Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, located in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, stands as one of Japan’s most distinguished winter destinations. With over 75 years of history since its 1949 opening, this expansive resort offers 236 hectares of skiable terrain across 23 diverse courses, catering to everyone from first-timers to seasoned experts.
Understanding the Access Challenges
Ishiuchi Maruyama features three separate base areas: the Central Gate, Hatsuka-ishi Gate, and Kanko Gate. For first-time visitors, coordinating meeting points can be challenging as these entrances are located some distance apart. Planning which entrance to use beforehand is essential for a smooth arrival.
From the Central Gate, reaching the upper slopes requires riding the gondola, and beginners descending from higher elevations are also advised to use the gondola. Some descent routes demand intermediate-level skills, making it important to plan runs according to ability levels.
A 75-Year Legacy of Excellence
Established in 1949, shortly after World War II, Ishiuchi Maruyama has been weaving its story into Japan’s skiing history for over seven decades. The 2024-2025 season marked the resort’s 75th anniversary.
In 1949, the first rope tow was installed in the Uonuma mountains, marking the beginning of Ishiuchi Maruyama’s story. Initially operated by local volunteers, the resort grew alongside skiing’s emergence as a national pastime, serving as a training ground where many skiers honed their skills.
In 1973, the resort earned distinction by hosting the National Winter Sports Festival, where top athletes from across Japan competed. This prestigious event established Ishiuchi Maruyama’s reputation as a competition-grade facility, leading to numerous subsequent tournaments.
The resort’s operations were historically divided among four entities: local firm Nippon Lift Service managing the Central Gate with six lifts, Kokusai Ski Kaihatsu operating Hatsuka-ishi Gate, Daisei Sogyo running Kanko Gate, and Green Lift operating a single mid-mountain lift. In 1997, these companies united to form the “Ishiuchi Maruyama Cable Operators Cooperative,” creating unified resort management.
Following major restructuring after 2019, operations transitioned to Alpina BI Corporation, part of Nippon Cable’s NC Resort Group. As a member of the Alpina Group managing eight snow resorts nationwide including Lake Biwa Valley and Yuzawa Kogen, the resort benefits from cutting-edge management expertise and capital investment while preserving its traditions.
Now entering its 76th season in 2025-26, Ishiuchi Maruyama maintains the prestige of its storied past while embracing the latest technology including the world-class Sunrise Express, positioning itself at the forefront of modern snow resorts.
Impressive Scale Among Kanto-Koshinetsu Resorts
Vast Terrain and Diverse Courses
Ishiuchi Maruyama ranks among the largest ski resorts in the Kanto-Koshinetsu region, with 236 hectares of terrain spanning 23 courses. The vertical drop reaches 664 meters, and the longest run extends 4,000 meters, providing exceptional variety for all skill levels.
The course distribution balances perfectly across ability levels: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced. The resort’s signature feature is its fan-shaped layout from the summit, with wide-open slopes particularly welcoming to those new to winter sports.
Three Distinctive Areas
Hatsuka-ishi Area
The Hatsuka-ishi Gate serves as the ideal entry point for beginners and families. Gentle slopes dominate this area, creating perfect conditions for first-time skiers. The wide courses and excellent visibility provide a comfortable learning environment.
Central Area
The Central Gate functions as Ishiuchi Maruyama’s main entrance, featuring the state-of-the-art combination lift “Sunrise Express.” The adjacent Resort Center consolidates all essential services including rentals, shops, cafes, and more in one convenient location.
The mid-mountain Ginza area preserves a nostalgic atmosphere with traditional lodges and eateries lining the slopes. This approximately 200-meter-wide slope serves as the resort’s social hub, where skiers and boarders naturally congregate.
Kanko Area (North Gate)
The Kanko Gate caters to advanced skiers with challenging terrain, a well-developed snow park, and a halfpipe. Steep ungroomed runs and technical courses attract those seeking to push their limits.
Summit Panoramas
The summit area, accessible via the high-speed chair lift at 920 meters elevation, offers breathtaking views across the Uonuma Plain with the majestic Echigo Sanzan mountains (Hakkaisan, Echigokomagatake, and Nakanodake) in the distance. On clear days, the Tanigawa mountain range and Makihata-yama come into view.
While the summit features challenging runs with gradients up to 35 degrees, beginners can access these spectacular views via the gentle Meruhen Course. A top-to-bottom run covers 650 meters of vertical drop over 4 kilometers of exhilarating descent.
World-Class Modern Facilities
Sunrise Express
Introduced in the 2018-2019 season, the Sunrise Express represents cutting-edge lift technology with its combination of gondola cabins and six-passenger heated chairs on the same cable system. This innovative lift covers 1,178 meters in approximately seven minutes, providing comfortable access from the Central Gate to the mid-mountain area.
The chairs feature automotive-quality bucket seats with integrated heating, ensuring comfort even on the coldest days. This first-class experience makes ascending to the snow wonderland effortless and enjoyable.
Resort Center
The Central Gate’s Resort Center, opened in the 2018-2019 season, serves as Ishiuchi Maruyama’s architectural landmark. Its symbolic design, inspired by the surrounding mountain ranges, features floor-to-ceiling windows creating a bright, spacious atmosphere.
The facility houses an information desk, ticket sales, rental shop, Goldwin shop (a regional first), cafe, changing rooms, and lockers—everything needed for a day on the mountain consolidated under one roof.
The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama
Located at the mid-mountain viewpoint accessible via Sunrise Express, The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama offers the area’s largest observation terrace and cafe. The main second floor features a fireside cafe and viewing terrace, with an observation floor above and experiential dome tents below.
Guests can savor the signature “Yukiyama Pancakes” and other cafe specialties while taking in panoramic views of Minamiuonuma’s pastoral landscape backed by Echigo’s magnificent mountain ranges.
Courses for Every Ability Level
Beginner Terrain
Family Course
This long run from the Sunrise Express top station back to the base offers gentle, wide slopes perfect for newcomers. The gradual gradient makes it ideal for building confidence while enjoying extended cruising.
Meruhen Course
This beginner-friendly route bypasses the challenging summit terrain, allowing novices to experience mountain-top views while descending safely and comfortably.
Intermediate Terrain
Ginza Slope
The mid-mountain Ginza area serves as the resort’s central gathering point, offering wide runs with moderate pitch perfect for confident intermediate skiers. The lively atmosphere and excellent snow conditions make it a favorite among many visitors.
Daimar-uyama Slope
Running alongside the Kanko 3rd Express, this intermediate run begins with a steeper pitch before transitioning to more forgiving terrain. The parallel Paradise Course provides an easier alternative.
Advanced Terrain
Summit Slope
The 920-meter summit features runs with gradients up to 35 degrees, offering thrilling descents with spectacular views of the Uonuma Plain and Echigo Sanzan mountains.
Devil Down Course
Two narrow runs form this technical challenge with steep, ungroomed terrain requiring precise edge control. Advanced skiers seeking a serious test will find it here.
Kokutai Course
Named for its role in hosting the National Winter Sports Festival, this historic run provides the perfect venue for technical skill assessment.
Ungroomed Areas
Approximately six ungroomed zones throughout the resort offer powder skiing opportunities after fresh snowfall. Areas include the Summit Slope, Daimar-uyama Slope, Giant Course, Kokutai Course, Devil Down Course, and Dynamic A Course.
Tree Run Areas
Two designated tree run zones—at the summit and mid-mountain—provide thrilling off-piste experiences through natural terrain and forest glades.
Snow Park and Halfpipe
Ishiuchi Maruyama Snow Park
Located along the Kanko 2nd Express beside the Ginza area, this 500-meter park features up to 20 sections accommodating beginners through experts. As one of the region’s most comprehensive parks, it includes dedicated beginner and main park areas.
With jumps, rails, boxes, and various features, the progressive layout allows riders to build skills gradually. The thoughtful design appeals to all ability levels.
Gunho Monster Pipe
Left from the Sunrise Express top station stands the municipally-operated Gunho Monster Pipe, one of the world’s largest halfpipes meeting international competition standards. Opened in February 2018, this facility reflects Ishiuchi’s connection to Ayana Onozuka, bronze medalist in women’s ski halfpipe at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Seasonal registration and additional fees beyond lift tickets are required, and helmet use is mandatory.
Extensive Night Skiing Operations
Ishiuchi Maruyama operates one of the region’s most extensive night skiing programs. For the 2025-26 season, night operations run from December 27, 2025 through February 28, 2026, plus Fridays and Saturdays through March 28, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
During night operations, movement between the Central/Kanko and Hatsuka-ishi areas is possible (Hatsuka-ishi night skiing operates only on Saturdays through March 7). Evening temperatures improve snow conditions, creating what locals call “night powder”—optimal conditions for smooth, fast runs.
Illuminated slopes set against the glittering lights of the Uonuma Plain below create a magical atmosphere. Post-snowfall night sessions are particularly sought after, offering some of the resort’s finest conditions.
Snow Garden for Non-Skiers
The 2025-26 season sees the full launch of the Snow Garden, a dedicated snow experience area for visitors who prefer not to ski. This popular attraction features snow terraces, dome tents, and photogenic spots throughout, offering accessible snow glamping experiences amid spectacular winter scenery.
The kids park includes a snow escalator, tubing, snowshoes, sleds, and snow racers, providing safe entertainment for young children and families. Those with full-day lift tickets or higher can access the area free of charge. Kids tickets (for pre-school children aged 4 and up) include all gondola and lift access during operating hours, snow play area entry, and dome tent access.
Outstanding Mountain Dining
One of Ishiuchi Maruyama’s distinctive features is its remarkable collection of 24 dining establishments spread throughout the resort. From stylish cafes to authentic yakiniku restaurants, the culinary offerings exceed typical slope-side expectations, with fans who visit specifically to enjoy particular restaurants.
Popular Restaurants and Signature Dishes
Restaurant Daimaru
This exceptionally rare on-mountain yakiniku restaurant offers authentic Japanese barbecue. The sizzling, freshly grilled meat pairs perfectly with generous servings of Minamiuonuma Koshihikari rice. Featuring Echigo Mochi Pork and other premium cuts, it’s ideal for sharing with friends.
Restaurant Barrena
Specializing in authentic stone-oven pizza, this Italian restaurant serves Margherita and Quattro Formaggi that transcend typical slope dining. The beef curry is equally outstanding, with dessert sets available after 2:00 PM. The bright, stylish interior particularly appeals to female groups.
Restaurant Kern
This authentic European restaurant featuring house-made herbs is famous for its signature “Baked Beef Stew.” The melt-in-your-mouth beef, vegetables, and rich sauce create an unforgettable dish guests want to reorder. The Caesar salad is also popular, with substantial portions throughout the menu.
Izakaya Kenchan Gerende Branch
This eatery serves original menu items including buckwheat galettes and jumbo okonomiyaki. The jumbo okonomiyaki amazes everyone with its unprecedented size. Daily lunch specials are also noteworthy.
Shimizu Shokudo
Located in the mid-mountain area and identified by its carrot signage, this traditional, welcoming cafeteria offers homestyle cooking with local ingredients. Oden and seasonal mountain vegetable dishes pair well with beer. Even locals frequent this beloved establishment.
New Maruyama Lodge
Located mid-mountain in the Ginza area, this cafeteria features set meals using Uonuma Koshihikari rice. Katsudon, ginger pork sets, and katsu curry offer satisfying portions, with Echigo Mochi Pork dishes particularly renowned.
Restaurant Saison
Famous for katsu curry and Napolitan, this Western-style restaurant features thick, handmade katsu perfectly complementing house-grown Koshihikari rice. Every menu item delivers consistent satisfaction.
Station Buoy
Located in the Central Gate rest facility, giant hand-palm-sized croquettes are the specialty. One croquette satisfies hunger completely. Deep-fried breads including anpan and curry pan are also popular.
The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama
Located at the mid-mountain viewpoint accessible via Sunrise Express, The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama offers the area’s largest observation terrace and cafe. While taking in panoramic views of Minamiuonuma’s pastoral landscape backed by magnificent Echigo mountain ranges, guests can savor the signature “Yukiyama Pancakes” and other cafe specialties.
The main second floor features a fireside cafe and viewing terrace, with an observation floor above and experiential dome tents below.
Resort Center Cafe Stand
Perfect before departure, this cafe serves fresh-baked goods and hot coffee and tea, ideal for recovery after long runs while planning the next visit.
The mid-mountain Ginza area hosts these establishments in rows, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of traditional Japanese ski resorts. True to Minamiuonuma Koshihikari’s home region, every establishment serves exceptionally delicious rice, with noodle dishes equally praised. With approximately 24 independently-operated shops competing in taste and service, Ishiuchi Maruyama truly functions as a gourmet park on the slopes.
Green Season at The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama
Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort offers attractions beyond winter, transforming into a captivating resort destination during summer. The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama, which opened in 2022, provides unique scenic experiences exclusive to the snow-free season.
Operating Periods and Hours
Green season operations unfold in stages: Golden Week period, special weekend-only operations from mid-May through mid-June, and full operations from summer vacation through early November. Regular hours run 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, extending to 9:00 PM on night terrace operating days.
Seasonal Scenery
From spring through early summer, the rice-planting season transforms the Minamiuonuma Plain into a glittering water mirror. Summer brings “Fresh Summer Festa” with cool, limited-time menus, making the 550-meter elevation highland comfortable even in heat. Autumn presents spectacular panoramas of crimson Echigo mountains contrasting with golden rice paddies.
Summer Signature Menu
The observation terrace cafe transforms its signature “Yukiyama Pancakes” into limited-edition “Fresh Fruit Pancakes,” generously topped with summery grapefruit, orange, melon, and pineapple overflowing the plate. Drink menu highlights include “Orange Bomb,” featuring an entire large orange.
Night Terrace Operations
The annually popular night terrace operates primarily on weekends from August through September, including the Obon period. As temperatures drop and become comfortable after sunset, visitors enjoy sunsets painting the sky red, illuminating majestic surrounding mountains, and creating fantastical night views of Minamiuonuma city streets and highways unique to this period.
Dome Tents and Field Lounges
Air-conditioned igloo-shaped dome tents offer private spaces for enjoying cafe menu takeout. Field lounges feature tipi-style tents and sofas on wooden decks, providing free areas to experience scenery more dynamically.
Rokka
“Rokka,” which opened in autumn 2023 alongside the observation terrace, offers snow country food culture experiences themed around local sake “Hakkaisan’s” koji and sake lees dishes, Minamiuonuma Koshihikari new rice onigiri, sake, and original drinks.
Green season Ishiuchi Maruyama, with attractions distinct from winter skiing, provides an ideal highland resort for families, couples, and friends.
Comprehensive Rentals and Instruction
Rental Equipment
The Resort Center’s official rental shop stocks the latest models, featuring Rossignol skis and Burton snowboards. The extensive inventory ranges from children’s sizes through expert models, with professionally cleaned rental wear.
From beginner-friendly equipment to high-end powder skis, the rental selection supports every need, enabling visitors to arrive empty-handed yet fully equipped. While goggles, hats, gloves, and socks aren’t available for rental due to hygiene considerations, they can be purchased at the shop.
Ski Schools
Multiple ski schools at Ishiuchi Maruyama provide expert instruction across all ability levels.
SAJ-Certified Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski & Snowboard School
General lessons accommodate elementary school age and older, operating from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Both two-hour and four-hour programs are available, with level-appropriate instruction.
Junior lessons serve ages 5 through elementary 6th grade on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and year-end/New Year periods, with careful instruction matching children’s developmental stages.
SIA-Certified Ishiuchi Pro Ski School
General lessons serve ages 7 and up, with kids lessons for ages 5-6. Registration takes place at the Central Gate, with professional instructors supporting skill development.
Kids Camp
Overnight ski camps provide opportunities for children to learn skiing alongside peers while experiencing mountain life through carefully structured programs.
Excellent Accessibility
By Train
The JR Joetsu Shinkansen reaches Echigo-Yuzawa Station from Tokyo Station in approximately 80 minutes (fastest service: 75 minutes). Free shuttle buses operate daily during the season, covering the 10-minute journey to Ishiuchi Maruyama’s Resort Center.
Via the JR Joetsu Line, Ishiuchi Station provides access with a seven-minute walk to the resort. Both shinkansen and conventional rail options make the resort easily reachable.
By Car
Via the Kan-Etsu Expressway, the journey from Nerima Interchange to Shiozawa-Ishiuchi Interchange takes approximately two hours. The resort lies just five minutes (3 kilometers) from the interchange, minimizing snow-covered driving for those less experienced in winter conditions.
Ample parking is available at the Central, Hatsuka-ishi, and Kanko gate entrances.
Facility Information
Operating Dates
Regular Operations
- Period: December 19, 2025 – April 5, 2026
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Hatsuka-ishi and North gates: December 19, 2025 – March 29, 2026
Night Operations
- Period: December 27, 2025 – February 28, 2026, plus Fridays and Saturdays through March 28
- Hours: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hatsuka-ishi area night operations: Saturdays only through March 7, 2026
Tri-Mountain Pass Access: Yuzawa Snow Link
Ishiuchi Maruyama connects with neighboring Gala Yuzawa and Yuzawa Kogen ski resorts, with a tri-mountain pass enabling free movement among all three destinations on a single ticket.
The BIG MOUNTAIN Yuzawa Snow Link creates one of Japan’s largest ski area networks, encompassing 48 courses with 900 meters of vertical drop spread across 5,000 meters from north to south. During the interconnection period (December 20, 2025 through March 22, 2026), summit-area ropeways and lifts provide access between resorts.
Outside the connection period, base-area shuttle buses serve each resort. The tremendous variety appeals particularly to extended-stay visitors and those seeking maximum skiing diversity.
Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort
Direct connection to JR Gala Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen makes this resort accessible from Tokyo in just 75 minutes. The station-integrated ski center provides rental facilities and spacious lockers, enabling truly hands-free skiing.
High elevation and abundant snowfall support operations from December through mid-May annually, making it a popular spring skiing destination.
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
Located just an eight-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, this resort features one of the world’s largest ropeways carrying 166 passengers. The seven-minute aerial journey offers spectacular views of Minamiuonuma’s natural landscape.
While compact with eight courses focused on beginner and intermediate terrain, connection with Ishiuchi Maruyama and Gala Yuzawa provides access to the full 48-course network.
Neighboring Ski Resorts
Maiko Snow Resort
Just one minute from Shiozawa-Ishiuchi Interchange, Maiko offers similarly excellent access. Twenty-six courses and gondola summit access enable extended runs. Resort-adjacent hotels and lodges with nursing rooms make it popular with families.
Naeba Ski Resort
One of Japan’s most famous ski destinations, Naeba spans 196 hectares across 24 courses ranging from gentle slopes to expert mogul runs. Naeba Prince Hotel provides direct slope access, with winter fireworks displays becoming a seasonal tradition.
Kandatsu Snow Resort
Known as the closest natural-snow resort to Tokyo, Kandatsu’s high elevation and north-facing orientation ensure abundant snowfall. Night operations extending to 2:00 AM offer romantic skiing beneath illuminated slopes.
Iwappara Ski Resort
Established in 1931, this historic resort features the distinctive triangular slope visible from the Kan-Etsu Expressway. Gentle terrain suits beginners and first-timers perfectly. The expansive kids park and sled course are regionally renowned, with nursing corners and diaper-changing facilities well-equipped.
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort
Directly connected to JR Echigo-Nakazato Station, this compact resort offers 16 distinctive courses. The famous rest area “Blue Train” repurposes actual retired sleeper cars, offering nostalgic atmosphere. Snow activities and attractions are abundant.
Nearby Attractions
Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen Town
The hot spring town that inspired Yasunari Kawabata’s novel “Snow Country” sits about 10 minutes by car from Ishiuchi Maruyama. The atmospheric streets host numerous day-visit bathing facilities and traditional ryokan, perfect for post-skiing relaxation.
Near Echigo-Yuzawa Station, “Ponshukan” offers tasting of over 100 different sake varieties from Niigata. Shops selling Uonuma Koshihikari rice and local specialties provide excellent souvenir options.
Mikuni Kaido Shiozawa-juku Makino-dori
Recreated in 2009 as “Makino-dori,” this historical post town on the Mikuni Highway preserves Edo-period snow country streetscapes. The characteristic “gangi” (overhanging roofs for snow protection) line atmospheric streets hosting cafes and souvenir shops.
Named for Suzuki Makino, author of the Edo-period snow chronicle “Hokuetsu Seppu,” this area offers historical and cultural experiences for explorers.
Unton-an Temple
This Soto Zen temple where Uesugi Kagekatsu and Naoe Kanetsugu studied in their youth offers historical significance. The grounds provide peaceful snow country ambiance appealing to history enthusiasts.
Mount Hakkai
Famous both as a sacred peak and sake brand name, Hakkaisan stands at 1,778 meters as one of the Echigo Sanzan mountains. The Hakkaisan Ropeway accesses near-summit areas, with spectacular winter mountain views. The base area Hakkaisan Izumi Village features sake and craft beer from Hakkaisan Brewery.
Daigenta Lake
This approximately 1.5-kilometer circumference lake at the base of Mount Daigenta features surrounding hiking trails and campgrounds. Winter brings silent, snow-covered scenery showcasing natural beauty.
Making the Most of Your Ishiuchi Maruyama Experience
Navigating a Japanese ski resort can present challenges for international visitors, from purchasing lift tickets and arranging transportation to communicating with staff and understanding local customs. Language barriers and unfamiliar procedures can create unnecessary stress during what should be an enjoyable vacation.
Professional Tour Conductor Service
For travelers seeking a seamless, worry-free experience at Ishiuchi Maruyama and throughout Japan, professional tour conductor services provide invaluable support. These experienced professionals accompany visitors throughout their journey, managing all logistical details while ensuring smooth communication with resort staff, hotels, and transportation providers.
A dedicated tour conductor handles ticket purchasing, coordinates group activities, provides interpretation when needed, and offers local insights that transform a simple ski trip into a rich cultural experience. They assist with restaurant reservations, manage emergency situations, and ensure every aspect of the itinerary flows smoothly.
This personalized service allows visitors to focus entirely on enjoying the magnificent slopes of Ishiuchi Maruyama and exploring Niigata’s winter wonderland without concern for language barriers or logistical complications.
Summary
Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, with over 75 years of history since its 1949 opening, stands as one of Niigata Prefecture’s premier snow destinations. Spanning 236 hectares across 23 courses, it ranks among the Kanto-Koshinetsu region’s largest resorts, featuring cutting-edge facilities like the world-class combination lift “Sunrise Express.”
The resort offers diverse experiences: courses for all skill levels, spectacular summit views, extensive night operations, 24 dining establishments, and the Snow Garden for non-skiers. The tri-mountain pass provides access to 48 combined courses across Ishiuchi Maruyama, Gala Yuzawa, and Yuzawa Kogen.
Excellent accessibility—just 80 minutes from Tokyo by shinkansen and five minutes from the Shiozawa-Ishiuchi Interchange—makes day trips and extended stays equally convenient. Nearby attractions including Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen, Shiozawa-juku, and Unton-an Temple offer abundant off-slope activities.
Additionally, during the green season, The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama transforms into a highland resort offering seasonal spectacular views. Whether winter or summer, Ishiuchi Maruyama presents enchanting experiences with magnificent natural beauty and comprehensive resort facilities that make it a truly exceptional destination in Japan’s snow country.