Gala Bag Jump Park

GALA Yuzawa are determined to keep us skiing and boarding throughout the summer months and their latest innovation has already got a firm following in town. They now have a 3.5 meter airbag in the bottom car park.

It's open on weekends and public holidays from now until 10th October as well as on August 11th & 12th, 15th - 19th. They run two sessions a day from 10 - 12.20 and then 13.30 until 16.00. The photo below was taken just as they started to re - inflate after the lunch break. One 2.5 hour session will set you back 3,000 yen or the full five hours for 5,000.

If you've been lusting after a trick all last winter, why not do what the pros do and get it nailed in the off-season? Launch yourself off the kicker with nothing but a soft landing awaiting you if you don't quite pull it around in time.
Pamphlet and nice pic on the Gala blog

Joetsu Kokusai Playland

Joetsu Kokusai is well known as a ski-in, ski-out ski resort in winter but it is also offers plenty of options for the summer months. Family activities include water slides, mini-golf, tennis, go karts, pools and hot air ballon rides.

It's a great set up for parents as they can take part until they get tired and then relax at one of the cafes and keep an eye on the fun, drink in hand.

Hoshi Onsen

Snow Country has plenty of fantastic onsen and if you find one that even the Japanese are in awe of, you know it must be a good one. Hoshi Onsen is definitely in that category.

It is well known as a traditional onsen and is situated on what used to be the main road from Tokyo over into Niigata Prefecture. The expressway tunnel under the mountains reduced the importance of Route 17, but Hoshi Onsen is still there offering rest and relaxation to the weary traveler as it has been for over 100 years. If you are looking for a true onsen experience, you can't go wrong.

Ponshukan - Sake Tasting

Snow Country produces some of the best rice in Japan and also some of the best sake. Throughout the prefecture there are almost one hundred sake producers making many different kinds of sake. Sake is a vast subject comparable to fine wine in its complexity and different tastes. The Ponshukan or Japanese Sake Hall in Echigo Yuzawa Station can help guide you through the sake maze.

They have gathered together the 96 different brands from the region and offer them up for your delectation. 500 yen buys you 5 tokens, and armed with a tasting cup you can try the offerings from the different makers lined up on the wall of vending machines. It is fascinating to try the different styles and tastes, and you are sure to find some that suit your palette better than others.

If you find some you like there is a shop close by selling all the favorite brands. There is also a onsen topped up with sake in the same building if you fancy a hot spring bath with a difference. Or you can wander around the shopping area tasting the free samples of the local produce on offer.

Fuji Rock 2011

The flags are up in Echigo Yuzawa Station and for you keen festival lovers there is only a week to wait. 29th - 31st July this year and there are some big names heading out to Naeba to perform

Just some of the acts
Chemical Brothers, Kaiser Chiefs, Incubus, Fountains of Wayne, Lee Scratch Perry, Cold Play, The Naked and the Famous, Darren Emerson and loads, loads more...

Aurora - Waterslides and Family Fun

Staying cool this summer this summer is high on the agenda for most people, and one of the best ways in Yuzawa is to head along to the Aurora pools in Iwappara.

2 water slides, 3 pools (both indoor and outdoor) and plenty of room to lounge around make this another fantastic option for the family over the summer holidays in Japan. The Aurora Leisure pools are part of the Chuo Koen which also has tennis courts, a baseball ground, football pitch and running track.

Yuzawa Nakazato Summer Activities

Yuzawa Nakazato is another ski resort that is offering family activities that both kids and adults will love. Their Forest Adventure course is a high ropes course with lots of challenges that will let you and the little ones live out all of your Tarzan fantasies.

If that isn't your cup of tea there is also a pitch and putt golf course, and a driving range to hone your skills.
More details on their Japanese website.

Yuzawa Kogen Alps No Sato

Family Activities don't come more complete than Yuzawa Kogen's Alps No Sato. Head on up the ropeway to what is the ski resort in winter to find a wealth of summer activities.

The ropeway leaves from the town center and whisks you up to the cooler air on top of the mountain with a great view back down into the valley. At the top there is a wild flower park, a zipline tour, nature hikes, playgrounds, a petting zoo, a luge, a putting course and a fantastic Italian restaurant if all that tires you out or you need some refreshments while the kids run wild. Check out some photos on the Alps No Sato Japanese website.

Yukiguni Kan

Right in the middle of the main onsen street of Yuzawa is Yukiguni Kan, a small museum that gives an insight into the life and history of Snow Country.

It doesn't take long to tour around the three sections but it is well worth a visit. The top floor covers the ancient history of the town with a selection of the archaeological finds that have been dug up nearby. There are also displays of the seasonal items which made life in Snow Country possible - old skis, local fauna and traditional rice harvesting implements.
 The middle floor (where you enter) has a mock up of a room in a Snow Country dwelling as well as the day to day items and how they were used. There is also a display of old photographs of the town and it is amazing to see the early skiers. It really makes you realize the challenges of living in such a snowy region without our modern comforts.

The lower floor is devoted to the novel Snow Country and features a recreation of a room from the novel, some belongings of the writer and art inspired by the novel.

You'll definitely leave here with an appreciation for the hardiness Yuzawa's early residents had to develop to survive and prosper.

Summer Skiing???

Snow Country is well known for its deep snow in winter, but what happens in summer? Well if you are keen to get a few runs in, it is still a possibility as GALA Yuzawa have their artificial slope open on weekends and holidays from 23rd July until the end of September.

The onsen and pool are open, there are trekking courses and activities for the children; or you might just fancy a trip up the gondola to escape the heat. Summer at GALA

Echigo Yuzawa sake - Shirataki

Snow Country is well-known for the quality of its rice. The famous Koshihikari rice from the region is often regarded as Japan's highest quality and tastiest. The snowmelt each year floods the rice fields with the crystal clear, pure water. With these two perfect ingredients the Japanese sake made in Snow Country is also some of the best. There are plenty of local brands but just a stones throw from the station is the Shirataki Brewery.

This family owned brewery has a long history of sake making and produce a full range of different grade sakes. They also offer a tour of the facilities, during which you get to learn all about the process of sake making and afterwards you get to try a few of their different products. They have a great English website that is a good jumping off point if you are new to the subject of sake. Armed with a bit more knowledge there is a whole world of sake to get acquainted with.

Minakami - Adventure Sports and Onsen

Snow Country is made up of several towns and just over the border in Gunma prefecture is Minakami. It was once a popular get-away for city dwellers due to its proximity to Tokyo and abundance of onsen. Recently it has become well known as a hotspot for outdoor adventure activities. Canoeing, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting, canyoning and Japan's highest bungy jump are all available in this spa town.

Close by are Japanese's biggest outdoor onsen, Takaragawa, and one of Japan's famous 100 peaks, Mount Tanigawa. Stunning natural beauty with the mountains and rivers (especially during autumn with the changing of the leaves) , Minakami will be a hit with thrill seekers or those after a bit of R&R. As the temperature and humidity rise over summer the activities on the rivers and lakes really come into their own.

Snow Country Spring Water.

Snow Country spring water has arrived - move over Evian and San Pellegrino. Sisul have started bottling and selling the mineral-rich spring water from Snow Country.

Snow Country hosts the Indian Ambassador

Snow Country played host to the Indian Ambassador last week as he came to support performances of Indian Dance in Tsunan and Tokamachi.

After the Tohoku Earthquake the Indian disaster relief team were one of the first on the scene and the Indian community are very active in Japan. The performances were thoroughly enjoyed by the Snow Country locals and offered a great insight into Indian culture.

Official Snow Country Website

If you need an overview of some of the highlights in the area then take a look at the Snow Country website. It will give you the run down of places to go, things to see and some of the food, events and activities on offer.

Live Jazz in Iwappara

Most people know Iwappara for its ski resort with wide open runs perfect for beginners, or perhaps the awesome Italian restaurant up there but it is also home to the Pitt Inn which is host to some great live music. It is actually a branch of the Pitt Inn in Shinjuku which hosts some of the biggest jazz names in Japan. Saturday night saw jazz pianist Yousuke Yamashita grace the stage.

He played two sets, one on his own and one with a saxophonist both of which were a huge hit with the audience. The Pitt Inn is an intimate venue with a great atmosphere and an awesome place to catch a concert.

Snow Country Information in Yuzawa

If you find yourself in Yuzawa and need some pointers for things to do while you are here, or some recommendations for good places to eat, just drop into the Tourist Information Centre. Head out of the West Exit of Echigo Yuzawa Station and it is the first building you will find on your right (map link below.) English speaking staff can make sure you get the most out of your stay here.