Located in the southern part of Niigata Prefecture, Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Echigo-Yuzawa area. Its prime location is just a 10-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, making it easily accessible by both train and car. The resort features one of the world’s largest cable cars, the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway, which takes you to the summit, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Yuzawa town.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort, including its features, ticket information, how to get there, and accommodation recommendations. Let’s dive in!
Image Source: Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort Features
1. Convenient Access: Just a 10-Minute Walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station
Unlike many ski resorts that can be difficult to reach, Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort offers a significant advantage in terms of accessibility. It’s located near the major transport hub, Echigo-Yuzawa Station, which is only a 10-minute walk away. The resort is also conveniently close to expressways, just a 5-minute drive from the Yuzawa Interchange. If you’re coming from Tokyo, it only takes 1 hour and 20 minutes via the Joetsu Shinkansen. Additionally, the region is famous for its hot springs, making it a popular ski and relaxation destination near Tokyo. If you're planning on exploring the area, check out the JR East Nagano/Niigata Area Pass!
2. Connected Ski Areas: Yuzawa Kogen, GALA Yuzawa, and Ishiuchi Maruyama
Image Source: Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Yuzawa Kogen is connected to two other nearby ski resorts: GALA Yuzawa and Ishiuchi Maruyama. Together, they offer a vast skiing area with around 50 trails and a total run distance of up to 5,000 meters. You can easily move between the resorts via ropeways, gondolas, or free shuttle buses, creating an expansive skiing experience with Japan’s famous high-quality powder snow.
3. Stunning Panoramic Views
Image Source: Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Perched at an altitude of 1,100 meters, Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The resort boasts eight ski trails, with several suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. As you ski down the slopes, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas, making it a must-visit for those who love scenic skiing.
4. Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway
Image Source: Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
The Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway is one of the resort's standout features, known as one of the largest cable cars in the world. It can hold up to 166 people and runs a distance of 1,300 meters with a vertical interval of 500 meters. The ride takes about 7 minutes, offering spectacular views as you ascend to the top. It's not only a great way to reach the ski slopes but also a popular attraction for sightseeing in other seasons like spring, summer, and fall.
5. Snowland: Perfect for Non-Skiers and Families
Image Source: Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
For those who don’t ski or are visiting with children, Yuzawa Kogen offers Snowland at the base of the resort. It features a 100-meter snow escalator, the largest in Japan, making it easy to access the snow park. Here, you can enjoy activities like snow tubing and sledding, ensuring fun for both kids and adults.
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort Ticket Information
Image Source: Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Operating Hours & Ticket Prices
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort typically operates from mid-December to early April. For the 2024-2025 season, it’s open from December 14, 2024. The cable car station operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but opening hours may vary depending on weather conditions.
- Adult (Middle school and above): 5,800 JPY
- Children: 3,500 JPY
There are also options for 4-hour tickets, 2-day passes, and discounted spring skiing deals. You can purchase tickets at the cable car station or online. For more details, visit the official website.
Equipment Rental & Ski Lessons
The cable car station has rental facilities for skis, snowboards, and ski clothing. Rental prices vary depending on the item and rental duration (half-day, full-day, or two days). You can also reserve equipment online in advance.
The resort offers ski lessons for all levels, from beginners to more advanced skiers. Half-day lessons cost around 4,500 JPY, while full-day lessons are about 8,000 JPY. The resort also offers ski lessons in multiple languages, including English and Chinese, making it convenient for international visitors.
How to Get to Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Image Source: JR East
By Train
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is located in Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, just 1 kilometer from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. It’s a 10-minute walk from the station. If you’re coming from Tokyo, you can take the Joetsu Shinkansen, which gets you to Echigo-Yuzawa in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Niigata City, you can either take the Joetsu Shinkansen or local trains, which take between 1 to 2 hours.
By Car
Driving to Yuzawa Kogen is a great option, especially if you’re carrying ski gear or want flexibility in your schedule. The ski resort is only a 5-minute drive from the Yuzawa Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. From Tokyo, it’s about 200 kilometers and takes around 2.5 hours by car. From Niigata City, it’s a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
Accommodation Recommendations Near Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Since Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is located near Echigo-Yuzawa Station and the Yuzawa hot spring area, there are plenty of accommodation options, including hotels and traditional ryokan. Here are some top picks:
1. Shosenkaku Kagetsu Ryokan
Shosenkaku Kagetsu Ryokan
Just a 5-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, Shosenkaku Kagetsu Ryokan offers spacious modern Japanese-style rooms, some with open-air baths. The ryokan has 4 outdoor baths, 2 indoor baths, and 1 private bath, providing a relaxing experience after a day of skiing. You can also enjoy exquisite kaiseki meals made from fresh local ingredients like Niigata vegetables and seafood.
2. Yukemurinoyado Yukinohana
Yukemurinoyado Yukinohana
Yukemurinoyado Yukinohana offers a peaceful, elegant setting with a design inspired by the Showa era. The ryokan provides both Japanese and Western-style rooms, some with private open-air hot spring baths. The top-floor communal bath offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can also enjoy local cuisine paired with carefully selected Niigata sake.
3. Echigo No Oyado Inamoto
Echigo No Oyado Inamoto
Located just 100 meters from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, Echigo No Oyado Inamoto features open-air hot spring baths with mountain views. The ryokan offers both Japanese and Western-style rooms, including options with private hot spring baths. The restaurant serves seasonal dishes made with fresh local ingredients, allowing guests to savor authentic Echigo-Yuzawa cuisine.
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