Locals in Japan

Planning a snowy adventure in Japan with kids? Yuzawa is perfect for your family!

Just an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen, this winter wonderland offers the easiest powder snow access for international families. We as Japanese locals raising two kids in Tokyo love Yuzawa too! We love and repeatedly visit NASPA in Yuzawa.

Anyways, in this page we’ll share our 12 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Yuzawa to help you and yourr little ones experience their snow magic.⛄

December Update – NASPA Ski Garden will open from 20th Dec 2024 for 2024-2025 Winter Season!

Family Vacation to Yuzawa: Which One is Family Friendly Ski Resort?

How to Make the Most of Your Family Yuzawa Ski Trip

Yuzawa is small but packed with different ski areas.

We get tons of snow here – yes, that amazing powder snow you’re dreaming of! Best part is that it’s just an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, shinkansen!🚅

No long, tiring trips (especially with kids, right?😂). That’s why Yuzawa, the town itselft, is naturally family-friendly – it’s super easy to get here!

Looking for Family Friendly One?

Here’s a list of 10 Ski Resorts around Echigo-Yuzawa and GALA Yuzawa stations, considering family friendly features.

After checking things like access, kids’ facilities and English ski lessons, we think the three ski resorts, NASPA, Yuzawa Kogen, and Yuzawa Nakazato are the most family-friendly in Yuzawa.

Our favorite is NASPA Ski Garden – we keep going back with our family because it’s just perfect for kids!

Friendly heads-up: Some hotels in Yuzawa have limited dinner slots. We recommend booking your dinner time right after your hotel reservation to avoid disappointment!

12 Best Family Friendly Hotels in Yuzawa

To make your family’s Winter Vacation unforgettable in Yuzawa, we’ve selected 12 Best Family Friendly Hotels in this snow paradise. These are specially chosen for their family friendly features such as Kids Stay Free policy, Spacious family rooms, Laundry, and Microwaves.

1. NASPA New Otani

Our Family’s Favorite: Spacious Family Friendly Resort Right on NASPA Snow Slopes

📍Area: Inside NASPA Ski Garden
⭐Review Score: 8.3 (Very Good)
😊Family Room: Junior Suite, Quad, and more
🧒Kids Stay Free: Age 0-6 (When they sleep in same bed with adults)
👚Laundry: Yes
🍽️Microwave: Yes

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Family Resort with Easy Access
This mountain resort hotel offers spacious rooms that easily fit whole families. The clean onsen in each building helps after skiing, and the no-reservation shuttle runs regularly to town. While the breakfast menu repeats daily, it has plenty of choices for everyone.

Having visited twice with our own family, we love how the NASPA ski garden and lifts are right outside – perfect for kids learning to ski! It has kids ski school in English too. The rental shop staff are super friendly, and the beginner slopes are great for families. Just note that the pool costs extra, but the overall family atmosphere keeps us coming back!

Oh, last but not least, this place is “SKI ONLY” so snowboard is not allowed!😂

Insider tip: “Kids Stay Free” in Japan often is applied only when kids sleep in same bed with adults. If your kids need separate beds, standard rates apply. 🙂

2. Yuzawa Toei Hotel

Perfect Slope-Side Hotel at Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort’s Base, Spacious and Renewed Excellent Onsen!😊

📍Area: Inside Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
⭐Review Score: 8.1 (Very Good)
😊Family Room: Modern Japanese, up to 5 ppl
🧒Kids Stay Free: Age 0-3
👚Laundry: N/A
🍽️Microwave: Yes

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Very Easy Access Snow Resort Hotel
This bit old hotel still makes families happy with its super handy location – you can ski right from the door! The free shuttle picks you up at the station, and kids love the big onsen bath. While it’s not super modern, the Japanese-style rooms are clean and spacious enough for everyone.

Kids can learn skiing right outside, and the breakfast buffet has both Japanese and Western food to keep everyone happy. Many families say they don’t mind the dated feel because the friendly staff and easy slope access make up for it. Just know the food menu stays pretty much the same during your stay!

Book Next: Shinkansen Ticket from Tokyo to Yuzawa🚅

3. Hotel Angel Grandia Echigo Nakazato

Kid-Friendly Japanese Hotel Offers Slope Access and Baby-Safe Onsen👶

📍Area: Inside Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
⭐Review Score: 7.8 (Good)
😊Family Room: Japanese Style Large Room and more
🧒Kids Stay Free: Age 0-2
👚Laundry: Yes
🍽️Microwave: Yes

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Snow Resort for Smart Families
This ski-area hotel has a 7.8/10 rating mainly because people couldn’t get dinner reservations. But don’t worry – if you book meals early, you’ll enjoy the good buffet food and nice facilities like baby-friendly onsen baths and big Japanese-style rooms. A free shuttle runs from the station. (For bus, no bookings needed, first come basis)

Families love the spacious rooms that fit 4-5 people easily, and kids can learn skiing nearby including lessons in English. Many guests say they had a great time after booking their dinner slots right after making their room reservation. The buffet choices are good for kids, and the winter activities keep everyone happy!

Quickly Learn Ski and Snowboard? Try: Group Private Ski Lesson in Yuzawa⛷️

4. Naeba Prince Hotel

World’s Longest 5,481m Gondola Plus Ski-in/Ski-out Resort with Kids’ Park

📍Area: Inside Naeba Ski Resort
⭐Review Score: 7.6 (Good)
😊Family Room: Family Room with Ski Run View and more
🧒Kids Stay Free: Age 0-5
👚Laundry: Yes
🍽️Microwave: Warming upon request

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Winter Paradise Family Ski Resort
This winter-focused resort boasts direct slope access and the world’s longest 5.5km gondola ride. While summer reviews vary, it truly shines during snow season with extensive facilities including diverse dining options, professional ski rentals, and a dedicated kids’ snow park with various winter activities.

Beginner-friendly terrain and professional instructors at the on-site Sherpa ski school make winter sports accessible for all ages. The slope-view rooms feature hammocks where parents can watch their children ski, creating perfect winter family memories. A convenient free shuttle (Pre-book Needed!) connects to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, making travel stress-free.

Insider tip: Prince Hotels is one of Japan’s top hotel groups with a Shinagawa location and a family-friendly ski resort hotel “Karuizawa Prince” in Karuizawa.⛄

5. Shosenkaku Kagetsu

5 min walk to Echigo Yuzawa Station! Traditional Ryokan that Offers Private Garden Onsen and Kids’ Play Area🦖

📍Area: 5 min walk to Echigo Yuzawa station
⭐Review Score: 9.1 (Wonderful)
😊Family Room: Japanese Room and more
🧒Kids Stay Free: 0-2
👚Laundry: N/A
🍽️Microwave: Warming upon request

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Cozy Family Haven with Cultural Touch
This elegant ryokan combines traditional Japanese hospitality with modern comforts, featuring spacious rooms with tea services and both public and private outdoor onsen baths. The complimentary lounge area serves refreshments and snacks, while the convenient location puts you just 5 min walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station.

Young families appreciate the dedicated kids’ playroom, which keeps little ones entertained between winter activities. The attentive staff provides free boot rentals during snow season, and the private dining alcoves offer an authentic kaiseki experience in a family-friendly setting, though advance booking is essential.

6. Hotel Futaba

Multiple Private Dining Rooms and Six Different Onsen Views in Snow Country⛄

📍Area: 8 min walk to Echigo Yuzawa station
⭐Review Score: 8.6 (Excellent)
😊Family Room: Room with Open Bath and more
🧒Kids Stay Free: Age 0-5 (2,750yen/child)
👚Laundry: N/A
🍽️Microwave: N/A

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Traditional Hot Spring Haven
The recently renovated hotel features six unique onsen baths, including outdoor hot springs with snow views, and private dining rooms for intimate kaiseki meals. The spacious rooms combine modern amenities with traditional Japanese design, some offering two separate washbasins for family convenience.

Families appreciate the excellent rice quality and varied meal options, with special consideration for children’s preferences. The international staff team provides warm hospitality, while the free shuttle service to both train station and ski areas makes winter activities stress-free.

7. Ishiuchi Ski Center

Perfect Center-Slope Location with All-in-One Ski Lodge and Restaurant (You Need Lift Ticket to Get There)

📍Area: Inside Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort!
⭐Review Score: 8.5 (Very Good)
😊Family Room: Yes, up to 6ppl
🧒Kids Stay Free: Age 0-5
👚Laundry: Yes
🍽️Microwave: Yes

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Cozy Mountain Hub for Families
The center sits right on slopes of Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, combining comfy lodging, equipment services, and a welcoming restaurant with slope views. This one-stop facility lets you roll out of bed and onto the lifts, making winter mornings smooth and stress-free.

Families love how they can skip the shuttles and walk straight to the slopes. The relaxed lounge spaces with board games, home-style meals, and cheerful staff who speak multiple languages create an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home after a day of skiing.

8. Tonbo Lodge Ishiuchi

Five-Minute Walk to Ishiuchi Ski Resort with Private Onsen Booking System⛷️

📍Area: Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort
⭐Review Score: 8.6 (Wonderful)
😊Family Room: Triple and more
🧒Kids Stay Free: N/A
👚Laundry: N/A
🍽️Microwave: Yes

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Cozy Lodge with Personal Touch
The lodge features a reservation-based private onsen and spacious drying room for winter gear. Located just five minutes from Ishiuchi Ski Resort’s lifts and rental shops, it offers mountain views from both guestrooms and the dining area.

Families appreciate the board game collection in the communal dining space and the varied buffet meals including Sri Lankan curry. The exceptionally friendly staff go above and beyond, even providing local transportation when taxis are unavailable during peak seasons.

9. Takahan

Historic Novel-Inspired Ryokan with Free Ski Resort Shuttle and Night Onsen📚

📍Area: 2min Bus to GALA Yuzawa Station (Book Bus upon arrival)
⭐Review Score: 8.9 (Wonderful)
😊Family Room: Private Onsen Room, Japanese
🧒Kids Stay Free: Age 0-5 (2,200yen/child)
👚Laundry: Yes
🍽️Microwave: Warming upon request

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Literary Legacy Meets Winter Sports
The historic ryokan, famous as Kawabata’s inspiration for his novel “Snow Country,” offers natural hot springs open until 9:30 AM and mountain-view rooms. The property provides complimentary shuttle service to Gala Yuzawa ski resort and features both indoor and outdoor onsen baths.

Families treasure the spacious tatami rooms and cozy common areas complete with a piano and museum space. The traditional atmosphere, combined with attentive staff and varied meal options, creates an authentic Japanese winter experience that bridges historical charm with modern skiing convenience.

Don’t Miss: Great Value Combo Deals for GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort Ticket⛷️

10. K Lodge

Premier Location by Kagura Ski Resort with Expert Ski Staff On-Site⛷️

📍Area: Near Kagura Ski Resort (Book Free Hotel Pickup to Sta.)
⭐Review Score: 9.8 (Exceptional)
😊Family Room: Yes, up to 5ppl/room
🧒Kids Stay Free: Age 0-2
👚Laundry: Yes
🍽️Microwave: Warming upon request

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Mountain Lodge with Professional Guidance
The lodge boasts prime positioning just five minutes from Kagura Ski Resort’s Mitsumata Station, offering complimentary shuttle service to the slopes. Professional ski instructors on staff provide expert guidance on technique, equipment maintenance, and personalized lessons.

Families appreciate the 24-hour onsen and comprehensive amenities including laundry facilities and microwaves. The attentive staff, quality meals, and access to one of Japan’s best powder snow regions make this an ideal base for family ski adventures.

11. Yuzawa Grand Hotel

Great Location! Two-Minute Walk to Station and Ski Slopes with Modernized Three Indoor Onsens😊

📍Area: 2 min walk to Station!
⭐Review Score: 8.8 (Very Good)
😊Family Room: Private Onsen Room, Japanese room
🧒Kids Stay Free: Age 0 (Age 1-2, 2.200 yen)
👚Laundry: Yes
🍽️Microwave: Yes

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Prime Location Winter Resort Haven
The hotel features spacious tatami rooms and extensive onsen facilities, including three indoor pools and an outdoor bath. Located just two minutes walk from both Echigo-Yuzawa Station and nearby ski slopes, it provides convenient ski rentals for winter sports enthusiasts.

Families appreciate the varied buffet meals featuring both Western and Japanese options. The afternoon amazake service and post-checkout onsen access until 3 PM make this property especially convenient for families with flexible schedules.

12. Yuzawa New Otani

Free NASPA Ski Passes, Mountain-View Onsen and 20-Min Station Shuttle Service🚎

📍Area: 3 min bus from Sta. (Book Needed)
⭐Review Score: 8.1 (Very Good)
😊Family Room: Suite, Connecting
🧒Kids Stay Free: Age 0-5
👚Laundry: Yes
🍽️Microwave: Yes

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Ski Resort with Traditional Comfort
The hotel delights families with spacious Japanese rooms and complimentary lift passes to NASPA Ski Garden. The frequent shuttle service from Echigo-Yuzawa Station ensures stress-free transportation for guests with children and gear.

Families particularly enjoy the natural hot springs, featuring indoor and outdoor baths with mountain views. The extensive breakfast buffet and English-speaking staff create a welcoming atmosphere that makes international families feel right at home.

Access to Yuzawa

Here’s your guide to the snow paradise of Yuzawa, blessed with abundant powder snow. With its perfect location just an hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo, you’ll be amazed by how quick and easy it is to reach this winter wonderland.

By Train

By train, you can reach Yuzawa in an hour from Tokyo – making it one of the most accessible ski resorts in Japan! Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno station. You can book tickets through Klook, and board most routes directly with a QR code – no physical tickets needed! Many hotels offer free shuttle services from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, so be sure to check when booking.

By Car

If driving to Yuzawa during winter season, winter tires or chains are absolutely required! The journey from Tokyo typically takes 3.0 to 4 hours, though travel time can increase significantly during peak periods or heavy traffic especially on return trip to Tokyo.

Make Your Winter Family Memories in Yuzawa!

We hope our guide to the 12 Best Family Friendly Hotels in Yuzawa helps you plan the perfect stay for your loved ones. Each property offers unique features to make your winter adventure truly memorable.

Planning to explore more of Japan? Check out our carefully curated lists of Family Friendly Hotels in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto to discover the best accommodations for your family throughout your Japanese journey. We’re here to help make your family vacation in Japan an unforgettable experience!

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