If you want to enjoy a spectacular terrace view near Tokyo, head to The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama in Niigata

• Table of Contents
• What is The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama?
• Take a state-of-the-art gondola to the spectacular terrace
• Relax in the observation deck with a spectacular view
• Enjoy the specialty pancakes and food culture of the snow country
• Enjoy nature with a picnic or outdoor activities
• Easy glamping experience in a transparent dome tent
• "Night Terrace" open to enjoy the fantastic night view
• The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama Summary

What is The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama?

The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama is one of the largest terraces with spectacular views in the area, which opened in 2022 within the Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, which is famous for Koshihikari, one of Japan's leading brand rice brands.

From the observation terrace, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountain ranges including Mt. Makihata, one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, the Echigo Sanzan mountains, and the rural landscape of the Uonuma Plain.

You can spend a luxurious day with your family surrounded by magnificent natural scenery, enjoying special cafe gourmet food, a casual glamping experience, playing outdoors in the great outdoors, and taking in breathtaking photo spots.

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort

949-6372 1655 Ishiuchi, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture

Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort is located in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture. Since its opening in 1949, many skiers have been heading to this slope and excited by the charm of the mountain, long before the ski boom. The special experiences that can only be found here, such as the abundant natural snow, the spectacular views of the Uonuma Plain and the Echigo mountains, and the food culture unique to snowy countries, have remained loved by many people who enjoy snowy mountains, unchanged from the past to the present. While preserving tradition, in recent years, we have introduced facilities such as the state-of-the-art combination lift "Sunrise Express" so that even customers who are new to snowy mountains can stay with peace of mind, proposing a new charm of snowy mountains that combines tradition and modern comfort to meet the needs of the times. In addition, from the summer of 2022, it will evolve into a year-round outdoor resort as The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama. You can enjoy a luxurious time surrounded by beautiful scenery and rich nature. You can discover a new Ishiuchi Maruyama every time you visit, regardless of the season.

Take a state-of-the-art gondola to the spectacular terrace

The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama is just a 5-minute drive from Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway, or a 10-minute train ride by taxi or shuttle bus (for a limited time only) from Echigo Yuzawa Station on the JR Joetsu Shinkansen. This convenient access is also the secret to its popularity.

After purchasing a ticket at the resort center at the entrance, you can take a state-of-the-art gondola to the terrace in about 7 minutes. As you ascend while admiring the beautiful rural scenery, you will soon arrive at the summit station at an altitude of about 550m.

Relax in the observation deck with a spectacular view

The observation terrace, the symbol of The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama, is located on the main floor through the front entrance of the building. It has around 60 sofas and tables, making it a relaxing space where you can enjoy the view.

The first floor houses the Field Information area where you check in for various experiences, as well as shops and toilets.

There is also a photo spot on the terrace where you can take photos with the spectacular view in the background, which is sure to look great on social media.

The cafe offers a stylish cafe menu. Food and drinks can be enjoyed not only in the cafe, but also on the terrace, in the outdoor field lounge, or in the dome tent, so you can enjoy your meal at your favorite spot.

The Field Lounge, which becomes a ski slope in winter, is a special seating area for which an extra fee is required. As it is located right on the slope, you can enjoy a spectacular view from here as well.

It's a different view from the observation terrace, with the magnificent nature right in front of you, making a big impact! There are cute teepee tents lined up, so you can take stylish photos.

Enjoy the specialty pancakes and food culture of the snow country

The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama has two lunch spots: the Observation Terrace Cafe, which offers a spectacular view, and ROKKA, where you can experience cuisine unique to a snowy country.

If you like sweets, you should definitely try the Terrace Cafe's most popular dish, the "Yukiyama Pancakes" (from 1,650 yen). Modeled after the German-style pancake "Dutch Baby," this is a confident creation that was arranged under the supervision of a local pastry chef.

On the other hand, ROKKA is a restaurant themed around the food culture of snow country, which is unique to Minamiuonuma, Niigata, an area of heavy snowfall, such as preservation and cooking methods such as snow rooms and fermentation, and even rice and sake produced using the abundant meltwater from snow.

All of the dishes made using sake and koji from the famous brand "Hakkaisan" are delicious.

View more cafe menus

Enjoy nature with a picnic or outdoor activities

To ensure you can fully enjoy the scenery and natural beauty of The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama, those who purchase a round-trip gondola ticket can enjoy a variety of experiences for free.

One of these is picnicking, a free service that lends out a full set of picnic equipment, including rugs, tables, and baskets.

At the terrace cafe, you can pack a basket with food and drinks, find your favorite spot, and create a special seat for the whole family.

Enjoying an outdoor lunch surrounded by nature and feeling the refreshing breeze will be a wonderful memory.

For children, we recommend the spacious Lawn Plaza where they can play in the fields.

In addition to using play equipment such as log swings and mini athletics, you can also enjoy other play equipment such as badminton and Frisbees, all for free.

The round-trip gondola ticket also includes the fee for using the "Green Lift," a sightseeing lift that takes you from the gondola summit station to an even higher observation area.

Although the speed is slow, the chairlift offers a greater sense of freedom than a gondola, making it a fun aerial tour that feels like a little attraction.

Easy glamping experience in a transparent dome tent

For those who want to enjoy the great outdoors but aren't comfortable outdoors, we recommend the paid "dome tent" seating.

The transparent dome tent set up on the deck is a private space that allows you to feel one with nature while also being comfortable. Pick up some takeaway food from the cafe and you can easily get into the glamping mood!

The tents are fully air-conditioned and heated, and equipped with tables, outdoor chairs, blankets, toys for young children, card games, etc., so even indoor types can enjoy the spectacular views of nature.

There are two types of dome tents, and the size of the tent varies depending on the number of people using it. The large size can accommodate 5-8 people, while the small size can accommodate 1-4 people and comes with an outdoor tarp seat so you can bring your pet dog along.

There is a fee for using the dome tents, but you can make a reservation online at a discount. You can apply on the day, but the number of tents is limited, so it is safer to make a reservation online in advance.

Book your dome tent here

"Night Terrace" open to enjoy the fantastic night view

During the spring holidays and summer vacation, we will extend our opening hours and hold a "Night Terrace" event.

A little different from the natural scenery during the day, you can enjoy a fantastic night view with the clouds turning red at dusk and the sparkling city lights of Minamiuonuma City spreading out below you.

The night view from the Night Terrace is attractive, but as the temperature drops compared to daytime, it is also a popular event for cooling off during the hot summer.

Another popular event is the bonfire experience "TAKIBI GRILL," which is held in conjunction with the night terrace. You can enjoy grilling classic marshmallows and other carefully selected ingredients around the bonfire with your family and friends. You can also enjoy the venue's lighting and hand-held fireworks, making it a great spot to go out on a cool night.

See more night terraces▶

The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama Summary

The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama can be reached from Tokyo by taking the JR Joetsu Shinkansen to the nearest station, Echigo Yuzawa Station, which takes approximately 80 minutes.

Taxis are available from the station, and for a limited time only, a free shuttle bus is also available.

If you are driving, the nearest interchange is Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway. From the interchange to the ski resort, there are no mountain passes and it is only about 3 km, so it takes about 5 minutes to get there.

The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama is full of attractions, including spectacular daytime and nighttime views, local gourmet food, casual glamping, picnic lunches, and outdoor activities in the great outdoors. Have a wonderful holiday at this popular spot that will make the whole family smile!

The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama Business Overview

■ Business period: April 26th to May 6th, Saturdays and Sundays from May 10th to June 15th, July 19th to November 9th, 2025

■ Night Terrace: Golden Week and certain days in July and August

■Business hours: 10:00-17:00 (last departure 16:30)

■ Night Terrace: 10:00-20:30 (last upbound at 20:00)

■Price: (Round-trip gondola ticket) Adults 3,000 yen / 4-year-olds to elementary school students 1,500 yen / Students 2,000 yen *Student ID required / Pets 500 yen *One child aged 4 to preschool age per adult is free *Children 3 and under are free *Pets must be in a cage *Discounts available for advance purchase online

Visit the official website ▶