Kagura skied one of Japan's longest seasons, to 17 May
Kagura ran one of the longest seasons in Japan, until 17 May 2026. Its high elevation keeps spring snow well, and it held a final thank-you event on 15 May.

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: June 18, 2026 by Tak
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.
Kagura ran one of the longest seasons in Japan, until 17 May 2026. Its high elevation keeps spring snow well, and it held a final thank-you event on 15 May.
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.
I'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. How we select →
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.
GALA Yuzawa ended its 2025-2026 season on 6 May 2026, after a long season into the Golden Week holidays.
GALA汤泽在延续至黄金周假期的漫长雪季后,于2026年5月6日结束2025-2026雪季。
Family-Friendly Resorts
Best resorts for families with young kids and beginners.