Opens Dec 18
Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
Yuzawa's most modern resort — wide groomers, night skiing, and The Veranda summit deck. Three base zones, minutes from Echigo-Yuzawa Station.
My recommendation
Ishiuchi has one of the strongest terrain parks in Yuzawa, including Monster Pipe — a halfpipe that's now rare in Japan, typically open from February. The first lift from the base is heated, which I haven't seen elsewhere in Japan. Short lift transfers reach the top, which works well for focusing on one zone like the park. The relatively low elevation can soften the snow on warm afternoons.
TakFounder · Japow GuidesAbout the Resort
A long-running Yuzawa classic with three base zones and fast lift access, Ishiuchi Maruyama blends broad groomers, night skiing, and a modern summit experience—The Veranda at Ishiuchi—with sweeping views over the Uonuma plain. It’s minutes from Echigo-Yuzawa and links easily with nearby resorts for longer trips.
From my last visit
Real photos from Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort — taken by Tak on the ground
Photo: Tak
Getting There
The answer first — details on the full access guide.
Tokyo StationJoetsu Shinkansen
Echigo-Yuzawa Station (East Exit)Ishiuchi Maruyama free shuttle (Route A)
Ishiuchi Maruyama= the slopes (Chuo-guchi / Hatsukaishi-guchi)
Under 2 hours from Tokyo — a genuine day trip. The free shuttle runs about 11 times a day (2025-26: 19 Dec–5 Apr), no reservation, and drops you at the base resort centres; a taxi is also about 10 min.
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Location & Access
By Car
Tokyo→Kanetsu Expressway→Yuzawa IC→Ishiuchi Maruyama (2hr30min)
Parking
2,000 spaces
By Train
Tokyo Station → Echigo-Yuzawa Station (~1h15–1h20, Joetsu Shinkansen) → bus/taxi (~15–20 min) → Ishiuchi Maruyama.
Ishiuchi Maruyama, Yuzawa, Niigata, Japan
Where to Stay
Add your dates to see live prices for Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort.
Terrain & Slopes
The numbers that matter for a family day.
23
Courses
14
Lifts
incl. 1 gondola
4km
Longest run
45%
Beginner-friendly
Beginner45%
Intermediate40%
Advanced15%
Grooming80% groomed · 20% non-groomed
Snowboard ParkAvailable
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdult7,000 yen
1-Day Lift TicketChild3,800 yen
1-Day Lift TicketSenior6,000 yen
Tickets and transport on Klook
Also useful
Japan eSIM on KlookAffiliate link — Japow Guides may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : from 4,200 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 4,200 yen
Lesson in English EN
Ski Lesson : 3hr ¥49,500 / 5hr ¥67,500 per instructor (up to 5 pax)
English lessons available via Snow Country Instructors (operates at Ishiuchi, Naeba, Kagura and other Yuzawa resorts)
Why You'll Love Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
Three gateways, one mountain
Choose the base entrance that suits your plan
Choose the base that suits your lodging and level; movement around the hill is intuitive.
Sky-deck vibes
Ride the Sunrise Express gondola to The Veranda
Ride the Sunrise Express gondola to The Veranda for dramatic winter panoramas—great for mixed groups.
Night skiing tradition
Evening skiing on lit slopes on selected dates
Selected evenings keep the slopes lit for extra laps (seasonal schedule).
Travel Tips
The small moves that save an hour of queuing with children.
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station → Echigo-Yuzawa Station (~1h15–1h20, Joetsu Shinkansen) → bus/taxi (~15–20 min) → Ishiuchi Maruyama.
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: 5,800 yen/day • Snowboard set: 5,800 yen/day
💳 Payment Methods
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
🌨️ Best Time to Visit
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Season has ended. Live snow and weather info will return in December.
Latest News from Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
Openings, closings and conditions — translated from official sources.
Ishiuchi Maruyama plans to open on 18 December 2026
Ishiuchi Maruyama plans to open on 18 December 2026 and close on 4 April 2027. Night skiing is planned from 26 December.
Ishiuchi Maruyama closed for the season on 5 April
Ishiuchi Maruyama ended its 2025-2026 season on 5 April 2026, after holding its winter fireworks festival in early March.
Ishiuchi Maruyama opened for 2025-2026 on 19 December
Ishiuchi Maruyama opened for the 2025-2026 season on 19 December 2025. The large Yuzawa resort connects to GALA Yuzawa and Yuzawa Kogen.
Planning your trip?
See our step-by-step timeline for booking a Japan ski trip, from choosing a resort to arrival day.
View the planning timelineFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you asked us about Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort.
A Yuzawa-area favorite with multiple base gates, long groomers, and night skiing on select days.
Tokyo → Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa (~80 min) → local bus/taxi to Ishiuchi gates.
January–March for best coverage; check night-skiing schedule in advance.
English-friendly lessons are available via resort partners; pre-book on weekends.
Multiple bases with rentals, lockers, restaurants; convenient for day trips from Tokyo.
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TakFounder · Japow GuidesI'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two, with over 20 years on Japan's slopes. Resorts I have personally visited are marked “Visited” and include my first-hand notes. The other resorts are summarized from public ski-area data and local reviews. I add my own notes over time.