The easiest way to get around in Echigo Yuzawa is by car, but most major sights and attractions are accessible by a combination of trains and busses. For up-to-date bus schedules, we recommend syncing Google Maps with our customized map above (to do this: click the top right icon on the map to expand to full-screen and select a route between your destination and your current destination).

Since Echigo Yuzawa is located quite rurally, if you decide to rent a car, it is best to do so from one of the bigger destinations close by. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below. 

Public transportation:

To get from Tokyo to Echigo Yuzawa by public transportation, travelers need to take a train. There are two options available, the Shinkansen (bullet train) and the regular train. Detailed instructions are as follows:

• Bullet Train: Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

• Regular Train: Take the JR Takasaki Line from Ueno Station or Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station. Transfer to the JR Joetsu Line and continue to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. The total journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Valid rail passes:

• Japan Rail Pass

• JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass

• JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass

• JR East Tohoku Area Pass

• JR Tokyo Wide Pass

Nearest airport: 

The nearest and most convenient airport is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

• by car: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 5 hours

• by bullet-train: approximately 2 hours

Rental cars:

We recommend staying in Echigo Yuzawa between two and three days.
 

Winter sports:
Ski resorts in Japan typically run from December until the end of April. Though this can differ from year to year, depending on the amount of snow. We recommend visiting to the resorts' website for the most up-to-date information. You can find their website by clicking on the respective icon in our customized map above and following the link.

• Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort: click here for more information

• Kagura Snow Resorts: click here for more information

• Ippon Sugi Ski Resort: click here for more information

• Naeba Ski Resort: click here for more information

• Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort: click here for more information

• Itsukamachi Ski Resort: click here for more information

• Iwappara Ski Resort: click here for more information

• Kandatsu Snow Resort: click here for more information

• Maiko Snow Resort: click here for more information

• Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski: click here for more information

• Naspa Ski Garden: click here for more information

• Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort: click here for more information

• Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort: click here for more information

• Yuzawa Park Ski Area: click here for more information

Scenic rides:

• Tashiro Ropeway: click here for more information

• Hakkaisan Ropeway: click here for more information

• Yuzawa Onsen Ropeway: click here for more information

• Maiko Gondola: click here for more information

Hiking:
The hiking season in this area typically runs from Spring until Autumn.

There is one famous festival in this area. Please be advised that the following info is based upon previous entries of the festival and that the dates might have changed for the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of the festival, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.
 

• Yuzawa Summer Festival

  • Date: August 15th

  • Time: 13:00 - 21:00 (fireworks from 20:00)

The nearest and most convenient airport is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

• by car: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 5 hours

• by bullet-train: approximately 2 hours

We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:

• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data only)
• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data + voice)
• Sakura Mobile Unlimited Wifi / Pocket Wifi