Koakasawa Onsen

As you probably know we are big fans of kicking back and relaxing in an onsen (just hit the onsen label to have a look at some of the ones on offer.) Snow Country is blessed with some amazing onsen which come in all shapes and sizes. But no matter how many different ones you go to, you can still be surprised.

Koakasawa Onsen definitely has the ability to surprise, mainly due to the color of its water, which is a muddy brown.

It is a fantastic little onsen tucked away in the mountains and certainly has a very rustic feel to it. It feels a bit strange soaking in a "dirty" onsen but is a great experience and a tremendous bath.

It is a really good time of year to visit because the roads leading up there are at their very best in autumn with beautiful colors on display all around.

Echigo Akiyamago Driving Course

It is autumn here in Snow Country - it really is one of the most beautiful times of year and it is hard to put into words how amazing the colors of nature are in this region. It is a spectacular change from season to season. The white of winter being replaced by the vibrant greens of spring and summer and then the reds, yellows and oranges of autumn. The mountains are a great place to experience the changing of the seasons.

One of the top places in Snow Country to see the colors is Akiyamago. The intense colors draw sightseers and photographers from all over the country. For a fantastic day out you could do no better than the Echigo Akiyamago Driving Course. It takes in some great regional sights and just the scenery out of the window is worth the journey in itself.

Jabuchi Waterfall is a highlight

and Maekura Bridge is also a famous spot for stunning autumn color photos

There are 8 stops on the itinerary but plenty more in the area to see and do. An escape to the mountains in autumn is simply a must-do.

Noyosano Sato in Akiyamago

Perched on the back of Mount Naeba, up in the heights of Akiyamago, is Noyosano Sato. It is a really unusual place to stay, as instead of your usual hotel you have lots of individual cabins connected by a central walkway to the main building.

You get a sense of what you are in for on the drive up as the road twists up into the mountain past rivers, waterfalls and rock walls. Everywhere you look there are trees and nature.

Noyosano Sato is tucked away in a little hamlet with great views. You can walk off the premises straight onto a trail that leads you through the autumn woods up to Mount Naeba. You'll fall asleep at night to the sounds of the wilderness just out of the back of your hut. It really is an amazing location, especially if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

One of the best things about staying in one of the huts here is the traditional fireplace in the center of the room. A charcoal brazier burns away and you can sit around it as people used to do in days gone by, swapping stories of your day.

The whole experience is very much like a 5 star camping expedition and this hotel is really one of the hidden gems of Snow Country. Autumn is one of the best seasons to stay here as this area has some of the best autumn colors in the whole country.