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Enjoy a stroll in snowshoes

Snowshoes strapped to your feet prevent you from sinking into the snow. A similar device called kanjiki was used in the olden days in Japan's snow country. There's a fun tour where you can wear the kanjiki and enjoy strolling in the snow. What will the tour offer?

Experience traditional kanjiki

GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, Niigata, offers a Snowshoe Walking Tour, where you can enjoy a stroll in snow in kanjiki (snowshoes). Known as one of the snowiest regions of Japan, in winter Niigata receives snow to a depth that easily exceeds human height. On joining the tour, you'll get to wear traditional kanjiki, made with wood and ropes.

Following the guide to the snowfield

The snowshoe walking tour avoids ski runs. Your guide will navigate you to quiet places with few people. Wearing kanjiki, you won't slip easily on the snow, and when the snow is deep and soft they'll support your feet, making it easy to walk.
Over the bridge and through a tunnel, you'll suddenly find yourself on a quiet mountain. Keep strolling, making and rolling big snowballs, and playing with the snow.
Without walking too long, or on any steep slopes, the tour will take you to the top of a small hill with a majestic view. You'll have an unbroken view of the town. Sometimes, because of the high altitude, you might find clouds floating by at eye-level. You'll feel nature with your entire body, watching clouds drifting with the wind and snow gently falling from them.
View from the scenic point. You can see the entire town nestled among the mountains, including shinkansen and expressway running through the onsen town.

The fun part is playing in the snow

Mountains blanketed in lots of snow are a wonderful playground. Jump into soft white powder, spin around in it, or roll down a slope and be white from head to toe! Rediscover your inner child and enjoy yourself to the full - that's what this tour is all about!
The Snowshoe Walking Tour is run daily from GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort during the resort's winter operating season. The tour charge is 1,500 yen per person. There will be additional fees for the gondola and rental fees for the snow gear. All equipment can be rented, so just bring yourself!
photo & text : Chiho Kuriyama

Facility Information

GALA YUZAWA SNOW RESORT
Address
1039-2 Kayabira, Yuzawa, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata 949-6101
URL
https://snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0001ens.htm
Notes
Access: Directly linked to GALA Yuzawa station, Joetsu Shinkansen. Free shuttle buses from the west exit of Echigo Yuzawa station, Joetsu Shinkansen. About 5 minutes by car from Yuzawa IC, Kanetsu Expressway.

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