The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Kagura operates across three interconnected zones spanning 620 to 1,845 metres elevation with 1,225 metres vertical drop. The resort delivers 32 runs across 418 acres, divided 37% beginner, 40% intermediate, 19% advanced and 4% expert terrain. Annual snowfall averages 10 metres, making Kagura one of Niigata's most reliable powder destinations with a summit elevation that guarantees dry, light snow throughout the season. The longest run extends 6 kilometres from top to bottom.
The Kagura zone delivers the steepest terrain and best tree skiing, whilst Mitsumata and Tashiro offer gentler progression for developing skiers. Kagura Main Gerende runs 1,512 metres with a 27-degree maximum pitch, and the Kobu Kobu Course provides mogul challenges. Backcountry access via gated entry at the summit attracts experienced riders, with English-speaking guides and permit systems in place. Two terrain parks cater to freestyle progression.
The resort maintains a local Japanese atmosphere with limited international crowds, drawing Tokyo weekenders and serious powder hunters. Mid-mountain Wada Goya offers traditional mountain hut accommodation at 1,380 metres elevation with ski-in access. On-mountain facilities focus on function over luxury, with rental shops at both Mitsumata and Tashiro stations. Wind holds occasionally affect upper lifts during storms.
The 5.5-kilometre Dragondola connects Kagura to neighbouring Naeba, creating Japan's third-largest linked ski area under the Mt Naeba designation. Joint lift tickets cover both resorts plus shuttle buses between base areas. Kagura suits confident intermediates seeking uncrowded powder, backcountry enthusiasts, and skiers prioritising snow quality and season length over resort amenities. Children 12 and under ski free with parents.
1225m
Vertical
32
Runs
418 acres
Skiable
10m
Annual snow
The Terrain
32 runs across 418 acres skiable
Kagura spreads 32 runs across 418 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 40%, with 12 beginner runs to find your feet and 7 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
32
runs
32 runs across 4 grades
Beginner12 runs · 37%
Intermediate13 runs · 40%
Advanced6 runs · 19%
Expert1 run · 4%
Time it right
When to visit Kagura
The 2025-2026 season sees Kagura and Mitsumata areas operating 22 November 2025 through 17 May 2026, with Tashiro running 20 December 2025 to 6 May 2026. This represents one of Japan's longest lift-served seasons, regularly extending nearly six months from late autumn through late spring. Early season relies partly on snowmaking to supplement natural accumulation at the 620-metre base elevation. May skiing attracts enthusiasts seeking late-season powder whilst cherry blossoms bloom in the valleys below.
Kagura receives 10 metres average annual snowfall concentrated between December and March, with the third week of December typically delivering 73 centimetres across 4.8 snowy days. The 1,845-metre summit elevation ensures cold temperatures preserve snow quality throughout winter. Base depths regularly exceed 3 metres mid-season, with the February 2025 event depositing 3 metres in 72 hours. High elevation provides more stable conditions than lower Yuzawa resorts, though warm spells can affect valley-level skiing.
January through March delivers peak powder frequency with consistent storms tracking from the Sea of Japan. December offers early-season value with lighter crowds, whilst April and May provide spring corn snow and extended daylight. Mid-week visits outside Japanese school holidays guarantee uncrowded slopes. The snowiest period concentrates in January and February when Pacific weather systems intensify.
Kagura-Mitsumata Sunrise Ski operates 2 April through 8 May, offering early-morning access from first light. The Kagura No. 5 Romance Lift provides touring course access 26 February through 8 May. No special events calendar operates beyond seasonal spring programmes. Lift tickets include elementary school children free with valid ticket. The extended season makes Kagura particularly attractive for northern hemisphere skiers seeking late spring conditions unavailable elsewhere in Japan.
Season 2025-2026
5 Dec 2025
Opens
29 Mar 2026
Closes
114
Days open
10 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Kagura, and where to stay
Kagura sits in Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture on Honshu's west-facing slopes 8 kilometres southwest of Yuzawa centre. The resort occupies terrain between the Tanigawa mountain range and Route 17 corridor at Japan's geographic centre. Mitsumata base area sits 620 metres elevation, with Tashiro station located 6 kilometres further south along the valley floor. The surrounding Echigo mountains receive heavy snowfall from moisture-laden Sea of Japan weather systems.
Echigo-Yuzawa town 9 kilometres north serves as the primary service centre with onsen baths, restaurants and accommodation. The historic hot spring town dates to the Edo period and gained fame through Yasunari Kawabata's novel Snow Country. Yuzawa proper offers convenience stores, ski shops and sake breweries. Mitsumata and Tashiro villages provide limited lodging directly at lift bases. The area sits 175 kilometres northwest of Tokyo in the Jōshinetsu Kōgen highlands.
The Kan-etsu Expressway reaches Yuzawa Interchange 8 kilometres from Mitsumata, then Route 17 leads directly to resort base areas. Tokyo drivers cover the distance in approximately 2.5 hours under normal conditions. Winter tyres or chains are mandatory November through April. Shuttle buses connect Echigo-Yuzawa Station to both Mitsumata and Tashiro bases in 20 minutes, costing 300 yen. Free shuttles link base areas for ticket holders.
Tokyo Narita Airport sits 240 kilometres southeast, whilst Haneda Airport lies 220 kilometres away with more efficient Tokyo access. The Jōetsu Shinkansen reaches Echigo-Yuzawa Station from Tokyo in 70 to 90 minutes, making Kagura amongst Japan's most accessible major resorts via public transport. Local buses depart the station approximately every 30 minutes during operating season. Niigata Airport 150 kilometres north offers domestic connections from Osaka, Sapporo and limited international flights from Shanghai, Taipei and Seoul.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Kagura, powered by Stay22.
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Kagura Webcams
3 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Kagura's live webcams
Check live conditions across Kagura with 3 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Kagura Side1370m
- This Kagura webcam offers a sweeping mid-mountain perspective from the gondola station. The live feed captures the heart of the resort's terrain, showcasing the legendary snow conditions that make Kagura one of Japan's premier powder destinations.
- Mitsumata Side1368m
- Positioned at mid-mountain on the Mitsumata sector, this Kagura webcam provides a real-time view of one of the resort's most diverse skiing areas. Watch live as riders explore the varied terrain that makes this side of Kagura so popular throughout its extended season.
- Tashiro Side1413m
- The Kagura webcam at Tashiro gondola station delivers a mid-mountain perspective of this distinct resort zone. Get a live look at the conditions from this elevated vantage point, where skiers and snowboarders access some of Kagura's most memorable runs.
Kagura snow cams FAQ
How often do Kagura snow cams update?
All Kagura snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Kagura.
Which Kagura webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Tashiro Side webcam at 1,413m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Kagura webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Kagura lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Kagura snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Kagura snow cams?
Check Kagura webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Kagura lift tickets?
Use our Kagura webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Kagura webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Kagura snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Kagura intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.