Beauty & Spa
GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort
Alena EckelmannThe GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is less than 80 minutes from Tokyo by Joetsu Shinkansen, which means that even a day-trip to this ski resort from Tokyo is possible.
Touted as the only snow resort in the world with a shinkansen station, GALA Yuzawa is one of the most accessible ski resorts from Tokyo. The region receives huge amounts of snow each season, and GALA Yuzawa often enjoys excellent snow conditions The base is at an altitude of 800 meters.
Ski season is dependent on each year's snowfall rate, its best to check in advance on the resort's opening hours.
The area is easily accessible via a one-hour Joetsu Shinkansen ride, with the bullet train station located on the ski resort grounds. For those who do not have a Japan Railpass, there are also several bus offers that can take you from Tokyo to GALA Yuzawa.
GALA Yuzawa is divided into 3 areas: The central area is the most conveniently located and has most of the restaurants, a sleigh area and is particularly popular with families. You can also take the chairlift to a wonderful viewing platform. The northern area offers perfectly groomed slopes and a small practice area for those who want to try out or practice small jumps etc. The southern area mainly offers unprepared slopes. So if you're in the mood for adventure, you've come to the right place.
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Joetsu Shinkansen to GALA Yuzawa station
The GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is less than 80 minutes from Tokyo by Joetsu Shinkansen, which means that even a day-trip to this ski resort from Tokyo is possible.
An iconic Japanese ski resort with a bullet train station right at the base of the resort. For a day trip to the snow from Tokyo, it could not be easier.
Hotel Futaba is located a short distance from Echigo Yuzawa station and combines comfortable accommodation with onsen facilities and local cuisine, ensuring a pleasant stay.
The convenience cannot be overstated. It is a universal truth known by all parents that now days the cold hands of a six year old are more important than any amount of backcountry fresh tracks. But this year there were even times I'd settle her in before nipping out to do a few extra runs in the powder along the edge of the slopes whilst she watched.
Kojyoukan is an old ryokan in Ishiuchi. The outside is old and striking whereas the inside has a modern, stylish look but still very traditionally Japanese. A fantastic place to stay in Minami Uonuma
Huge sports bar, restaurant and event space on the road out of Yuzawa that fills a hole in the nightlife of the town. Food, drinks and games for apres-ski party people.
Two ramen shops on R17 in Yuzawa. One offers traditional ramen, the other tsukemen with the soup and noodles separate. The noodles are made from local koshihikari rice.
Tonkatsu restaurant in the main street of Yuzawa with huge portions of great quality, local food. Queues out the door are not unusual at Ninjintei.
Suwa Shrine is a peaceful Shinto shrine in Yuzawa that features in the Snow Country novel
Nunoba Ski Resort in Yuzawa town is a small resort with only one lift and two runs. It was one of Yuzawa's first ski slopes.
Yuzawa Kogen Alps no Sato is a botanical garden and family fun area at the top of Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway.