Originally Posted by
allenaatan
2. Gala Yuzawa looks great for what we plan to do: just play in the snow, ski lessons optional and the distance looks good. The snow monkey place looks interesting but for the distance and convenience i think we're good with Yuzawa.I assume the spa is traditional Japanese (nekkid?). Question though: Would we be able to do similar snow activity in the Fuji/Hakone area instead so we hit 2 birds?
Chances are low that there will be much of any snow piled up in Hakone even in winter. Around Mt.Fuji, there is Fuji Kodomo no Kuni where they roll out a snow play area with mostly manmade snow. But that place is not easily accessible like Yuzawa. Plus it most likely won't be winter wonderland like Yuzawa most certainly will be. So I still think Yuzawa Gala will be your best bet from the standpoint of facilities, ease of access and true winter scene.