Yuzawa Grand Hotel, Year 2: a Private Bath room we loved

We'd decided to go back to Yuzawa Grand Hotel this year. We'd liked the staff, the location near Echigo-Yuzawa Station, and the little ski slope behind it on our first visit. This time, though, the room was what we loved most.

We booked a room with a private open-air hot spring bath, rather than the semi open-air bath we'd had last time. The reason was simple: I'd spotted a balcony in the photos and thought that, if it snowed, the children might be able to play out there and we could take a few photos.

We went in February 2025 and, from what I'd heard, a snowstorm was due that week. I'd expected some snow, but it had piled up over the balcony and almost into the room. I just stood there when we opened the door. There was so much more than I'd imagined.

Our room was on the third floor, with views of the mountains and snow-covered town. But my favorite sight of the whole trip was looking out from the room and seeing the children so excited by the soft snow right in front of them. We were so happy with this room.

It was the first day of the trip and we were tired from the journey. We'd also been worried before leaving because one of the children had a fever. But seeing the room, and the children having such a good time, made me forget how tired I was. We decided to spend as much time at the hotel as we could.

There was something to be careful about on the balcony too. Snow covered the edge completely, and our room was on the third floor. In conditions like this, I'd have the hotel check which areas are safe before taking children outside. An adult needs to stay close, as going beyond the balcony's edge could mean a fall or a slide down.

After a while in the snow, it was time for dinner. The hotel had a buffet with plenty to choose from, including beef cooked by the chef. That was a popular choice, judging by the queue at the grill.

After dinner, it was time for the onsen. The hotel had indoor and outdoor baths, and had added private onsen by the time of this visit too. We went to the shared baths that night and saved the one in our room for the morning.

Another thing we liked was that, during our stay, we could ask to use the shared onsen until 3 p.m. Japan time on checkout day. That gave anyone returning from skiing and waiting for an evening train time for a soak before leaving. This was the service offered when we visited, though; if you'd like to use it, check with the hotel again.

The snow kept falling that night and on into late morning. When we woke up, the snow on the balcony was even deeper and fluffier. I tried leaving a can in the snow; by morning, another roughly 10 centimeters had built up around it.

We had to cancel our plan to visit Yuzawa Kogen. We'd intended to walk about 600 meters from the hotel, but the snow and wind were too strong. Even the double stroller, with the snow and rain cover we'd brought along, couldn't cope. We couldn't even make it up to the little ski slope just behind the hotel.

In the end, we went looking for lunch inside Echigo-Yuzawa Station instead. This was where the hotel's location really helped. As soon as you came out of the station, you could see the orange hotel building, about a 200-meter walk away. The approach to the hotel was a steep slope, though, so anyone with a stroller and luggage would need to save a little energy for that part.

The trouble was, we'd arrived right at noon. Almost every restaurant was packed, with very long queues. I imagine plenty of other people were having as much trouble getting outside as we were. Luckily, we found a ramen shop where you eat standing up. We got our lunch after all. 😄

A couple of little things to keep in mind about this room. A balcony full of soft snow like the one in the photos depends on when you visit and the weather. We hadn't expected anything like this much ourselves. Also, the heater kept the room quite warm at night. The children complained of being hot and had to change their tops, so thick pajamas weren't needed in our room that night.

The view was even prettier in person. I took what photos I could, but the children weren't always willing and I was often too tired to do more than reach for my phone. Still, I won't forget this room: the bath, the balcony, and the children playing in the snow right outside. If we come back, I'd like two nights next time.

Read our Year 1 story · The children's first snow ↗