Minamiuonuma City is located in southern region of Niigata Prefecture, just to the north of Yuzawa Town. With 7 operating ski and snowboard resorts within the city and more resorts in neighbouring Yuzawa Town (to the south) and Uonuma city (to the north), Minamiuonuma is an excellent base for experiencing a variety of skiing and snowboarding.
More information on each of the ski areas in Minamiuonuma on SnowJapan:
Minamiuonuma is not just about skiing and snowboarding... it is a popular destination throughout the year. It is well known for 'koshihikari' Uonuma rice - often referred to as the best in all Japan - as well as onsen hot springs. The region is in an excellent location making it very convenient to get to from central Tokyo. The Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train leaves Tokyo Station and arrives at Echigo Yuzawa Station (the main station in neighbouring Yuzawa) in around 80 minutes. Minamiuonuma is just a short journey from Echigo Yuzawa Station.
Ski and snowboard resorts in Minamiuonuma
There are 10 ski and snowboard resorts within the boundaries of Minamiuonuma city ranging from very small ski hills popular with locals to large resorts that are famous throughout Japan. Most are within easy reach of train stations and the Kanetsu Expressway and Route 17 roads that go through the valley.
Link
Getting to Minamiuonuma
There are 10 ski and snowboard resorts within the boundaries of Minamiuonuma city ranging from very small ski hills popular with locals to large resorts that are famous throughout Japan. Most are within easy reach of train stations and the Kanetsu Expressway and Route 17 roads that go through the valley. Below is a list of the resorts in Minamiuonuma.
By public transport
Many people visiting Minamiuonuma by train use the Joetsu Shinkansen (bullet train) that stops regularly at the nearby Echigo Yuzawa Station. The train from Tokyo takes on average between 75 to 85 minutes to Yuzawa. You can take the local train (Joetsu line) from Echigo Yuzawa Station to the stations in Minamiuonuma - Ishiuchi, Joetsu Kokusai Skijo Mae, Muikamachi. Alternatively on exiting Echigo Yuzawa Station you will find shuttle buses going to most of the main resorts. The journey from the station to resorts in Minamiuonuma takes between 10 minutes and 40 minutes.
From Narita
From Narita International Airport (About 4 hours) From Narita International Airport, you will first want to get into central Tokyo using either the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner - both take around 1 hour. The Narita Express goes direct to Tokyo Station, and from there you can easily transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen. The Keisei Skyliner goes to Keisei Ueno Station. From there it is a 5 minute walk over to the JR Ueno Station where you can also catch the Joetsu Shinkansen. See above for info on the Joetsu Shinkansen.
More official information:
About the SnowJapan Directory
​
Learn how Directory listings work and read about our advertising policy