Explore Echigo-Yuzawa, Japan, and Experience Winter Fun!

Destination Introduction: Echigo-Yuzawa, located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, is the first stop on the Joetsu Shinkansen line. It is a renowned hot spring resort and ski area. Not only is it the setting for Yasunari Kawabata's novel 'Snow Country,' but the autumn foliage and winter snow scenery are also major highlights. ⏰Itinerary: Morning: Departure: Depart from Tokyo. Hot Spring Experience: Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the hot springs. If you stay at the Matsunoyama Kaku Hotel, you can enjoy a private hot spring in your room, which is very relaxing. Late Morning: Strawberry Picking: Head to 'Echigo Yuzawa Strawberry Village' to experience the joy of picking strawberries. The strawberries grown here are the Niigata Prefecture-exclusive 'Echigo Hime' strawberries, which are sweet and juicy. You can eat to your heart's content. It is about a 20-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Noon: Lunch: Try local delicacies in Echigo-Yuzawa, such as Ishin Ramen. This ramen shop is known for its large portions, affordability, and delicious taste, making it a local culinary landmark. Afternoon: Skiing Experience: Head to GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort or Naeba Ski Resort to enjoy skiing. GALA Yuzawa is very close to Echigo-Yuzawa Station and is suitable for skiers of all ages. Naeba Ski Resort has multiple slopes that are beginner-friendly, and you can take Japan's longest gondola, the Dragondola, to Kagura Ski Resort. Cable Car Sightseeing: If you don't ski, you can take a cable car for sightseeing, such as the Dragondola and Tashiro Ropeway, to enjoy the autumn foliage and the scenic Niji Lake surrounded by mountains. Evening: Sake Tasting: Visit 'Koshinokan' inside Echigo-Yuzawa Station, which houses hundreds of sake varieties. For just 500 yen, you can taste five different types of sake. Sake Hot Spring: At the JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station hot spring + sake bath, the hot spring water is infused with sake, allowing you to soak in the hot spring while enjoying the faint aroma of sake, which helps to relieve body fatigue. 🍽️Food Recommendations: Ishin Ramen: Known for its signature ramen, which is large, affordable, and delicious. Hifumi Kappou: A restaurant discovered on a snowy day, offering very delicious food. Sake Hot Spring: Enjoying sake while soaking in the hot spring is also a great experience.