GALA Yuzawa is unique in that it has its own Shinkansen bullet train station. As an extension to the main Joetsu Shinkansen line and just 2km from the main Echigo Yuzawa Station, the GALA Yuzawa building houses both the train platform and the ski resort gondola. Not all Joetsu Shinkansen train services stop at Gala Yuzawa Station, so be sure before choosing which train. For example, suppose you get on a train that stops only at Echigo Yuzawa Station. In that case, there are free shuttle buses to GALA Yuzawa, which only take around five minutes.
Connections to the Hokuhoku line are also available at Echigo Yuzawa Station.
Excellent value day trip return tickets that include the Joetsu Shinkansen train and ski lift tickets are available.
On arriving at GALA Yuzawa Station, there is no need for a shuttle bus because the gondola to the ski slopes is within the same building.
A free shuttle bus is available from the West Exit of Echigo Yuzawa Station. In addition, a free shuttle bus connects GALA Yuzawa with the nearby Yuzawa Kogen and NASPA Ski Garden ski areas, and there are also bus connections to nearby Ishiuchi Maruyama.
A taxi journey from Echigo Yuzawa Station to GALA Yuzawa takes less than 5 minutes and costs around 1,000 yen.
From the Yuzawa IC exit, turn right onto Route 17 and continue north towards Minamiuonuma for 3.4km. There is a large sign for GALA Yuzawa on the left-hand side. Turn left at the sign and follow the road for about 700m to the car parks at GALA Yuzawa. There is a small car park right in front of the GALA Yuzawa building. Once that is full, staff will direct you to the other nearby car parks.
GALA Yuzawa is about 4km from the Yuzawa IC of the Kanetsu Expressway. Parking at GALA Yuzawa is free every day of the season. The car parks are open 24 hours a day with space for about 400 cars.