Text by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler's Tale, Xie Yuanzhen 'MOOK
Take in the snow-blanketed scenery, glide across vast snowy landscapes, soak in healing hot springs amid breathtaking views, savor local delicacies, and experience the warmth of the locals. Six unique ski trip routes include family-friendly trips, luxury getaways, strolls through old streets, snowscape hot springs, and the majestic views of Mount Fuji.
What makes Kusatsu most distinctive is the "Yubatake" ("hot spring field") in the heart of the town, where hot spring water gushes from the ground. It is the soul of Kusatsu Onsen. (Image / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler's Tale)
Ski at Hakuba during the Winter Olympics and soak in stunning onsen baths
Nagano Prefecture on Japan’s Honshu Island boasts distinct natural scenery in all four seasons, with winter offering a particularly enchanting snowscape. As the site of the Winter Olympics, the region has a thriving skiing culture, with many top-tier ski resorts concentrated in the Hakuba and Northern Shinshu areas. A visit to Nagano is incomplete without experiencing the thrill of speeding down the slopes.
Diamond-like snowflakes make it hard not to fall in love with the snowy landscape. (Image / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler's Tale)
The endless azure sky stretches over the magnificent snow-covered mountains, creating a breathtaking view where only the pure white of the snow and the vast blue of the sky exist. It’s as if the biting winter winds don’t exist at all—you just want to lose yourself in Nagano’s snowy splendor. Located in the central highlands of Honshu, Nagano Prefecture is home to many mountains over 2,000 meters above sea level, making it one of the earliest and heaviest snowfall areas on the island. What sets it apart is its connection to the Japanese Alps, offering excellent ski terrain and climate conditions. Beyond the dreamy snowscapes, this has fostered a vibrant skiing culture, with ski resorts of all sizes scattered throughout the region. Major ski areas are found in Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, and Yuzawa Onsen, each with its own unique charm and loyal following. The 1998 Winter Olympics, held in Nagano, brought international fame to the region and left behind Olympic ski runs and facilities still beloved by many skiers. In addition, Nagano is rich in hot springs, with many ski resorts offering nearby onsen ryokan and bathing facilities. Beyond skiing, you can unwind in an onsen, enjoying the perfect winter holiday of ice and fire. In Nagano, you’re simply enveloped by the alpine wonderland of the Japanese Alps, gliding through scenery that feels like paradise.
Kusatsu International Ski Area stretches from the foothills of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane and has long been renowned for its dry, high-quality snow. (Image / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler's Tale)
◎ Ski Freely, with No End in Sight
Located in the northwest of Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba is surrounded by the Northern Alps and offers outdoor activities like skiing and hiking all year round. For skiing enthusiasts, Hakuba Village is nothing short of paradise.
Among all the ski resorts in Hakuba Village, "Happo One" is the largest, featuring 13 courses, the most gondolas, and excellent snow conditions. It was also one of the venues for the Winter Olympics. Behind the resort are numerous famous peaks with majestic, awe-inspiring mountain ranges and an elevation drop of nearly 1,000 meters, making for an exhilarating descent. Although Happo One offers many challenging and exciting terrains and facilities, it may be a bit difficult for beginners. Novices are better off choosing beginner-friendly courses at the foot of the mountain, where the slopes are flatter and wider—perfect for first-timers to enjoy gliding through the dreamlike scenery with ease.
Stroll Through Kusatsu’s Snowy Streets and Slowly Enjoy the Old Town and Yubatake
Located in the northwest of Gunma Prefecture, near Tokyo, Kusatsu Town is a renowned Japanese hot spring destination centered around the "Yubatake" ("hot spring field"). In addition to its abundant and high-quality spring water, visitors can enjoy soaking in dreamy hot spring baths surrounded by gently falling snow. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the old town and savor the charm of bygone days.
Kusatsu Onsen, situated at an altitude of 1,200 meters, produces approximately the equivalent of 230,000 large oil drums of hot spring water daily, making its natural spring yield the highest in Japan. (Image / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler's Tale)
When it comes to visiting Japan’s hot spring towns, Kusatsu stands out the most. Its most distinctive feature is the "Yubatake" ("hot spring field") in the center of the town, where hot spring water gushes from the ground. Meaning "hot spring field," or literally "hot spring rice paddy," the Yubatake is the heart of Kusatsu Onsen. It gushes 4,000 liters of water per minute, which is then transported to various ryokan via bamboo pipes. Located at an altitude of 1,200 meters, the Yubatake produces the equivalent of about 230,000 large oil drums of hot spring water daily, making its natural spring yield the highest in Japan. The spring water also has superior antibacterial properties—legend has it that placing a 1-yen coin in the spring for a week will completely remove its tarnish. Snowscapes, hot springs, and the old town offer three uniquely local experiences in Kusatsu. Your winter snow adventure begins here, immersing you in the charm of this quaint town.
The Nishiyama Open-Air Bath features a spacious 500-square-meter bathing area, making it Japan’s largest open-air onsen. (Image / TRAVELER Luxe Traveler's Tale)
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