Discover Echigo Yuzawa: A Year-Round Leisure Destination

Escape to the Mountains from Tokyo

Echigo Yuzawa, a charming town surrounded by the Japanese Alps, is renowned for its rich history of hot springs and stunning natural beauty. Just a 70-minute ride from Tokyo via the Joetsu Shinkansen, it offers a perfect escape for relaxation and adventure.

With a 900-year history, Yuzawa's hot springs provide a rejuvenating experience, ideal for unwinding and recovering from the stresses of daily life. The town's scenic landscapes and popular ski resorts also make it a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Yuzawa, famously depicted in Yasunari Kawabata's Nobel Prize-winning novel "Snow Country," offers diverse activities for all seasons. In spring, indulge in forest therapy as the trees bloom. Summer invites you to explore the outdoors and learn about nature through various activities. Autumn transforms the town into a breathtaking panorama of vibrant foliage, best viewed from every angle. Winter brings a festive atmosphere with skiing, snowboarding, hot spring baths, and enchanting winter fireworks.

Bring your family to Echigo Yuzawa to experience its unique charm and enjoy the numerous activities available throughout the year. From thrilling outdoor adventures to tranquil hot spring soaks, Yuzawa promises an unforgettable journey for everyone.

History

Yuzawa's history dates back over a thousand years, with its hot springs mentioned in ancient records for their healing properties. During the Edo Period (1603-1868), Yuzawa developed as a post town along the Mikuni Kaido, a crucial route connecting Echigo Province with the Kanto region. This strategic location made Yuzawa a vital stop for travelers, merchants, and feudal lords journeying between Edo (Tokyo) and the northern provinces. The town's hot springs gained popularity during this period, leading to the establishment of inns and bathhouses that catered to the needs of travelers seeking relief in the therapeutic waters.

In the early 20th century, the opening of the Joetsu Line in 1925 significantly boosted Yuzawa's accessibility, transforming it into a popular resort destination. The town saw the construction of more inns, hotels, and recreational facilities. By the mid-20th century, Yuzawa had established itself as a premier ski destination, further popularized by Yasunari Kawabata's novel "Snow Country" in 1947. The post-war economic boom and the opening of the Joetsu Shinkansen in 1982 further enhanced Yuzawa's accessibility and popularity. Today, Yuzawa thrives as a year-round tourist destination, offering a blend of historical ryokan, modern hotels, and various recreational activities, making it a popular weekend getaway for Tokyo residents.

Hot Springs

Footbaths

• Footbath at Kannakkuri: Reopening on April 19, 2024. The footbath water is changed every morning with fresh hot spring water. It’s a great spot to rest your feet while exploring the hot spring town.

• Footbath at Karakasa-tei: Whitening Footbath: Part of SPA Gala's hot springs, operational details may change, so please confirm in advance.

• Mitsumata-no-Yu Footbath

Bathhouses

• Egami Hot Spring Bath: Due to its abundant hot water and high source temperature, the hot spring is continuously filled without additional heating, ensuring excellent freshness. Even in winter, it keeps the body warm after bathing and is gentle on the skin, suitable for all ages.

• Akayu Onsen Yamaguchi-kan: A secluded hot spring requiring a 2.5-hour hike from the trailhead to reach. Located at the southeast of Mount Naeba, it offers three types of hot springs: Aoyu, Yakushi-yu, and Tamago-no-yu.

• Footbath at Echigo-Yuzawa Station West Exit Plaza: Open year-round, it’s convenient after winter sports like skiing.

• Yukisasa-no-Yu: Natural Flowing Hot Spring

• Tsutara Public Bath "Iwa-no-Yu": Near Yuzawa Fishing Park and ski resorts, this stone bath can accommodate about 15 people and is family-friendly.

• Yumoto Public Bath "Yama-no-Yu": The oldest public bath in Echigo-Yuzawa, close to the inn where Yasunari Kawabata wrote "Snow Country". The small bath can hold 5-6 people and has a rich atmosphere.

• Mitsumata Public Bath "Kaido-no-Yu": Surrounded by nature, this bath has an open-air rock bath for about 10 people and an indoor stone bath for about 20 people, with a small rest area, making it convenient for a quick visit.

• Shimoyuzawa Public Bath "Komako-no-Yu": Named after the character Komako from "Snow Country", it has a cozy bath for about 15 people and a small exhibition corner related to "Snow Country".

• Futai Public Bath "Shukuba-no-Yu": Equipped with a sauna and a spacious rest area, it’s ideal for relaxation. Also features a permanent exhibition of children's paintings, conveniently located near a ski resort.

Yuzawa Town Guide

Areas to Explore

• Naeba-Kagura Area: Known for skiing in winter, but also popular in the green season for Naeba Mountain and Mount Tairappyo, part of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and Flower Mountains. It's also a popular autumn foliage spot.

• Yuzawa-Kandatsu Area: Centered around Echigo-Yuzawa Station, it features the "Snow Country Literary Walk" which visits spots from the novel "Snow Country". The Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway, a year-round tourist spot, is a 10-minute walk from the station.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots

• Takizawa Park "Fudo Falls": A twin waterfall where the male and female falls meet at the basin, believed to foster love.

• Daigenta Lake: A large dam lake created by Japan's first arch dam, offering beautiful scenery year-round.

• Naeba Dragondola (Autumn Foliage Operation): Japan's longest gondola at 5481 meters, connecting Naeba and Tashiro in about 25 minutes. Operates for new greenery in spring, foliage in autumn, and as a ski connection in winter.

• Tashiro Ropeway: Offers breathtaking views from a height of 230 meters above the ground. From the mountain summit station, you can see the emerald green Tashiro Lake and the surrounding mountains.

• Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway: One of the world’s largest capacity ropeways, holding 166 people. At the summit, there is a "Cafe in the Clouds" offering panoramic views of the Yuzawa mountains and a field of kochia plants.

Experience

• Offers activities and nature experiences in Yuzawa Town, such as soba making and sasa dango (bamboo leaf dumpling) crafting, suitable for families.

Access

How to Get to Echigo Yuzawa from Tokyo

By Train:

1. From Tokyo Station:
   • Take the Joetsu Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The Joetsu Shinkansen is the most convenient and fastest way to travel from Tokyo to Echigo Yuzawa.

By Car:

1. Driving:
   • Drive via the Kan-Etsu Expressway from Tokyo to Echigo Yuzawa. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Driving provides flexibility and the opportunity to enjoy scenic views along the route.

By Bus:

1. From Ikebukuro or Shinjuku:
   • Some highway buses run from Ikebukuro or Shinjuku to Echigo Yuzawa. The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Highway buses are a cost-effective alternative, though they take longer than the train.