2024 Yuzawa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Snowy town near Tokyo with ryokan onsen and ski resorts

This is Echigo Yuzawa, a town nestled among mountains with many ski slopes at affordable prices. The town also has ancient onsen spots. For those visiting Tokyo and wanting to experience snow, soak in an onsen, and ski, it's recommended to stay here for a night. Choose a ryokan with an onsen to relax in after skiing. Nearby, there's a strawberry farm where you can pick strawberries in season. It's only 1 hour away from Tokyo. How to get there: Take a train from Tokyo to Echigo Yuzawa Station, which takes just 1 hour. From there, you can take a bus to the ski slopes or have your accommodation pick you up at the station.

Niigata.

Niigata is located near the Sea of Japan and is home to popular attractions such as the Kiyotsukyo Tunnel and Naeba Ski Resort. Don't miss these attractions when you visit Niigata. 🚗Kiyotsukyo Tunnel: Kiyotsukyo is one of the three major gorges in Japan! The Kiyotsukyo Tunnel is a great place to take photos and is a popular spot for young people to check in! 🚗Hoshitoge Rice Terraces: Rural landscape. In winter, the rice terraces are surrounded by snow, and the terraces filled with water will freeze to form ice mirrors. The romantic and intoxicating scene under the reflection of the setting sun is full of mystery. 🚗Naeba Ski Resort: Feel the freedom and passion at the ski resort. It has various types of snow trails suitable for ski enthusiasts of any level. 🚗Niigata Snow Festival: This grand event is held every March. The event starts with the release of sky lanterns, which is a spectacular sight! There are also various sacrificial activities, and the event ends with fireworks. It's really exciting. 🚗Snow Mountain: Marvel at the beautiful snow scenery in Niigata, Japan in winter!

Gala Yusawa Snow Resort

#tokyo #trip #tokyotrip #Japan

Must Visit !!! GALA YUZAWA SNOW RESORT

The popular activity of GALA YUZAWA SNOW RESORT is "Sledding!!" which everyone can enjoy and fun throughout the day. Other than that you can also try ride a moon bike and Snowmobile, #galayuzawa #snowresort #winterseason #niigata #tokyo #japan #japantourguide #tokyotrip #timetotravel

A ski lesson at Yuzawa in Japan

Getting There - Take a bullet-train from Tokyo to Niigata station Attractions - skiing, snowboarding Hotels - Yuzawa Onsen hotel Food & Restaurants - the ski resort serves a restaurant service Fees - 400 USD (included round trip bullet-train tickets from Tokyo plus hired the ski equipments) Took a bullet train from Tokyo and way towards the Niigata prefecture where is well know for ski resort and hot spring. For a beginner, can hire a guide for a lesson. #Ski #niigata #japan

Kumano Shrine ~

10 minutes walk from Echigo Yuzawa station. Proceed south on Prefectural Road 462 (Onsen-dori), and you will find the entrance to the approach after passing a large condominium with a yellow outer wall. Google Maps shows a different route, but if you follow it, you probably won't be able to reach it. The precincts are about 100 steps up the stone steps with cedars on both sides. The stone steps are narrow and steep, so there is a sign that calls attention to "very dangerous". Built in 1402. The main deity is Kushi Mikino. The shrine is not old, but it is damaged. It seems that a festival will be held in the precincts in August Address : Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata 949-6101, Japan #unforgettableexperiences #naturalwonders #snow

#wintergetaway Cable car ride going up to Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort. The cable car ride itself is already a major treat for the young and old alike. Thrilling, exciting and quite scary at the same time. And the view from above is totally superb! #holidayvacation#wintergetaway#tripinspired

Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort offers skiing lessons that are good for kids, adults and young at heart. The ski resort offers rentals of ski outfit from head to toe, and lockers. It is located at Yuzawa town at Niigata, Japan. It is one of the best places to enjoy snow and winter sports in Japan! It can be easily accessed from Tokyo in one hour and a half by bullet train. Best place for snow board and ski begginers! The resort trainers are also very accomodating and kind. #givethanks #givethanks

Skiing Experience at Gala Yuzawa!

#skiseason My trip to Gala Yuzawa Resort was a snowy dream come true! As soon as I hit the slopes, the fresh powder and crisp mountain air had me grinning ear to ear. Skiing down the slopes was pure excitement—fast, fun, and a little bit wild! Reaching the top of the mountain was an absolute highlight. The view was jaw-dropping, with snow-covered peaks stretching as far as I could see. I couldn’t resist snapping pictures—it felt like I was on top of the world! Between thrilling runs, I warmed up with hot cocoa and soaked in the breathtaking scenery. Gala Yuzawa is a must-visit for anyone craving snowy adventures and epic mountain views! #travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo #japan #tokyo #galayuzawa

GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort

For my first skiing experience, I chose to go to GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort in Niigata. When we arrived, there were so many people! We hired a coach to teach us how to ski, so remember to rent your equipment and book a ski lesson when you get there. Don't worry, there are Chinese-speaking coaches available. At first, they will teach you how to fall and get up on flat ground. Falling repeatedly can be quite painful. Once you master the basics, they will take you to a small slope to practice. After that, you'll take the lift up the mountain to ski down a bigger slope. It was pretty scary, but I managed to complete it successfully. First skiing achievement unlocked! Looking forward to skiing again next time.

Yukinohana - Encounter the Beauty.

✨Recently discovered a great place - Yukinohana. 🌸It seems to be a quiet corner hidden in the bustling world. As soon as you walk in, you are attracted by its unique atmosphere. 🎨The decoration here is full of artistic sense, and every detail is handled just right, making people feel like they are in a palace of art. 🥰The service is also very considerate, and the staff always have a warm smile, making people feel very friendly. 🌟Moreover, Yukinohana will bring you many unexpected little surprises. Whether it is a unique experience activity or exquisite small gifts, it makes people happy. 💕If you are also looking for a place where your soul can get a moment of peace and joy, you might as well try Yukinohana. I believe you will fall in love with it💗.

Best way to recharge ourself🏔️❄️☃️

Getting There - take a shinkansen from Ueno station to Gala Yuzawa station, use Tokyo Wide Pass to get massive discount Attractions - best kids and family friendly snow resort, sled rental, snow motor tour, ski and snowboarding available Food & Restaurants - Non halal restaurant available , muslims are recommended to bring halal bento since there's no halal food available Shopping - Kairuzawa Prince Shopping outlet just few station away, get shinkansen and stop at kairuzawa station

【Niigata/Yuzawa】Everything You Need at CoCoLo Yuzawa

CoCoLo Yuzawa is a commercial facility located inside Echigo Yuzawa Station. Souvenirs, hot springs, sake tasting, local cuisine, and more Everything you want to buy, eat, and experience in Yuzawa can be found here! Since it's indoors, you don't have to worry about rain or snow. ◆ Introduction ・Ponshukan 　All of Niigata's sake breweries are represented here! 　The sake tasting for a small fee is very popular‼︎ ・Sake Bath 　A hot spring mixed with sake 　It will leave your skin feeling smooth ・Souvenir Shops ・Koji Latte 　A café offering drinks made with koji ◆ Access Inside JR Echigo Yuzawa Station

Off the beaten path

We went to Yuzawa as part of our month long trip. We rode on the worlds longest gondola, soaked our feet in the hot springs foot baths available along the street, enjoyed hot springs coffee and blueberry cake. We had a delicious curry on top of Mt Naeba and enjoyed the hospitality of Yuzawa Grand. Where we live there is no autumn season so we are really enjoying the colourful leaves. Japan is having a long summer season this year so apparently there isn’t quite as much colour as usual but we don’t care it’s an amazing beautiful country in any season.

The biggest music festival in Japan 🇯🇵

#musicfestivals Fuji rock festival is the most famous and biggest music festival which held every year in Japan 🇯🇵. The international and local vocations and bands have been joined every year. Fiji rock festival is located in the Naeba ski resort in Niigata prefecture. Fuji Rock Festival is named so because the first event in 1997 was held at the base of Mount Fuji. Since 1999 the festival has been held at the Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata. The easiest and comfortable way to get there from Tokyo is taking the bullet train to Niigata station and moved to the ski resort with taxi or change to local train. The Fuji rock festival has been held full 3 days for each year. The ticket prices are around 350 dollars for whole 3 days or you can purchase 1 day ticket with around 150 dollars. Fuji Rock Festival is arguably the most recognized music festival in Japan, and the 2024 iteration will continue the annual tradition of bringing over 100,000 attendees from all over the world. #musicfestival #japan

Summer Fuji rock festival 🇯🇵

#musicfestivals Fuji Rock Festival is the biggest outdoor music festival in Japan which features over 200 Japanese and international artists in 3 days, inviting over 100,000 visitors every year. The event is held in Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture. From Tokyo Station: Take either a Shinkansen (bullet train) or a local train from Tokyo Station To JR Echigo-Yuzawa station. The local is cheaper, but the Shinkansen is the most rapid and efficient choice. The Joetsu Shinkansen leaves Tokyo Station every 20 minutes from 6:08 to 22:28. From JR Echigo Yukawa Station, shuttle buses ferry all ticket holders to and from the festival site from noon on Thursday through Monday. The ¥500 fare gets you to the festival site; the return trip is free. Car Take the Shuto Expressway Route 5 to the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, then follow the latter to the Kanetsu Expressway. Having journeyed about two and a half hours in this direction from Tokyo, you will arrive at the Tsukiyono Interchange; which is the nearest turn off to Naeba Ski Resort. Expect to pay approximately ¥5,000 in tolls along this route, for regular-sized vehicles. Traffic jams are also probable on the roads to and from the festival, for the duration of Fuji Rock. It is a good chance to practice meditation. Tickets for Fuji Rock 2024 ; 3-day ticket, US$364.24. *Estimate based on price JPY 52,500 (Rates updated daily). US$378.12. #japan #musicfestival

Naeba ski

Yusawa, Japan

Japanwinter snow time 🤍

#Japan #winter #snow

Futaba Hotel Onsen Diary

📍 First of all, the location is super golden! Nestled against the unbelievably beautiful Mount Tanigawa, opening the window is like looking at a living landscape painting. Just a 7-minute stroll from JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station, and you can dive right into this world of Japanese charm! 🛤👣 🛋 Speaking of the rooms, they are full of Japanese style. As soon as you open the door, the scent of tatami rushes over you, and there's the soft futon, just like the Japanese cottage of your dreams! At night, after soaking in the bath, you come back to find the bedding has been tenderly laid out, a five-star treatment that makes you feel right at home～🛏💖 🛁 Bath time! At Futaba Hotel, you can choose between indoor and outdoor hot springs, enjoying the snow while soaking in the bath, which is simply the ultimate romance in winter. Let me tell you a secret, your skin will be as smooth as a peeled egg, and your hair super silky, the beauty effects are top-notch! 🧖‍♀🌨 👩‍❤‍👨 Dinner time, and your taste buds are in for a treat. Choose from Japanese or Western cuisine at the buffet, each dish is a work of art, so exquisite that it's hard to bring yourself to eat. The most touching part is, after dinner when you return to your room, the bedding has been thoughtfully laid out, service that touches the heart. 🍴💕 🛍 Speaking of convenience, the hotel's shuttle service is not to be missed. Just send a private message in advance, and you can enjoy a seamless connection from the station to the hotel, the staff's smiles are warmer than the hot springs! 🚌😊 👗 Attention, ladies! The lobby has a variety of yukatas for you to choose from, wear one, and you'll be the brightest beauty in the mountains! Don't forget to take a beautiful photo for your moments! 📸🌸 Además, the location is superb, whether you're going to the Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort or taking the cable car, it's just a step away, perfect for playing in the snow and soaking in the onsen! 🎿🌄

Japan Travel - Niigata Prefecture's Echigo-Yuzawa | Kagura Ski Resort

Because Yuzawa is the closest place to Tokyo where you can ski, we chose this route, which includes the Mitsumata, Kagura, and Tashiro ski resorts. Currently, all three ski resorts are interconnected, and there is a cable car in between. Location: ✈️ Beijing-Tokyo, about three hours away, then from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, about 350 RMB, two hours away; 🎫 Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be bought on-site or in advance online, about 300 RMB; 🚴 Transportation: Since taxis are very expensive in Japan, we mostly take the subway or Shinkansen. It is recommended to get a Suica card before coming, which can be added to the Apple Wallet, and after recharging, it can be used on subways or in supermarkets in Japan; 💰 Japanese Yen: You can withdraw money directly at Japanese 711 supermarkets, and many places also accept WeChat or Alipay, or you can use Japanese yen according to personal preference, it is advisable to withdraw a bit for self-defense; 🏂 Mitsumata Ski Resort: The first starting point, the slopes are more beginner-friendly, and because of the snow, the snow quality is very good; Kagura Ski Resort: The most advanced slopes are currently the highest, belonging to the largest of the three ski resorts, with a larger restaurant, but the food inside is not very tasty; all are pasta, curry chicken rice, those seeking thrills and exploration can choose Kagura; Tashiro Ski Resort: Suitable for beginners and intermediates, with more green runs, especially gentle, suitable for friends who have just learned to ski to practice, the slopes are wide, and it is also close to the lakeside; ❄️ Slope Grading: Black is advanced, blue is intermediate, green is beginner; 🏠 Accommodation: Staying at Echigo-Yuzawa Station in Niigata Prefecture, restaurants here close at 8 pm, except for izakayas, all are Japanese taste, which does not seem to suit the taste of Chinese people, there is no hot pot or spicy strips, it feels like there is nothing delicious; it feels both expensive and the portions are small; Note: The guesthouse we booked was about 1000 RMB, the accommodation does not have air conditioning, it is quite cold, and the room is equipped with a kerosene heater. Also, to get from Echigo-Yuzawa to the ski resort by bus, you need Japanese yen, about 500 yen, so prepare change in advance.

#Niigata winter #ski

#winhkflight

This station in Niigata is extraordinary~ A big recommendation for Niigata's local specialties

Echigo Yuzawa Station is a stop on the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Niigata, and is a transit station to many ski resorts in the surrounding area. 🚉On the second floor of the station, there are many gourmet restaurants and local specialty shops. In addition to the 'Japanese Sake Museum' I recommended in my last post, there is also a sake hot spring bath and Ponshukan, a local specialty shop that gathers a lot of Niigata's local specialty products. 🎁There are a lot of Niigata's souvenirs and local specialties in the shop. If you are transferring here, you must come and visit. It takes a few hours to stroll around. Today, Junjun will introduce to you what kind of souvenirs and local specialties from Niigata are worth taking home! 【Shang Shan Ru Shui➕Sake Cocktail】: If you come to Niigata, you can't miss Shang Shan Ru Shui, a classic product of the famous local Hakutaka Sake Brewery. The rice milling ratio of the pure rice Daiginjo has reached 45%. The rice milling ratio is the proportion of the rice core left after the rice is milled. The lower the number, the more precious it is~ So every sip is rich and fragrant~ It's decent to give as a gift, and it's also suitable for keeping for yourself! In addition, there is a DIY small jar for making fruit-flavored cocktails. Various fruit flavors that women like, strawberries, pears, apples, citrus, not only delicious but also very high in appearance! Go back and pour a little sake, add a little water, and a sake cocktail is ready~ 【Niigata Rice】: In the store, you can see a lot of Niigata's various brand rice, and the packaging is also very cute. A lot of new rice has been sold out~ Here you can pick any Niigata rice at will. Because it's really too delicious! The unique soil and climate make Niigata's rice have a unique taste, it's chewy yet glutinous. Highly recommend to take back to the country for the family to taste! 【Popular No.2 Rice Egg Tart➕Ice Cream】: This has bulk and boxed souvenirs. It's also very suitable for giving away~ The egg tart is made of rice. It's the No.2 popular! Junjun bought it for someone else and hasn't had the heart to taste it~ Next time I must go and pick it again! Ice cream must be tasted. Because they are all Niigata's special rice ice cream, the taste is really unique~~~ You can't eat it after you leave here ^_^ 【Seaweed Buckwheat Noodles】: There are many varieties of buckwheat noodles here~~~~ I also heard that the seaweed buckwheat noodles produced in Niigata are a special feature that must be tasted~ You can choose the thickness according to your preference. It's also very meaningful to take back to the country and give it to someone~ The price is also quite favorable ^_^ Of course, in addition to the local specialty shops, you can also taste the coffee shop with sake lees added here. There are also very beautiful internet celebrity installations of handicraft shops, gourmet snack shops, etc... Don't miss it here when you come to Niigata next time, it's no problem to stay for a few hours.

One-hour Shinkansen trip around Tokyo to check in at the Winter Olympics venue and ski resort

GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort I didn't expect there to be so much snow in the ski resorts around Tokyo. It seems like I've arrived in Hokkaido even though I only took a one-hour Shinkansen ride. 🚄 Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to GALA Yuzawa Station. It takes about an hour and 30 minutes to reach the snowy ski resort. The Shinkansen ticket costs about 7,000 yen, and it's very cost-effective to buy a JR pass. 🏂🏻 The ski resort is right off the train. After getting off, it's just a few steps to the snow gear hall where you can also rent equipment. There's also a hot spring on the second floor, and there are restaurants and shops. 💰 The price of the ski lift ticket is around 6,500 yen. Snow gear and snow suits are a bit more expensive, each costing around 6,000 yen. If you have your own snow suit, it's recommended to bring it. ⛷️ There are several cable car routes here, leading to different ski trails, and even other ski resorts. It seems that you can also buy a pass for three mountains at the entrance.

GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort

#2024wish

Japan Skiing Recommendation - GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort

For first-time skiers, GALA is highly recommended for its cost-effectiveness. It has everything you need, available for rent, and discounts are available with the JR Pass. Known as the most convenient ski resort in Japan in a general sense, it is almost perfect except for the high prices and crowds. Although GALA doesn't have a large amount of snow, the average condition of the ski slopes is more important than the maximum snowfall, and GALA is excellent in this regard and is quite friendly to general skiers. The compacted snow conditions of the beginner to intermediate slopes are relatively well maintained, and even if the hot spring street is already in the season of spring blossoms, GALA can still present the basic state of a ski resort. High-speed skiing is not too exciting, but at least there is no obvious sense of discomfort (this is the same during peak periods). GALA's facilities are also of high standard, seamlessly integrated with the Shinkansen station, with a sufficient number of large lockers for easy use. The mountain cable car (one of the toxic elements in the Yuzawa area) is considered to be quite fast and efficient in the Yuzawa area, with multi-person chairlifts popularized, and there are even lounges where you can lie down that are free to use. In addition, next to GALA are the two high-quality source flowing hot springs, Egg Soup and Mountain Soup (after an incident with a certain circulating filtered hot spring, everyone should realize that only source flowing hot springs are the best choice). The on-site hot spring is small and expensive but has a swimsuit area. GALA has a train to Echigo Yuzawa Station, and a free shuttle bus stops at major hotels, restaurants, and shops along the hot spring street. When the snow is not good in spring, you can make a few gestures and you will be very free wherever you go after going down the mountain.

A good place to ski in Japan - GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort

December is a good opportunity for skiing. If you don't want to go as far as Hokkaido, there are many choices around Tokyo~ For example, Nagano and Niigata. Because it takes about eight or nine hours to go to Nagano, I finally chose the gala ski resort inside the snow field, which can be reached directly by Shinkansen in one hour and twenty minutes. Book a package online 11500 yen/person (including Shinkansen round trip designated seat➕snow field cable car ticket). If you buy a ticket at the green window, it will cost about seven thousand yen one way from Tokyo station to the snow field, so it is very cost-effective to book tickets online. This snow field does not require a ticket. Snow equipment, clothes, hats, goggles and so on can be rented on the spot, a set is about 12500 yen. If you need a coach, you can choose one-on-one or large classes. One-on-one needs to be booked in advance, and large classes can be registered on the spot 5500 yen/person. The 90-minute class will teach you some basic knowledge. The snow trails are divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. If you are a beginner, you should obediently take the beginner's trail. Don't underestimate the beginner's trail. At the beginning, I basically fell down, super exciting. The latest must return the snow equipment before five thirty in the afternoon, the cable car will stop running at four thirty in the afternoon, try to go early to play more fun. Personally, I suggest playing there for two days, you can enjoy the snow scene while soaking in the hot spring at night, it's so beautiful

hotel with great view and service

the hotel location is good. There is shutle bus service to ski resort just infront of the hotel. Its surrounded by many eateries as well. Clean room and good service. Love the outdoor onsen. The view from the room also very beautiful

Champagne bubble snow at Echigo Yuzawa Gala Ski resort

#wintertrip It was a beautiful day with sunshine, after taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station for 1 hour 20 min, we got off Echigo Yuzawa. Right after crossing the final train tunnel, you are suddenly surrounded by beautiful white snow. We got off station, took the hotel shuttle bus and stayed at Naspa New Otani Hotel. The hotel costs like 90k yen which is really expensive, but has all the luxuries and amenities. The rooms are huge all with a side room with sofa that can be a third bed, good for families. The best is really the public bath which has a few hot baths that’s free to use. The only downside is the decoration is quite old style and of course the price tag. There is free shuttle from hotel to Gala ski resort which is 10 min away, around every 30 min. As we don’t usually ski, we rent everything from ski resort, which you expect to spend around 11k yen per pax including ski outfit, helmet, ski shoes and skis. The equipment are all new. You have to also pay for gondola and lift to go up the skiing area. For beginners just need to buy gondola only pass - 1200 yen for kids, but for experienced skiers need to buy gondola plus lift. Around 5000 yen for adult half day and 6000 yen for full day for full package. I don’t ski so I just rented a pair of wellies for 1500 yen which prevents you from slipping. It’s also worthwhile for non skiers to go up the gondola and look at the beautiful view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. My daughters took a 2-hour ski class. They enjoyed it so much and took another 3-hour ski class. Ski class is 30k yen for two hours and 39k yen for three hour private class up to 2-3 pax. The ski coaches were flew in from Europe and are very nice. Our coach is from Uk and she said Japan has the best snow around the world - she said it’s called champagne snow. We are so lucky to catch the champagne snow in the best weather and if money is no issue, it’s really worth coming to this ski resort which is so close to Tokyo.

My First Time Snowboarding Experience

Ready to shred some serious pow! Last April 2023, i just had my first ever snowboarding experience at Gala Ski Resort in Japan and let me tell you, it was a pure bliss. the adrenaline rush, the scenic views, and the thrill of sliding down the slopes had me grinning ear to ear. Can't thank my awesome friend enough for the patience and guidance as I learned the ropes. From epic wipeouts to little victories, every moment was worth it. I highly recommend hitting up Gala Ski Resort if you are looking for an unforgettable adventure in the snow. #visittokyo #ThrillOfTheSlopes #WinterWonderlandFun #Japan