5must-have experiences at Naeba Ski Resort, one of Japan’s most famous ski resorts

Ride the gondola lift that goes all the way to the summit, and enjoy the extraordinary view

You can’t go to Naeba Ski Resort and not ride the gondola lift, which goes all the way up to the summit and gives you an amazing view of the mountains.

Those who want to ski/snowboard down can go languidly down one of the beginner’s courses, and those who would prefer not to can enjoy the scenery from the summit, then go back down again via gondola.

Brush up your skills at Naeba Snow School!

Ski gets more and more fun the better you get at it. We especially recommend Naeba Snow School for first-time visitors to Naeba. Experienced instructors give you patient, step-by-step instructions, so you have nothing to worry about, even with absolutely no experience.

There are also staff members on hand that can speak Chinese/English, so don’t worry if you can’t speak Japanese - you’ll be sure to up your skills anyway.

Nighttime fireworks that light up the slopes

Naeba is known for its nighttime skiing, and especially for its nighttime fireworks! Seeing the fireworks over the snow is a one-of-a-kind experience. The contrast between the bright lights scattered across the night sky and the plains of silvery white will be something you’ll never forget.

This season, there are expected to be about 50 nighttime firework shows at Naeba Ski Resort. Guests at Naeba Prince Hotel can see the fireworks from their rooms, so if you dislike the cold, there’s that option as well.

Enjoy some Canadian cuisine at Whistler Cafe

Out of the many restaurants in Naeba, we particularly recommend Whistler Cafe, located on the slope side of the resort.

Whistler Cafe, which is operated in collaboration with Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America, is famous for its Canadian-style decor and unique dishes. From cheese fondues with their piping-hot melted cheese to hearty hamburgers, Whistler Cafe is packed full of food you wouldn’t think you could get in a restaurant in Naeba.

Enjoy “Mikuni Cat Skiing,” which lets you rent out an entire ski slope!

A new service starting this season: rent out an entire ski slope at the former Mikuni Ski Resort, which is about a 5-minute drive from Naeba. We only recommend this slope for intermediate to advanced skiers, as it has non-compacted snow, but if you can handle it, skiing down that virgin powder is quite an experience.

There will be guides as well, so there’s no need to worry even if this is your first time doing this. Contact the Naeba Snow School center to ask for information, make a reservation, and more.

Naeba in winter is full of fun events!

Naeba Ski Resort isn’t just for skiing and snowboarding - there are a ton of other fun spots you can go to.

If you want to take full advantage of these snowy mountains, make sure to head to some of these spots for some non-ski related fun!

Pricing information and schedule may not be up to date and are subject to change without notice. Please check before your trip.