Experiencing the bounty of a Japanese Bordeaux Echigo-Yuzawa is part of a region called Minami-Uonuma, which is in many ways a Bordeaux of Japan. Just as Bordeaux has an ideal climate for viticulture, Minami-Uonuma has an ideal climate for rice farming, and the quality of its Minami-Uonuma Koshi… Read More
Discovering an ancient healing retreat When Hanroku Takahashi descended into a valley in Echigo-Yuzawa some 900 years ago, a hot spring bath was the last thing he had in mind. The local warrior had fallen ill on a journey through what was then a wilderness area, and was trying to catch medicina… Read More
Choosing the resort area that's right for you The 12 ski resorts around Echigo-Yuzawa are spread across three different areas: Yuzawa-Kandatsu, Naeba-Kagura and Tsuchitaru. They're filled with fun, exciting runs and amazing scenery, attracting everyone from kids putting on a set of skis for the … Read More
From skyscrapers to ski slopes in 77 minutes If there's a town that best represents Japan's snow country, it's Echigo-Yuzawa. An ancient healing retreat surrounded by idyllic mountain ranges and rice paddies, it slowly developed as an inn town after a local warrior discovered a hot spring in the a… Read More
“Explore your wild side in the untamed, powder snow” Get in touch with your wild side at the Madarao Mountain Resort, located next to Tangram Ski Circus, accessible from Tokyo via bullet train to its nearest station. It’s a quick trip over for a thrilling adventure. This spot is loved by m… Read More
“High quality powder and hospitality for everyone” Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort has refined every element required for a great holiday for guests of all ages. The time it takes to get here from Tokyo is approximately 3 hours, whether by train and bus or by car. It’s definitely worth the trek… Read More
Explore the eclectic home town of Madapow Madarao Kogen, a small pleasant town, is a little over 2 hours away from the crazy city of Tokyo. It sits in between Nagano and Niigata Prefecture, and is made up of a cluster of hotels, inns, restaurants, shops, tourism base businesses and of course, Mt… Read More
“No need to choose, you can have it all” You don't have to choose between quality or quantity at Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort - you get them both. The resort enjoys exceptional falls of fine, dry powder, which can reach depths of over five metres around its 1,650m summit when the long December to M… Read More
Pioneering powder resort with historic hot springs Nozawa Onsen has depth as a snow holiday destination in more ways than one. The first things that come to mind for skiers and snowboarders are its average 12-metre snowfall every year, and snow pack exceeding five metres in the highest sections … Read More
“…take in the stunning panorama of the Japanese Alps…” Along with Shiga Kogen's trademark top-quality powder snow, Ryuoo Ski Park's major draw cards include its jumbo-sized ropeway, indulgent courses of up to 6 km, and fun activities for kids. One of Japan's longest ungroomed runs, the park… Read More
A sensational snow holiday destination on the rise Blessed with great powder, scenery and natural hot springs, Kita-shiga Kogen was always a snow holiday destination in the making. The area is open for riding from December until May and includes Ryuoo Ski Park, which boasts a 166-person capacity… Read More
History flows through the hot springs of Yudanaka Onsen From the moment you step off the train at Yudanaka station, you are already fully immersed in this onsen (hot spring) town. The station has its own hot spring facilities for day-trippers, and outside there’s a foot bath you can enjoy to kic… Read More
“…nine courses with terrain for all riders…” Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort has nine courses with a good spread of terrain for all riders, and a kids park. The resort was exclusive to skiers until this point, now both skiers and boarders can enjoy their slopes, including the south-facing lengthy 2,2… Read More
Japan’s largest ski area The powder sanctuary hidden in the northernmost reaches of Shiga Kogen, known as Okushiga Kogen was once a skier-only zone. Now, it is open to snowboarders, and there’s every reason for all riders to head to Okushiga Kogen. The resort enjoys snow from December to May, and… Read More
“A truly natural ski resort, open for all” Surrounded by a vast panoramic view, the Kumanoyu Ski Area is located in the Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park. The national park has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, ensuring the protection by the local environment. From the 2015-20… Read More
“Feel like an Olympian as you ride down the slopes” The Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort is the largest of the 19 interlinked resorts in the Shiga Kogen area - a gold medal grade resort packed with the finest Shiga Kogen powder and loved by adventurous riders for its lengthy slopes and backcountry t… Read More
“An awesome ride like no other under the stars” Since reopening in December 2014, Yanaba Snow Park has come back better and more exciting, bringing a whole different game to Hakuba’s ski resort scene. Yanaba Snow Park really knows how to show you a good time, their new featured snow park … Read More
An extended stay in Omachi often happens naturally when day visitors fall in love with its charming hot spring inns, restaurants and izakaya bars... HOT SPRING INNS & HOTELS With its long history, traditional architecture is one of Omachi's trademarks, and inn rooms with slidi… Read More
One of Omachi's biggest strengths as a snow holiday destination is its variety of attractions, which can be mixed and matched for a great day out... KASHIMAYARI SPORTS VILLAGE & JIIGATAKE SKI RESORT Omachi's two main snow resorts, Kashimayari and Jiigatake offer enough variety, and … Read More
“…excellent powder and a relaxed local atmosphere…” Secluded amidst rugged alpine scenery in the north of the Hakuba Valley away from the hustle and bustle of the main resort area, Hakuba Norikura Ski Resort, or Hakunori for short, is popular for its wide variety of courses, excellent powd… Read More
