How to Spend 48 Hours Skiing from Tokyo: The Perfect Weekend in Naeba
Looking for a quick winter escape from the city? Just 2.5 hours from Tokyo, Naeba Ski Resort is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get your snow fix. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, Naeba offers great terrain, onsen relaxation, and direct access to Kagura via the Dragondola Japan's longest gondola. The Dragondola connects the two resorts of Naeba and Kagura, forming the expansive Mt. Naeba ski area, which allows visitors to enjoy a wide variety of slopes and facilities within a single trip.
Japan's reputation for world-class ski resorts and winter sports makes it a top destination for snow enthusiasts.
Here’s your 48-hour guide to skiing Naeba from Tokyo:
Skiing in Japan is a bucket-list experience for snow lovers from around the world. With its legendary powder snow, modern facilities, and welcoming atmosphere, Japan’s ski resorts offer something for everyone. Among the top destinations is Naeba Ski Resort, located in Niigata Prefecture. This high quality ski resort is famous for its impressive facilities, fun beginner trails, and challenging trails for advanced skiers—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Japanese Alps.
What makes Naeba stand out is how easily accessible it is from Tokyo. In just a few hours, you can leave the city behind and find yourself gliding down perfectly groomed slopes or exploring deep powder runs. The resort is designed for convenience, with a range of rental shops, ski and snowboard equipment, and everything you need for a seamless trip. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned skier, Naeba Ski Resort is the perfect place to experience the magic of Japanese skiing.
Planning Your Trip
Planning your Naeba ski adventure is simple, thanks to the resort’s purpose built design and excellent access from Tokyo. Start by booking your accommodation at the Naeba Prince Hotel or one of the nearby hotels for the best ski-in/ski-out experience. It’s wise to reserve your lift tickets and rental equipment in advance, especially during peak days and holidays, to ensure you get the gear and times you want.
Getting to Naeba is a breeze with public transportation. The Joetsu Shinkansen whisks you from Tokyo to Echigo Yuzawa Station, where shuttle buses and taxis are ready to take you directly to the resort. Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of rental shops offering various types of skis, snowboards, and clothing, so you don’t need to worry if you’re traveling light. For families and groups private lessons are available, making it easy for everyone to learn at their own pace.
Don’t forget to check the weather and pack accordingly layers, gloves, and goggles are essential for enjoying the snow. With a little planning, your Naeba ski trip will be smooth, fun, and unforgettable.
Day 1 – Friday Evening: Tokyo to the Mountains
5:30 PM – Depart from Tokyo
Catch the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (about 80 minutes). Visitors arriving at the airport, such as Narita Airport, can easily transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen for access to Naeba. From there, hop on the resort shuttle or local bus to Naeba Prince Hotel (roughly 50 minutes). Taxis are also available from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Naeba Ski Resort. Traveling by car is another convenient option, especially for those who want flexibility or are carrying extra gear.
7:30 PM – Check-in & Settle In
Stay at the Naeba Prince Hotel for ski-in/ski-out access, easy rentals, and loads of dining and onsen options.
8:00 PM – Dinner Time
Enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen or a Japanese set meal at one of the hotel’s restaurants or a local izakaya.
9:00 PM – Onsen & Relaxation
Unwind with a soak in the onsen. Nothing beats stepping into a hot bath surrounded by snow after a travel day.
Day 2 – Saturday: Full Day on the Slopes
7:30 AM – Breakfast Buffet
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to get ready for a full day of skiing.
8:30 AM – Private Lesson with Canyons
Book a private ski or snowboard lesson with Canyons Ski School. Their experienced, English-speaking instructors will help you level up quickly ideal for beginners or those who want a refresher. Naeba offers terrain parks and lessons suitable for all level riders, from beginners to advanced.
12:00 PM – Lunch on the Mountain
Stop at Restaurant Azalea or one of the slope-side cafeterias for Japanese curry, udon, or a warm pork katsu bowl.
1:00 PM – Ride the Dragondola to Kagura
Ride Japan’s longest gondola (5.5km long) over to Kagura Ski Resort, known for its excellent snow and more advanced terrain your private instructor can guide you through the area and help you make the most of it.
4:00 PM – Après-Ski & Soak
Return to your hotel and hit the onsen again, or grab a local beer to enjoy in your lodge.
6:30 PM – Nabe Dinner
Try a hearty Japanese hot pot (nabe) or fresh sushi with local Niigata sake.
9:00 PM – Optional Night Skiing or Karaoke
Naeba offers night skiing on select slopes perfect for a few extra laps. Or try karaoke inside the resort for some après-fun.
Day 3 – Sunday: Last Runs & Return
7:30 AM – Early Breakfast
Get an early start with a light breakfast.
8:30 AM – Morning Ski Session
Enjoy some final runs before checkout or book a short morning lesson to reinforce what you learned.
11:00 AM – Wrap Up & Return Rentals
Return your gear, grab a snack, and prepare for departure.
12:00 PM – Head Back to Echigo-Yuzawa
Take the shuttle back to the station.
1:30 PM – Bento Lunch on the Train
Pick up an ekiben (train lunch box) and enjoy the scenic ride back to Tokyo on the Shinkansen.
3:30 PM – Arrive in Tokyo, Refreshed
Other Ski Areas Near Tokyo
While Naeba Ski Resort is a top pick for its convenience and facilities, the region around Tokyo is home to several ski resorts worth exploring. Just a short train ride away, you’ll find the Yuzawa ski resorts, including the popular Kagura Ski Resort, which is connected to Naeba by Japan’s longest gondola, the Dragondola. Kagura is known for its excellent powder snow and terrain parks, making it a favorite among advanced skiers and snowboarders.
If you’re looking for a more traditional Japanese experience, Nozawa Onsen offers charming hot spring towns alongside its ski area, while Shiga Kogen boasts one of Japan’s largest interconnected ski areas with a variety of slopes for all levels. Each resort has its own unique attractions, from family snowland zones for small children to challenging trails for expert riders.
With so many easily accessible options, you can even plan a day trip or a multi-resort adventure, sampling the best of Japan’s snow and culture. Whether you’re after family friendly fun, advanced terrain, or other fun activities like snow tubing, the mountains south and north of Tokyo have something for every winter traveller.
Tips and Reminders
To make the most of your Naeba ski weekend, keep these tips in mind:
Book Early: Hotels, lift tickets, and rental equipment can sell out quickly during peak season and weekends. Reserve in advance for the best selection.
Pack Smart: Bring waterproof outerwear, thermal layers, and all the essentials for cold weather. Rental shops at the resort offer a wide range of ski and snowboard equipment if you need anything extra.
Transportation: Take advantage of the bullet train and shuttle buses for easy access from Tokyo. Public transportation is efficient and reliable, making your journey stress-free.
Family Friendly: Naeba offers plenty of fun activities for families, including snow tubing and dedicated play areas for small children.
Lessons: Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve, private group lessons and private lessons are available in English, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the slopes.
Explore: Use the Naeba joint lift ticket to access both Naeba and Kagura ski areas, giving you more terrain to explore.
Après-Ski: Don’t miss out on the onsen, local restaurants, and night skiing for a complete winter experience.
A little preparation goes a long way to ensure your ski trip is safe, comfortable, and packed with fun.
Why Choose Naeba Over Other Resorts?
Closer & more affordable than Hakuba
Slope-side accommodation with onsen
Access to Kagura via Dragondola for more advanced terrain
English-speaking ski school with private lessons via Canyons
Great for couples, friends, and short getaways
Naeba is a purpose built resort with modern infrastructure and a central hotel hub, offering convenience and comfort for all guests.
Popular among both skiers and those interested in snowboarding, Naeba provides excellent facilities for snowboarders, including lessons and equipment rentals.
Compared to other snowboard resorts in Japan, Naeba stands out for its accessibility from Tokyo and its wide range of amenities.
The nearby town of Yuzawa serves as a hub for dining, hot springs, and après-ski activities, enhancing your stay.
Naeba attracts many visitors each season thanks to its events, top-notch facilities, and easy access from the city.
While the northern island of Hokkaidō is home to famous resorts like Niseko, Naeba’s location on Honshū makes it a more convenient option for those traveling from Tokyo.
48 hours is all you need for an incredible ski trip from Tokyo. Whether you’re chasing powder or just want to unwind in the snow, Naeba has everything you need for a memorable winter escape—without the hassle of long travel times.
Ready to ride? Book your private lesson with Canyons Naeba today
Conclusion:
A weekend at Naeba Ski Resort is the perfect way to experience Japan’s world-class snow without the hassle of long travel times. With its impressive facilities, variety of slopes, and easy access from Tokyo, Naeba is a top choice for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Whether you’re carving up powder, relaxing in an onsen, or exploring nearby ski areas like Kagura, every moment is designed for maximum enjoyment.
So pack your bags, grab your lift tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the mountains of Niigata Prefecture. With just 48 hours, you can discover why Naeba and the surrounding resorts are some of Japan’s best winter destinations. See you on the slopes!
