2026 Updated Guide

70 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo.
Enter a magical world of silver.

Come empty-handed and enjoy the ultimate day trip snow experience starting from 10,000 yen.
No complicated preparations are required. Enjoy winter in Japan efficiently.

Why choose "Yuzawa"?

We will introduce three major benefits of the Yuzawa Day Snow Tour, which will allow you to make the most of your limited travel time.

Extremely close to Tokyo

It takes about 70 minutes by Shinkansen to depart Tokyo in the morning, enjoy a day at the snowy mountains, and then enjoy dinner in Tokyo in the evening, creating the ultimate Taipa experience.

You can participate empty-handed

Clothing, gloves, goggles, and snowboards can all be rented on-site, so you don't have to carry heavy luggage.

Ideal for beginners and families

There is a "Snow Play Park" that can be enjoyed even if you don't ski. It is the perfect place for your first snow experience, with activities like sledding and making snowmen.

Echigo Yuzawa Recommended Plan

Choose a plan that suits your style.

A thorough comparison of five popular ski resorts

Choose a ski resort that interests you from the list and check the details.

GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort

No.1 in time saving and convenience

The most popular resort directly connected to the Shinkansen station.

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort

Spectacular views and multi-functionality

It boasts state-of-the-art facilities and panoramic views.

Kandatsu Snow Resort

Active and young people

This resort is perfect for active people, with courses popular with young people.

Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort

Relaxation and scenery

This is a high altitude hotel for those who want to enjoy the scenery in peace and quiet.

Ipponsugi Snow Park

Family/Beginner

A gentle slope perfect for beginners to skiing or sledding.

GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort

"Once you get off the Shinkansen, you're on the slopes"

Access ★ 5/5
For beginners ★ 4/5
Course quality: 4/5
For advanced users ★ 3/5

Check out the video! The charm of GALA Yuzawa

Check out the video to experience the overwhelming convenience of being directly connected to the station and the beautiful slopes.

A short walk from the station ticket gate to the gondola
Latest rental equipment
A wide range of courses for beginners to advanced skiers

Example of a daily schedule

This is a model itinerary for travelers who want to make the most of their time.

🚅
08:00

Departing from Tokyo Station

We recommend taking the JR Joetsu Shinkansen and enjoying breakfast on board.
📍
09:15

Arriving at Echigo-Yuzawa Station

Head to the ski resort directly connected to the station or take the free shuttle bus.
❄️
10:00

Activity begins!

Change into your gear at the rental counter and head out into the snowy world!
🍛
12:00

Slope lunch

Japanese curry rice and piping hot ramen are popular.
♨️
15:00

Hot Springs & Commemorative Photo

When you get tired from playing, head to the hot springs. A bath with a view of the snow is the ultimate luxury.
🛍️
17:00

Buy souvenirs and head home

We bought some alcohol and snacks at Echigo Yuzawa Station and headed to the Shinkansen.

Echigo-Yuzawa Station: Japan's Most Fun "In-Station" Experience

Your journey begins the moment you step off the Shinkansen. Echigo-Yuzawa Station is packed with must-see attractions, including a sake theme park and a surprisingly large rice ball.

🍶

Ponshukan

All the sake from Niigata Prefecture's breweries is gathered here! For 500 yen, you can receive five coins and sample five drinks of your choice. Even if you don't drink alcohol, you can still enjoy tasting "Salt" sake from all over the country and the famous "Koji Latte."

Sake tasting available at the station for 500 yen . There is also a sake bath.
🍙

Bomb Rice Ball (Yuki-n-do)

These giant rice balls are made using an entire cup of Minamiuonuma Koshihikari rice, Japan's finest brand! They're made on the spot after your order is placed, so you can enjoy the deliciousness of the hot rice. The size is simply impressive.

Minamiuonuma Koshihikari rice, generous portion, take-out available

Shopping on Gangi Street

The shopping mall inside the station, Gangi Street, is lined with shops selling Niigata's specialty "Sasa Dango," processed seafood, local craft beer, and even arts and crafts. There are also plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy Niigata cuisine, including sushi, hegi soba, and Niigata ramen.

  • 📍 Local Uonuma vegetables and fruits
  • 📍 Niigata-exclusive snacks
  • 📍 Local beer and wine
  • 📍 Niigata Gourmet Restaurant
  • ⚠️ To get to GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort, use GALA Yuzawa Station instead of Echigo Yuzawa Station.
    Please use the free shuttle bus from Gala Yuzawa Station to Echigo Yuzawa Station. If your destination is Gala Yuzawa Station, you cannot get off at Echigo Yuzawa Station, so please stop by on your way back, not on your way there.

Even first-time users can feel at ease! Q&A

A: Yes! You can enjoy sledding and snow tubing in the dedicated "Snow Park."
A: Your regular winter clothes will be fine. All waterproof clothing sets are available for rental.
A: Ropeways, gondolas, and lifts may be closed due to strong winds. Please check the ski resort's official website before setting off. If the ski resort is closed, you can receive a full refund as long as you have not yet purchased your Shinkansen ticket.
A: In normal years, ski resorts are open until late March. GALA Yuzawa is open until early May. However, if there is little snow, the number of lifts operating may be reduced or the resort may close earlier.
A: There are two day-trip hot spring facilities within a 20-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. There is even a hot spring inside the station that you can use while waiting for your Shinkansen train. It's a good idea to bring your own towel, but they are also available for purchase. We recommend relaxing in the hot spring after enjoying skiing. Please note that there are regular closing days.
A: Inside Echigo-Yuzawa Station, there are souvenir shops where you can find souvenirs from all over Niigata Prefecture. There is also a small souvenir shop at the ski resort.
A: Koshihikari rice from Uonuma and sake are recommended, but we also recommend the smooth and chewy "Hegisoba," Niigata's traditional "Sasadango," and the many rice crackers made from rice.
A: Niigata Prefecture is Japan's number one rice-producing region. Echigo Yuzawa is particularly famous for the brand rice "Uonuma Koshihikari." We recommend rice balls and sushi made with Uonuma Koshihikari. The area is also famous for its smooth and chewy "Hegisoba" soba noodles and rice-based "sake." Inside Echigo Yuzawa Station, you can enjoy gourmet food at a shop selling giant "bomb rice balls" and at the "Ponzakekan" where you can sample sake.

The charm of Echigo Yuzawa is not just skiing!

Japanese sake

Echigo Yuzawa sake is known for its clean, crisp taste, which makes the most of the pure meltwater. Another reason for its popularity is that it is home to many famous breweries, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of local sake while traveling. Inside Yuzawa Station, there is a shop called Ponshukan, where you can sample sake from breweries in Niigata Prefecture and purchase souvenirs.

Koshihikari rice from Uonuma

Koshihikari rice from Uonuma is known for its strong sweetness, stickiness, and rich aroma, all of which are the result of snowmelt and a climate with large temperature differences. Its exceptional luster and elasticity after cooking make it one of Japan's leading brand rice.

natural hot springs

There are many day-trip hot springs within walking distance of Echigo-Yuzawa Station, making it easy to stop by during your trip. The appeal is that you can easily enjoy the hot spring atmosphere unique to Yuzawa, such as the public baths in front of the station and the outdoor baths at inns.