AREA GUIDE

With beautiful mountainous scenery in every direction, Yuzawa can be enjoyed throughout the year with each distinct season offering something different. From the delicate sakura cherry blossoms of spring and fresh greens of early summer to the spectacular colorful autumn foliage as winter approaches. Snowfall transforms everything come winter and on a fine day the white of the snow contrasting with deep blue skies makes for stunning scenery. (More information on winter season here).

 
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Yuzawa Snow Country Museum

Just a 2 minute walk from the Yuzawa New Otani, this museum shows how life was here in ‘Snow Country’ many years ago. It offers a fascinating insight into lifestyles, the setting of the ‘Yukiguni’ Nobel willing novel set in Yuzawa and local history.

  • Open throughout the year from 9:00am until 5:00pm

  • Adults: 500 yen; Children: 250 yen

  • Closed on Wednesdays

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Suwa Shrine

Local shrine located about 20 minutes walk from Yuzawa New Otani.

  • Usually open from around April until November

  • Drinking water is available (no toilets)

  • Parking for a few cars

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Takizawa Park

A natural park just 5 minutes walk from Yuzawa New Otani. Walk along the river and enjoy listening to the water surrounded by many forest trees. There is a waterfall at the end of the walk.

  • Usually open from around April until November

  • Public toilets

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Yuzawa Kogen ‘Alps-no-sato’

Take the 166-person capacity Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway up to this beautiful highland park area which is a ski hill during the winter months. There are many flowers to enjoy as well as trekking courses and fun activities for children.

  • Open from late April until late November

  • Ropeway charge is 2000 yen for adults and 1000 yen for children

  • Ropeway operates every 20 minutes between 8:40am and 5:00pm

  • Ropeway base station is just 5 minutes from Yuzawa New Otani

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Trekking

There are 9 official trekking courses around Yuzawa as well as countless other areas to enjoy the mountains.

  • Usually trekking season is April until November

  • Depends on snowfall

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Daigenta Canyon

This beautiful area of Yuzawa features a distinctive mountain with a lovely lake at the base. Various outdoor activities and experiences are offered at the Yuzawa Outdoor Center.

  • Usually open from late April until early November

  • Yuzawa Outdoor Center usually open from 9:00am until 7:00pm

  • 20 minutes by car from Yuzawa New Otani

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Yuzawa Fishing Park

Catch some fish in the riverside at Yuzawa Fishing Park, about 10 minutes from Yuzawa IC exit of the expressway and 20 minutes from Yuzawa New Otani by car.

  • Usually open from late April until early November

  • Open from 9:00am until 5:00pm

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OKKY

The OKKY Power Plant and dam is a popular place to visit featuring a museum as well as dramatic surrounding scenery.

  • Usually open from early April until late November

  • Open from 9:30am until 5:00pm

  • About 30 minutes by car from Yuzawa New Otani

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Sagurigawa Dam & lake

This dam and lake is located in neighbouring Minamiuonuma city, about 45 minutes by car from Yuzawa New Otani.

  • Usually open from late April until late November

  • Usually you can drive around the lake

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Kiyotsukyo

This popular tourist spot is located in Tsunan town, next to Yuzawa and is about 30 minutes by car from Yuzawa New Otani. Walk through a tunnel to the end for some spectacular views of the gorge.

  • Usually open from late April until early December

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Yuzawa Leisure Pool ‘Aurora’

This indoor and outdoor pool and slide complex featuring a moving current is especially popular in the hot summer months.

  • Usually open from June until August

  • About 10 minutes by car from Yuzawa New Otani

Rental bicycles

Bicycles are available to rent outside of the winter ski season.

  • Usually available from late April until early November

  • From 800 yen for 2 hours

  • Please ask at the Snow Country Tourism information center by the West Exit of Echigo Yuzawa Station

Onsen hot springs

There are of course the onsen hot springs within Yuzawa New Otani. But if you want to experience some more, there are five public onsen facilities around the town. Please ask for more details.

CoCoLo Yuzawa

There is lots to enjoy within the large main area of Echigo Yuzawa Station including various restaurants, souvenir shops, local sake museum, information and more.