05 Nov Index of Useful Posts

We try to keep our main site clean and simple while updating the blog with other information. We haven’t done a very good job of organising the information on our blog I’m afraid. There is a search box, index, tag cloud, and category list in the side bar (or at the bottom on mobile) but it is getting quite hard to find all that information! Hopefully this post will group together much of the more useful posts for those of you who are planning, or already on, your Yuzawa/Minami Uonuma/Snow Country winter trip. So here goes…

Many people coming to Yuzawa are here to see snow for the first time. Not sure what to look for in a beginner resort? Looking for some tips for your very first ski or snowboard lesson? Or wondering whether Yuzawa is a good choice for your first snow destination? We’ve got you covered, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

One of the great joys of Yuzawa is its easy accessibility from Tokyo – getting here is simple, via train, bus, or car (but please don’t go to Yuzawa Station which is in Yuzawa City in Akita Prefecture!) Don’t forget that both Echigo-Yuzawa Station and GALA Yuzawa Station are covered by the Tokyo Wide Pass which is one of the best value ways to get up here if you are on a short trip.

Day trips from Tokyo to the snow in Yuzawa are easy, or there are plenty of accommodation options.

You might be bringing your own ski or snowboard equipment, you might be looking to buy winter sports gear in Tokyo, or to rent while you are here. You might just be looking for some wide powder skis for that infamously deep Japanese snow

Kagura has the longest season, usually running from late November to late May -here is an overview of the winter is the region as a whole. Or if you are looking for more details on snow fall in the Yuzawa area….

Snow Country Instructors have an awesome team of fun and friendly coaches to help you get the best out of your time on the snow. We teach ski and snowboard lessons in all resorts in the region and are happy to suggest which of those might be a good fit for your needs. If you are starting out on skis, a resort with a magic carpet lift is often the best. We have a quick overview of many of the more popular resorts too: Maiko Snow Resort, Ishiuchi Maruyama, Iwappara, NASPA Ski Garden, GALA Yuzawa, Yuzawa Nakazato, Yuzawa Kogen, Mitsumata/Kagura, Joetsu Kokusai, Kandatsu Kogen, Hakkaisan.

Getting around is easy either by resort shuttle bus or with the free service provided by some rental shops in Yuzawa. You might also be interested in driving yourself around (need help with directions?), or catching a taxi.

Many people are here for the skiing and snowboarding, but there is also plenty to do for non-skiers, people just looking to play in the snow (not just kids either!) or people looking to try other activities while in the Snow Country Tourism Zone in Japan.

And never forget the fun to be had off the slopes: food, onsen, restaurants, parties, and festivals!

There is not much in the way of money changing at hotels in Yuzawa but a couple of banks can help out with major currencies. If you are looking to use your international bank card then there are a couple of ATMs in Yuzawa that can keep you stocked up with Japanese yen.

We hope that helps…? Should you need further information on anything we are in Yuzawa year round and happy to be of assistance, or answer any questions.