Japanese snow is known worldwide for its light, powdery texture. Did you know you can enjoy this snow on a day trip while staying in Tokyo?
This article introduces how to enjoy a “day trip skiing & snowboarding” experience, departing from &Here SHINJUKU or &Here TOKYO UENO in the morning and returning to your hotel in the evening. We’ll cover three destinations accessible solely by public transportation: Gala Yuzawa, Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, and Fujiten Snow Resort. None of them require a rental car. The official websites for each ski resort are available in English, and some even offer lessons in English. Let’s take a look at how to get to each one with detailed itineraries including schedules.

The Appeal of Ski Resorts Accessible on a Day Trip from Tokyo

Both &Here SHINJUKU and &Here TOKYO UENO are within walking distance of major train stations and bus terminals. This makes them very convenient bases for day trips to go skiing or snowboarding.
There are several ski resorts around Tokyo that can be reached by train or bus for a day trip. Since a rental car isn’t needed, travelers don’t have to worry about converting their international driver’s license, driving on snowy roads, or finding parking—making it a stress-free option even for those who aren’t used to driving. This is arguably the biggest advantage for visitors to Japan.
The unique snow quality found in Japan is also a major draw. Light and soft “powder snow” is popular among skiers worldwide. However, powder snow isn’t available all the time—snow conditions vary depending on the weather and temperature. It’s best to head out with an open mind, ready to enjoy whatever conditions the day brings.

Sample Itinerary for a One-Day Trip to Gala Yuzawa

Gala Yuzawa is about 75–85 minutes from Tokyo Station and Ueno Station via the Joetsu Shinkansen “Tanigawa.” It’s a ski resort directly connected to the station, allowing you to walk straight from the second floor of the station to the ski center. Since you can walk from &Here TOKYO UENO to Ueno Station, getting there is simple, making it a top contender as “Japan’s most accessible day-trip ski resort.”

Access from &Here TOKYO UENO and Shinkansen/Lift Ticket Package Plans

If you board the “Tanigawa” from Ueno Station, you’ll arrive at Gala Yuzawa Station in about 80 minutes with no transfers. Gala Yuzawa Station is a special station that opens only in winter; as soon as you exit the ticket gates, a second-floor passageway connects you directly to the ski center.
It’s convenient to use JR East’s “JR SKI SKI” service for tickets.
There are package deals that combine round-trip Shinkansen tickets with lift passes, which are often significantly more cost-effective than purchasing them separately. Note that since Gala Yuzawa Station is a temporary station, if you cannot select it on a reservation site, you should either purchase your tickets at Echigo-Yuzawa Station or use this package deal. Additionally, if you have a “JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area),” your Shinkansen fare is covered, so you can choose to purchase only the lift pass.

Timetable with departure and return times

You can travel to Gala Yuzawa Station on the “Tanigawa” Shinkansen. The Tanigawa operates as a temporary service only during the operating season of the Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort. Please note that if you check on Google Maps or similar services outside the operating season, you won’t find any Shinkansen services for this route.

• 6:30 AM: Wake up at &Here TOKYO UENO and get ready.
• 7:00 AM: Leave the hotel and head to Ueno Station. Have a light breakfast.
• 7:42 AM: Board the “Tanigawa” at Ueno Station.
• 9:03 AM: Arrive at Gala Yuzawa Station. Change clothes and pick up rental equipment.
• 9:45 AM: Take the lift to the top of the mountain. Start skiing in the morning when the slopes are less crowded.
• 12:30 PM: Have lunch at the restaurant inside the ski center.
• 1:30 p.m. Resume skiing for the afternoon.
• 4:00 p.m. Finish skiing and return the rental equipment.
• 4:30 p.m. Take a break at “SPA Gala no Yu,” the hot spring attached to the station.
• 5:29 p.m. Board the “Tanigawa” train at Gala Yuzawa Station.
• 6:44 p.m. Arrive at Ueno Station. Head to a restaurant for dinner.
• 9:00 PM: Return to &Here TOKYO UENO.

The times listed here are examples only; train schedules vary depending on the fiscal year, day of the week, and peak travel seasons. Be sure to check the latest schedule in advance.

English-Language Services and Information for International Visitors

Gala Yuzawa is well-equipped to accommodate international visitors. The official website is available in English, allowing you to check course information, operating hours, and prices in advance. The ski and snowboard schools include certified schools that offer instruction in English and other foreign languages, so even beginners can take lessons with confidence. It’s also a good idea to check the official website to see what English-language support is available at the ticket counters and rental counters. In-resort signage and course maps are available in multiple languages, and Wi-Fi and coin-operated lockers are provided.

Sample Itinerary for Enjoying Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort in One Day

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is about 70–80 minutes from Tokyo Station and Ueno Station via the Hokuriku Shinkansen “Asama” and “Hakutaka” trains. It’s conveniently located just a 1-minute ride on the free shuttle bus from Karuizawa Station, or about a 10-minute walk. There are many sunny days even in winter, and thanks to snowmaking facilities, snow conditions remain consistent. Along the walkway connecting the station and the ski resort is a large shopping plaza, making this a rare location where you can enjoy both skiing and shopping in one place.

& Access from Here TOKYO UENO and Shinkansen/Lift Ticket Package Plans

If you take the “Asama” or “Hakutaka” trains from Ueno Station, you’ll arrive at Karuizawa Station in about 70–80 minutes. The ski resort is right next to Karuizawa Station—it’s just a 1-minute ride on the free shuttle bus from the South Exit or about a 10-minute walk. On sunny days, it’s nice to take a leisurely stroll from the station to the resort.
As with Gala Yuzawa, the “JR SKI SKI” pass is a convenient option. There’s a package deal that combines a round-trip Hokuriku Shinkansen ticket with a lift pass, which is more cost-effective than buying them separately and is also included within the coverage area of the “JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area).” Since there’s a large shopping plaza along the walkway connecting the station and the ski resort, families and groups with a lot of luggage can enjoy both skiing and shopping in the same location—a real plus.

Timetable with departure and return times

• 6:30 AM: Wake up and get ready at &Here TOKYO UENO.
• 7:00 AM: Leave the hotel and head to Ueno Station. Have a light breakfast.
• 7:30 AM: Board the “Asama” train at Ueno Station.
• 8:42: Arrive at Karuizawa Station. Take the free shuttle bus from the South Exit to the ski resort (about 1 minute).
• 9:00: Arrive near the slopes, change clothes, and pick up rental equipment.
• 9:30: Start skiing. Enjoy the runs that take you all the way down to the base.
• 12:30: Have lunch at a restaurant near the shopping plaza.
• 14:00: Resume skiing for the afternoon.
• 4:00 p.m. Finish skiing and return the rental equipment.
• 4:30 p.m. Enjoy shopping at the Shopping Plaza.
• 5:30 p.m. Head to Karuizawa Station to buy local beer and ekiben (station bento boxes).
• 6:09 p.m. Board the “Hakutaka” train at Karuizawa Station.
• 7:06 p.m. Arrive at Ueno Station. Head to a restaurant for dinner.
• 9:30 PM: Return to &Here TOKYO UENO.

There are many Shinkansen trains on the return trip, making it easy to avoid crowds or adjust your schedule if needed. “Eki-ben” are boxed lunches sold at stations or on trains; many feature local ingredients and turn your travel time into a uniquely Japanese experience.

English-language services and information for international travelers

The official website is available in English, allowing you to check course information, prices, and operating hours in advance. Online reservations and QR code entry are also supported in English, so you can enter smoothly without having to wait in line at the ticket counter on the day of your visit. It’s a good idea to check in advance whether the rental counter offers English support, as well as whether they carry international sizes and the approximate rental rates. You’ll also want to check the ski school’s official information to see if lessons are available in English. Many stores in the adjacent shopping plaza have staff who speak English, making shopping a breeze.

Model Itinerary for Enjoying Fujiten Snow Resort in One Day

Fujiten Snow Resort is located about 1 hour and 45 minutes from “Busta Shinjuku” in Shinjuku via the Fujikyu Expressway bus to Kawaguchiko Station, followed by a 30-minute shuttle bus ride from there. Its biggest attraction is that you can see Mount Fuji from most of the slopes. Skiing with Mount Fuji in the background makes for exceptionally photogenic shots. &Here SHINJUKU is within walking distance of Busta Shinjuku, making it the most accessible ski resort for travelers based in Shinjuku.

Access from &Here SHINJUKU and Booking Tips

You can walk from &Here SHINJUKU to Busta Shinjuku. If you have a lot of luggage, a taxi is more convenient. From Busta Shinjuku, take the Fujikyu Expressway bus to Kawaguchiko Station—the trip takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes (subject to seasonal and traffic conditions). There is also a route where you take a limited express train on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line. During the winter season, a paid shuttle bus runs from in front of Kawaguchiko Station to Fujiten Snow Resort, taking about 30 minutes to reach the slopes.
Since all seats on the express bus are reserved, it’s best to secure your seat in advance through a booking site such as “Highway Bus.com.” The shuttle bus from in front of Kawaguchiko Station runs infrequently and is only available during the winter season. Since departure times are fixed for each bus, it’s best to check the latest schedule on the Fuji Kanko Travel website and make a reservation in advance for peace of mind.

Timetable with departure and return times from morning departure to return home

• 6:30　Wake up and get ready at &Here SHINJUKU.
• 7:00　Leave the hotel and head to Busa Shinjuku. Have a light breakfast.
• 7:45　Board the express bus. Check the boarding gate on the 4th-floor departure level at least 15 minutes before departure.
• 9:30　Arrive in front of Kawaguchiko Station and transfer to the shuttle bus bound for Fujiten.
• 9:50　Board the shuttle bus departing from in front of Kawaguchiko Station (times are for illustrative purposes only; please confirm as there are few departures).
• 10:20　Arrive at Fujiten Snow Resort. Change clothes and pick up rental equipment.
• 10:45　Start skiing. Enjoy the slopes while gazing at Mount Fuji.
• 12:30　Have lunch at a restaurant on the slopes. If there are terrace seats with a view of Mount Fuji, be sure to sit there.
• 13:30　Resume skiing for the afternoon.
• 3:00 PM: Finish skiing and return your rental equipment.
• 3:45 PM: Take the shuttle bus from Fujiten to Kawaguchiko Station.
• 4:15 PM: Arrive in front of Kawaguchiko Station and buy souvenirs (such as Shingen Mochi and dried Hoto noodles).
• 5:00 PM: Board the express bus at Kawaguchiko Station.
• 6:45 PM: Arrive at Busta Shinjuku. Head to a restaurant for dinner.
• 9:00 PM: Return to &Here SHINJUKU.

The shuttle bus connecting Kawaguchiko Station and Fujiten runs only a few times a day, with fixed departure times. The times listed above are just an example, so be sure to check the latest schedule from Fuji Kanko Travel and plan your skiing schedule around those departure and arrival times. “Shingen Mochi” is a Yamanashi specialty consisting of soft mochi topped with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and black sugar syrup, while “Hōtō” is a local dish made by simmering wide noodles with vegetables—both are flavors unique to this region.

English-language services and information for international visitors

Fujiten Snow Resort also provides comprehensive information in English. Its official website features an English page where you can check the slopes, prices, and operating hours in advance. You can book the express bus from Busta Shinjuku via the English version of Highway Bus.com, and Fuji Kanko Travel—which operates the shuttle bus from in front of Kawaguchiko Station—also offers reservations and assistance in English. For peace of mind, it’s best to check each official website in advance to confirm whether on-site rental services offer English support, carry international sizes, and if ski lessons are available in English. The tourist information center at Kawaguchiko Station offers multilingual support, so you can ask about shuttle bus schedules and nearby sightseeing information in English. If you run into any trouble, the JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) English-language telephone assistance service can also be helpful.

Dining Spots in Ueno and Shinjuku to Visit Before or After Skiing

For a day trip to the slopes, it’s best to enjoy a full set of meals, including breakfast and dinner. We recommend having a light breakfast at a restaurant that opens early before heading out, and then wrapping up the day in the lively atmosphere of Tokyo after a day of skiing.

Breakfast Spots in Ueno and Shinjuku to Enjoy Before an Early Morning Departure

Around &Here TOKYO UENO, there are shops that open as early as 6:00–7:00 a.m., such as the cafes in “Ecute Ueno,” the shopping complex inside Ueno Station. Around &Here SHINJUKU, the bakeries and cafes inside Shinjuku Station are convenient, allowing you to enjoy breakfast with freshly baked bread and coffee. If you opt for takeout, you can eat breakfast on the Shinkansen or bus, freeing up more time for skating. To ensure you don’t miss your ride, aim to leave the shop at least 30 minutes before your departure time.

Dinner Spots in Ueno and Shinjuku to Enjoy After a Night of Skating

Around &Here TOKYO UENO is a lively shopping district known as “Ameyoko,” lined with traditional izakayas. Here, you can experience Japan’s local drinking culture with dishes like skewered grilled meats and stewed offal. An “izakaya” is a Japanese-style restaurant where you can casually enjoy drinks and small plates. If you’re in the mood for classic Japanese dishes like sushi, tempura, or tonkatsu, the dining area inside Ueno Station is also a good option.
Around &Here SHINJUKU, “Omoide Yokocho” near the West Exit of Shinjuku Station is famous. This alley is lined with small drinking spots, and its atmosphere—with the smoke from charcoal grills and red paper lanterns—has made it a favorite among international travelers as “Tokyo Alley.” An increasing number of establishments now offer English menus. No matter which area you’re in, you can return to the hotel quickly on foot or by taxi, so you can rest easily even when you’re tired after a day on the slopes.

Why &Here Makes Your Ski Trip Even More Comfortable

Choosing the right hotel as your base is key to making a day trip to the slopes more comfortable. Here are four reasons why &Here SHINJUKU and &Here TOKYO UENO are ideal bases for your ski trip.

Spacious guest rooms with storage for snowboards and large luggage

The guest rooms at &Here are spacious and roomy, so even with snowboards, skis, and large board bags, they never feel cramped. With a kitchenette, dining area, and sofa, you can enjoy relaxing with family or friends right in your room after a day on the slopes. The hotel also offers luggage shipping services—you can have your gear sent to the airport or from the ski resort to the hotel—making your travels much more convenient.

Shared laundry facilities, convenient for extended stays

The hotel’s common areas feature laundry facilities, allowing you to wash and dry snow-soaked gear in time for the next day. Even on trips where you split your skiing days over several days, it feels great to head out to the mountains in clean gear every day. For those visiting Japan with just one suitcase, being able to keep the amount of clothing they bring to a minimum is a definite plus.

Location with easy access to major stations and bus terminals

&Here SHINJUKU is within walking distance of Busta Shinjuku, making it convenient for taking the express bus to Fujiten Snow Resort. &Here TOKYO UENO is close to JR Ueno Station, making it easy to catch the Shinkansen to Gala Yuzawa or Karuizawa. Even for early-morning day trips, the commute to the station is quick. Additionally, there are services to deliver luggage from Narita and Haneda Airports to the hotel, as well as to send snowboard bags from the hotel to the ski resort in advance, so you can travel light from the moment you arrive at the airport.

Multi-Night Stay Plans That Combine Tokyo Sightseeing and Snow Activities

With a 3- to 5-night stay, you can enjoy a variety of activities—skiing one day, sightseeing in Asakusa or Ginza the next, and visiting hot springs or shopping on yet another day. Since you can leave your luggage at the same hotel in Tokyo while heading to the mountains, you won’t have to pack every day, making your stay more comfortable. We hope you’ll experience the “special days” unique to &Here in both Tokyo and the snowy mountains.