Things to do in Tokamachi

No. 7 of Ski Resorts in Niigata Prefecture

Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort

Joetsu Kokusai is an internationally renowned ski resort located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the world with its vast skiing area and high-quality snow. As one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, it has more than 20 ski slopes suitable for skiers of different levels, from beginners to professional skiers. The ski resort not only provides traditional skiing and snowboarding experience, but also has a dedicated children's park and snow activity area to ensure that the whole family can enjoy winter fun. For beginners, the ski school provides professional courses and guidance to help them quickly master skiing skills.

No. 16 of Ski Resorts in Niigata Prefecture

Muica Snow Resort

It is only 5 minutes from the Muikamachi Toll Station on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. The main ski slope is 200 meters wide and is suitable for beginners and families. You can ski freely and improve quickly. There are areas such as the "Children's Park" that can be easily reached by taking the snow elevator, and the "Off-piste Field" powder snow area suitable for experts. Players of all levels can have fun here. After skiing, you can also go to the "Muika Onsen Hotel" directly connected to the ski resort to relax.

2026 Global 50 - Ski Resorts

GALA Yuzawa Mountain field

GALA Yuzawa Mountain field is located in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, and is known for its direct connection to the Shinkansen. During the winter ski season, the Joetsu Shinkansen stops at GALA Yuzawa Station, and the ski resort center is right outside the station, reachable from Tokyo in about an hour. The resort has a large rental center where skis, boots, clothing, and other equipment can be rented on site, so visitors can arrive empty-handed and still hit the slopes with ease. The resort is divided into three areas—Central, North, and South—with more than ten trails covering the needs of everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The "Roman Holiday" trail in the North area connects directly to the adjacent Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort and continues on to Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort—GALA Yuzawa, Ishiuchi Maruyama, and Yuzawa Kogen allow free skiing between the three resorts, greatly expanding the skiable area. In addition to skiing, the ski service center at the base also features hot springs and an indoor pool, so visitors can relax in the onsen right after skiing. There is an observation deck in each of the central area and the north area, among which the "Bell of Love observation deck" can be reached by cable car even without skiing, making it a popular photo spot within the resort. The 2.5 km downhill run "Falcon" extends from the north area all the way to the base, offering panoramic views of the Tanigawa Range and the snow-capped mountains of Minamiuonuma along the way, making it the resort's signature long-distance run. The "snow play park" below the central area is equipped with a covered snow escalator, making it easy for children to play in the snow and ideal for families.

2026 Asia 50 - Ski Resorts

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, located in Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, was first established in 1949 and is one of the historic ski resorts in the Echigo-Yuzawa area. The resort spans three base areas—Chuo, Ishiuchi, and Kita—and has more than 20 trails, mainly intermediate and advanced runs. Green runs make up a relatively small share and are not especially gentle, making the resort better suited to skiers with some experience. From the summit, visitors can take in sweeping views of the Uonuma Plain and the Echigo Mountains. The summit connects with GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort, and from there trails lead on to Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort; together the three resorts form the "Yuzawa Sanzan" linked skiing area, with dozens of trails in total. For skiers who want to experience a variety of terrain in a single day, this cross-resort skiing is highly appealing. In recent years the resort has continued to renovate and upgrade. The newly built ski center at the Chuo entrance has a stylish, bright exterior and brings together ticket sales, equipment rental, a changing room, and a coffee corner. The main gondola connecting the base to the summit, "Sunrise Express," is a combined gondola and chairlift running on the same line, with cabins and chairs operating side by side. The chairs are heated, the cabins run smoothly, and waiting times to get up the mountain are significantly shortened. The "The Veranda" observation deck at mid-mountain features transparent dome tents where visitors can dine and rest surrounded by snowy scenery; it is a popular photo spot. In front of the tents there is a snow escalator and a snow play area, so companions who do not ski can also enjoy the snow. Several independently run restaurants and cafes are dotted along the trails, offering everything from yakiniku to skillet pancakes and retaining the honest, old-fashioned atmosphere characteristic of Japanese ski resorts. The resort has a terrain park and has opened several designated tree-run routes, which is relatively rare among similar nearby resorts. Night skiing is available on weekend evenings, and the illuminated trails have a distinctive charm.

No. 9 of Ski Resorts in Niigata Prefecture

Maiko Snow Resort Ski Center

Yuzawa Maiko Snow Resort is one of the ski areas within Yuzawa Kogen in the Echigo Yuzawa region of Niigata, Japan. The area boasts 13 ski resorts: GALA, Iwappara, Yuzawa Kogen, Yuzawa Nakazato, Yuzawa Parkski, NASPA, Ipponsugi, Kandatsu Kogen, Ishiuchi Hanooka Ski Resort, Maiko, Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort, Shia Shiozawa Ski Resort, and Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort.

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Tokamachi

Matsunoyama Onsen Ski Resort

Matsunoyama Onsen Ski Resort is located in Matsunoyama Amamizu, Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

No. 10 of Ski Resorts in Niigata Prefecture

Maiko Snow Resort

Get off the highway and you're on the slopes in just 1 minute! Free shuttle bus from the station! A total of 26 courses with the longest run of 6,000m! There are plenty of dedicated facilities to satisfy both day trippers and staycationers! Maiko Snow Resort is a place that everyone from experts to families can enjoy!

No. 8 of Ski Resorts in Minamiuonuma

Chateau Shiozawa Ski Area

No. 3 of Ski Resorts in Niigata Prefecture

Iwappara Ski Resort

Iwappara Ski ResortLixue Slope is gentle and very wide, making it an excellent place for beginners to practice and for skiing enthusiasts.

No. 13 of Ski Resorts in Niigata Prefecture

Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski

Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski, located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, is a premier winter sports destination specializing in skiing. As one of Japan's most renowned ski resorts, it attracts numerous skiing enthusiasts and family visitors with its high-quality snow and diverse slopes. Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Hakkaisan Mountain, the resort offers trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels, ensuring every visitor finds suitable challenges. In addition to skiing, Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski offers a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing, sledding, and snowboarding, suitable for visitors of all ages. The resort also features comprehensive facilities, including a modern cable car system, equipment rental services, and professional ski lessons, ensuring both enjoyment and safety for all visitors. The hot spring inns and traditional Japanese restaurants around Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski offer visitors perfect spots to unwind, savor local delicacies, and experience Japan's unique onsen culture. Whether you're an adrenaline-seeking skiing enthusiast or a traveler looking to enjoy winter's natural beauty, Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski promises an unforgettable experience.