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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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