
Ishiuchi Maruyama confirmed to open from Dec 19th 2025
Ishiuchi Maruyama confirmed to open from Dec 19th 2025

Yuzawa is a Japanese ski destination home to 6 ski resorts covered by Japow Guides. Use this page to compare conditions, plan access from Tokyo, find family-friendly options, and decide which slopes match your trip — written and curated by Tak.
Last Updated: May 5, 2026 by Tak

Ishiuchi Maruyama confirmed to open from Dec 19th 2025
Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort has announced that they plan to open on December 6th for the 2025–2026 season.
湯沢説明分
World-famous "Japow"
Experience the incredibly light, dry powder snow that Japan is famous for worldwide, with consistent snowfall throughout the season.
Hot springs & traditional cuisine
Combine skiing with authentic Japanese experiences including hot springs (onsen), traditional cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Compare resorts, check real-time weather conditions, and plan your perfect ski adventure.
Common questions about skiing in Yuzawa
Yuzawa is easily accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train) in just 75-90 minutes from Tokyo Station. GALA Yuzawa even has a direct Shinkansen station integrated with the ski resort, making it incredibly convenient for day trips.
GALA Yuzawa is perfect for beginners with its integrated station, English lessons, and gentle slopes. Naeba also offers excellent beginner terrain and is well-connected to Tokyo.
For day trips, no accommodation is needed. However, staying overnight allows you to experience more resorts and enjoy the hot springs. Yuzawa has many ryokans and hotels with onsen facilities.
Yes! GALA Yuzawa, Naeba, and other major resorts offer English ski and snowboard lessons. Some resorts also provide Chinese language instruction for international visitors.
Yuzawa receives excellent snow quality with consistent powder throughout the season. The area is known for its reliable snowfall and well-groomed slopes, making it ideal for all skill levels.
Yes! Many resorts in Yuzawa are connected or close to each other. You can purchase multi-resort passes or use the local shuttle buses to explore different areas in a single day.
Don't miss the hot springs (onsen)! Yuzawa is famous for its natural hot springs. You can also enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, visit local sake breweries, or relax in one of the many ryokans.
For more general questions (about money, culture, transport, etc.), please see our main Japan Skiing FAQ page.
View Main FAQ
Tak — Founder & Editor / Every resort personally visited / How we select →
I'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two with more than 20 years on Japan's slopes. Every resort recommendation on this site comes from a personal visit, with the single exception of Maiko (clearly flagged on its page).
Convenient transportation
Well-connected by efficient public transport including bullet trains, making it easy to reach from major cities.
All skill levels welcome
From gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs, there's something for every skier and snowboarder.
Family-Friendly Resorts
Best resorts for families with young kids and beginners.