Echigo Yuzawa Ski Trip: Beautiful Memories in the Snow

One afternoon half a year ago, we sat around the coffee table, carefully sketching out this dream journey. Echigo Yuzawa, a place famous for its snow country, became our unanimous goal. Skiing, bathing in hot springs, and enjoying delicious food, these images are interwoven in the mind into an exciting winter picture. As time passed little by little, this carefully planned journey finally kicked off in a silvery white world. First visit to the snow country: the charm of Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort When we arrived at Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, the scene in front of us was breathtaking. The boundless snowfield seems like a pure white carpet spread by nature for us. The hotel is located on the mountainside, like a cabin in a fairy tale, emitting warm lights, waiting for the arrival of travelers. The facilities in the ski resort are very complete, especially the gondola, which is spacious and comfortable, allowing people to easily reach the top of the mountain from the foot of the mountain. Along the way, we admired the magnificent snow scenery through the glass windows. The undulating mountains, snow-covered forests and villages in the distance complemented each other, as if we were in a winter fairy tale. First skiing experience: friendly, enjoyable and unforgettable For us ski novices, Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is undoubtedly an excellent choice. The snow is soft and it feels like stepping into a fluffy cloud. Even if you fall, you won't feel any pain. The ski resort's terrain design is very friendly. Beginners can choose gentle slopes to practice slowly, while slightly more challenging slopes attract more experienced skiers. Under the guidance of the coach, we started from the most basic movements, from stumbling to gradually mastering balance, from being nervous and afraid to laughing out loud, and every step in between was filled with a sense of accomplishment. When I successfully slid down the slope for the first time, the only sound in my ears was the sound of the wind, but my heart was filled with immense joy. This feeling cannot be described in words. Hot spring bathing and food: the ultimate enjoyment of body, mind and soul After skiing, returning to the hotel to bathe is the most relaxing moment of the day. The warm spring water soaks the whole body, and the falling snowflakes outside the window and the silhouettes of the distant mountains complement each other, making people feel unprecedented tranquility and happiness. Such time seems to wash away all the fatigue, leaving only full comfort and satisfaction. Of course, delicious food is indispensable during the journey. The food at the inn is rich and exquisite, from sukiyaki made with fresh local ingredients to heart-warming miso soup, every dish is mouth-watering. The snack stalls in the ski resort are also not to be missed. The hot grilled rice cakes and sweet red bean soup add a touch of warmth to the cold winter days. An unforgettable journey The weather was pleasant, and the sun shone on the snow, reflecting dazzling light, adding a touch of romance to our journey. This trip to Echigo Yuzawa not only allowed us to experience the fun of skiing, but also allowed us to find inner peace in our busy lives. The snowflakes, the laughter, the warm spring water and the delicious food will always remain in our memory. This is a well-planned journey and a feast for the soul. When we left, we had already silently made a wish to visit again. Echigo Yuzawa, thank you for bringing us such wonderful memories, we look forward to our next reunion. --- Transportation Tips: How to get to Echigo Yuzawa easily? Echigo Yuzawa is located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan and is one of the most easily accessible ski resorts near Tokyo. The following are common modes of transportation: 1. From Tokyo: - Shinkansen Take the Joetsu Shinkansen "Max Tanigawa" or "Echigo Yuzawa", which takes only about **75 minutes** from Tokyo Station to Echigo Yuzawa Station, which is fast and comfortable. 2. From Echigo Yuzawa Station to Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort: - Shuttle bus: The ski resort provides a free shuttle bus, which takes about 15 minutes from the station to the ski resort. - Taxi: If you have a lot of luggage, taxi is a more convenient option and the ride takes about 10 minutes. --- Must-visit attraction: Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort When you come to Echigo Yuzawa, skiing is definitely a core experience that you cannot miss, and Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is a dream place for ski fans! - Ski resort features: - There are many ski slopes suitable for beginners to advanced skiers. - The snow is soft and very friendly to beginners, and you won't feel any pain even if you fall. - Complete facilities, including comfortable gondola lifts and professional ski instructor services. - Suggested itinerary: - Practice skiing skills and enjoy the fun of snow in the morning. - Enjoy a delicious meal at the ski resort at noon (barbecue is recommended, see below for details). - Challenge yourself on a more difficult slide in the afternoon, or take photos at the viewing area. --- Recommended hotel: Yuzawa Echigoyuzawa Onsen Hotel Aster A comfortable place to stay is a must for relaxing after skiing! We recommend staying at this hotel in Yuzawa, which combines Japanese tradition with modern conveniences, making travelers feel at home. - Hotel Features: - **Hot spring facilities**: Soak in the warm spring water after skiing to soothe tired muscles, and enjoy the snow scenery outside the window. - **Japanese-style room**: Traditional tatami room, allowing you to experience authentic Japanese culture. - **Convenient transportation**: It is only about 10 minutes' drive from Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, which is convenient and comfortable. --- Must-eat food: Yakiniku at Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort After skiing, nothing can satisfy your hunger better than a hot yakiniku meal! The yakiniku restaurant in Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is the first choice for many tourists. Featured recommendations: - Charcoal grilled meat*: Select fresh local high-quality beef, which emits a rich aroma after grilling, and the meat is tender and juicy. - The ski-only set* includes grilled meat, miso soup and local specialty rice, which is generous in portion and reasonably priced. --- Shopping Guide: Souvenirs at Yuzawa Station At the end of your trip, don’t forget to pick up some special souvenirs for your family and friends at Yuzawa Station to keep the good memories alive at home. -Must-buy souvenirs - The locally produced Koshihikari rice in Echigo Yuzawa is famous for its sweet taste and is perfect as a gift. - Sake Niigata Prefecture is famous for its sake, and there are several specialty stores within Yuzawa Station that offer tastings of a variety of sake flavors. - Snow Country desserts such as snowflake-shaped desserts, ice cream, and the local limited-edition strawberry daifuku are both exquisite in appearance and delicious. - Ski commemorative ski resort merchandise, such as ski hats and stickers printed with the Ishiuchi Maruyama logo, is a favorite among ski fans.