Location: Yuzawa-machi
Top Things to do in Yuzawa-machi
10 Things to Do in Yuzawa-machi That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Yuzawa-machi, Japan including Ponshukan, Kagura Ski Resort, Naeba Ski Resort, Iwappara Ski Resort, Yuzawa Kogen, Naspa Ski Garden, Tanigawadake, Kagura Tashiro Ski Resort, Fuji Rock Festival, Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort.
Restaurants in Yuzawa-machi
1. Ponshukan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By kazuy36
Yuzawa-town is very convenient snow district from Tokyo.
It's only 75min.by Sinkansen-Express from Tokyo Station.
You can enjoy ski and snowboarding there from end of December to top of April.
And good for hot Springs, Japanese rice wine "Nihonsyu" and Japanese rice there.
I recommend you to visit "Cocolo Yuzawa " in Etigo-Yuzawa Station facilities.
You can get fine souvenir and taste.
And more,
I sometimes visit to "Nihonsyu tasting counter".
I can select and try taste 5-each Nihonsyu from over 100 each dispensers.
The cost is 500yen.
It's nice place. I fun. Try it.
But the tasting glass is very small.
Not enough for drank. Hehe.
2. Kagura Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
The biggest draw of Kagura is great powder snow due to its high altitude. The ski area also has easy access to the backcountry area that attracts expert riders from all over the world. Stay at Wada Goya, a mountain hut on the ski hill, and enjoy the pure first track in the morning.
Reviewed By Boonie5 - Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Wide slopes, wild views, long season...everything here means what skiers and snowboarders are looking for near Tokyo. The transfer to the area is very handy. If you travel by train, only 80 minutes ride on Shinkansen takes you to Echigo Yuzawa Station and from there frequent bus services are available. If you drive from Tokyo, you can reach there with less than 2 hours ride. If you are a snow enthusiast, this is what you are looking for. I strongly recommend this area.
3. Naeba Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 223 reviews
Naeba Ski Resort is connected with neighbouring Kagura Ski Resort by Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola. The entire area is called “Mt. Naeba”, which consists of 4 ski areas and has many fans from home and abroad. Naeba Prince Hotel at the bottom of the ski area has 1,224 rooms and offers various fun experiences such as gourmet dining, shopping and hot Springs. The resort has very convenient access from the Tokyo area as it takes just 2 and half hours by train or car.
Reviewed By JiveSun - Taipei, Taiwan
The Naeba Ski Resort, with a variety of slopes (beginning 30%, intermediate 40%, and advanced 30%) that suit different needs, is highly recommended to skier of all levels, especially those who visit with their family.
Simply take the the Minami-Echigo Kanko Bus (¥660/one way, paid on board) at Echigo-Yuzawa Station to reach Naeba Prince Hotel (approximately 50 minutes).
The lift ticket (all mountain, including Naeba and Kagura) is priced at ¥5700/day (8:00-17:00).
There can be times when the resort is crowded, as it has attracted many international tourists from neighboring countries over the years. The resort, in my opinion, is the best before noon. There are several restaurants and a food court if skiers desire some snack foods or a full meal.
Skiers can take advantage of the nearby Naeba Prince Hotel for the convenience of accommodations and some more fun in the next day!
4. Iwappara Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By crownvict - Ankara, Turkey
Very good place. You can go by fast train in less than two hours. There are nice hotels around. You can even stay in the town and climb to the resort by teleski.
5. Yuzawa Kogen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By hav4wannatravel - Manila, Philippines
We spent a day here last February and had an absolutely perfect snow day. The day started with the ride up the ropeway that was scenic in itself. At the top, there were a couple of options for dining. The "snow terrace" provided a good photo opportunity. The short distance from the main building where the ropeway car dropped off to the Italian restaurant gave one the chance to just be cold enough before finding warmth and a toasty pizza on the other side. For those like us who have no intention of skiing, the "snowland" in front of the restaurant provided some snow play. You could even sit inside the restaurant to watch your kids enjoy the cold through the big windows while keeping warm yourself. All in all, it was lovely and an easy day of just as much cold or snow as you wish.
Supposedly a good view of the town of Yuzawa too on a clear day, but it was snowing and overcast when we were there, so no view. No matter.
Guessing that a possible downside would be that the ski runs are not quite as long as other bigger resorts. Obviously, this was not our concern. We were just glad to avoid the huge crowds and long lines who actually go to ski at those bigger places.
6. Naspa Ski Garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By IOWman - Switzerland
By Alpine standards, this is a very small, low-level resort that offers nothing to challenge the good skier. But, for a beginner, a day and children, it's excellent. For a non-Japanese speaker (I was with a Japanese friend) it would be a bit daunting to hire kit, etc. However, the staff were very friendly and I'm sure that English, at least, is spoken. The ski equipment was good - high quality skis and my boots were good. But, the general boot type was "rear-entry", a style I've not seem in Europe for many years.
The hotel is ski-out, ski-in, so access to the slopes is easy. The chair lifts are "soft" and easy to use - good for beginners. But, several have no restraining bar, which could be disconcerting. They are not high, so the danger is minimal; but with small children, a worry, I guess.
The longest run is less than 1.5km and is "blue" by European standards. It's nice and easy - a good place to learn and practice. I think there are two black runs, neither of them difficult.
The snow is amazing - 3 meters deep! But, on our sunny day, the top was slushy by 09.30 so the skiing was heavy. Moguls were building fast.
The slopes were crowded and, generally, with families. No snowboarding is allowed, so the teens, etc stay away.
On-piste food is well catered for, but canteen style. No cosy mountain huts here.
A skier would be bored in 2 days. A learner would find it all very comfortable and friendly.
7. Tanigawadake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Boonie5 - Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Only 2 hours train ride or 2 hours drive from Central Tokyo, you can come here where you can enjoy real Mountains. Some cliffs are very famous and notorious where many men and women have lost their lives because of its severe weather and steepness. However there is also an easy course to reach the top. If you take a ropeway, you can get it a summit with only 1.5 hours walk. Beginners can enjoy the climb. This area boasts its beautiful autumn leaves so if you come here in October, many visitors are expected and you will have to wait for a long time to take a ropeway, however, it is extremely value to visit in autumn.
8. Kagura Tashiro Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By EC-HK - Hong Kong
This ski resort comprises of two areas, Tashiro and Kagura.
The course are flat for snowboarders in the West (Tashiro, where the Gondola to Naeba is), though manageable. They are long enough though.The courses in the East (Kagura) are mainly for intermediate, but highly recommend snowboarders to take Gondola down instead of skiing down the green course. It's too flat!
There was a promotion during our visit. Just need 3000 yen for the lift if only for the Tashiro area. The lift ticket is supposed to be 4800 yen.
9. Fuji Rock Festival
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
For those who've wondered what it's like to be inside of a mosh pit in Japan, the Fuji Rock Festival is calling. While it's one of the world's tamest, cleanest, and most respectful concert festivals, the three-day event still brings major jams to its stages, attracting over 200 musicians a year, from international headliners to local up-and-comers. From hard rock to alternative music, it's a quirky festival that combines the best of Japanese hospitality with leather-clad band members. Make sure to keep an eye out for unique events throughout the festival, too-- steak eating contest, anyone?
Reviewed By Shuzz - Singapore, Singapore
Attended the festival for the first time and stayed at the campsite. Great experience overall and totally enjoyed the festival. Most of the amenities are kept relatively clean throughout the festival and I have little to complain about. Be prepared to queue for most things - food & drinks, shower, toilet, merchandise. But most of the time it's very orderly without much drama. If you don't speak or understand much Japanese, would be good to do lots of research before arriving at the event.
10. Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Praful B
we enjoyed a lot here, at beginner level it was fun to learn and enjoy skiing.
We did a 1 day trip from Tokyo as it was convenient to reach via Shinkensen from Tokyo station to Echigo-Yuzawa JR station. and from there to the ski resort you can take either a local train / Ski resort Shuttle bus or a Taxi (under 20 mins ride). local train might not run in peak snow season please check the schedule.
the Good:
Resort is big has multiple course for all skill levels.
the area is quiet big and you never feel crowded / cramped.
Ski / snow board rentals are easily available
there is a training school for both adults and kids (English lessons may be available- please check beforehand)
small dedicated kids area
train coaches to sit around and rest
the bad:
since the area is big, you need to walk a long way from 1 lift to another.
make sure you keep tack of time and catch the last shuttle back to station, taxi service is not good.
