The Nikko and Kinugawa areas, located in Tochigi Prefecture near Tokyo, are filled with endless charm thanks to their beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here you’ll find World Heritage Sites such as the Toshogu Shrine — one of the “Shrines of Nikko,” the “Snow Cave Festival” at Yunishigawa Onsen, the “Ozeki Yu-moto Onsen Snow Festival” recognized as a Japanese Night View Heritage site, and “New Year Cuisine” specially prepared for international visitors. Each attraction and event delivers a wonderful travel experience for both domestic and foreign tourists. In the cold winter, hollowed-out snow mounds become “snow caves” that visitors can walk through. When night falls, the caves glow with candlelight, presenting a uniquely dreamy winter scene in Japan.
Traveling north from Tokyo, the Ouchi-juku village in Fukushima Prefecture, with its Edo-period charm, is lit up in festive colors, making the “Ouchi-juku Snow Festival” a fairytale-like winter wonderland. Meanwhile, during the “Tree Icicle Snow Festival” at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture, sparkling illuminated scenes captivate visitors.
In addition, the hot spring resorts around these attractions are also highly popular, allowing you to enjoy the winter snowscapes while soaking in therapeutic baths. Come and immerse yourself in these uniquely Japanese winter wonders with us.
