Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort

Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort features four interconnected areas—East, West, South, and North—making it one of Japan’s largest ski fields. With everything from wide beginner slopes to steep advanced runs, the variety is endless.

The resort is well-equipped for families, with the “Kids’ Paradise” park, dedicated sledding areas, and safe beginner slopes. Rental services and ski schools are available, making it ideal for a first snow experience.

Just 20 minutes by free shuttle bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, Joetsu Kokusai offers excellent access for day trips or weekend getaways from the Tokyo area.

The large Hotel Green Plaza Joetsu sits right on the slopes, offering ski-in, ski-out convenience. With hot springs, restaurants, and shops, it’s perfect for an extended ski holiday.

Joetsu Kokusai spreads across Minami-Uonuma in Niigata Prefecture and is divided into four inter-linked zones—Mothers, Panorama, Active, and Forest—covering roughly 10 million m² of terrain.

• Its 22 marked runs are served by nearly 30 lifts (19 chairs plus surface lifts), delivering 817 m of vertical (1,017 m → 200 m) and a top-to-bottom cruise of 6 km.
• Trail mix: 30 % beginner, 50 % intermediate, 20 % advanced—ideal for mixed-ability groups.
• “Snow Country” storms routinely drop about 10 m of powder each winter, supporting a December-to-early-April season (2024/25 plan: 13 Dec–6 Apr).
• Joetsu International Skiing Ground Station sits at the base, letting you step off the JR Jōetsu Line train and onto the snow in minutes—just 12 min from Echigo-Yuzawa Shinkansen hub.
• The striking, ski-in/ski-out Hotel Green Plaza Joetsu anchors the resort, offering rentals, lessons, restaurants, spas and family amenities under one red-roofed Tudor-style complex.