Nagano's international powder playground Eleven powder-rich resorts. One pass. And in 2016-2017, a new tap-and-go ticket gate system. The Hakuba Valley just keeps getting better. One of the leading snow resort areas in the Northern Japanese Alps, its international credentials were firmly es… Read More
The bullet train journey from Tokyo through the Japan Alps to Ishikawa Prefecture is like being fast-forwarded through a Japanese winter hall of fame; a snow resort from the Nagano Winter Olympics here, a hot spring retreat that inspired a Nobel Prize-winning novel there. The pot of gold at the end… Read More
Everywhere you go in Japan there’s a different kind of local Japanese food, and the Mount Fuji and Fujikawaguchiko area is the same. Blessed by bountiful nature and the spring water of Mount Fuji, the farm produce grown here is fresh and juicy. There are many little veggie patches along the lake… Read More
Lake Kawaguchiko is famous as a hot spring area; it has many well-established lakeside inns with restaurants and outdoor baths with views of Mount Fuji, and there are many family-run bed and breakfasts in town. In recent years, with a further increase in the number of overseas visitors, basic ac… Read More
Mount Fuji, or Fujisan as it’s called in Japanese, has long been an influential presence in Japanese art. The work of countless Japanese artists captures this majestic icon, and an all-time classic is Katsushika Hokusai's ‘Koshu Misaka Suimen' ([Reflection in the] Surface of the Water, Misaka, Kai … Read More
Exploring Japan's iconic peak and local lakeside hot spring town The instantly recognisable Mount Fuji presides over the Fuji Five Lakes area; step into its historic hot spring base town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi, and discover the many ways to enjoy this World Heritagelisted attraction. … Read More
The city of Iiyama lies at the northernmost tip of Nagano, one of Japan’s snowiest prefectures. The Iiyama Valley is at its centre, and the gorgeous landscapes of Madarao Kogen and the heart-shaped Hokuryuko Lake surround the city. Often referred to as the ‘little Kyoto' of the snow country,… Read More
HOTEL MONT BLANC HAKUBA GROUP HOTELS Hotel Mont Blanc Hakuba and Hotel Sejour Mint are two different hotels, but they both belong to the same group. So if you can't find reservation at one, you'll be able easily secure a spot at the other. Online Reservation www.hakubacherry.com/ … Read More
The number one town in the Northern Alps Gazing out at the glossy white, craggy peaks of the Northern Japanese Alps from Omachi in winter is like standing in front of a beautiful buffet dinner with an empty stomach. Everything looks enticing. How will you see it all on one holiday? The only s… Read More
Japan's biggest resort area It's become common knowledge that Japan has a number of impressive powder resorts, all vying for attention with their huge snowfalls, relaxing hot springs, and exceptionally good local cuisine. There's only one though, that comes complete with snow monkeys. Ladies an… Read More
Half an hour from the Japan Sea coast, in the mountains of Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park, Myoko has a charming combination of superb scenery, champagne powder and a diverse variety of natural hot springs. There are over seven resorts in the area of which you can choose the most suitable for … Read More
“Popular family friendly skiers-only resort within easy reach of Tokyo” NASPA Ski Garden is a family-friendly ski resort located in the spectacular surroundings of the original Japanese snow-country town of Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture - just 80 minutes from central Tokyo. With a compact layo… Read More
“Chase down some top quality powder through the woods” Kagura Ski Resort is known for its high quality powder as well as its exciting backcountry courses and lengthy tree runs from its 1,845m peak. This 23 course ski field is open from late November to late May, so there’s plenty of qualit… Read More
“A fantastic snow adventure land for all” From families with small children to die hard skiers, Naeba Ski Resort is popular amongst a variety of people in Japan and has something for everyone. From the top of 1,789m right down to the more family friendly areas at the bottom, there are 22 c… Read More
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
