Published: 11/01/2023
Niigata is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy some of the most abundant natural snowfalls and a spectacular location created by Mother Nature. There are many things to do in Winter in Niigata, which will leave you with incredible memories to cherish and give you an insight into this beautiful region. Skiing and snowboarding are just the tips of the iceberg, and here you can try snowmobile tours, night trekking, snow buggy ride, relax at an onsen or enjoy an evening in a snow igloo (Kamakura).
Niigata is quite easily accessible from Tokyo and with a beautiful winter wonderland awaiting, it's the perfect choice for a winter holiday. This article will show you the best things to do in winter in Niigata. You can also take advantage of our limited-time campaign by using a special discount coupon code (click here for details). So let's explore the best things to do in winter in Niigata together!
1. Get Top Notch Skiing Adventure in Niigata
Niigata boasts the highest class of snow quality in Japan. The area has some of the country's top ski resorts, such as Myoko Kogen and Yuzawa, which offer something for everyone: back-country, cross-country, and all kinds of other skiing adventures. Whether you're skiing for the first time or an expert, you'll find lots to love here.
Backcountry skiing adventure with an experienced guide at Myoko Kogen
Tagiri, Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture
Level your skills with private skiing lessons in Niigata
Tsuchidaru, Yuzawa Town, Minami Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture
Half-day or Full-day snow boarding and ski lessons at Yuzawa region
Niigata Prefecture
Family-friendly skiing and snowboarding lessons in Myoko
Akakura, Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture
2. Take Your Snowboarding To The Next Level
Niigata Prefecture is a powder enthusiasts' paradise during the winter season. The snow-filled slopes and trails are perfect for those who love to snowboard.
The ski resorts are excellent for beginners and novices to learn how to ski or snowboard. The instructors are friendly and will teach you all the basics of snowboarding. There are also plenty of rental shops where you can rent equipment if you don't have your own.
Ready for some fresh powder? You could start snowboarding today—choose from our range of lessons and find the right one for you.
Private snowboarding lessons in Yuzawa
Tsuchidaru, Yuzawa Town, Minami Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture
One-day snowboarding lesson in Yuzawa
Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture
Children-friendly private skiing and snowboarding lessons in Myoko
Akakura, Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture
3. Skip The Lines And Get Ropeway Tickets
Enjoy a fun and exciting day on Niigata's slopes and experience the powder snow's thrill. Visit ski resorts like Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, Koide ski resort, NASPA Ski Garden, Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort, and Itoigawa Seaside Valley Ski Area for lift tickets, ski lessons, and more. Venture out with the family at one of these many fun-filled destinations.
Maiko 1-day pass (ski resort lift & gondola cruise 1-day ticket): Enjoy from beginners to experts!
Maiko, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
4. Snowshoe Trekking in Niigata: Enjoy The Best Of Winter Up Close
The winter wonderland of Niigata is a great destination for snowshoe trekking. You can enjoy breathtaking nature up close and personal with snow-covered forests, amazing landscapes, and natural views. Hike through the thick snow wearing your snowshoes while taking in the fantastic views, then relax in an onsen bath.
Go on a snowshoe trekking adventure and stay at a resort hotel
Natsui, Tainai City, Niigata Prefecture
Feel the wonderful nature at its fullest snowshoeing or skiing in Myoko | Beginner-friendly course
Tagiri, Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture
5. Snowmobile Tours: The Best Winter Thrill!
Scenic snowmobile tours are the perfect winter thrill. Explore snow-covered forests and mountaintops with jaw-dropping views on your ATV. The excitement of riding a powerful motorized vehicle will definitely get your adrenaline pumping!
Ride a snowmobile in Niigata (Explore the breathtaking and snowy nature in a 60 minutes course!)
Mikuni, Yuzawa Town, Minami Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture
6. Take a Night Excursion on a Mega Snow Buggy
Hang on tight and enjoy the snow-covered mountains at night on a 6-seater mega buggy. With an experienced driver, you can relax and enjoy the ride while having fun with your family and friends.
First time in Japan! Ride a mega snow buggy at night in Niigata
Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minami Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture
7. Sake, Snow igloos and Snowmobiles: A Winter Trip to Remember
Enjoy two days of winter activities in Yuzawa, including a visit to a town specializing in craftsmanship. In this fun excursion, you will learn how to make paper knives at Tsubame and Sanjo—two towns of craftspeople that have been producing high-quality blades since the Edo period! You will also indulge in sweets and sake-tasting experience inside a snow igloo (known as Kamakura in Japanese) and you will go on an adrenaline-pumping snowmobile adventure at Naeba Ski Resort.
Two days of snow country activities: Kamakura experience, snowmobile, and traditional crafts making
Shimosukoro, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture
8. Two Days of Snow-Filled Retreats at GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
Talk about a double treat! You can enjoy snow-related winter fun and find inner peace in a soothing hot spring. In between, taste the deliciousness and learn how to make the local specialty bamboo dumplings sweets—all in one plan.
Unlimited fun with two-days and one-night plan to enjoy snow activities, hot springs, and local sweets making!
Yuzawa Town, Minami Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture
Frequently asked questions
QWhat are some things to do during the winter time in Niigata?
AIn Niigata, the winter season offers so many adventures. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you can try out different kinds of skiing. You can also snowboard and snowshoe. If you don't have any experience on the slopes, there are lessons for beginners of all ages.
QDoes Niigata snow?
ANiigata is the best place to go for snow and winter sports. Did you know that it's called the snow country? It is because of its heavy snowfall, especially in January, where Myoko City is the heaviest snowfall spots with several days of continuous heavy snow.
QWhat is Niigata Japan known for?
ANiigata is popular with its rice crops, the beauty of its coastal and mountainous scenery, its powder snow, ski resorts and onsens.
QHow far is Niigata from Tokyo?
ANiigata is located about 320.8 km northwest of Tokyo. Niigata can be reached by five different means of transportation. From Tokyo, one can travel to Niigata by train, bus, night bus, car or plane.
