The Snow Country Tourism Zone invites visitors to hear the voices of local people: from innkeepers sharing the charm of ancient hot springs to mountain hut owners who carry on traditional ways of life, and trail guides who convey the spirit of the land. Discover Snow Country through these unique, heartfelt stories.

Discover the 300km Long Trail through Japan’s Snow Country, following ancient samurai roads and staying at historic eco-lodges. Hike mountain paths, explore traditional culture, relax in rare hot springs, and enjoy local cuisine. This immersive journey supports nature conservation while connecting you with the timeless spirit of YUKIGUNI.

Experience the spirit of old Japan on the Long Trail through Snow Country—an ancient route once used by samurai and pilgrims. This 4-day trek offers eco-friendly stays, cultural encounters, and historic hot springs, all set within majestic mountains and forests. Walk paths where kami dwell and help preserve this living tradition.

Escape modern life at this lamp-lit hot spring inn, nestled in the mountains without electricity or phone service. Soak in naturally flowing, 33°C water reputed for its soothing, skincare benefits. Relax to the river’s gentle sounds, read or chat by lamplight, and rediscover simple joys in serene surroundings.

Discover a hidden realm of Japanese folklore at this historic hot spring inn, once a farmhouse in Gunma’s mulberry fields. Marvel at rumored visits by zashiki-warashi—playful child spirits said to bring good fortune—and immerse yourself in stories, tradition, and serene natural surroundings for an unforgettable, rejuvenating stay and personal reflection.

Explore YUKIGUNI’s outdoor winter attractions on our Discovering YUKIGUNI Tour. Experience breathtaking snow-covered landscapes, world-class art installations at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, invigorating snowshoeing adventures in Tsunan, and panoramic views from Yuzawa Kogen’s ropeway. Enjoy a truly unforgettable journey celebrating nature, art, and cultural heritage in Japan’s unique Snow Country.

Discover unique art-and-accommodation experiences in Echigo-Tsumari, where vacant houses and former schools transform into lodgings. From James Turrell’s meditative House of Light to a sculpted traditional home and an old school-turned-inn, these spaces blend local culture, architecture, and art, offering immersive encounters with nature, light, and the region’s community warmth.

Discover the Naeba Geopark through the Snow Country Trail, where stunning volcanic landscapes, historic trails, and diverse ecosystems await. Explore columnar lava formations, abandoned villages, and a living botanical museum with over 1,300 plant species. Guided by Kenichiro Ishizawa, this journey offers a deep connection to nature, history, and culture.

Explore the Snow Country Trail through terraced rice fields and historic samurai routes with guide Ibi Akira. Trek lush beech forests, discover the heritage of Uesugi Kenshin, and learn about sustainable farming and local culture. This award-winning tour offers a unique blend of history, nature, and unforgettable storytelling for all adventurers.

Discover the Snow Country Trail (SCT) through an eco-friendly journey blending walking, e-biking, and train travel. Stay at sustainable eco-lodges, explore breathtaking landscapes, and visit cultural landmarks. Guided by Nakamaru Jun, this adventure offers a unique way to connect with nature, culture, and sustainability, perfect for eco-conscious travelers.

Experience Japan’s Snow Country Trail (SCT), a journey through stunning nature and rich history. Explore historic trade routes, scenic hikes, and vibrant local culture. From mountain peaks to hot springs, the SCT offers trails for all, connecting you with the beauty and traditions of Snow Country. An unforgettable adventure awaits!

Snow Country (YUKIGUNI) offers a variety of unique, delicious rice bowls. Minamiuonuma’s Majidon campaign presents 48 special bowls, while Yuzawa and Minakami highlight fresh seafood options. Tokamachi and Tsunan feature savory pork dishes. All are served over prized local Koshihikari rice, showcasing authentic flavors, seasonal ingredients, and regional culinary traditions.

Experience YUKIGUNI by bike before the snow falls. Rent e-bikes, explore quiet villages, discover hidden hot springs, and enjoy scenic routes through beech forests, art installations, and river terraces. Ride from town to town, savor local cuisine, visit museums, and even sample sake. It’s an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.

Only 70 minutes from Tokyo, Echigo-Yuzawa station’s Onsen Street offers a tourism center, shops, eateries, and footbaths. Enjoy local specialties like soba and sushi, visit the Yukigunikan Museum, and explore nearby Yuzawa Kogen for scenic views, skiing, or fall colors. Relax in hot springs or stay at traditional ryokans.

Foreigners living in Japan’s Snow Country share their experiences adapting to local life, traditions, and nature. They highlight seasonal activities like skiing, cultural events, community support, and the region’s unique food and environment. Despite initial challenges like language barriers, they embrace the area’s welcoming spirit, sustainability, and close-knit community lifestyle.

Just 70 minutes from Tokyo, YUKIGUNI offers abundant “Japow” for skiers and snowboarders. The nearby GALA resort, accessible by bullet train, is perfect for day trips. Beginners or experts find suitable slopes, English lessons, and unique winter activities like airboarding. Stay longer, explore various resorts, and enjoy Japan’s natural snowfall.

Savor Japan’s sauna boom amid Snow Country’s natural beauty. Unwind in luxurious, family-friendly retreats like Mooska de Stuben or soak at scenic spots like Gala no Yu. Enjoy eco-lodge stays at Ryugon, workcation-friendly Souq, or unique glamping at Doai Village. Many local accommodations now offer saunas, snow baths, and amenities.

Stay with your pets in YUKIGUNI’s welcoming hotels. Enjoy Daikokukan’s dedicated pet ryokan with play areas and dog onsens, Angel Grandia’s Wanderful pet hotel offering spacious accommodations, and Hotel New Greenpia’s cozy pet-friendly rooms. Experience comfortable stays and explore the beautiful snowy landscapes together with your furry friends.

Experience Japan’s stunning autumn foliage in YUKIGUNI. From vibrant maple leaves to picturesque mountain landscapes, our region offers breathtaking fall colors. Explore scenic spots like the Echigo-Yuzawa area and the stunning views from the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train. Enjoy hiking trails, onsen relaxation, and delicious local cuisine amidst the autumn beauty. Plan your unforgettable fall getaway today!

Experience unique Japanese farmhouses (kominka) in Japan’s snow country. Stay in renovated historic buildings offering modern comforts, Michelin-starred cuisine, and stunning mountain views. Choose from various options, including family-friendly accommodations, a manor house perfect for group stays, and art-filled kominka. Enjoy onsen, saunas, and authentic rural experiences.

Discover Snow Country’s natural beauty, history, and culture through guided tours. Trek through Tokamachi’s tanada rice terraces, learn from locals, and enjoy seasonal hiking, regional foods, and onsen relaxation. Explore Edo-era mountain roads, savor koshihikari rice, taste pickles, and encounter ancient Jomon heritage. Experience Japan’s rich traditions amid green landscapes.

Discover Yukiguni’s vibrant summer festival season, featuring late-night firefly gatherings, sacred mountain ceremonies, the world-renowned Fuji Rock Festival, centuries-old Buddhist celebrations, spectacular fireworks, and lively cultural parades. From tranquil firefly villages to energetic music venues and ancient traditions, each event highlights authentic local customs, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

Experience Bijinbayashi Forest year-round, featuring century-old beech trees thriving under Snow Country’s seasonal changes. Enjoy cool summers, vivid autumn leaves, and a snowy winter wonderland. Explore easy trails, spot wildlife, join guided tours, cycle the area, and savor local produce. Nearby attractions include Matsunoyama Onsen and the Kyororo science museum.

Experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in YUKIGUNI, where sakura blooms later than in Tokyo. Explore breathtaking spots like Minamiuonuma’s Sakado Castle and Nakago’s snow-covered blossoms. Visit Tokamachi’s rice terraces, Suwakyo Gorge, and hidden gems like Kamakura Sakura Hills. Enjoy scenic views, rare flowers, and serene landscapes in this unique spring destination.

Snow Country offers thrilling winter experiences just 70 minutes from Tokyo. At Matsunoyama Onsen Snow Park, you can try unique activities like airboarding, snow cycling, and camping amidst serene snow-covered landscapes. Ideal for all skill levels, the park also features scenic views, local wildlife, and nearby onsen for a relaxing end to your adventure.

YUKIGUNI offers unique sweets that reflect its rich history and culture. From the refreshing minty hakkato of Minamiuonuma to the popular Husky Gelato made with local ingredients, and Doki Monaka inspired by Jomon pottery, these treats are one-of-a-kind. Don’t miss the iconic sasadango, a fragrant rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves!

Discover breathtaking autumn views in Yuzawa’s Naeba area with the Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola ride. Enjoy a 30-minute journey over 5,500 meters of vibrant foliage, serene trails, and wildlife. Accessible via the Tashiro ski area, this family-friendly adventure includes hiking, cycling, and delicious local dining options. Tours and transportation available for convenience!

Experience the breathtaking koyo season in Snow Country with unique attractions like Takigumo, the “Cloud Waterfall” in Uonuma City. Best seen at daybreak from Shiori Mountain Pass, this natural phenomenon resembles a waterfall of clouds rising from the valley. Enhance your trip with nearby onsen, hiking trails, and traditional ryokan stays.

Explore the Yuzawa 100 Kannon Trail, a scenic hiking course showcasing nature and history in Snow Country. Accessible from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, the trail features unique Kannon statues, lush beech forests, and cultural landmarks. Perfect for hikers and pilgrims alike, this serene journey offers stunning views and a deeper connection to YUKIGUNI’s heritage.

Explore YUKIGUNI’s growing craft beer scene alongside its renowned sake tradition. Visit Tsumari Brewing for unique local flavors like Soba Ale, Tsukiyono Beer for award-winning all-malt brews at Vidro Park, and Octone Brewing’s welcoming taproom in Minakami. Each brewery highlights local ingredients, traditions, and the stunning natural beauty of YUKIGUNI.

Experience the world-famous Fuji Rock Festival, Japan’s largest outdoor music event, held annually at Mt. Naeba in Yuzawa. Enjoy performances from over 100 global and Japanese artists across nine stages in a stunning natural setting. With eco-friendly initiatives, diverse food options, family-friendly activities, and nearby onsen, Fuji Rock offers an unforgettable summer experience in YUKIGUNI.

Explore Doai Station, one of Japan’s deepest railway stations, located in the heart of YUKIGUNI. Known for its iconic 486-step staircase and ties to the novel Snow Country, Doai offers a blend of adventure, art, and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy hiking Mt. Tanigawa, local crafts, a cozy café, and luxury glamping at nearby Doai Village.

Experience YUKIGUNI’s eco-lodges, where luxury meets sustainability. These unique accommodations blend traditional Japanese hospitality with eco-friendly practices, offering farm-to-table dining, onsen baths powered by natural resources, and immersive cultural experiences. Discover the beauty of Snow Country, its rich history, and stunning nature—all just 70 minutes from Tokyo.

We have selected several videos showcasing activities and gastronomy events in Snow Country.

Embark on a snowshoeing adventure in Daigenta Canyon, Yuzawa, and explore the pristine winter landscapes of Snow Country. This 2-hour guided tour includes snowshoeing through snowy trails, wildlife tracking, maple syrup tasting, and a soba-making class at Daigenta Studio. Suitable for all ages, it’s a unique way to experience YUKIGUNI’s natural beauty.

Explore the wonders of YUKIGUNI with a two-day winter tour showcasing its rich history, culture, and activities. Highlights include the Tokamachi City Museum, modern art at MonET, sake brewery tours, hidden onsen stays, zazen meditation, historic streets, Majidon rice bowls, and skiing at Yuzawa Kogen. Plan your Snow Country adventure today!

Experience a unique stay in YUKIGUNI with the “Your Kitchen” program, offering cooking experiences at select accommodations. Enjoy creating dishes using local ingredients, like grilled rice balls and smoked trout sandwiches. Combine this with snowshoeing in Bijinbayashi, countryside workshops, and exploring Shiozawa’s rich weaving culture for an unforgettable Snow Country adventure.

Discover skiing in YUKIGUNI, the birthplace of Japanese skiing, with its powder snow and slopes for all levels. Beginners can enjoy lessons at Nakazato or Ishiuchi, guided by experienced instructors. With stunning views, off-terrain options, and night skiing, YUKIGUNI combines skiing with cultural experiences like hot springs and local charm.

Discover the Tomioka White Museum in Minamiuonuma, dedicated to the works of renowned artist Soichiro Tomioka. Known for his unique “Tomioka White” paint, his stunning landscapes capture the beauty of Snow Country. The museum showcases 40 rotating pieces and offers exhibits like “Boukyo,” featuring breathtaking winter scenery, making it a must-visit cultural destination.

Discover YUKIGUNI’s hidden onsen, serene hot springs tucked away in nature, offering a unique Japanese bathing experience. From Akayu’s scenic outdoor baths to Kaikake’s year-round luxury and historic Hoshi Onsen, these spots combine tranquility and history. Perfect for travelers seeking relaxation, these hidden gems provide authentic and affordable onsen adventures away from the crowds.

Discover the Naeba Sanroku Geopark, spanning Tsunan and Sakae towns, offering stunning nature, historical sites, and cultural heritage. Explore serene trails, ancient Jomon ruins, the “Tsunan Grand Canyon,” and traditional Akiyama-go villages. With unique onsen, local cuisine, and artisan crafts, this Geopark is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic YUKIGUNI experience.

Discover the serene Taruda Mountain Park in Tsunan, a licensed forest therapy base offering guided “forest bathing” experiences. Embrace the natural healing benefits of pristine beech forests, aromatic plants, and peaceful trails. With expert guides and a focus on sensory connection, it’s an ideal retreat for restoring physical and mental well-being in YUKIGUNI.

Discover unique accommodations in YUKIGUNI, where traditional ryokan blend with modern comforts. Hatago Isen in Yuzawa offers convenience and private hot springs, perfect for first-timers. Hinanoyado Chitose in Matsunoyama showcases therapeutic seawater onsen and local culture. For luxury, Bettei Senjuan in Minakami features private hot springs, exquisite art, and kaiseki dining in stunning mountain settings.

The Snow Country Tourist Information Center in Echigo-Yuzawa offers personalized travel support for the YUKIGUNI region, covering seven towns. With English-friendly services, it helps visitors plan customized experiences, from lodging and dining to outdoor activities. The knowledgeable staff ensures a seamless journey, highlighting unique local attractions and ensuring a stress-free getaway in Snow Country.

Discover YUKIGUNI’s charm in summer with lush green landscapes and outdoor adventures. Enjoy family-friendly hikes, scenic camping, or luxurious glamping at Daigenta Canyon. Experience local culture with traditional crafts, campfire cooking, and soba-making classes. End your day marveling at firefly displays in serene countryside settings, complemented by local sake and tranquil evenings.

Discover YUKIGUNI, Japan’s hidden gem just 70 minutes from Tokyo. Renowned for heavy snowfall, this region preserves ancient traditions, unique food culture, and Jomon-era wisdom. Explore luxurious onsen ryokans blending heritage and modernity, savor exceptional local cuisine, and connect with a timeless culture that inspires and enriches the soul.

Sakura Quality is a certification for accommodations prioritizing safety, security, and integrity, ensuring a comfortable stay for international travelers. The certification evaluates facilities across 9 phases, including over 2,000 criteria such as hygiene, comfort, and cultural authenticity. Certified accommodations include traditional ryokan, modern hotels, and small-scale lodgings, each offering unique hospitality experiences.