GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort day trip
A ski resort accessible by shinkansen from Tokyo; a day pass usually exceeds 5.000 ¥.
GALA Yuzawa is the only ski resort in the world with its own bullet-train (shinkansen) stop, which makes it the most accessible winter getaway from Tokyo. In just 75-80 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen you arrive directly at the foot of the slopes, with no need for a bus or transfer. The resort has complete equipment rental (skis or snowboard, clothing, boots) on site, so you can arrive empty-handed. The day pass for adults is around 6.000-6.800 ¥; the half-day pass is a little cheaper. The round-trip shinkansen ticket costs about 14.000 ¥ for adults, although with the JR Tokyo Wide Pass (valid 3 days) or the JR East Pass the trip is covered. The snow season usually runs from December to May. The slopes are well prepared for all levels and the facilities at the base are modern and comfortable, with restaurants, shops and a rest area. It is the perfect plan to ski in Japan without losing more than a day of your trip to Tokyo.