Minakami Adventure Festival - 4&5 October 2014

For those of you who enjoy the outdoors, a not-to-be-missed date for the diary is the Minakami Adventure Festival. This year it will take place on the fourth and fifth of October. There is also a new main location - Takuminosato. If you have time between your outdoor adventure experiences you can enjoy all the hands-on crafts, fruit picking and shopping that is available here aswell.

As ever the list of activities on offer is pretty impressive - rafting, canyoning, paragliding, stand up paddle board, quad bikes, mountain bikes, bungy jumping, tree climbing and canoeing. Add to this food, fireworks and lots of fun and games, and you have a great weekend out.

We'll see you there.

Yuzawa Kogen in Autumn

The weather is getting cooler up in the mountains and some of the leaves are just starting to change color. It is a really pretty time to view the area as the different types of trees all have their own shades of autumn colors. One of the best places to view the display is at Yuzawa Kogen, and they always have plenty going on.

Don't forget your camera as the views down the valley are some of the best in the area. The luge also comes highly recommended. You pick up speed really quickly and even the bravest speed freak will be yanking on the brake lever as the corners approach.

Yuzawa Yumeguri - Discounts on Onsen

As we get out of the heat of summer and autumn approaches, sitting in a nice, warm onsen becomes more and more appealing. Yuzawa town is running a campaign to entice you into the waters of their hot springs. From September 1st until November 26th participating onsen are offering discounts on their normal prices.

Also if you manage to visit an onsen in each of the four areas and get a stamp, you can claim a free prize from the Yukiguni Information on the West Side of Echigo-Yuzawa Station.

Full details on the Japanese leaflet.

Pick up your Yumeguri passport at one of the information centers or participating onsen and let's get bathing.