Ishiuchi Maruyama

Ishiuchi Maruyama delivers serious terrain variety just 90 minutes from Tokyo - 664 vertical meters across 23 courses with legitimate tree runs and proper steeps on the north-facing upper mountain. The 30% advanced terrain and official in-bounds tree skiing set it apart from the tourist hills, while the 236 hectares give you room to explore. Locals rave about the 'Uonuma powder' quality, and the extensive night skiing operation means you can keep riding after everyone else has quit.

Not really - while 30% of terrain is marked beginner, reviewers specifically warn this isn't the place to learn. The resort works better for intermediates ready for actual challenges and advanced skiers who want tree runs and steeps. If you're just starting out, nearby Naeba offers a gentler learning environment.

Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (80 minutes), then catch the resort bus for a 10-20 minute ride to the base. Total journey is about 90 minutes door-to-door. Just don't stay too far from the resort - buses mean you'll miss first chair when the snow is best.

Early January through mid-February delivers the best Uonuma powder, with 50cm+ overnight dumps during strong Sea of Japan storms. Avoid New Year week (Dec 28-Jan 4) when Tokyo crowds descend, and skip late March when the low 256m base elevation means marginal conditions. The resort's lower elevation also makes December questionable compared to higher Honshu resorts.

Limited English - basic signs and ticket counters have some English support, but don't expect much beyond that. This is solidly a local mountain where Japanese weekend warriors and serious skiers dominate. If you panic without translated menus, you'll struggle here.

Moderate crowds - midweek is beautifully empty, but weekends see families and skilled intermediates filling the lifts by 8:30am. Avoid New Year week entirely when the Tokyo crowds descend. The vibe stays focused on actual skiing rather than Instagram posing, even when busy.

One of Japan's largest night skiing operations combined with legitimate tree skiing - where else can you hit proper powder runs under lights after everyone else has called it a day? The official in-bounds tree runs on the north-facing upper mountain include a 900m tree run course with complex terrain through forest. It's real terrain variety without the Niseko price tag or circus.

Yes - Ishiuchi runs one of Japan's most extensive night skiing operations, letting you hit proper terrain under lights after others have quit. The lit runs give you serious riding time beyond the typical 4pm shutdown at most resorts. It's a standout feature that locals won't shut up about.

Bring equipment locks - multiple reviewers report stolen rental gear, which is rare in Japan. The third lift to summit closes frequently in wind, stranding you at mid-station with limited terrain access. Rental snowboards come with Burton StepOn bindings by default, so ask for traditional straps if you prefer them.

Yes - official in-bounds tree runs on the north-facing upper mountain, including a 900m tree run course with complex terrain through forest. These are legitimate powder stashes, not just a few trees between groomed runs. It's one of the few resorts near Tokyo where you can legally ski trees without dodging patrol.