Yuzawa: Where Hot Springs and White Slopes Await
Located in Niigata Prefecture, Yuzawa, Japan is a town sitting in a mountainous area between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps. Its unique location gives the region one of the highest annual snowfalls in Japan, earning its place as a skiing tourist destination. Its convenient location places it in the middle of several airports, including Niigata Airport (KIJ) to the north, Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) to the southeast, and Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport (MMJ) and Toyama Airport (TOY) to the southwest.
Best Time to Visit
Weather is at its best in Yuzawa, Japan between late months of April to mid June and again in mid September to late October. The months with the most number of tourists are January, March, and April, while the slowest time for tourism is in December, making for cheap flights and accommodations around that time. Visit in July to August to witness the Tanabata Festival and in March for the The Echigo Yuzawa Onsen Snow Festival, featuring torch flames and fireworks. The Echigo Yuzawa Station Sake Festival in October offers sake-tasting activities.
What to Do & Area Attractions
When in Yuzawa, Japan, make sure to check out the Yuzawa Highland Alpine Garden to see nature sights. Relax at the Kiriake Hot Spring or the Yama-no-yu Hot Spring. Dragondola, the country’s longest gondola, also home to several ski resorts such as Mt. Naeba Ski Resort and Kagura Ski Resort, connects the town. Four-star amenities await travelers at Shosenkaku Kagetsu, Satoyama Jujo housed in a 150-year old building, and the Kaikake Onsen, which offers hot spring baths and ski pass sales point.