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A mesmerizing view dancing across the autumn skies in Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts

Dragondola / Tashiro Ropeway Niigata Prefecture

Take an aerial stroll through the autumn foliage on the Dragondola, Japan's longest gondola

Mt. Naeba is one of the most popular ski areas in Japan and attracts an impressive number of visitors each year. It is also home to the Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola at 5,481 meters, and the Tashiro Ropeway, boasting the country’s highest ground clearance at 230 meters, which are both operational during the autumn foliage season. Shuttle buses and walking paths connect the two, allowing visitors to enjoy a breathtaking journey that combines these two top attractions surrounded by stunning autumn colors.

The Dragondola plunging into the vibrant autumn leaves.
Lake Futai as seen from the Tashiro Ropeway.

Experience the long, thrill-packed ride - almost like riding a rollercoaster!

On Japan’s longest gondola, the Dragondola, visitors can enjoy an exhilarating 25-minute one-way ride through a vibrant world of autumn foliage. Immerse yourself in the series of powerful landscapes as you plunge down steep, colorful slopes toward the Kiyotsu River like a roller coaster, then glide past spectacular views of the emerald-green Lake Futai. On the other hand, the Tashiro Ropeway offers a breathtaking moment at its midpoint, where you'll soar 230 meters above the ground. From the summit station, you’ll be treated to unforgettable sweeping panoramic views of Lake Tashiro and the majestic Mount Tanigawa.

An exhilarating stroll along the boardwalk.

Stay at the Prince Hotel

Naeba Prince Hotel

Address: 202 Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Minami-Uonuma-gun, Niigata
TEL: 025-789-2211

Click here for details and reservations

If you want to enjoy the autumn foliage of Mt. Naeba, staying at the Naeba Prince Hotel is a convenient way to do so. The Dragondola's base station can be accessed on foot, and a shuttle bus runs to the Tashiro Ropeway. Enjoy delicious meals and hot springs at the hotel located in the midst of the great outdoors. On-site activities for children are also available.

Savor seasonal delicacies with delicious local cuisine

Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture, home to Mt. Naeba, has an abundance of delicious traditional local cuisine. You can savor these regional specialties at restaurants around the area, including near the base station at Echigo-Yuzawa Station.

  • Hegi soba

    A regional soba noodle dish served in a wooden tray called a hegi. Made with funori (a type of seaweed) as a binding agent, it’s known for its smooth, slippery texture.

  • Koshihikari

    Enjoy Japan's top-class brand rice, known for its firm texture and sweet flavor, in a variety of dishes including rice balls.

  • Sasa dango

    A traditional sweet made from mugwort-flavored rice dumplings filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in bamboo leaves. Available at souvenir shops and local markets.

Activities and sightseeing spots

The surrounding area is filled with unique outdoor experiences that can be enjoyed in nature and spots with rich local color. Be sure to stop by once you're done soaking in the beautiful autumn foliage.

  • Summit attractions

    Around the Tashiro Plateau, where the Dragondola summit station is located, you can enjoy leisurely explorations with e-bikes or walking carts.

    Click here for details
  • Michi-no-Eki Mitsumata

    This roadside station features a restaurant that uses only local ingredients, as well as shops and a hot spring bath. It is located about 10 km from the Tashiro Ropeway base station.

    Click here for details
  • Tour of the “soto-yu” of Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen

    This historic hot spring district features five “soto-yu” (public bathhouses) that are perfect for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing soak.

    Click here for details

Basic information

Dragondola

Altitude (summit)
1,346m
Total length
5,481m
Capacity
8 passengers
Duration
Approx. 25 minutes each way

Tashiro Ropeway

Altitude (summit)
1,413m
Total length
2,175m
Capacity
91 passengers
Duration
Approx. 10 minutes each way
Operating season
October 11 (Sat) – November 9 (Sun), 2025
Gondola/ropeway operating hours
9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. (last downhill ride at 4:00 P.M.)
Gondola/ropeway fare
Adults: Round trip 4,000 yen
Children (ages 6–12): Round trip 2,300 yen
Children under 5: Free (one child per accompanying adult rides free)
Pets: 1,000 yen (large dogs not allowed; pets must be in a cage during the ride)
*Tickets will be valid for one of the following options.
1: Dragondola (one-way) + Tashiro Ropeway (one-way)
2: Dragondola (round trip)
3: Tashiro Ropeway (round trip)
Ticket counter

Dragondola: Naeba Ski Resort Day Trip Ski Center “Schnee”
202 Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Minami-Uonuma-gun, Niigata

Tashiro Ropeway: Kagura Ski Resort Tashiro Ropeway Base Station
1066 Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Minami-Uonuma-gun, Niigata

Dragondola
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Tashiro Ropeway
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Access

Public transportation
Car
Airplane

There's even more!
Autumn foliage spots at Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts