adventure through Yuzawa and Shiga Kogen filled with world‑class skiing
Yuzawa and Shiga Kogen
This 8‑day Japan adventure (Jan 24–31, 2027) takes you from Tokyo to the snowy mountain regions of Yuzawa and Shiga Kogen. After arriving via bullet train, you’ll spend three nights in Yuzawa enjoying flexible ski and snowboard days across more than 20 nearby resorts, relaxing in natural hot springs, and exploring local food, sake, and cultural spots. Mid‑week, a private bus transfers you to Shiga Kogen with a stop at the famous Snow Monkey Park. You’ll then enjoy four more days on some of Japan’s largest interconnected ski areas, complete with onsen time and scenic high‑alpine terrain before returning to Tokyo on the final day.
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy three days exploring 20+ ski resorts in Yuzawa, followed by four days at Shiga Kogen—the largest interconnected ski area in Japan. A perfect mix of variety, deep snow, and high‑alpine terrain.
- Unwind after long ski days with access to multiple natural hot springs in both Yuzawa and Shiga Kogen—an essential part of the Japanese winter experience.
- A mid‑trip highlight includes a stop at the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques soak in hot springs—an iconic and unforgettable sight.
Itinerary
Gather at Tokyo Station, Joetsu Shinkansen (bullet train) platform at 2 pm. Take Toki 325 to Echigo Yuzawa, departing at 2:40pm. Arrive at 4pm, check into the hotel. Stroll the town for dinner and sake. Relax and ease your fatigue in Onsens (natural hot springs).
Choose from 20+ mountains based on the conditions on the day. Enjoy après in Yuzawa town.
Find out which resorts got the most and best snow in the morning. Participate in an add-on tour if applicable.
A half-day morning activity of your choice- Pick fresh strawberries grown by geothermal technology, Sake tasting at Ponshukan sake museum, Sample delicious regional sweets and snacks at Cocoro mall at the train station, or feel artsy at Tunnel of lights at Kiyotsu Gorge. Or, ski even more. Private bus to the snow monkey park departs at 11:30 am. Arrive at Shiga Kogen around 6 pm. Enjoy a bu et dinner at the hotel.
Explore the biggest ski resorts in Japan- 18 connected ski areas with everything from mellow cruisers to high-alpine bowls.
Ski from Ichinose → Okushiga → Yakebitaiyama loop for a full day excursion. Take a dip at the onsen hot springs to relax after a long day of playing in the snow.
Summit Yokoteyama for the view and “pizza box” single chair. Giant for your high-speed GS turns. Note: the upper part of Okushiga is for skiers only.
The shuttle bus to Tokyo departs at 11:30am, arrive at Tokyo at 5pm.
- 3 nights accommodation at Yuzawa Grand Hotel with buffet-style breakfast and natural hot spring access. Double occupancy room.
- 4 nights accommodation in Shiga Kogen with buffet-style breakfast and dinner. Double occupancy room.
- Three 1-day lift tickets at any resorts in the Yuzawa region.
- Long-distance private bus transportation services, Yuzawa to Shiga Kogen and Shiga Kogen to Tokyo.
- 1-year Snøedge ski club membership fee $5, applicable January to December 2026.
- Additional hotel stays in Tokyo
- Travel and sports insurance
- All lunches
- All dinners at Yuzawa
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