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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Yuzawa.
Nestled in the heart of Japan lies a hidden gem, a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Yuzawa, a quaint town surrounded by majestic mountains, offers a plethora of activities that are sure to awaken the adventurer within.
From skiing down powdery slopes to soaking in hot springs, Yuzawa promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience where one can be fully immersed in the beauty of the landscape and the culture of the region.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Yuzawa:
1. Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort
Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort is a popular ski resort located in Yuzawa, Japan, renowned for its convenient location and high-quality snow.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the resort’s 17 slopes and courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. There are also activities like snowshoeing, sledding, and hot spring baths.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Snow Fun Park, a space where families with children can play together in the snow. It has various snow attractions like slides and snowman building areas.
Additionally, its Igloo Village, a place where visitors can enjoy hot beverages while sitting inside an igloo made of snow.
Insider travel tips: Tourists can take the shinkansen, or bullet train, from Tokyo Station to Gala Yuzawa Station, which takes approximately 75 minutes, and exit straight onto the resort’s slopes.
Rental equipment is available in the resort, so visitors need not worry about bringing their gear. It’s best to check their website for the current snow conditions and weather forecasts to ensure an enjoyable trip.
2. Echigo Yuzawa Onsen
A famous hot spring resort town located in Niigata, Japan.
What to see or do: Relax in the multiple hot springs and onsen facilities, ski or snowboard at one of the many nearby resorts, visit the Sake Museum and learn about the brewing process and sample the local sake, explore the Echigo Yuzawa Niigata-shi Art Museum which showcases contemporary art, and take a scenic ride on the Shinkansen bullet train.
Don’t miss: Visiting during the Yakisoba Festival held in August, trying the local delicacy “sasa dango” which is mochi (sweet rice cake) wrapped in a bamboo leaf, and skiing or snowboarding at Gala Yuzawa which offers direct access to the train station and is open from December to May.
Insider travel tips: Bring your own towels and toiletries when visiting the hot springs and onsens, as they are not always provided. Also, consider bringing a small towel to dry off with while walking around the town.
If you plan to ski or snowboard, it is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season. And don’t forget to try the local craft beer at the Echigo Beer Co.
brewery and restaurant.
3. Naeba Ski Resort
A popular ski and snowboarding resort located in Yuzawa, Japan.
What to see or do: Naeba Ski Resort offers a wide range of slopes catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort also has a variety of activities off the slopes, including hot springs, shopping, and dining.
Don’t miss: The Dragondola, a gondola ride that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Another highlight is the “Snow Monsters,” a natural phenomenon where trees become covered in snow and ice, resembling mythical creatures.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays rather than weekends. Take advantage of the resort’s ski-in, ski-out accommodations for maximum convenience.
And don’t forget to try the local specialty, Yuzawa sake, after a long day on the slopes.
4. Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort is a popular ski resort located in the town of Yuzawa in Niigata, Japan.
What to see or do: The resort offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding courses for all skill levels, including beginner slopes and challenging runs for experts.
There are also ski schools and rental equipment available on site. In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy hot springs, restaurants, and shopping in the nearby town.
Don’t miss: The resort is famous for its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Yuzawa town. Visitors should try snowshoeing, which is a unique and relaxing way to explore the snow-covered landscapes.
Insider travel tips: The resort is usually less crowded during weekdays, so visit then if possible. Visitors can save money by purchasing lift tickets in advance or using discount coupons.
For those who want to experience more than just skiing, the nearby Echigo-Yuzawa Station offers easy access to other attractions in Niigata.
5. Kagura Ski Resort
Kagura Ski Resort is a popular ski resort located in Yuzawa, Japan.
What to see or do: This ski resort is known for its high-quality powder snow, making it a great destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of slopes for various skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
There are also numerous lifts and gondolas to take you to the top of the mountain.
Don’t miss: The resort has a unique feature called the Kagura-Mitsumata Ropeway, which takes you from Kagura to Mitsumata where you can experience an exciting 2.
5 km downhill course. There are also various activities aside from skiing and snowboarding, such as snowshoeing and hot spring baths.
Insider travel tips: It is best to visit Kagura Ski Resort during the winter season, which runs from late November until early May. Be sure to dress in warm layers and bring appropriate gear for outdoor activities.
For avid skiers, purchasing a lift pass that allows access to multiple ski resorts in the area can be a cost-effective option.
6. Kandatsu Snow Resort
Kandatsu Snow Resort is a popular ski resort located in Yuzawa, in the Niigata Prefecture of Japan.
What to see or do: The resort features 8 ski runs with varying difficulties, perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The runs are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on the Snow Park, which features a range of obstacles and jumps for thrill-seekers.
The resort also has a large hot spring bath where you can relax and unwind after a day on the slopes.
Insider travel tips: – Try to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
7. Iwappara Ski Resort
Iwappara Ski Resort is a popular ski resort located in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on 14 well-maintained slopes. There are also areas for sledding and snow tubing.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley from the top of the lifts. The resort also offers night skiing, allowing visitors to enjoy the slopes under the stars.
Insider travel tips: Take advantage of the resort’s rental equipment and lessons for beginners. The resort is conveniently located near Yuzawa Station, making it accessible by train from Tokyo in about 1.
5 hours. Be sure to check the snow conditions before visiting and dress warmly for the cold weather.
8. Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort
A popular ski resort located in the town of Yuzawa, Japan.
What to see or do: Ski or snowboard on the wide variety of slopes available for all skill levels, rent equipment and take lessons at the ski school, enjoy the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains, and soak in the nearby onsens (hot springs).
Don’t miss: Night skiing on the well-lit slopes, the snow park featuring jumps and other obstacles for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and the annual Yuzawa Snow Festival held in February.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to try the local specialty dish, “snow country” (yukimiyaki), made with tender beef and vegetables cooked on a hot iron plate.
Also, consider buying a “Yuzawa-Mikuni” pass which includes unlimited skiing and access to other attractions in the area. Finally, try to avoid peak holiday periods to beat the crowds and save money on accommodations and lift tickets.
9. Yuzawa Park Ski Resort
Yuzawa Park Ski Resort is a popular ski resort located in Yuzawa, Japan.
What to see or do: The resort offers a variety of ski trails suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Besides skiing, visitors can also enjoy snowboarding, sledding, and snowshoeing.
There are numerous cozy cafes and restaurants in the resort to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the ski resort and the surrounding areas from the top of the lifts.
Insider travel tips: Try to avoid visiting the resort on weekends or holidays as it can get very crowded, especially during the peak season.
Visitors can also take advantage of the ski lockers located near the lifts to store their equipment instead of carrying it around all day.
10. Okukiyo Power Plant
Okukiyo Power Plant is a hydroelectric power plant located in Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture, in the northern region of Japan.
It is one of the largest power plants in the region and plays a crucial role in providing energy to the area.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a tour of the power plant and witness the impressive machinery at work. The tour guides take visitors through each stage of the power generation process, from the water intake to the turbines.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Okukiyo Gorge, which is located near the plant.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the impressive size and power of the turbines up close. The rushing water and whirring of the machinery creates a mesmerizing experience that visitors will never forget.
Also, don’t miss the chance to see the stunning vistas of the Okukiyo Gorge.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to make a reservation in advance as the tours can be quite popular.
11. Kiyotsu Gorge
Kiyotsu Gorge is a stunning natural wonder located in Yuzawa, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk along the suspended viewing platforms and marvel at the beauty of the gorge.
Take the breathtaking elevator ride down through the cliffs to explore six walking trails that wind through the majestic forests and rock formations of the gorge.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, an art installation that stretches for 750 meters alongside the gorge through a series of tunnels.
It features incredible displays of light and sound that interact with the natural beauty of the area.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and take advantage of the serene ambiance of the gorge. Wear comfortable walking shoes and make sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to purchase some locally made souvenirs.
12. Mt
A scenic mountain located in Yuzawa, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. In the winter, ski resorts are open for snowboarding and skiing.
Don’t miss: The panoramic views at the top of the mountain are simply breathtaking. Also, the ski resorts offer various fun winter activities like ice skating, hot spring baths.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to pack warm clothes for winter activities at the ski resorts and to check the weather forecast before visiting.
Additionally, try the local cuisine at nearby restaurants and explore the quaint town of Yuzawa.
13. Yuzawa Highland Outdoor Activities Center
Yuzawa Highland Outdoor Activities Center is an adventure park located in Minami Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can experience a variety of outdoor activities such as ziplining, mountain biking, bungee jumping, and riding on the 1.8-kilometer long roller coaster known as “Dragon Navigator”.
Other activities include a giant swing, rope course, go-karting, and horse riding.
Don’t miss: The “Dragon Navigator” roller coaster is definitely worth a ride, with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and a thrilling drop of 43 meters.
Insider travel tips: To beat the crowds, it’s best to arrive early in the morning when the park opens.
You can also purchase a combination ticket that includes entry to both the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway and Yuzawa Highland, which are located nearby.
Additionally, bring a change of clothes as you may get wet while participating in some activities and water-resistant shoes are recommended.
14. Yuzawa Fishing Park
Yuzawa Fishing Park is a fishing destination located in Yuzawa, Japan that offers visitors a chance to catch rainbow trout in a serene and picturesque setting.
What to see or do: The park features multiple fishing ponds stocked with rainbow trout ranging in size from 1-7 pounds.
Visitors can rent fishing equipment and purchase bait on site, and fishing lessons are also available for those who want to improve their skills.
The park also has a restaurant that serves up deliciously fresh grilled trout.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to catch and taste your own fresh rainbow trout. The park staff will even clean and fillet the fish for you so you can take it home to enjoy.
Insider travel tips: – The park can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so plan to arrive early to secure a fishing spot.
15. Yuzawa Central Park
Yuzawa Central Park is a recreational area located in the town of Yuzawa in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens, visit the small zoo and aquarium, or enjoy the many activities available such as mini golf, go-karting, and paddle boating on the lake.
Don’t miss: Visit the Shirafuji-an teahouse located within the park and enjoy traditional Japanese tea and sweets while looking out over the picturesque gardens.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to check out the seasonal events that take place in the park such as the cherry blossom festival in spring and the illumination display during the winter months.
Also, consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best views of the gardens before they get too busy.