If all the Olympic coverage is inspiring you to start planning your post-pandemic travels to Japan, head to our Virtual Snow Show at www.thesnowshow.com.au to explore the winter holiday adventures that are waiting in Nagano and Niigata. Just a short bullet train ride from Tokyo, the area is one of Japan’s premier alpine destinations and gateway to ten amazing resorts in the heart of the Japanese Alps.
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JAPAN’S NAGANO & NIIGATA PREFECTURES – WORLD CLASS SKIING & SNOWBOARDING, BREATHTAKING SCENERY AND GREAT SNOW FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
With incredible Japanese powder snow, breathtaking scenery, multiple world-class resorts, vast terrain with no lift lines, relaxing onsen spas, extensive accommodation options, fantastic cuisine, and a wide array of cultural experiences to explore, the prefectures of Nagano and Niigata are an ideal choice for your next snow holiday.
Nestled in the awe-inspiring Japanese Alps, Nagano and Niigata are home to some of the best ski resorts in Japan – Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Myoko Kogen and Nozawa Onsen. Located in central Honshu, accessible by Shinkansen from Tokyo, the area enjoys long winters and incredible annual snowfall of 10 meters or more. With mild average winter temperatures of just below -3C, it’s easy to spend all day out on the mountains and exploring the many adventures that make this winter paradise in the heart of Japan a haven for snow lovers.
Beyond the incredible skiing and amazing scenery, Nagano and Niigata are blessed with abundant geothermal activity, and have some of the country’s best natural hot spring baths. Relaxing in the soothing mineral waters of an outdoor natural onsen while snowflakes flutter down from above truly is the best way to end a long day of skiing, sightseeing or shopping.
Nagano & Niigata Snow Resorts Overview
HAKUBA – One of Japan’s premier alpine destinations, Hakuba Village is the gateway to ten amazing resorts set in the heart of the Japanese Alps, all accessible with a single lift pass. With access to over 200 runs, Hakuba Valley offers world-class skiing and snowboarding for all levels with amazing powder runs and exceptional groomed runs. The southern end of the valley starts with three ski areas, most notably Kashimayari, to the linked resorts of Hakuba 47, Hakuba Goryu and Happo One situated in the heart of Hakuba. The northern end of the valley is made up of Iwatake, Tsugaike, Hakuba Norikura and Cortina. Another fantastic feature of this area is the natural hot spring onsens – not only a great Japanese experience but also to ease the aches after a day on the mountains. If you want to take time away from the slopes, there are some excellent day tours available from Hakuba including a visit with the famous “Snow Monkeys”.
SHIGA KOGEN – Shiga Kogen is situated in the heart of Johshin’etsu Kogen National Park and is by far the largest ski resort in Japan, with 18 interlinked resorts, all accessible with the one lift ticket and covering a huge area of diverse terrain. Famous for its grand scale, amazing panoramic views and large snow falls, Shiga Kogen is the ultimate destination for the keen skier or snowboarder and also boasts one of the longest seasons in Japan due to its high elevation. The accommodation at Shiga Kogen is spread out around many distinct villages and most of the options are ski-in/ski-out or located very close to the slopes.
MYOKO KOGEN – Myoko Kogen is set in the heart of Japan. The area is made up of several resorts with the major ones being linked by a shuttle service. The main ski area – Myoko Akakura is made up of two ski areas, Akakura Kanko and Akakura Onsen. The region is known for its deep soft powder, of which it receives an abundance. The main village of Akakura has a wide range of accommodation options in the town, with other nearby possibilities reached by shuttle bus. Many of the properties are locally owned and have a rich history, traditional culture and onsens.
NOZAWA ONSEN – Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan’s original ski resorts. The traditional town has more than 30 natural hot spring sources located throughout it, and the narrow, cobbled streets are kept naturally clear of snow from the hot spring water that flows under them. Nozawa is known to have some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Nagano Prefecture, and the varied terrain gives everyone the chance to explore the powder like conditions whether it be the beginner area around the base or the mountain top for more experienced skiers. Nozawa Onsen will give you a truly authentic Japanese experience and is the place to explore small traditional izakayas and ramen restaurants, featuring the very best of local produce.
Bookend your snow holiday exploring the exciting cities of Nagano & Kanazawa
A truly enriching add-on to the start or end of your Japanese snow holiday, is to spend some time exploring the regional cities of Nagano and Kanazawa, in the nearby Ishikawa Prefecture. These exciting cities are within easy reach of Hakuba Valley Ski Village, and offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese tradition and culture.
Head to our Virtual Snow Show for video tours of these neighbouring destinations, and to read all about the incredible experiences they offer to travellers – stunning scenery and natural wonders, atmospheric samurai quarters and geisha house districts, rich art and craft traditions, and distinctive local cuisine.
Our Nagano & Kanazawa travel picks – for pre or post skiing adventure:
Kenrokuen Garden – Kanazawa’s most famous attraction is Kenrokuen garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, and visitors from all over Japan and the world come to explore the stunning gardens year-round. In Winter, the gardens are particularly famous for the unique yukizuri (snow hanging) technique that protects the garden’s delicate Karasaki pine tree from snow.
Zenkoji Temple – At the heart of Nagano lies one of Japan’s most significant and revered cultural sites. It is said that Zenkoji Temple was originally built about 1400 years ago and was designated a National Treasure of Japan in 1953. Visitors from around the world travel to explore the temple’s vast grounds and delve deep into the underground chamber in search of the “key to paradise”
Soba making experience – Togakushi soba noodles are some of the most delicious soba found throughout Japan due to the incredibly high quality buckwheat produced in the area. You can taste these delicious noodles at many restaurants around Nagano and Kanazawa and also learn how to make soba yourself at Nagano’s Togakushi Soba Yamaguchi.
Head to our Virtual Snow Show – www.thesnowshow.com.au for video tours, trail maps, accommodation highlights, and to read all about the incredible experiences they offer to travellers – incredible snow, stunning scenery and natural wonders, atmospheric samurai quarters and geisha house districts, rich art and craft traditions, and distinctive local cuisine.