A 1-Night, 2-Day Model Course to Enjoy Summer Activities Around Niigata Station and Echigo-Yuzawa

1. START

   About 40 minutes from Echigo Yuzawa Station by hotel guests-only shuttle bus (reservation required)

   1 Naeba Prince Hotel

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     ▲From the Naeba Prince Hotel official website

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     ▲From the Naeba Prince Hotel official website

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     ▲From the Naeba Prince Hotel official website

   Naeba Prince Hotel is well-known for its winter ski resort,but in fact, it offers a variety of activities, making it a great destination in summer as well. Here are a few activities that will let you fully enjoy the summer.

   Naeba Prince Hotel

   Address

   202 Mikuni, Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata, 949-6292 Japan

   Access

   About 40 minutes from Echigo Yuzawa Station by hotel guests-only shuttle bus

   Parking

   Capacity: 3,800 vehicles
   Free of charge, except during weekends and holidays from mid-December to mid-March and from December 29 to January 3, when the fee is ¥1,000 per vehicle.
   ※Large, medium-sized vehicles, and campervans: ¥2,000 per vehicle
   ※Parking is free for Naeba Prince Hotel guests.
   ※Overnight stays in campervans are prohibited.

   Google Map Official Website

2. A Fun Adventure in a Short Time!

   2 Canoe Experience

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   The 'Canoe Experience' is an attractive activity where even beginners or those trying canoeing for the first time can easily enjoy it in a beautiful nature. Experienced instructors provide careful guidance on basic paddling techniques and safety measures, you can participate comfortably and safely.
   
   As the name 'Quick Experience' suggests, you can enjoy canoeing in just 20 minutes, making it a great option to fit into a busy travel schedule during a short break. This activity provides a high level of refreshment, making it a great way to rejuvenate both your body and mind!

   Canoe Experience

   Address

   Within the Naeba Prince Hotel facility

   Business Hours

   9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
   Located in the "Healing Zone" on the Naeba Prince Hotel area map
   Dates: August 3rd (Sat) – August 18th (Sun) & August 24th (Sat) – August 25th (Sun)

   Phone

   Naeba Ski Resort Summer Park
   +81-25-789-4117

   Budget

   Single Ride: 8 Leisure Tickets
   Double Ride: 12 Leisure Tickets
   
   For 3rd grade students and older
   ※Preschool children can participate in a double ride with a guardian. Registration is on-site.
   
   Leisure Tickets:

   1. ￥3,000 per booklet (15 tickets)
   2. ￥300 per ticket
   3. Available at the 3rd Building Ticket Counter and the Front Desk

   
   Leisure tickets can be used for various experiences and activities, restaurants, and facilities both in outdoor areas and within the hotel.

   Google Map Official Website

3. Super refreshing! Playing in the water in nature

   3 Nae Bashan!

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   "Naeba Water Slide!" is a thrilling activity that can be enjoyed by families and friends. The moment you slide down the 50m long slide while splashing water is exhilarating! It's the perfect activity to cool off while playing in the water, especially on hot summer days. This special experience where you can have fun to your heart's content in the beautiful natural environment of Naeba Prince Hotel will make your summer trip even more memorable!

   Nae Bashan!

   Address

   Within the Naeba Prince Hotel facility

   Business Hours

   9:30 AM - 3:00 PM (last admission 4:00 PM)
   Located in the "Healing Zone" on the Naeba Prince Hotel area map
   The period is from July 13th (Sat) to July 21st (Sun) and from August 3rd (Sat) to September 1st (Sun) 2024.
   

   Phone

   Naeba Ski Resort Summer Activities
   025-789-4117

   Budget

   30 minutes: 9 leisure tickets
   60 minutes: 13 leisure tickets
   Please bring your own swimsuit as they are not available for sale or rental.
   *Only those who can maintain a safe posture until the finish line can participate.
   *Children under 4 years old and under 90cm tall must be accompanied by an adult.
   Leisure tickets

   1. 1 book ¥3,000 (15 sheets)
   2. 1 coupon ￥300
   3. Available at the ticket booth in Building 3 and at the front desk

   Leisure tickets can be used for everything from outdoor facilities to a variety of experiences, activities, restaurants, and facilities within the hotel.

   Google Map Official Website

4. Dynamic and Powerful!

   4 Mega Buggy Cruising

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   Mega Buggy Cruising is an activity where you can experience the thrill and adventure of driving a larger, more powerful buggy than the standard ones. As you navigate the rugged terrain and unpaved roads, you will enjoy an exhilarating experience that feels just like an off-road race! It can seat up to four people, making it great fun for families, friends, and participants of all ages. Safety is a top priority, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this exciting adventure with confidence. Do not miss the chance to experience this refreshing adventure!

   Mega Buggy Cruising

   Address

   Within the Naeba Prince Hotel facility

   Business Hours

   9:00 AM - 16:30 PM
   Located in the "Wanpaku Zone" on the Naeba Prince Hotel area map
   Available from August 3rd (Sat) – September 1st (Sun)

   Budget

   1 person: 8 Leisure Tickets
   2 people: 10 Leisure Tickets
   3 people: 12 Leisure Tickets
   
   Free for children under 3 years old (with a guardian)
   Ages 3 and above (preschoolers must be accompanied by a guardian) / Children up to elementary school age. Register at Reception B.
   
   Leisure Tickets:

   1. ￥3,000 per booklet (15 tickets)
   2. ￥300 per ticket
   3. Available at the 3rd Building Ticket Counter and the Front Desk

   Leisure tickets can be used for various experiences and activities, restaurants, and facilities both in outdoor areas and within the hotel.

   Google Map Official Website

5. Enjoy the Fresh Mountain Air and Stunning Views

   5 Naeba Sky Terrace

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   Naeba Sky Terrace is a breathtaking spot where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. You can fully feel the beauty of nature, with the surrounding Naeba mountains, vast green landscapes, and the ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons. The stunning views of sunrise, sunset, and the starry night sky are particularly worth seeing! The terrace also provides a relaxing environment with comfortable sofas, deck chairs, and a café where you can enjoy warm drinks. Take the opportunity to enjoy some truly special moments here!

   Naeba Sky Terrace

   Address

   Within the Naeba Prince Hotel facility

   Business Hours

   9:00 AM - 4:00 PM / 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
   Located in the "Refresh Zone" on the Naeba Prince Hotel area map
   Available from July 13th (Sat) – July 21st (Sun) and August 3rd (Sat) – September 1st (Sun)

   Google Map Official Website

1. START

   Enjoy An Extraordinary Breakfast in the Highlands

   6 Restaurant Azalea

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   On the second day, start with breakfast. There is something truly special about enjoying breakfast in the grand highlands! At 'Restaurant Azalea' located on the restaurant floor of the 3rd Building in Naeba Prince Hotel, you can take your breakfast to go and savor a peaceful time surrounded by greenery and fresh air. The meals are served in takeaway containers, and there are benches in the highlands, making it easy to enjoy your meal outdoors! If dining outside is not available, you can also enjoy your meal in the comfort of your room.

   Restaurant Azalea

   Address

   3rd Building Restaurant Floor, Naeba Prince Hotel

   Business Hours

   7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
   (Takeaway available during operating hours)
   ※Starting from May 7th (Tue), operating hours will begin at 7:00 AM
   Period: April 8th, 2024 (Mon) - November 4th, 2024 (Mon, substitute holiday)

   Budget

   Adults	:¥3,000
   Children (6–11 years old)	:¥2,000
   Toddlers (4–5 years old)	:¥1,000

   Google Map Official Website
   • Hotel guest-only shuttle bus
     (reservation required)
   Echigo-Yuzawa Station

   8-minute walk

2. Arrival!

   An 8-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, experience a 7-minute ride on one of the world's largest ropeways.

   7 Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway

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     ▲From PIXTA 「Yuzawa Highlands Panorama Park Alp Village」

   On the second day of your Niigata trip, take in the summer nature around Echigo-Yuzawa Station. The Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway is a famous attraction in the area, and it is just an 8-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to the ropeway station. The ropeway cabin is 8.8 meters long, 4.25 meters wide, and 2.45 meters high, with a size equivalent to two buses, making it one of the largest single-floor ropeways in the world. The ride takes about 7 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal beauty of the surrounding nature.

   Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway

   Address

   490 Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, 949-6101 Japan

   Business Hours

   Ropeway Station Hours: 8:20 AM - 5:00 PM
   Ropeway Operating Hours: 8:40 AM - 4:40 PM
   (Last ascent at 4:20 PM, last descent at 4:40 PM)

   Budget

   Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway Round Trip (Adult): ¥2,800
   Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway Round Trip (Child): ¥1,400

   Google Map Official Website
   Board the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway
   (About 7 minutes)

3. Arrival!

   Enjoy breathtaking views, photo spots, and a variety of attractions with your family.

   8 Yuzawa Kogen Panorama Park

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     ▲From PIXTA 「Yuzawa Highlands Panorama Park Alp Village」

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     ▲From PIXTA 「Yuzawa Highlands Panorama Park Alp Village」

   Taking the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway will bring you to Yuzawa Kogen Panorama Park. On a sunny day, the views are absolutely stunning.

   Yuzawa Kogen Panorama Park offers a variety of attractions, including a restaurant, photo spots, and activities like bobsledding, making it a fun place for both families and couples. Having lunch at the park's restaurant is also a great option.

   Yuzawa Kogen Panorama Park

   Address

   90 Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, 949-6101 Japan

   Business Hours

   Ropeway Station Hours: 8:20 AM - 5:00 PM
   Ropeway Operating Hours: 8:40 AM - 4:40 PM
   (Last ascent at 4:20 PM, last descent at 4:40 PM)

   Google Map Official Website
   • About 7 minutes by Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway
     during normal operation
   Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway Station

   8-minute walk

4. Arrival!

   Experience the Best of Niigata's Local Products and Sake

   9 Ponshukan

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     ▲From PIXTA 「Ponshukan in Echigo-Yuzawa」

   Niigata is known as a famous region for Japanese sake, thanks to its abundant water resources, cold climate, and the high skill of its tōji (master brewers). At 'Ponshukan', you can fully enjoy the delights of sake. Located in Echigo-Yuzawa Station, Niigata Station, and Nagaoka Station, Ponshukan offers a unique experience.
   
   The main attraction is the 'Sake Tasting Corner,' where you can sample about 100 different types of sake, carefully selected from breweries throughout Niigata Prefecture, allowing you to easily explore a wide range of flavors.
   
   In addition, Ponshukan features a retail area stocked with Niigata's famous products and specialties, where you can purchase delicious local foods and crafts. The selection includes a variety of snacks that pair well with sake and products made from regional ingredients, making them perfect for gifts.
   
   At the Echigo-Yuzawa Station Ponshukan, there's also a unique hot spring facility called 'Sake Bath'. Bathing in water infused with sake ingredients is believed to have skin-beautifying and relaxing effects, making it a great way to relieve travel fatigue.

   Echigo Yuzawa Station/Ponshukan (Echigo Yuzawa Station Branch)

   Address

   2427-3 Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, 949-6101 Japan

   Access

   About 50 meters from the ticket gate of Echigo-Yuzawa Station

   Business Hours

   Ponshukan Echigo-Yuzawa Station Store
   Regular Hours: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
   Extended Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
   ※Please check the official website for details.

   Google Map Official Website
   1-minute walk

5. Arrival!

   Get Your Echigo-Yuzawa Souvenirs Before Returning Home

   10 Gangi-dori

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     ▲From PIXTA 「Gangi-dori」

   In snow-covered regions, there was a unique adaptation called 'Gangi,' where eaves were extended from the roof to create covered walkways as protection from the snow. Inside Echigo-Yuzawa Station, there is a small street called 'Gangi Dori' where you can find a variety of Yuzawa’s local specialties. It is the perfect spot to buy souvenirs from Echigo-Yuzawa.

   Gangi Dori (Ga JR Echigo Yuzawa)

   Address

   2427-1 Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, Japan

   Access

   Inside JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station

   Business Hours

   Varies by store

   Google Map Official Website
   1-minute walk

6. Arrival!

   No transfers needed from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Tokyo

   11 Echigo-Yuzawa Station

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     ▲From PIXTA 「Echigo-Yuzawa Station」

   It is possible to return to take the Shinkansen directly from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Tokyo without any transfers.

   Echigo-Yuzawa Station

   Address

   2427-1 Mondō, Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, 949-6100 Japan

   Google Map Official Website

▲From PIXTA 「Niigata Station」

For those interested in taking a trip to Niigata Station, here is an extra section introducing some spots around the station.

1. The first

   Enjoy Full of Delicious Local Food!

   1 Minato no Marche Pia Bandai

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     ▲From PIXTA 「Pia Bandai」

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     ▲From PIXTA 「Pia Bandai」

   Minato no Marche Pia Bandai is a market located in Niigata City's Bandai City, where you can fully experience the local flavors. It offers a wide variety of fresh local produce, seafood, and processed goods, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal tastes of Niigata.
   
   The freshly harvested vegetables and fresh seafood, in particular, are highly praised for their freshness and taste. The market also has cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious dishes made with Niigata's ingredients right on the spot. Additionally, the regular events and workshops provide a great opportunity to experience the local culture.

   Minato no Marche Pia Bandai

   Address

   2 Bandaijima, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, 950-0078, Japan

   Access

   Bus:

   Niigata Kotsu Route Bus From Niigata Station Bandai Exit Terminal, Platform 3: Take the "Toki Messe / Sado Kisen Line" and get off at "Pia Bandai Mae". From Niigata Station Bandai Exit Terminal, Platform 9: Take the "Airport / Matsuhama Line" and get off at "Miyaura Junior High School Mae". From Niigata Station Bandai Exit Terminal, Platform 10: Take the "Kawado Line" and get off at "Miyaura Junior High School Mae". Niigata City Tourist Loop Bus From Niigata Station Bandai Exit Terminal, Platform 2: Take the "Niigata City Tourist Loop Bus" and get off at "Pia Bandai" after city sightseeing (runs every 30 minutes).

   Car:

   From Bypass / Expressway Detour via "Toki Messe" by turning right after passing it. From Niigata Bypass Sakuragi Interchange Head towards Niigata City Hall, then turn right at the Niigata East Police Station. From Niigata Bypass Mame Interchange Head towards Niigata Prefectural Office, turn right in front of the office, and pass under the JR Echigo Line guard (on the left). Expressways Hokuriku Expressway – Niigata West IC (Niigata Bypass) – About 10 minutes from Shichikuyama Interchange. Banetsu Expressway – Niigata Chuo JCT – About 15 minutes from Niigata Kameda IC. Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway – About 15 minutes from Niigata Kameda IC.

   Business Hours

   9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

   Budget

   Lunch: ¥1,000〜¥3,000
   Dinner: ¥3,000〜¥5,000

   Google Map Official Website
   • 20-minute walk
   • Niigata Station
     Niigata Station Bus Stop
   • About 20-minute by bus
   Get off at
   Ikutopia Shokuhana-mae Bus Stop

   6-minute walk

2. The second

   Experience the Seasonal Flowers and Local Flavors

   2 Ikutopia Shokuhana

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     ▲From PIXTA 「Food and Flower Education Center」

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     ▲From PIXTA 「Ikutopia Shokuhana」

   Ikutopia Shokuhana is an experiential facility in Niigata City themed around food and flowers. The garden area is filled with beautiful seasonal flowers, offering seasonal flower fields and themed gardens. The spring tulips and summer sunflower fields are particularly stunning and are popular photo spots.
   
   In addition to flowers, Ikutopia Shokuhana is also a place to fully enjoy the charm of 'food.' There are restaurants and cafes where you can savor dishes made with fresh, local Niigata ingredients, offering delicious farm-to-table meals. Visitors can also participate in harvest experiences, cooking classes, enjoy a mini zoo with animal interactions, and attend regular events and festivals.

   Ikutopia Shokuhana

   Address

   401 Seigorō, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, 950-0933, Japan

   Access

   Bus:	From Niigata Station South Exit Bus Stop 1 Take the S7 Sports Park Line towards Shimin Byoin, get off at "Ikutopia Shokuhana-mae," and it's right there. From Niigata Station Bandai Exit Bus Stops 0 or 1 Take the B1 Bandai Bridge Line (BRT) towards Aoyama, transfer at Shiyakusho-mae to the S1 Shimin Byoin Line, and get off at "Toriyanogata Koen-mae" or "Tokyo Gakkan-mae," then walk 15 minutes.
   Car:	Expressway Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway – About 7 minutes from Niigata Kameda IC About 5 minutes from Niigata Chuo IC Niigata Bypass (National Route 8) – About 10 minutes from Meike IC Kameda Bypass (National Route 49) – About 5 minutes from Ubukayama IC

   Parking

   Parking Lot 1: 300 spaces, open 24 hours
   Parking Lot 2: 120 spaces, open 24 hours
   
   Free for the first 90 minutes
   ¥100 per 30 minutes for 90 minutes to 6 hours
   ¥1,000 for 6 to 24 hours

   Business Hours

   9:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Hours may vary by area)
   Irregular holidays

   Admission Fees

   Free (Only The nighttime "Kira-Kira Garden" Adults: ¥500,
   Child: ¥300)

   Pet

   Allowed (Some areas have restrictions)

   Google Map Official Website