HOME Tohoku Niigata Joetsu, Uonuma And Yuzawa Yuzawa Ski Resorts: Winter Snow Paradise Close to Tokyo! (Guide/Tickets/Hotels)
Yuzawa Ski Resorts: Winter Snow Paradise Close to Tokyo! (Guide/Tickets/Hotels)

Yuzawa Ski Resorts: Winter Snow Paradise Close to Tokyo! (Guide/Tickets/Hotels)

Last updated: 23 December 2020

Yuzawa ski resorts are some of the most accessible near Tokyo! Under 90 minutes from Tokyo and nestled in one of Japan's snowiest areas, Yuzawa is home to 12 unique ski resorts, all of which are easily accessed from JR Echigo Yuzawa Station.

The Yuzawa ski resort area is packed with heaps of winter attractions, including an onsen town near the station. And even if skiing or snowboarding isn't your thing, you're sure to find something fun in the Yuzawa area's variety of other winter activities!

Table of Contents
  1. Yuzawa: An Incredible Region
  2. How to get to Yuzawa Ski Resorts from Tokyo
  3. What to do in Yuzawa: Snowboard & Ski Resorts
  4. What to do in Yuzawa: Onsen Hot Springs
  5. Snowmobiling in Yuzawa
  6. After the Yuzawa Ski Resorts, Sip Some Sake!
  7. Recommended Hotels in Yuzawa
  8. Book an unforgettable experience in Yuzawa!

Yuzawa: An Incredible Region

Yuzawa: An Incredible Region

Although it draws a variety of outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers for its serene views and laid-back vibe in other seasons, Yuzawa really comes alive in winter, when snow lovers come from all over the country (and world) to enjoy the powder.

Located inland in Niigata Prefecture, Yuzawa receives a large amount of snowfall - sometimes even over 1 meter overnight - due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan.

Each of the area's 12 ski resorts features non-compacted snowfields with deep powder snow that feels incredible under ski or board.

How to get to Yuzawa Ski Resorts from Tokyo

How to get to Yuzawa Ski Resorts from Tokyo

Getting to Yuzawa from Tokyo is quite easy. Many travel and tour companies will offer day trips from the Tokyo area to different resorts by train or bus, or both. These companies will also likely offer some kind of bundle, including rental, hotel, and transport.

If you are considering going for a weekend, another option is the JR TOKYO Wide Pass. Costing just around 10,000 yen (around US$100), the JR TOKYO Wide Pass is valid for 3 days. It allows users to travel via Shinkansen, making the trip from Tokyo to Echigo Yuzawa in about 75 minutes.

What to do in Yuzawa: Snowboard & Ski Resorts

What to do in Yuzawa: Snowboard & Ski Resorts

There's a shuttle bus service that takes you directly to the ski resorts around Yuzawa, departing from Echigo Yuzawa station and nearby areas.

There are several bus stops in front of the Echigo no Oyado Inamoto Hotel, about two minutes' walk from the west exit of Echigo Yuzawa station. Shuttle buses will take you to Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort, GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, NASPA Ski Garden, Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort, Kandatsu Kogen Ski Resort, Yuzawa Park Ski Resort, and Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort.

You can reach Iwappara Ski Resort, Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort, and Maiko Snow Resort by shuttle bus from the east exit of Echigo Yuzawa station. There is also a shuttle bus to Naeba Ski Resort from the east exit, but this is only for the resort-owned hotel guests.

For GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, there is a shuttle bus from the west exit of Echigo Yuzawa station. But if you're coming from Tokyo, the shinkansen would be more convenient because the ski resort is directly linked to the shinkansen's GALA Yuzawa station.

If you're going to Nakazato Snow Wood, it's best to use the train as the resort is only a five-minute walk from the Joetsu Line's Nakazato station. You can access Kagura Ski Resort, Naeba Ski Resort, and Ludens Yuzawa Ski Resort by local bus.

  • Mt.Naeba / Naeba Ski Resort
    • Address Mikuni, Yuzawa-Machi, Minami Uonuma-Gun, Niigata -Ken 949-6292, 949-6292
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Tsuchitaru Station (Joetsu Line)
      40 minutes by bus
    • Phone Number 025-789-4117

    Reserve a Lift ticket in advance

    • Prince x Tokyu x NSD Combo Multi-Resort Lift Ticket (+Voucher)
      • Pack Ticket
      • All Ages
      • All-Day
      6,500JPY
      View Deal
  • Mt.Naeba / Kagura Ski Resort
    • Address 742 Mitsumata, Yuzawa-Machi, Minami-Uonuma-Gun, Niigata-Ken 949-6211, 949-6211
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Echigo-yuzawa Station (Joetsu Shinkansen)
      15 minutes by car
    • Phone Number 025-788-9221

    Reserve a Lift ticket in advance

    • Prince x Tokyu x NSD Combo Multi-Resort Lift Ticket (+Voucher)
      • Pack Ticket
      • All Ages
      • All-Day
      6,500JPY
      View Deal
  • GALA YUZAWA SNOW RESORT
    • Address 1039-2 Kayabira, Yuzawa, Yuzawa-Cho, Minami-Uonuma-Gun, Niigata-Ken 949-6101, 949-6101
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Gala Yuzawa Station (Joetsu Shinkansen Bound For Gala Yuzawa)
      0 minute on foot
    • Phone Number 025-785-6543

    Reserve a Lift ticket in advance

    • Gondola & Lift Ticket
      • 1-Day Ticket
      • Adult
      • All-Day
      11%OFF
      6,500
      5,800JPY
      View Deal
    • Gondola & Lift Ticket
      • 1-Day Ticket
      • Child
      • All-Day
      7%OFF
      3,000
      2,800JPY
      View Deal
  • Yuzawa Ipponsugi Ski Resort
    越後湯沢温泉 一本杉スキー場
    • Address 2521 Yuzawa, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata 949-6101
    • Phone Number 025-784-4440
  • Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort
    • Address 5044-1 Tsuchidaru, Yuzawa-Machi, Minami-Uonuma-Gun, Niigata-Ken 949-6103, 949-6103
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Echigo-nakazato Station (Joetsu Line)
    • Phone Number 025-787-3301

    Reserve a Lift ticket in advance

    • [AdvanceTicket] Lift ticket
      • 1-Day Ticket
      • Adult
      • All-Day
      11%OFF
      5,500
      4,900JPY
      View Deal
    • [AdvanceTicket] Lift ticket
      • 1-Day Ticket
      • Age 12-18 & Senior
      • All-Day
      13%OFF
      4,500
      3,900JPY
      View Deal
    • [AdvanceTicket] Lift ticket
      • 1-Day Ticket
      • Age 6-12
      • All-Day
      15%OFF
      2,700
      2,300JPY
      View Deal
  • Yuzawa Park Ski Resort
    • Address Kosaka, Yuzawa-Machi, Minami-Uonuma-Gun, Niigata-Ken 949-6103, 949-6103
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Echigo-nakazato Station (Joetsu Line)
      5 minutes by car
    • Phone Number 025-787-4111

    Reserve a Lift ticket in advance

    • [AdvanceTicket] Lift ticket
      • 1-Day Ticket
      • Adult
      • All-Day
      22%OFF
      4,500
      3,500JPY
      View Deal
    • [AdvanceTicket] Lift ticket
      • 1-Day Ticket
      • Student & Senior
      • All-Day
      20%OFF
      3,500
      2,800JPY
      View Deal
  • Nakazato Snow Wood Ski Area
    中里スノーウッドスキー場
    • Address 〒949-6103 Niigata Prefecture, Minamiuonuma District, Yuzawa, 大字土樽4731−2
    • Phone Number 025-787-3511

What to do in Yuzawa: Onsen Hot Springs

What to do in Yuzawa: Onsen Hot Springs

The Yuzawa area has many onsen hot springs, with many hotels and ryokan having their own facilities. Especially after a long day of playing in the snow, relaxing in the hot water can do wonders for the spirit. Some facilities even offer foot baths if you want to take a load off without going all the way in!

Snowmobiling in Yuzawa

Photo by Chiho Kuriyama
Photo by Chiho Kuriyama

With so much snow, Yuzawa offers a wide range of snow activities, and if snowboarding and skiing doesn't appeal to you, why not give snowmobiling a go?

Snowmobile Land Yuzawa is only a 3-minute drive from JR Echigo Yuzawa station. In winter, Yuzawa Chuo Park's entire premises, with a multi-purpose square and baseball ground, turns into a snowmobile field! The snow-covered park is arranged into snowmobile runs for you to enjoy the sport at your leisure.

As snowmobiling does not require any special license, practically anyone, whether you are a beginner, an adult or a child, can give it a try. Several plans are available, so you can start with a fun 30-minute ride, or go out for longer - with half-day (2 hours) and full-day (4 hours) rides offered as well. If you've never snowmobiled before, the instructor will guide you in the basics so you can enjoy your ride safely.

Snowmobile experience
■Dates: December 26-End of March, 2021
*Dates are subject to change depending on the quantity of snow.
■Apply to: Snow Country Tourism Information Center (Tel: 025-785-5353)
*Applications accepted for groups of two or more, up to and including the day of the ride.

■Fee: 6,000 yen per adult (special one-hour test-ride course)/3,500 yen per adult (30-minute test-ride course)
■Meeting area: RSS Snowmobile Land Yuzawa (Yuzawamachi Leisure Pool)
■Hours: 9:00-17:00
■Fees include: Voluntary insurance fees, trial fees

  • RSS Snowmobile Land Yuzawa
    スノーモビルランド湯沢
    • Address 151-1 Tsuchidaru, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata 949-6103
    • Phone Number 025-785-5353

After the Yuzawa Ski Resorts, Sip Some Sake!

After the Yuzawa Ski Resorts, Sip Some Sake!

Niigata is a land of rice and abundant amounts of pure, clear water - the key ingredients for brewing the fine sake the prefecture is famous for.

Yuzawa is home to Shirataki Sake Brewery, and though you'll need to book ahead, you can tour the brewery and sample some of their rice wine. There are also plenty of stores with a great array of sake, some with a designated section for local brews. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to experience the deep world of sake.

  • Shirataki Sake Brewery
    白瀧酒造
    • Address Ooaza Yuzawa 2640, Yuzawa Machi, Minami-Uonumagun, Niigata-ken 949-6101
    • Phone Number 025-784-3443
    • Open Monday to Friday from 9am-12pm, and 1pm-4pm

*Copy by Chiho Kuriyama, edited by Timothy Sullivan. Prices quoted in the article are current as of January 2020.

Recommended Hotels in Yuzawa

  • Shosenkaku Kagetsu
    • Address Yuzawa 318-5 , Yuzawa, Niigata, 949-6101
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Echigo-yuzawa Station (Joetsu Shinkansen)
      6 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

  • Purpose Resort Echigo Yuzawa KURA - Vacation STAY 68899
    Purpose Resort Echigo Yuzawa KURA - Vacation STAY 68899
    Purpose Resort Echigo Yuzawa KURA - Vacation STAY 68899
    • Address Yuzawa-machi Yuzawa 292-13 Harvest Resort Echigo Yuzawa "Kura", Yuzawa, Niigata, 949-6101
    • Nearest Station Echigo-yuzawa Station (Joetsu Line)
      10 minutes on foot
  • Lions Mansion Echigo Yuzawa - Vacation STAY 7915
    Lions Mansion Echigo Yuzawa - Vacation STAY 7915
    Lions Mansion Echigo Yuzawa - Vacation STAY 7915
    • Address Yuzawa-machi Oaza Yuzawa 2557-3 Lions Mansion Echigo Yuzawa, Yuzawa, Niigata, 949-6101
    • Nearest Station Echigo-yuzawa Station (Joetsu Shinkansen)
      10 minutes on foot

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*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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