The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama in Niigata is offering free gondola rides during its green season from July 18 to November 8, 2026.
Located in Minamiuonuma City, this mountain resort features breathtaking views of the Uonuma Basin and the Echigo Mountains. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including scenic BBQ plans, 4WD buggy cruises, and seasonal sweets, with prices starting at ¥1,500 for the buggy cruise and ¥3,900 for the BBQ light plan.
About The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama
The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama is a popular mountain resort accessed by the state-of-the-art Sunrise Express gondola, which takes about 7 minutes to reach the summit at an elevation of 600 meters. The resort offers panoramic views of Japan’s renowned rice-producing Uonuma Basin and the majestic Echigo mountain range.
Visitors can relax on the open-air observation terrace or at the café while enjoying the stunning scenery. The resort has expanded its offerings this summer to include a variety of activities suited for both active guests and those looking to unwind.
Highlights
- Free round-trip gondola tickets: Adults ¥2,000, Children ¥1,200, Students ¥1,500
- New scenic BBQ plans at the Field Lounge with panoramic mountain views
- BBQ Light Plan at ¥3,900 per person and Deluxe Plan at ¥4,900 per person, both including local rice balls and assorted meats and vegetables
- 4WD buggy cruises on an off-road course, with options for solo driving, guided rides, and two-person rides starting from ¥1,500
- Summer-only cold sweets including shaved ice with sake-based syrup and honey lemon pancakes with homemade lemonade
- Night Terrace open on select dates with illuminated views of Uonuma Basin and festive activities including fireworks (fireworks sold separately)
Alpina Resort Management Co., Ltd. — Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | The Veranda Ishiuchi Maruyama |
| Menu / items | BBQ Light Plan, BBQ Deluxe Plan, 4WD Buggy Cruise, Summer Sweets |
| Location | Minamiuonuma City, Niigata |
| Address | Ishiuchi, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata |
| Period | July 18, 2026 – November 8, 2026 |
| Price | Gondola round-trip ticket: Adults ¥2,000, Children ¥1,200, Students ¥1,500; BBQ Light Plan ¥3,900 per person; BBQ Deluxe Plan ¥4,900 per person; Buggy Cruise ¥1,500–¥4,000 |
The resort is easily accessible by car from the Kan-etsu Expressway (about 5 minutes from Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC) and by train via the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station followed by a short bus ride. For safety reasons, operating hours and activities may change due to weather conditions, so visitors are advised to check the official website before visiting.