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Naeba vs Kagura

Naeba and Kagura side by side: the numbers from each resort’s page, the trip from Tokyo and back, and who each one suits.

Naeba trail map (Niigata, Japan), hand-painted by Ski in Sky in the style of Van Gogh’s The Starry NightNaeba 苗場スキー場Naeba trail map, lift pass and access →Kagura trail map (Niigata, Japan), hand-painted by Ski in Sky in the style of Van Gogh’s The Starry NightKagura かぐらスキー場Kagura trail map, lift pass and access →

Key numbers (2026-27)

NaebaKagura
AreaNiigataNiigata
SeasonDec 18 – Apr 4↗Nov 28 – May 16↗
Adult day pass¥9,800↗¥8,500↗
Runs24↗30↗
Easy / intermediate / advanced10 / 6 / 8↗11 / 13 / 6↗
Summit1,789 m↗1,845 m↗
Vertical889 m↗1,225 m↗
Longest run4 km↗6 km↗
Lifts12↗17↗
Fastest from Tokyo Station2h15↗1h55↗
Last way back to Tokyo Station19:37↗19:56↗

Data checked 2026-10-21. Prices and timetables change by season; the ↗ links go to each resort’s official source.

The main differences

Good to know

The two are linked: Naeba’s Dragondola is the connection toward Tashiro, one of Kagura’s three areas. Check the Dragondola’s operating days before planning to ski both in one day.

Sources: Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗

Which one suits you

Naeba

Works for mixed-ability groups and families who want a hotel at the base: the course list has 10 easy, 6 intermediate and 8 advanced runs, plus a children’s area near Naeba Prince Hotel.

The 24 runs fan out from the hotel-side base to Mt Takenoko. The 4 km longest run and steep upper courses give more experienced skiers room beyond the lower green runs.

Kagura

For skiers who want a full-day route across distinct areas rather than repeated laps at one base.

Kagura, Tashiro and Mitsumata form three sectors, with 30 listed runs and a longest route of 6 km. Area links matter as much as difficulty.

Find your line under the stars.

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