【Traveler's Tale】The Coveted Winter Japan Trip: Skiing and Onsen Dual Delights

By TRAVELER Luxe Traveler’s Tale / Xie Yuanzhen 'MOOK'

Take in the breathtaking snowy landscapes, glide across vast snowy fields, soak in healing hot springs amid stunning scenery, savor local cuisine, and experience the warmth of regional hospitality. Six unique ski trip routes include family fun, luxury holidays, old-street explorations, snow-viewing hot springs, and views of Mount Fuji.

Ski at Hakuba during the Winter Olympics, and soak in scenic hot springs

Nagano Prefecture on Japan’s Honshu Island boasts distinct natural scenery across all four seasons, and its winter snowscapes hold a unique charm. As the host of the Winter Olympics, Nagano has a strong skiing culture, with many top-tier ski resorts concentrated in the Hakuba and North Shinshu areas. A trip to Nagano is not complete without experiencing the thrill of speeding down snowy slopes.

The endless blue sky stretches out over majestic snow-covered mountains—a breathtaking view where only pure white and wide blue dominate the scene, making the biting winter winds seem nonexistent. It’s easy to lose yourself in Nagano’s snowy beauty. Nagano Prefecture lies on the central highland of Honshu and features many mountains over 2,000 meters in elevation, making it one of the earliest and heaviest snowfall regions on Honshu. Its standout feature is its connection to the Japanese Alps, offering excellent ski terrain and climate conditions. Beyond the coveted snowy vistas, this has fostered a thriving skiing scene, with numerous ski resorts scattered throughout, especially in areas like Hakuba, Shiga Highlands, and Nozawa Onsen. Each region’s ski resorts have their own characteristics and dedicated fans. The 1998 Winter Olympics, held in Nagano, put the prefecture on the map, and many Olympic-era ski runs and facilities remain in use, beloved by skiers. In addition, Nagano is rich in hot springs, with many ski resorts offering nearby ryokan and onsen facilities. Aside from skiing, you can also soak in hot springs and enjoy a perfect winter holiday of ice and fire. In Nagano, you’ll just want to be embraced by the alpine snowscapes, gliding through what feels like paradise.

◎ Ski Freely, with No End in Sight

Located in northwestern Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba is surrounded by the Northern Alps and offers outdoor activities like skiing and hiking year-round. For skiing enthusiasts, Hakuba Village is nothing short of paradise.

Among all ski resorts in Hakuba Village, “Happo One” is the largest, featuring 13 courses, the most lifts, and great snow conditions. It was also a venue for the Winter Olympics. Behind the resort lie several famous mountain ranges with imposing peaks and an altitude drop of nearly 1,000 meters—perfect for an exhilarating run. Although Happo One has many challenging terrains and facilities that appeal to advanced skiers, it may be a bit tough for beginners. Novices are advised to stick to beginner-friendly courses at the mountain base, which are flatter and wider, making them ideal even for first-timers to ski with ease amidst dreamlike surroundings.

A Leisurely Stroll Through Snowy Kusatsu and Yubatake

Located in the northwest of Gunma Prefecture near Tokyo, Kusatsu Town is a renowned Japanese hot spring destination centered around the “Yubatake.” In addition to abundant and high-quality spring water, you can enjoy soaking in hot springs surrounded by dreamy snowy scenery and then take a relaxing stroll through the old town to savor the charm of bygone days.

When visiting Japan’s hot spring towns, Kusatsu stands out the most, particularly for its central “Yubatake,” meaning “hot water field” or “onsen field.” It is the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, gushing 4,000 liters of spring water per minute, which is then transported to ryokan via bamboo pipes. With its high-altitude location and massive daily discharge, it holds the top spot in Japan for natural spring yield. The water also has superior antibacterial properties—legend has it that placing a 1-yen coin in the spring for a week will completely clean off its tarnish. Snowscapes, hot springs, and old streets offer three distinct local flavors in Kusatsu, making your winter snow journey truly memorable and immersing you in the town’s unique charm.