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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
“…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
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
“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
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
A kaleidoscope of colour all year round... It’s a sobering -20°C, and you’re standing in a giant igloo filled with the glow of luminescent reds, pinks and purples. The colours warm the interior with a charming glow that evokes fairy floss, big tops and other childhood pleasures, and cast an… Read More
A place of never ending fun - in and out of the snow” Whether it’s your first snow holiday or your 100th, a holiday at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a new kind of holiday experience you must try. Located between Asahikawa, New Chitose and Obihiro Airport, the resort is accessible by train or car w… Read More
The powder is on ice in Japan's coldest place In the centre of Japan’s skier and boarder holy ground, Hokkaido, is Tomamu, a small mountainous area unlike any other. Tomamu belongs to the village town of Shimukappu, known as the coldest place in Japan, and in winter, the skiers and boarders alike … Read More
To go where no piste has gone before Tokachidake is nature in the Hokkaido Powder Belt 'as is'. There are no lifts, no groomed runs, and no crowds; just pure powder to be enjoyed. The area consists of Tokachidake, a 2,077m high volcano, and Tokachidake Onsen, a hot spring village dotted with … Read More
Real powder, and the real Japan Manicured fields of lavender, sunflowers and other colourful blooms, carpeting gently undulating hills with mountain peaks over the horizon. Administratively a city, quintessentially still a country town, Furano has Eden-like qualities that have attracted televi… Read More
Home of Hokkaido's larger-than-life snow festival The Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is one of the biggest highlights of the winter season in Japan. For a week in February every year, hundreds of ice sculptures and statues take over Sapporo's Odori Park, and Tsudome and Susukino … Read More
Fall in love with Hokkaido's historic port The town of Otaru is known as a port town and where Hokkaido's railroad network sprung out of back in the 1800s. Not only is it one of the more warmer places in Hokkaido but it is rich in history, romance and seafood and has a welcoming mood for visit… Read More
A naturally blessed town surrounded by agricultural lands and hot springs, including the renowned Konbu Onsen It’s no secret that Australians love Niseko and its deep, fine powder but Niseko has a few lesser known secrets up its sleeve. Niseko Town, or Niseko Cho in Japanese is quietly tucked… Read More
Explore Japan’s own soul food region Known as Naha City’s kitchen, Kousetsu Ichiba, the city marketplace is the most liveliest, flavourful place to learn about Okinawa’s distinctive food culture. It has been the locals’ go-to place for grocery for over 60 years, and with the growth of Okinawa… Read More
Island hopping in Okinawa: From one eclectic world to another Okinawa is made up of 160 islands that are full of life on and off the islands. There is no way to appreciate Okinawa without exploring these islands, and letting the local guides take you on a journey filled with gorgeous subtro… Read More
Connect with Okinawa through the beauty of its traditional culture The traditional arts and culture of Okinawa comes from the perfect harmony of man, nature and spirit. The experiences you can find on the main island completely reflect that harmony and with it, you’ll be able to create a st… Read More
// Are you ready for a little challenge for a big prize? Okinawa is made up of 160 islands, all rich in nature and all filled with a timeless, tropical atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan. It’s located in the southernmost part of Japan right next to the East China Sea and the Western Paci… Read More
