free. Tickets can be purchased online with QR code confirmation sent via email, which must be presented at the resort either on mobile devices or printed. The resort maintains modern lift infrastructure and offers equipment rental services, ski schools, and dining facilities throughout the three interconnected areas.