Ishiuchi Maruyama ski and snowboard resort, one of the larger resorts in Japan and located in the Minamiuonuma region of Niigata Prefecture - previously known as Shiozawa, just to the north of Yuzawa town - was originally funded and developed by ski enthusiasts living in Tokyo more than 70 years ago.
A few years ago some major new facilities made their debut at Ishiuchi Maruyama. The recently opened Resort Center building offers all the facilities required for a ski resort base. The mountain also saw the introduction of the world’s most advanced ‘combi-lift’ called Sunrise Express, a new triple lift and a new Snow Land area for children. The Veranda Terrace and Dome Tents continue the tradition of regular and exciting developments at the ski area.
Hybrid Gondola & 6-person lift
The Sunrise Express lift, first opening during the 2018-2019 season, combines a 10-person Gondola with 6-person hooded chair lifts – all operating on the same line. You can choose between riding a ski lift or a Gondola cabin. The warm and comfortable Gondola is perfect if you just want to use ascend the mountain for sightseeing and playing in the snow activities. Both the chair lifts and gondola are latest models, offering an extremely steady and quiet journey up the mountain. Luxurious heated seats also add to the feeling of a ‘First Class’ ride, making this new lift an experience in itself. From the top of the Gondola you can enjoy views of the Uonuma plain along with some gentle slopes that everyone can enjoy.
The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama
The largest observation terrace in the region opened in the summer of 2022. From this new feature, you can enjoy superb views and means not only in summer but also during the winter. Ride the gondola up to the observatory terrace for 3,000 yen (1,600 yen for elementary school students and younger).
Adjacent to the observation terrace, there is a special Dome Tent and a snow play area. A set plan for to use the Dome Tent and gondola can be booked online for 4,800 yen for adults and 2,500 yen for junior high school students and younger. The fee for playing in the snow is also included in this ticket.
Resort Center
The Resort Center is by the Chuo Car Park and close to the Sunrise Express gondola base station
Information counter
Equipment rental
Shop
Cafe stand
Changing rooms & coin lockers
Powder room
Lounge space
Goldwin Ishiuchi Maruyama (official Goldwin shop)
Veranda Cafe
At the café on the observation terrace, you can relax while being warmed by the flames of the log fire.
Famous floodlit night skiing
Ishiuchi Maruyama has long been famous for its night skiing operations. Dates for the 2026-2027 to be announced.
Snow Park & Powder
Main Park:
Popular park zone for intermediate and experienced riders
Beginner Park:
This is for you if you are new to park!
Gungho Monster Pipe:
This pipe is huge on a 'world scale'!
This facility is run by Minamiuonuma city and a separate charge is required.
Special 'Powder Areas' are available on the upper part of the mountain and the Oumaruyama course and Giant course are areas where you can enjoy top quality untouched Niigata snow. In this region, it is not unknown for a full meter of snow to fall in one night! Make an early morning start to hit the powder in a morning after a big snowfall.
Places to eat
With over 20 dining options in Ishiuchi Maruyama, there is plenty to choose from, sure to please everyone. You can enjoy a handmade menu using Japan's best rice, Koshihikari, and other local specialities. In addition, the Snow Mountain Pancake at the Veranda Cafe looks cute and is a popular menu item on SNS.
Getting to Ishiuchi Maruyama
By car
Ishiuchi Maruyama is located just off Route 17 close to the border of Yuzawa town and Minamiuonuma city:
3km from the Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC exit of the Kanetsu Expressway
5km from the Yuzawa IC exit of the Kanetsu Expressway
By train
Just one and a half hours from Tokyo using the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train to Echigo Yuzawa Station. There is a regular free shuttle bus service running from Echigo Yuzawa station to the Hatsukaishi and Chuo entrances of Ishiuchi Maruyama. The journey from Echigo Yuzawa Station to the resort takes just 10 minutes.
More information:
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