A Day Trip to Gala Yuzawa
"Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you."A Day of Snow, Fun, and Adventure in Niigata Prefecture.
One of the highlights of our winter trip to Japan was visiting Gala Yuzawa, a ski resort located in Niigata Prefecture. If you're looking for an easy day trip from Tokyo to experience skiing or snowboarding, Gala Yuzawa is the place to go. Known for its convenient access and excellent snow conditions, this ski resort offers a fun and hassle-free experience for both beginners and seasoned skiers. In this post, I’ll share our experience and what you need to know about spending a day at this fantastic resort.
Getting There
Gala Yuzawa is unique because it has its own Shinkansen station. You can take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Gala Yuzawa Station in about 75 minutes. If you have a JR Pass, the trip is free, which is great for saving money while traveling.
JR SKISKI Package: If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can book a round-trip Shinkansen ticket along with lift tickets or a gondola ride. Choose between a 4-hour or full-day package. Remember to print a copy of the file sent to your email and pick up your tickets at the station before your trip. Check for gear rental options and book in advance for a smooth experience: https://www.jre-travel.com/seasonal/ski/gala/
We purchased our shinkansen and gondola/lift tickets the night before our trip using JR SKISKI. Arrived early at Tokyo Station to pick up the tickets from the vending machine :)
We traveled midweek, and the Shinkansen was nearly empty, making for a smooth and relaxing ride. We arrived at Gala Yuzawa Station around 11:15 AM. :)
As soon as we got off the train, we felt that cold weather! After passing through the ticket gates, we entered the ski center, where we saw the ticket counter, gear rental, lockers, and the gondola station directing skiers and snowboarders up to the slopes. If you need warm clothes like jackets, hats, gloves, or souvenirs, there’s a store for it too. The first thing we did was pick up our tickets and rent our gear. Stored our belongings in a locker—which was great because we were able to fit my daughter’s stroller inside.
From here, you can step outside and enjoy the snow—perfect for non-skiers or snowboarders like me who simply love experiencing the winter scenery. My daughter and I went out to take in the view before riding the gondola. If you're feeling hungry, there are also places to grab a bite here!
It was a perfect powdery snow day for us!
After the gondola ride, this is what it looked like outside. We were really lucky—it was snowing that day! It wasn’t crowded either, making it the perfect spot to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Honestly, just playing in the snow for a while was enough to tire us out!
And when you’re tired, just head back inside to grab some food or snacks and take a break. I didn’t get a chance to take a picture, but there are two floors where you can sit and eat. Payment is convenient too—they accept cash, Suica, or credit card! :)
We spent about 4 hours here before riding the gondola back down to the Cowabunga Ski Centre, where we grabbed our belongings from the locker. With some spare time before our train arrived, we checked out the souvenir shops and relaxed while we waited.
TIP: The Jōetsu Shinkansen for the Gala Yuzawa day trip doesn’t run as often as other bullet trains. You may have to wait 20-30 minutes or longer between trains, depending on the time of day.
Travel Tips
Arrive Early: If you’re picking up tickets at Tokyo Station on the day of your trip, arrive early. The station is large and can be tricky to navigate.
Dress Warmly: Snow resorts often have extreme weather. Be sure to layer your clothing and bundle up to stay warm.
Pack Extra Clothes: It’s easy to forget this, but playing in the snow can leave you wet. Bring extra clothes to change into.
Book Rentals in Advance: To guarantee your ski or snowboard equipment, book rentals ahead of time, especially during busy seasons.
Stay Hydrated: Skiing or snowboarding can be intense, so drink plenty of water to stay refreshed.
Take Breaks: Rest between activities to avoid burnout, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Check the Weather: Be prepared for sudden temperature drops or snowstorms.
Snow Gears:
It was such an incredible experience! I can’t believe you can be in the snow in under two hours from Tokyo. The resort wasn’t crowded at all, which was a pleasant surprise. GALA Yuzawa is perfect for a winter adventure, and even if you’re not into extreme sports, you can still enjoy fun activities like sledding and snow play. I’m really looking forward to going back!
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