Joetsu Kokusai Facilities

Joetsu Kokusai is a classic bubble era ski resort that has lots of bells and whistles at both the Hotel Green Plaza Joetsu and the ski resort. Amenities and services include equipment rentals, ski school, multiple restaurants, retail shops, and an onsen. And kids are well catered for with kids parks and child care. 

Facilities for Children

Joetsu Kokusai is incredibly child friendly and families galore visit the ski area, although it’s mostly geared towards Japanese children.

Below the hotel is an amazing play area for kids. Some parts are free and others attract a small fee, and the kids zone includes general snow play areas with lots of play equipment, tobogganing, and a magic carpet.

Next to the hotel is a child care facility that is very reasonably priced and provides child care by the hour, half day or full day for ages 2 to 6. The staff don’t necessarily speak English. The childcare facility is unfortunately only open on weekends and holidays.

The Hotel Green Plaza Joetsu has a games arcade.

Joetsu Ski Rentals and Snowboard Hire

Inside the Hotel Green Plaza Joetsu is a large Salomon rental outlet with a big range of good quality ski and snowboard gear. They also rent out snow bikes.

There is also a snowboard and ski rental shop at the base near the train station.

Joetsu Kokusai Ski and Snowboard School

The Joetsu Kokusai ski school doesn’t offer group lessons in English. There’s a chance you might be able to book a private instructor who speaks a bit of English.

Eating On Mountain

There are lots of eateries spread across the mountain, with restaurants at the Mina base, the Osawa base, the Atema base, and a small collection at the north area base. Midweek these may or may not be open.

A fantastic building to stop for a drink from the vending machine is the 360 degree Panorama Pause building, that offers spectacular views from inside or from the deck.

Alternatively you can return to the hotel for lunch at one of the restaurants (e.g. European buffet), although we found mid-week that very little was open, only the rather expensive lounge.

Shopping

The Hotel Green Plaza Joetsu has a few shops. The large gift shop sells lots of food souvenirs, a small range of Joetsu Kokusai souvenirs, snacks, beverages (including beer and alco-pops), and inexpensive ski and snowboard accessories.

The hotel also has a couple of small ski and snowboard shops that sell accessories and a very small amount of hardwear. If you need to make any substantial purchases, try and do it before you arrive at Joetsu Kokusai.