A Ski Paradise Just Minutes from Tokyo
Just 77 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train, Yuzawa feels like a world away. Nestled in the heart of the Japan Alps, this charming mountain town offers stunning alpine scenery, fresh mountain air, relaxing hot springs, and an abundance of local sake.
In winter, Yuzawa transforms into a skier and snowboarder’s paradise, boasting 16 ski resorts all within easy reach. With a wide range of accommodation options from traditional Japanese ryokan to modern four-star hotels Yuzawa caters to every style and budget. Add to that a vibrant mix of restaurants, international bars, karaoke, museums, and traditional Japanese festivals, and you have the ultimate winter destination near Tokyo.
Relax in Yuzawa’s Unique and Historic Onsens
Yuzawa is renowned for its incredible hot springs (onsen), offering everything from traditional historic bathhouses to modern spa facilities. You can even relax in an onsen located right inside the bullet train station at Echigo-Yuzawa. For something truly unique, visit the famous bath infused with pure sake an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Yuzawa: In the Heart of Japan’s Sake Country
Yuzawa is not only famous for its hot springs but also celebrated for its rich sake culture. The region’s pristine water and traditional brewing methods produce some of Japan’s finest sake, making Yuzawa a must-visit destination for sake lovers looking to taste authentic, locally crafted brews.
From Narita Airport
After your arrival, passport and customs clearance, head downstairs to the basement level JR stations, located in both terminals of the airport. The most convenient train is the Narita Express (N’EX), which leaves roughly every half hour for a 53-minute trip to Tokyo Station. Tickets for the entire trip up to Echigo Yuzawa Station can be purchased here; JR East Passes and Japan Rail Passes can also be exchanged at the JR East Travel Service Centers (see below).
- JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita Airport
- JR East Travel Service Centers can be found at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Narita Airport. The Centers are open every day from 11:30 am to 7 pm, and handle the sale and exchange of the JR East Pass (available only to visitors from overseas on short-term visas of no longer than 90 days) as well as the Japan Rail Pass (covering all six JR regional companies, and which can only be pre-purchased overseas). Other services include ticket sales and sightseeing information.If the JR East Travel Service Center is closed, go to the JR ticket office. Hours of operation:
Terminal 1: 6:30 to 11:30 am, 7:00 to 9:45 pm
Terminal 2: 6:30 to 11:30 am, 7:00 to 9:50 pm - JR East Info Line
- Telephone English information hotline for questions about JR service
Tel: (050) 2016-1603 - Hours of operation
- 10 am to 6 pm; closed during the New Year holidays
From Tokyo Station
At Tokyo Station, head upstairs for the Joetsu Shinkansen (the station is always busy, but all lines are well marked—just follow the signs).
Joetsu Shinkansen trains depart from platforms 20 through 23; most trains stop at Echigo Yuzawa Station, so you have many choices.