GALA Yuzawa Opens for the 2025–2026 Winter Season: December 20
This blog is brought to you by Hana, our Local Explorer — a travel-savvy voice from our team who specializes in uncovering Japan's seasonal and regional gems.
Winter is just around the corner! One of Japan’s most convenient ski resorts, GALA Yuzawa, will open for the 2025–2026 season on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Located just about 80 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, it’s the perfect winter getaway — whether you’re planning a ski day trip or your very first snow experience.
Why Travelers Love GALA Yuzawa
Direct Access from the Shinkansen
GALA Yuzawa is the only ski resort in Japan with its own Shinkansen station. Step off the train, and the gondola to the slopes is right in front of you!
No Gear? No Problem!
You can rent everything on-site — from skis and snowboards to jackets, pants, and gloves. Perfect for those who want to travel light.
Day Trip Friendly
Leave Tokyo in the morning, enjoy skiing or snow play, and be back in the city by evening. No car, no hassle.
Fun Even If You Don’t Ski
Try snow sledding, tubing, and other snow activities — ideal for families, couples, or anyone who just wants to enjoy the snow.
Great for First-Timers
Never seen snow before? GALA Yuzawa is one of the easiest and safest places in Japan to enjoy your first real winter wonderland.
My Experience at GALA Yuzawa
I’ve visited GALA Yuzawa a couple of times — most recently last season — and it’s one of those places that never disappoints.
When I went last winter, I noticed many visitors from across Asia who were seeing snow for the very first time. They weren’t skiing or snowboarding, but they were so excited just playing in the snow and laughing together in the tubing area. It was heartwarming to see how magical the experience was for them.
One of the things I love about GALA Yuzawa is how everything is so close and well-organized.
As soon as you exit the ticket gates, you’ll find the ski and snowboard rental counters, changing rooms, and information desks — all just a few steps away. Even on busy weekends, the flow is smooth and spacious, so you can hit the slopes without stress.
If you’d like to take it slow, there are also a few cozy hotels and inns within walking distance. Spending a night there after a full day in the snow sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
How to Get There
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen “Toki” or "Tanigawa" from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station directly to GALA Yuzawa Station.
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Travel time: about 80 minutes
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Train runs multiple times per day
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No transfers needed — the resort is connected to the station building
Once you arrive, you can walk straight to the rental counter, ticket office, and gondola entrance — all under one roof.
Booking and Operation Dates
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Resort Opening Date: December 20, 2025
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Please note that you can select dates after December 20 only, as the train service to GALA Yuzawa operates only during the winter season.
Book your Shinkansen tickets* here:
Tokyo ⇄ GALA Yuzawa:
Tokyo → GALA Yuzawa Tickets / GALA Yuzawa → Tokyo Tickets
Ueno ⇄ GALA Yuzawa:
Ueno → GALA Yuzawa Tickets / GALA Yuzawa → Ueno Tickets
*Seats will be arranged one month before your travel date
Plan Your Trip
For more details on lift passes, rentals, lessons, and snow activities, visit the official site:
🌐 GALA Yuzawa Official English Website
What is shinkansen-ticket.com?
Shinkansen-Ticket.com is a Japan-based travel agency specializing in booking Shinkansen and limited express train tickets—including high-demand routes that are often difficult to secure. With nearly a decade of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, flexible, and traveler-friendly service.
We provide both QR code-based tickets for easy station access, ideal for last-minute bookings, and physical paper tickets, which can be delivered to your home abroad, hotel, major post offices, or even a friend’s residence across Japan—perfect for carefully planned itineraries.
Our expertise in Japan’s rail system allows us to offer customized support with a deep understanding of routes, connections, and seating options—including oversized luggage seats, scenic views, and group arrangements.
Trusted by thousands of repeat customers and partnered with numerous hotels and travel agencies, we regularly assist in arranging train tickets for hotel guests and tour clients across Japan.
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Seat guide
Reserved Seat (Ordinary Reserved Seat)
Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets, allowing you to head to the station with peace of mind.
Think of it as "economy class" seating.
Green Reserved Seat
Enjoy better seats and free blankets. Popular among Japanese business people, executives, and those who prefer a comfortable travel experience.
Consider it "business class" seating.
GranClass
Known as the "First Class" of Shinkansen seats.
Available only on the Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines, these seats offer airline-like amenities and meals (only on select trains).
They are the most expensive option.
Unreserved Seat
You can take any open seat in the unreserved cars on the departure date (no departure time will be indicated on your ticket).
This is the best option if cost is your priority and you are traveling during less crowded seasons or times.
Hana
The Local Explorer
As a licensed travel services manager with over 10 years of experience in the industry, I’ve spent my career helping international travelers discover the charm of Japan’s regions, seasons, and cultural events.
From lavender fields to autumn leaves, I love showcasing Japan’s natural beauty and local festivals—especially those hidden gems you won’t find in every guidebook. My goal is to inspire your next unforgettable journey.