Travel across Japan’s Joetsu region – the top choice for skiing and hot springs

Text by TRAVELER Luxe

 

The Joetsu region, covering Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata prefectures, is an internationally famous destination for skiing and hot springs. Visitors can not only enjoy rare silver-white snowy landscapes but also experience the full joys of a winter wonderland — skiing, shopping, soaking in hot springs, and savoring delicious food.

Located in central Honshu, Nagano Prefecture enjoys convenient transportation links to major cities. A one-hour ride on the Nagano Shinkansen from Tokyo brings you here, making it another popular resort destination for skiing and hot springs besides Hokkaido.

 

Nestled at the foot of Mount Asama, Karuizawa is one of Japan’s favorite summer retreats for politicians, business elites, and literati. Blessed with a unique highland climate, it’s an ideal choice for summer escapes, autumn foliage viewing, and winter skiing. For those who prefer a base-based trip, consider staying at the vast Karuizawa Prince Hotel, which covers an area larger than 11 Tokyo Domes. Aside from visiting the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza right across from the south exit of Karuizawa Station — where you can enjoy treasure-hunting among over 200 luxury brand outlet stores — you can also head to the outdoor ski slope near the hotel’s West Building to enjoy seasonal activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

 

For a hot spring resort that blends modernity with traditional Japanese charm, opt for “Karuizawa Hoshinoya,” also located in Karuizawa and rich in cultural and artistic atmosphere. The stylish and contemporary Hoshinoya was originally a traditional hot spring inn with over a century of history. After renovation, it reopened with a fresh concept themed “a village nestled in a valley.”

Emphasizing that not a single tree was cut down during renovation, Hoshinoya places great importance on its relationship with nature. Whether it’s garden landscape design, native flora and fauna, or cuisine, everything prioritizes preserving the local environment and culture. Even the room amenities deliberately minimize electronic devices — there’s no TV, and mobile phone signals are hard to come by. The property features 77 standalone villas, each with its own living room, bedroom, private hot spring bath, and terrace. Minimum stays are two consecutive nights, making it perfect for travelers who prefer a low-key luxury experience centered around accommodation rather than sightseeing.

 

Known as the “skiing kingdom,” Nagano Prefecture boasts some of the best snow quality and comfortable hot springs thanks to its terrain, giving rise to many world-class ski resorts. Among them, Hakuba Happo-One and Shiga Kogen in Yamanouchi Town are especially popular among skiing enthusiasts. Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998, with Hakuba Village serving as one of the main competition venues. Its seven ski areas include the highly popular Happo-One Ski Resort, not only for its excellent powder but also for its breathtaking views of the Northern Alps from almost any spot.

Another major ski area in the prefecture is Shiga Kogen, located in the center of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Situated at elevations between 1,400 and 2,000 meters, it receives high-quality powder snow — ideal for skiing. As one of the main sites of the Winter Olympics, it is also Japan’s largest ski resort, featuring 21 ski areas interconnected by 66 chairlifts and gondolas, offering a wide range of winter outdoor activities.

 

After a thrilling day on the slopes, the perfect way to unwind is by soaking in the hot springs of Yunotani-Shibu Onsen at the foot of Shiga Kogen. With a history of 1,300 years, the Shibu Onsen area consists of nine hot spring towns and still retains a quiet, nostalgic charm. Among its highlights is the tradition of “onsen meguri” or “hot spring pilgrimage.”

 

Aside from ryokan, the area has nine public bathhouses. Though not spacious and somewhat rustic, each is said to offer different therapeutic benefits. Guests staying at any inn on the street can get keys to the bathhouses from their accommodations, change into yukata, and enjoy all nine hot springs for free. Before starting the “meguri,” visitors might want to buy a prayer towel from local shops. After soaking in each onsen, they can stamp their towel at the seal stands located at the entrance. Once they’ve collected all nine stamps, they can visit Yakushian Shrine to pray and make wishes, completing the “onsen meguri” ritual.

Niigata Prefecture, known as the “Snow Country,” boasts magnificent snowy landscapes, world-class ski facilities, and Japan’s top-grade Koshihikari rice, making it a warm winter haven for snow lovers and foodies alike.

 

Thanks to the pure, mineral-rich alpine snowmelt from the Echigo Mountain Range and significant day-night temperature differences exceeding 10°C, Niigata produces Japan’s best Koshihikari rice. The name “Koshi” comes from the ancient name of Niigata, “Echigo,” while “hikari” describes the rice grains’ glossy and plump appearance. Thus, Koshihikari is not only a pride of Niigata but also synonymous with premium rice.

 

The Uonuma rice produced in Minami-Uonuma City, Niigata, is considered the finest grade of Koshihikari. Before going on sale, it must pass strict quality inspections, ensuring its protein content stays between 5.5% and 6.5% — the standard for sticky, top-tier rice. However, its price reflects its premium status: while 10 kg of regular Koshihikari sells for about ¥3,500, 5 kg of direct-from-farm Uonuma rice costs around ¥5,250 — nearly triple the price, highlighting its luxury appeal.

 

Moreover, those wanting to taste sake brewed from this premium rice need look no further. The “Bante Sake & Rice Food Hall” inside Echigo-Yuzawa Station features a coin-operated tasting corner where you can sample 130 popular sake varieties from 90 breweries across Niigata. For just ¥500, you get five tokens and a sake cup to enjoy unlimited tastings and make purchases.