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Ski & Snowboard

Ryuoo Ski Resort, about a 3.5-hour drive from the Tokyo metropolitan area, is the largest and highest in the Kita-Shiga area of Nagano Prefecture. It’s famous for its great snow quality and a long 6,000m course. The stunning panoramic views of the Northern Alps and Hokushin Gogaku from the mountaintop are a must-see! Furthermore, the SORA terrace at an altitude of 1,770m is a popular spot even for non-skiers. Known as “Japan’s easiest ski resort to start snowboarding,” Ryuoo is perfect for beginners and first-timers. Let’s dive into the fun ways to enjoy this awesome ski spot!

No worries for first-timers! Free snowboard debut lessons for beginners held daily!

At Ryuoo Ski Park, which proudly calls itself "the easiest place in Japan to try snowboarding," they offer free beginner snowboarding lessons every day. From how to put on your boots, to getting on and off the lift, to learning how to ride, the instructors are super friendly and guide you step by step. Over the past three seasons, 20,000 people have made their snowboarding debut here!

No need to book in advance for the lessons—just head to the info center, hop on the moving sidewalk, and you'll be taken straight to the "debut area" where you can join in any time from 8 AM to 2 PM. Once you've got the basics down, head to the lower part of the mountain, the "Valley area," where you'll find wide, mellow slopes perfect for practicing and improving. It's all nicely groomed, so you can make rapid progress!
No reservation required! Details of the free lessons are here.
About the snowboard debut lesson, Ryuoo Ski Park also offers free helmet rentals every day to ensure a safe and worry-free snowboarding debut. Helmets are available in sizes for both kids and adults.
Even if you’re an advanced rider, wearing a helmet is super important. So why not take this chance to try out a high-quality helmet from the popular brand SMITH?
Details of the free helmet rental are here.

The Mountain top area is a powder paradise!

Hop on the world’s largest ropeway, carrying up to 166 people, and head to the upper part of the ski resort. There, you’ll find breathtaking courses where even beginners can enjoy the powder snow!
Think the mountain top area area is just for advanced riders? Not at Ryuoo Ski Park! The mountaintop has plenty of gentle slopes, so even first-timers can have a blast on the high-quality snow.
Of course, advanced riders won’t be disappointed either! Ryuoo’s iconic “Kiotoshi” course, with a max slope of 36 degrees, is a must-try for powder lovers. This legendary run lets you enjoy a long descent through natural terrain, making it a magnet for powder enthusiasts from all over Japan.
Newly opened last season, the “Wavy Lines” park at the mountain top area has become a hit with snowboarders. Designed to mimic waves in the snow, it features unique terrain with waves, banks, and walls, offering a smooth and fun ride for everyone to enjoy!
Details of Wavy Lines Park are here.

The view from SORA Terrace at 1,770m is a must-see!

SORA Terrace, perched at 1,770m, offers breathtaking views of Nagano’s snowy landscape, the Northern Alps, and even the Sea of Japan on clear days. If you're lucky, you might catch the magical sight of a sea of clouds!
It’s an easy 10-minute ride up on the Ropeway, making it a popular spot even for non-skiers to enjoy.
Between your runs, take a break at SORA terrace cafe, where you can enjoy original menu items made with local ingredients. Warm up with a cozy drink while soaking in the stunning views, and treat yourself to delicious dishes you can only find here.
The cloud and snow-themed menu items at SORA terrace cafe are super popular for their photo-worthy looks. The signature “Sea of Clouds Soup in a Puff Pastry” is a must-try favorite. And don’t miss the adorable “SORA Coffee”—a coffee topped with a cloud-shaped marshmallow that's so cute, you'll want to share it on social media. You can even add the cloud marshmallow to other hot drinks for a small extra charge, so go ahead and give it a try!
Details of SORA Terrace Cafe are here.

There’s plenty of fun attractions for non-skiers too!

Even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, there’s still plenty to enjoy! The “Snow Buggy Cruise & SORA Terrace Sightseeing Plan” offers an exciting buggy ride over the snow, a ride on one of the world’s largest ropeways, and a visit to the stunning SORA terrace in winter. With this plan, anyone can easily soak in the breathtaking snowy mountain views and the sparkling white ski slopes from the top!
This winter, “SORA SNOW LAND” makes its debut at the mountain summit! With free access to snow huts, snow slides, and snow hills, it’s the perfect spot for non-skiers to enjoy some snowy fun. It’s also great for kids, families, or anyone looking for a break between runs. Dive in and make the most of the winter wonderland experience!
Details of the sightseeing plan are here.

The exciting new restaurant, “Ton Ton Ton”!

This season, a new eatery specializing in onigiri made with premium Shinshu rice and hearty pork miso soup featuring Shinshu Olein pork and local miso has opened. With around 20 types of onigiri on the menu, each crafted with carefully selected Shinshu ingredients, it’s definitely worth a visit. There’s also an irori (traditional Japanese hearth) space where you can try grilling your own oyaki (stuffed dumplings). Enjoy Nagano’s rich food culture while taking in the snowy scenery and views of the slopes!
Details of the restaurants at Ryuoo Ski Park are here.

Easy access by car or train!

Ryuoo Ski Park has everything you need for an unforgettable winter adventure—whether you’re a beginner or an expert, a kid or a senior, or even a non-skier!
From Tokyo, it’s about 2.5 hours via Shinkansen and shuttle bus, making it perfect for a day trip or a relaxing hot spring getaway. Nearby, you’ll also find famous spots like the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and the Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen Area, perfect for adding some sightseeing to your trip.
Shuttle buses run regularly from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Dentetsu Line, making access super convenient. By car, it’s roughly a 3.5-hour drive from the Kanto area via the Kanetsu and Joshinetsu expressways.
With great access and endless winter fun waiting, grab your family, friends, or someone special and head to Ryuoo Ski Park!
Access information is here.
text：Makiko Kishino

Ryuoo Ski Park

Just 16 km from the Shinshu Nakano IC, Ryuo Ski Park sits at an elevation of 1,930 meters in the powder snow area near the Yudanaka Shibu Onsen village. From the top of the ropeway at 1,770 meters, you'll be treated to a magical view that's hard to beat.

SORA Terrace Cafe offers amazing original dishes made with local ingredients, and the views from the cafe are top-notch!

For powder lovers, the upper slopes are a must-see, with special areas just for them. The "Kioroshi Course" is famous among powder fans, and the wide runs and well-equipped parks are perfect for stepping up your skills.

Details of Ryuoo Ski Park are here.

Facility Information

竜王スキーパーク
Address
長野県下高井郡山ノ内町夜間瀬11700
URL
https://ryuoo.com/winter/

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