Heading South on Route 17 from Yuzawa you start to climb further into the mountains which rise up to meet you. In the winter, the higher you get, the better the snow quality and this goes some way to explaining the popularity of Kagura and Naeba as renowned winter sports destinations. It take about 30 minutes to drive between two but the ski resorts are actually linked, providing a very large ski area. The mountains offer a beautiful backdrop in the summer months, maybe one of the reasons that the organisers decide to hold the Fuji Rock Festival here every year, which sees international superstars perform at the base of Mount Naeba. The surrounding area also offers some great hiking for the energetic.
Transportation Step1
-Take Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa. The price is 5,980JPY each way.
-By bus, take an express bus from West Exit of Ikebukuro station in Tokyo. The express buses arrive at Yuzawa IC so if you take an express bus then we need to request a pick up service from your hotel, so please let us know. The price is 3,000JPY each way.
Transportation Step2
Change from the Bullet Train to a Local bus to 'Naeba Prince Hotel' from bus stop No.1 outside Echigo-Yuzawa Station East Exit. The price is 370JPY to Kagura area or 640JPY to Naeba area.