Discover Japan’s Legendary World of Snow

Eat, drink, and be merry in a snowy, hot spring wonderland

Yukiguni (“Snow Country”) is the title of one of the most important works of Japanese literature—but it’s not just fiction. Travel to the mountains in Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park in rural Niigata, which has been known as Yukiguni for more than 8,000 years, and take a trip to the Snow Country Tourism Zone to experience the countless wonders of this snowy land yourself.

The air transported across the warm currents of the ocean to the north interacts with the mountains, cloaking Yukiguni in snow between December and April most years. This creates excellent conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoe hiking, but that’s not all. Snow Country is rich in onsen, or hot springs, and Yasunari Kawabata, the author of the novel Yukiguni, even wrote the book while staying at one of these onsen inns. Get a taste of traditional Japan by spending some time at your choice of quality inn, enjoying the local cuisine and the healing, warm waters. 

For visitors interested in the arts, visit an authentic workshop showcasing the local weaving expertise and style. The Museum on Echigo-Tsumari and numerous architecture tours at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field are likewise not to be missed.

Enjoy a range of gastronomy tours here as well. The long winter environment has given rise to unique culinary traditions and preparation skills in the area, featuring richly flavored, salted, fermented, and dried dishes. The frosty environment and pure water nourish the local produce, so meals often feature extremely fresh ingredients. Visit local people at a traditional kitchen called a doma, and learn more about the local culinary expertise; later on, gather around the hearth as you warm up for dinner. This wintry environment also creates ideal conditions for brewing and enjoying delicious sake, or warm up with a bowl of piping hot ramen. 

Whether you are interested in winter activities, art, history, literature, gastronomy, or just relaxing in the hot springs, Yukiguni has something to offer to everyone.

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo Yuzawa Station (about one hour 20 minutes).

Discovering Yukiguni Tour (General Incorporated Association Snow Country Tourism Zone)