Yuzawa Town offers plenty of non-ski activities should any of your group not be skiing or if you decide to have a rest day or if you are visiting Yuzawa Town for the day.   Please find below some suggestions. 

Echigo Yuzawa Train Station

• Market Stalls – sells fresh local produce, rice, rice crackers & much more
• Ponshu-kan sake tasting hall – sample over 100 types of sake from vending machines cost is ¥500
• Sake onsen – located behind CocoLo
• CocoLo – browse local specialties and purchase delicious & interesting souvenirs.  Also, at CocoLo you can purchase a giant onigiri ball
• Enjoy one of the many restaurants – Ramen, soba, rice bowls, sushi
• Get a snack from one of the vendors as you walk towards the East exit

East Side of Echigo Yuzawa Station

Although it is the quieter side of the station there are more restaurants starting to open.  There is also a large pharmacy should you require medical needs or to purchase J-beauty products.

West Side of Echigo Yuzawa Station

– Known as Onsen Street
• This is the busy side of the station
• Free foot onsen (foot bath) – remember to carry a small towel to wipe your feet
• Many restaurants
• Snow Country Tourist Office for maps and tours
• Yukigui Museum  https://www.e-yuzawa.gr.jp/yukigunikan/
• Shops that sell sake

Shirataki Sake Brewery 

Located on East side of the station.  Offer free tasting and guided brewery tours (must be booked at least 1 day before)
http://jozen.co.jp/top/en/

Onsens (hot spring baths)
https://yuzawa-town.com/where-to-onsen/

Free Foot Onsen located at the west exit.  Take a small towel to wipe your feet.

Scenic ropeways & Snow Activities

Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway
https://www.yuzawakogen.com/winter/ropeway/

Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort – Enjoy snow activities, meal & crepes up on the plateau.  Gala Base building also has restaurants, onsen, indoor heated swimming pool & outside jacuzzi (bring your own swimwear)
https://gala.co.jp/en/winter/activities/

Ishiuchi Maruyama – Book a Dome Tent & enjoy a meal served inside (bookings essential) or enjoy a meal at The Veranda
https://ishiuchi.or.jp/tips/snowterrace/en/index.html

Day Trip to Kyostu Gorge & Tunnel of Light – Maybe temporarily closed during winter (December-February) due to heavy snowfall.  Check their website for updates
https://nakasato-kiyotsu.com/tunnel/

If you have a car this is an easy 15km drive over the mountains. Alternatively, a day trip can be booked through Snow Country Tourist Office located on the West exit of the train station.  A personal favourite of mine. Tip is to wear gumboots as you can walk through a shallow area of water to admire the view and to also capture amazing photos. Take a small towel to wipe your feet.