Ski Direct from Tokyo Shinkansen
About This Resort
Gala Yuzawa is a ski resort in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
The mountain has 16 runs and 11 lifts. It drops 823 metres from top to base, and the longest run measures 2.5 km.
That places Gala Yuzawa 9th of the 44 ski areas in Niigata Prefecture with a published run count, where the median is 9 runs.
The resort has a terrain park. It is known for its powder. Snowmaking covers the base runs when natural cover is thin.
The season runs from mid-December to early May.
Location
Prefecture: Niigata
Address: Yuzawa, Niigata, Japan
Postal Code: 949-6101
Spoken Languages: Japanese
Season Information
Season: December 19, 2026 - May 05, 2027
Opens December 19, 2026
Note: Season dates are predictions and may change. Early and late season (November/December and April/May) may have limited snow coverage. Please check current conditions before planning your trip.
Prices and facilities
Lift tickets
- Adult day pass
- ¥8,000
- Child day pass
- ¥4,000
Main-season prices at the ticket window, tax included, and the weekend rate where weekdays cost less. Prices change with the date; check the resort's site before you go.
Rental, one day
- Ski set
- ¥6,500
- Snowboard set
- ¥6,500
Checked November 13, 2026.
Hours
The Diligence gondola from the station runs 8:00 to 16:30, last ride up at 15:30. The south area (the Landau ropeway, the Wagonette lift and the south courses) is closed for 2026-27. From 12 to 18 December the gondola runs for sightseeing only, before skiing starts on 19 December.
Food
In the Kawabanga ski center at the station: Senkiwami for grilled meat and wood-fired pizza, KOMEKO crepes made with Niigata rice flour, and Suzuki Farm hot dogs with house mustard. In the Cheers rest house up the gondola: Takatora, new this winter, for Kuroge wagyu yakiniku (11:00 to 16:00), RIKKA for vegan dishes and sushi, the PALPAL food court, Niigata Shokudo for local food and a Blue Seal burger and ice-cream stand. Restaurant Ole in the north area serves curry.
- Good for beginners
- Equipment rental
- Restaurants
- Café
- Lessons in English
Access
Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata
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Sign InFrequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Gala Yuzawa from Tokyo?
Take a Joetsu Shinkansen marked for 'Gala Yuzawa' (or change at Echigo-Yuzawa for the short branch line), total time is about 75 minutes from Tokyo Station. The ski centre is built into the station, so you step off the train and ride a gondola straight up to the slopes. JR East regularly sells discounted Shinkansen + lift-pass + rental packages.
Can I rent ski equipment at Gala Yuzawa?
Yes, the station building has one of Japan's largest rental counters with skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and full outerwear from popular brands. Reserve online in advance: weekend morning queues can be long otherwise, and pre-booking guarantees your size. Storage lockers and changing rooms are right next to the rental floor.
Is Gala Yuzawa good for a day trip?
It's the easiest day-trip ski resort in Japan: leave Tokyo around 7–8am, be on the slopes by 10am, ski until 4–5pm and you're back in central Tokyo for dinner. Rentals, lockers, restaurants and an onsen bath are all inside the station building, so you can travel with just normal clothes and a small bag.
How much does a Gala Yuzawa lift ticket cost?
For 2026-27 an adult one-day Gondola and Lift ticket costs ¥8,000 at the window or ¥7,500 online, one price all season; a ¥6,500 ticket covers only the gondola and the lower Balouche area. There is no half-day ticket: a 4-hour ticket costs ¥7,500. Elementary-school children pay ¥4,000, preschoolers ride free (two per adult), and there is no senior price. JR East's Dynamic Rail Pack bundles the Shinkansen from Tokyo with a lift ticket.
When does Gala Yuzawa close for the season?
Gala Yuzawa is one of Japan's latest-closing major resorts. In 2026-2027 it is open for skiing and snowboarding from 19 December 2026 to 5 May 2027; from 12 to 18 December the gondola runs for sightseeing only. The South Area will not run in 2026-2027, while the Central and North Areas operate as usual. Snow at the top is reliable through Golden Week most years.
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