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.

Spring/Summer Activities in Snow Country

The Snow Country Region is famed for its snow and winter sports/activities but is is very much a 4 Seasons destination.

It is spring at the moment and the snow is melting (though the skiing continues well into May at the higher resorts.) This melt water makes its way down into the rice fields to make some of Japan's most famous and delicious rice, but another consequence is that it flows down the rivers making for some world class white water rafting.

That is just one of the activities available for those that love the outdoors in Snow Country - others that might tempt you include paragliding, canyoning, lake sailing, bungy jumping, canoeing, mountain biking, high ropes courses, hiking.... the list goes on.

Even if activities aren't up your street there are plenty more things to keep you occupied with onsen, museum, art galleries and exhibitions, flower parks, traditional craft centers and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Not to mention the food.

So much to do, so little time...
If you need a bit of help, drop us a line for some recommendations...

Minakami Cherry Blossom Viewing

Being the other side of the mountains to the rest of the Snow Country Region, Minakami is often the first to have cherry blossoms in bloom as they make their way up the country. Minakami is dotted with great places to stretch out a blanket (or blue sheet if you are a local) and enjoy a picnic as you admire the flowers. A great option is Kenshin no Sakasa Zakura.

The ancient cherry trees are not the only attraction in the area. Located just off the old trade route there are some amazing old inns around, each with onsen that will delight even the most picky onsen purist. There is a large lake nearby with some great walking trails and also some points of historical interest.

Check out this link for more information and a guide to some of the reccommended hotels and activities within striking distance of these cherry blossoms - more than enough to fill a relaxing spring break in the country.

Soaking in the onsen is good for you!

As if you ever needed an excuse to soak in an onsen!

An article in the Daily Yomiuri Online has some great news for onsen lovers. Traditionally onsen were seen as a way to prevent and treat illness and injuries, and some recent research is backing this claim. So you owe it to yourself and your well-being to jump in an onsen and enjoy a good soak.

Snow Country is blessed with an abundance of onsen of many different kinds so head on up here for some medicinal R&R.

Full Article

Ryugon ryokan - traditional luxury

There are some amazing place to stay in Snow Country with many of them boasting centuries of history providing top quality accommodation to weary travellers. The inns on old trade routes are fantastic places to stay and you can often feel the history that surrounds you. Ryugon is one such inn and even if you just see it from the exterior it looks like it belongs in another period. The interior doesn't disappoint either.

The inside of this ryokan has been lovingly restored and is all dark beams and whitewash. There is a definite sense of peace and tranquillity as your footsteps echo down the wooden corridors. Each room is a suite with plenty of space to relax and admire the landscaped gardens outside. The hot spring baths are also famous and have been the location for commercials in the past.

The ryokan sits at the base of Sakado mountain from which the local lords controlled the area, and Ryugon has long links with the surrounding temples being firmly entwined in the rich history of the region. It is a great base if you intend to explore the area, and if you are staying over winter there are ski resorts close by. Even non-skiers can head up the nearby Hakkai-san ropeway to enjoy the stunning views of mountains and valleys.

Ryugon really is a class apart and if you are looking for a truly unique accommodation experience it will never disappoint.

Happy My Birthday in Echigo Yuzawa

If you are lucky enough to be in Yuzawa on your birthday you can reap the rewards this year. From December 10th until April 30th anyone with a birthday (and photo ID to prove it) can take advantage of the Happy My Birthday Campaign.

Pop into the Yukiguni Kankou Sha just outside the West Exit of the Station on your birthday with your ID and you could be the recipient of a free day pass, a onsen ticket and plenty of other goodies. There are a whole bunch of ski resorts, restaurants, hotels and shops that are taking part in the campaign so free food and drinks could be yours too.

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.

Unusual Onsen

Taking a long soak in a volcanic hot spring bath is one of the essential Japanese experiences and Snow Country is blessed with an abundance of onsen. Pretty much anywhere you stay will have an onsen either in-house or close by. (For those of you that are not au fait with the ins and outs of taking a bath Japanese style, check out this handy guide.)

There are some really famous onsen in these parts that have been soothing away aches and pain for centuries. Onsen have played an important role in both curative and preventative medicine is Japan. The different kinds of water all have different affects and there will usually be a notice on the wall explaining the benefits of each particular bath.

Here are a couple of the more unusual onsen on offer in these parts.

Yusenkaku

This accommodation backs onto the river. The river has hot springs pumping into it. You can dig around and create your own personal onsen pool right there. It doesn't get more natural than that.

Kanzan

Their bath has a giant picture window that offers a stunning vista of Mount Tanigawa towering above you.

Takahan

The source of the hot spring is the reason the ryokan is here. It sits atop its own onsen source with the water completely refilling the bath every 3 hours.

Chitose

This ryokan in Matsunoyama has a really famous outdoor bath that is high on the list of onsen aficionados. It really comes in to its own in winter when it is almost buried in snow.

Ryugon

This ryokan is one of the oldest ryokan around and also have great onsen. Their outdoor bath backs right onto the local mountains and is so famous that it was the location for a beer commercial a few years ago.

Hiking Tanigawadake

It is autumn in Snow Country which means amazing colors as the leaves change. This area is blessed with many different kinds of trees which means there are lots of hues to admire. On the weekends the stations are full of backpack wearing hikers off to challenge the peaks and trails of the surrounding mountains.

A great hike is to the top Tanigawadake, which is one of the famous 100 peaks in Japan - who knows, it could be the start of you ticking them all off your list?!

View from the top of the ropeway - http://www.tanigawadake-rw.com/item/3671

There is a ropeway which takes you up to Tenjindaira Ski Resort and from there you can choose several routes for your hike, depending on how long you want to walk. Or if you are not feeling so active you can hang out in the restaurant at the top and enjoy the view.

There are plenty of great accommodation options close by if you are looking for a longer stay ,and the area is well known for the abundance of onsen. There is a great view from the top of Tanigawadake, but there is also something to be said for lounging at the base of the mountain in an outdoor onsen, staring up at the peak towering above you.

Top 5 Reasons to Ski in Japan

It's baking hot here in Japan with temperatures creeping up into the mid-30s most days at the moment. Perfect time to be thinking about the soft, fluffy snow of winter; after all it is called Snow Country for a reason.

Just to get you in the mood check out this article from the Sydney Morning Herald who give their top reasons to ski in Japan. Powder, onsen and food all make the list.

Minakami Happiness Campaign

The Minakami marketing machine has gone into overdrive this summer showcasing the many attractions of their town under the banner of the Minakami Happiness Campaign. They have put together a bit of a teaser video to tempt you into a visit. Check it out below.

The outdoor sports are famous with bungy jumping, canyoning, rafting, paragliding, canoeing and mountain biking all on offer, and snow sports also well represented.

It is also well-known for its stunning natural beauty with some great shots in the promo video.

Check out the video. (.wmv download)

Tempted?

Cooling off in Snow Country

It's the height of summer and although Snow Country is cooler than the cities it can still feel pretty hot and humid. Never fear though, there are always ways to escape the heat.

1. Grab some great summer food
Shaved ice with fruit syrup is a summer favorite, especially at festivals. Cold soba noodles or watermelon are also great ways to cool off. Or a few glasses of ice cold sake can work wonders.

2. Jump in the water
Easily one of the most fun ways to chill out in summer is find some water, be it pool, water park or river activities. Or even just a stretch of river to laze in works.

3. Head up high
There is some great hiking or plenty of easy way to access the cooler temperatures at the top of the mountains - even a bit of summer skiing if you are interested.

4. Alternatively head deep underground!

5. Have an onsen
It sound counter-intuitive but a nice hot bath will leave you feeling cool and refreshed. Snow Country is blessed with lots of great onsen of all kinds.


Whatever you do, escape the city and head to the mountains.

Minakami in Tokyo Weekender

Green season is well underway in Snow Country with most activities operational again after the winter hiatus. For outdoor enthusiasts Minakami is something of a mecca with heaps of different activities and plenty of great onsen in which to lounge around in the downtime. The town is currently featured in Tokyo Weekender.

Check out the full article here.

Gunma Welcome Card

As part of the Visit Gunma campaign there is a coupon book available which also acts as a handy guide to the hot spots of the prefecture. It aims to enhance your experience of travelling in Gunma and is not only packed with the sights you should see but other useful information such as handy phrases, useful contact numbers and transportation information. There is also a great guide map inside the back cover that helps you get your bearings.

The main sections are broken up by region and then by Experience, Gourmet, Souvenir and Stay with most places offering a special or free gift to bearers of the coupon book. For those coming to Snow Country there are plenty of offers in the Minakami and Sarugakyo areas. If you are heading up this way you should really slip one of these into your pocket and reap the benefits.

For more info you can email the Visit Gunma office.

Family Snow Walk - 4th March

We've had a few days of good weather recently in Snow Country, with blue skies and bright sunshine. It is probably too early to get excited about the arrival of spring yet and there is sure to be more snow on the way. However, as the weather gets better and the temperatures get a bit warmer it is a great time to get out and explore the mountains and there are plenty of events scheduled to help you do that.

One of these is a family snowshoe trek around Sakado in Muikamachi aimed at 3rd - 6th year elementary school students. Kitted out with snowshoes that help them stay on top of the snow they can experience a mountain adventure. Animal tracks, snowy forests and stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

It's bound to be a great day out and a fantastic experience for the youngsters with the obligatory onsen to warm up after a fun-packed day.

Minakami Ryokan on CNN.com

We've long been recommending a stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan and a soak in a hot spring as an essential experience if you come to Japan. It seems CNN.com also think that the Japanese ryokan is a great way to experience the relaxing effects of hot spring bathing. Of all the ryokan in Japan, the one that made it into their article was Senjyuan in Minakami.

Senjyuan is a stunning example of the modern ryokan. The design of the building and the rooms takes the very best of the ryokan tradition and brings it up-to-date with the best materials and beautiful styling. They have hot spring baths in the rooms as well as the main bath area, and if natural is your favorite, their is even one down on the banks of the river. The views are always mentioned as well for good reason.

For the full article check out the link -

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/21/travel/five-hot-springs/index.html

or check out their English website for some great views of the ryokan

http://www.senjyuan.jp/e/

Matsunoyama Onsen Power

Matsunoyama Onsen was in the news tonight for their new geo-thermal power generation steam. They are using some of their abundant hot spring resources to produce renewable, environmentally sound energy. Today they had the opening ceremony for their power generation facility amidst plenty of press interest. With the power issues caused as a result of the events in March, safe,renewable energy sources have been much in the news. For a country rich in volcanic hot springs, projects like this seem to be a natural choice and many towns will be watching this with interest.

Matsunoyama Onsen falls under Tokamachi and was originally a staging post on the troop route from Snow Country to Joetsu. It is a quaint little spa town tucked away in the mountains and home to the fantastic Chitose Ryokan which has an amazing outdoor bath which alone is worth the trip when the snow is falling.

It is also home to one of those quirky local festivals that let you see a different side of Japan. This one sees newly wed grooms tossed into a snowdrift.

Staying at a Ryokan

We've written before about the joys of staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan with their great food, onsen and awesome hospitality. At least one night in a ryokan should be on your list if you are visiting Japan. There is an association for ryokans over here - the Japan Ryokan Association - and they have a great guide on the ins and outs of staying in a ryokan. There are good tips on how to choose one, what to expect and important things you should know.

It is always good to be prepared but no one is expecting you to be au fait with the intricacies of Japanese etiquette - people are just happy that you have come to their country and are keen to introduce you to their culture.

The Japan Ryokan Association's guide is an interesting read with lots of good tips to make your stay a more enjoyable one. If you really want to come prepared they also have a printable guide that you can keep at hand during your stay, so if you can't remember how to tie your yukata...

Happy My Birthday in Yuzawa

If you are lucky enough to have a birthday between 10th December and 30th April you are in line for some free stuff in Yuzawa this winter. It's the Happy My Birthday Campaign.

Head to the Tourist Information Office on the West Side of Echigo Yuzawa Station on your actual birthday to register and you will get your birthday card (and lanyard if you are one of the first 500.) You are now set to pick up a whole bunch of free stuff from resorts, restaurants, shops and hotels in the area.

There are 8 resorts offering free lift passes (Nakazato, Yuzawa Park, Iwappara, Kandatsu, NASPA, Ipponsugi, Yuzawa Kogen and GALA) and a whole host of accommodations and shops offering free drinks, cakes, discounts, etc. Some pretty good bargains to be had among the 40 odd establishments taking part so well worth trying to get the day off and head up to Yuzawa on your birthday.

Happy My Birthday Campaign flyer - you are going to need to produce some official photo ID with your birthday on to get the goodies.

Literary Snow Country - Osamu Dazai

Takahan is not the only ryokan in Snow Country who have links with famous Japanese writers. Ryokan Tanigawa played host to the novelist Osamu Dazai.

His stay was in the original building before it became the modern, high class ryokan it is today, but they have a mock up of his room in one of their salons. They also have an impressive collection of his works and some of his possessions.

His life was pretty turbulent and reads like a novel in itself, with attempted suicides, elopements, alcoholism, illegitimate children and depression. There is even rumor of a mysterious death. Some of his best known books are available in English translation, making them the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing stay in this beautiful mountain ryokan.