It takes less than 90 minutes from Tokyo to reach Yuzawa – a famous ski town with Gala Yuzawa, relaxing onsen and many exciting experiences. So, let’s check out the Yuzawa Ski Resort review: How to get there, ticket prices, eat, tips & MORE in this post!
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Believe it or not, just a short nap on the shinkansen from Tokyo will take you to the white ski slopes in Yuzawa. This small town located in the middle of the Japanese Alps has more than 10 ski resorts, the most prominent of which is Gala Yuzawa – where the train station connects directly to the resort, extremely convenient for both day trips and a few days of relaxation.
Whether you just want to go for a day for a change of pace, or stay 2-3 nights to fully enjoy, Yuzawa has a wide range of options from cheap train ticket + ski lift combos, to traditional ryokan with Japanese breakfast. This is truly an ideal destination for both beginners and professional skiers, and will surely surprise you with its convenience and “very Japanese” atmosphere.
How to Get to Yuzawa from Tokyo?
The biggest plus point of Yuzawa is its extremely convenient location. From Tokyo Station, you just need to take the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train and after about 75-90 minutes you will be in town. This is one of the closest ski resorts to the capital, very suitable for those who only have a few days off but still want to enjoy the true winter atmosphere of Japan.
Among the many train stations in this area, the most famous is Gala Yuzawa. What is special is that Gala station is directly connected to the ski area – you just need to step off the train to see the ticket counter and the entrance to the cable car. This is the only train station in Japan designed to connect directly to a ski area, extremely convenient for tourists.
Yuzawa ski resort review: How much does it cost to get to Yuzawa from Tokyo?
To save money, you can choose the “Gala One-Day Pass” package. This package includes both a round-trip train ticket from Tokyo to Gala Yuzawa and a one-day ski pass, for about 15,000 yen (equivalent to 2.7 million VND).
If you want to experience more in the same trip, you can consider the “Three-Mountain Pass” package, which allows you to ski in three areas: Gala, Yuzawa Kogen and Ishiuchi, a total of more than 40 ski slopes. This package costs about 14,300 yen, quite reasonable for a full day of experiences.
In case you plan to stay overnight, the above ticket packages will not apply. At this time, you need to buy a separate train ticket. Round-trip tickets from Tokyo to Gala Yuzawa usually range from 10,000 to 12,000 yen (equivalent to 1.8 – 2.2 million VND), depending on the time and how you book. You can buy them online or directly at Tokyo Station very easily.
(*) Another option for Vietnamese tourists is to book a Yuzawa ski tour on Klook. This saves time, does not worry about language barriers and especially can hunt for better prices than buying each service separately on the spot.
Guide to Renting Ski Gear & Equipment in Yuzawa – Japan
Not everyone can bring full ski gear when traveling, especially with flights from Vietnam to Japan. But don’t worry, Yuzawa has many rental services with a variety of prices and quality.
Renting Ski Gear & Equipment at Gala Yuzawa Station
Right at Gala Yuzawa Station, you will find a large rental store, extremely convenient because it is directly connected to the ski area. Here there is everything: skis, poles, shoes, helmets, gloves and even waterproof clothing.
If you want to save time, you can book in advance on the ski area’s website. When you arrive, just give your information, receive your gear and change right in the changing room area. The rental price is usually around 4,000 – 6,000 yen/day for a basic set (board + shoes + poles). If you want to rent more clothes, the price will be a little higher.
Renting Ski Gear & Equipment Around Yuzawa Town
In addition to the store in the station, there are also many small rental shops around Yuzawa town, sometimes with more competitive prices. However, renting right at Gala Station is still the most popular with tourists because it is convenient and does not require moving.
Another plus point is that the locker system at Gala is very spacious. You can rent a large compartment for about 1,000 yen for the whole day, comfortably storing personal items, backpacks, and even medium-sized suitcases. Thanks to that, you only need to bring what is necessary to go up the slope, and leave the rest in the locker.
What Make you “Crazy” About Skiing in Yuzawa?
Diverse Ski Runs, Suitable for All Levels
Snow Experience at Mt.Fuji, Hakone Pirate Ship & Gotemba Outlets
Gala Yuzawa has a total of 16 ski runs, the longest of which is over 4 km. The split is quite reasonable: about 35% for beginners, 45% for experienced skiers, and 20% for those who want to challenge themselves at a difficult level. Thanks to that, whether you are a beginner or have many years of experience, there is still a suitable run to try.
Connecting 3 Ski Resorts with Just One Ticket
Mt.Fuji & Hakone & Gotemba premium Outlets From Tokyo
The interesting thing is that Gala is connected to Yuzawa Kogen and Ishiuchi by gondola. If you buy the “Three-Mountain Pass”, you can easily move back and forth between the three areas, with a total of nearly 50 slopes. Each place has a different space, creating a new feeling and not boring.
“Japanese Standard” Snow Quality
The snow in Yuzawa is soft and thick powder, very ideal for skiing. When I arrived, the weather was a bit foggy but the snow was extremely “quality”, both light and good on the board, making the feeling of sliding down the slope much safer. If possible, go on a weekday because the weekend is quite crowded with Japanese tourists. Weekdays are airy, sometimes you will even feel like the whole mountain is your own.
A Variety of Attractive Dining Options
After a few rounds of skiing, stopping to rest and eat is also an unforgettable experience. There are many restaurants right in the ski resort with a variety of choices: hot ramen, spicy curry, even a yakiniku restaurant grilling meat right on the mountain – something that not every resort has. I also enjoyed an apple cinnamon crepe, both sweet and fragrant, eating it in the cold weather is really warm.
Enjoy the Sunset Moment on the Snow
The ski lifts usually stop operating at around 4:30 pm. This is also the time when the sunset falls, the orange-yellow light spreads across the white snow, creating a breathtaking scene. The feeling of standing in the middle of a snowy mountain, watching the sun gradually set behind the Japanese Alps is an experience that you will definitely remember forever.
Yuzawa – Japan Food Guide
Restaurants & Eateries on the Mountain
One of the great things about skiing in Yuzawa is that you will never have to worry about going hungry. There are plenty of dining options within the Gala Yuzawa ski resort, from hot bowls of ramen noodles, warming curry rice to yakiniku grilled meat sets – something quite rare in other ski resorts.
Prices here are very reasonable compared to the general level in Japan, ranging from 1,000 – 2,000 yen for a meal (about 180,000 – 350,000 VND). In addition, you can also find fast food and sweets such as apple cinnamon crepes, which are both convenient and help keep you warm in the cold weather.
Don’t Forget to Explore Local Cuisine in Town
If you decide to stay overnight, take the time to walk around Yuzawa town to discover more unique local dishes. The town has traditional Japanese-style izakaya, cute little sushi restaurants and eateries serving rice sets with authentic Japanese grilled fish. The evening atmosphere in town is very peaceful, and enjoying a meal in a cozy little restaurant will contribute to making your trip more complete and memorable.
Where to Stay When Coming to Yuzawa?
| Type of accommodation | Reference price/night | Notable advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Ryokan (Japanese inn) | 8,000 – 15,000 yen (1.5 – 2.8 million VND) | With onsen, traditional kaiseki meal, Japanese cultural experience |
| Budget hotel near the station | 5,000 – 8,000 yen (900,000 – 1.5 million VND) | Near Echigo-Yuzawa Station, convenient for transportation and shopping |
| Ski resort | 15,000 – 25,000 yen (2.7 – 4.5 million VND) | Mountainside location, spacious rooms, on-site rental service |
| Luxury Onsen Ryokan | From 25,000 yen (4.5 million VND or more) | Open-air bath overlooking snow-capped mountains, Japanese standard service |
(*) Estimated total cost: about 20,000 – 35,000 yen/person (3.6 – 6.3 million VND) for a 2-day, 1-night trip from Tokyo. If you go on a day trip or book a group tour, the cost can be reduced by about 30-40%.
(*) Book a hotel, ryokan or resort in Yuzawa right on Klook to get a preferential price and easily combine it with train tickets, ski tickets as well as onsen tours, making your trip more complete and economical.
How Much Money Should You Bring for Skiing in Yuzawa?
You can absolutely have a trip to Yuzawa that is both quality and affordable. The main costs will revolve around train tickets from Tokyo, ski tickets, equipment rental, food and accommodation. Depending on whether you choose to go back in the day or stay 1-2 nights, the budget will vary quite a bit. Below is a summary of reference costs for you to easily plan.
| Category | Reference cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip train ticket Tokyo – Yuzawa | 10,000 – 12,000 yen (1.8 – 2.2 million VND) | It may be cheaper to purchase the “Gala One-Day Pass” package with the slide ticket |
| 1 day ski pass | 4,600 – 5,000 yen (800,000 – 900,000 VND) | Buy online or combo to save |
| Skiset rental | 4,000 – 6,000 yen (700,000 – 1.1 million VND) | Shoes, board, poles included; clothing available for rent |
| Stay (1 night) | 6,000 – 25,000 yen (1.1 – 4.5 million VND) | Budget hotel, ryokan or resort options |
| Food | 2,000 – 5,000 yen/day (350,000 – 900,000 VND) | Eat at the ski slopes or at a restaurant in town |
| Other costs | 1,000 – 2,000 yen (180,000 – 350,000 VND) | Locker, snacks, small shopping |
Notes When Going Skiing in Yuzawa – Japan
- The best time is from December to early March, when the snow is thick and of the best quality. January – February is the peak season, so you should book train tickets and rooms in advance.
- If possible, avoid weekends because Japanese people often go skiing on Saturdays and Sundays, which are crowded and require queuing.
- Thermal clothing, waterproof jackets, gloves, wool hats and ski goggles. Although you can rent them on the spot, it is more comfortable to bring your own.
- If you are prone to motion sickness or high-speed train sickness, prepare in advance to avoid fatigue on the road.
- At Gala Yuzawa, there are large lockers, priced at about 1,000 yen/day – very convenient for storing belongings and keeping your hands and feet neat when moving.
- Food in the ski resort is reasonably priced, but if you want to save money, you can buy a bento from the supermarket near the station before going up the mountain.
- Don’t miss the experience of soaking in an onsen at a ryokan – this is a great way to “recharge” your batteries after a long day of skiing.
Frequently Asked Questions When Going to Yuzawa in Winter
How long does it take to get to Yuzawa from Tokyo?
It only takes about 75–90 minutes to travel by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Gala Yuzawa Station. This is also the only Shinkansen station in Japan that connects directly to the ski resort.
Should you go to Yuzawa for the day or stay overnight?
Both are reasonable. If you just want to experience skiing quickly, a day trip is completely fine. But if you want to ski, soak in an onsen, and explore the town, you should stay 1–2 nights for more comfort.
How much does a trip to Yuzawa cost?
The average cost for a 2-day, 1-night trip ranges from 20,000 to 35,000 yen per person (VND 3.6 – 6.3 million), including train tickets, ski tickets, equipment rental, accommodation and meals. If you go during the day, the cost will be significantly reduced.
Is Yuzawa suitable for beginners?
Yes. Gala Yuzawa has many trails for beginners, accounting for about 35%. There are also ski instruction classes (including English), which is very convenient for first-time visitors.
Where can I rent ski equipment?
Right inside Gala Yuzawa station, there is a full rental shop: boards, shoes, poles, hats, clothes. In addition, Yuzawa town also has many shops with more competitive prices, you can consider renting in advance or booking through Klook to make sure you have equipment available.
What else is there besides skiing?
In addition to skiing, you can experience onsen, stroll around the small town, enjoy local cuisine or visit famous sake bars in Niigata. This is a plus for those who want to combine vacation and experience Japanese culture.
Within 90 minutes of traveling from Tokyo, you can step into a completely different world in Yuzawa – peaceful, relaxing and full of new experiences. Whether you go for a day trip or stay overnight, Yuzawa offers memorable moments.
Will you go skiing in Yuzawa?
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to
- Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
- Nikko Cultural Day Tour from Tokyo
- Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)
- Shuttle Bus Transfers (One Way/Round Trip) from Shinjuku/Ikebukuro to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
- Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket
- Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
- SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket
- Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket
- TeamLab Planets Ticket
- TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket
- Limousine Bus Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo
- Skyliner Narita Airport Express With Tokyo Subway Ticket
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass
- Sky Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Pass
- 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
- JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)
Are you looking for more Tokyo travel guide and top things to do in Tokyo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Tokyo itinerary 3 days — What to do in Tokyo in 3 days?
