Japan’s Winter Wonderland: The Ultimate Guide to Snow in Japan
- 1Zao's Snow Monsters (Yamagata Prefecture / Miyagi Prefecture)
- 2Shirakawa-go's Winter Scenery (Gifu Prefecture)
- 3Jigokudani Monkey Park (Nagano Prefecture)
- 4Otaru Canal's Snow Light Path (Hokkaido)
- 5Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
- 6Shirohige Waterfall (Hokkaido)
- 7Hirosaki Castle's Winter Scenery (Aomori Prefecture)
- 8Kusatsu Onsen's Winter Scenery (Gunma Prefecture)
- 9Summary
Zao's Snow Monsters (Yamagata Prefecture / Miyagi Prefecture)
Nearest Station: Zao Onsen Station on the Zao Ropeway.
Recommended Hotel
Zao Kokusai Hotel
This hotel is the perfect base for your trip to see the Zao Snow Monsters. Since it's right next to the ski slopes, you can easily enjoy skiing and snowboarding. You can also relax and enjoy the on-site hot springs, including a spacious main bath and an open-air bath with a beautiful Japanese feel.
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Shirakawa-go's Winter Scenery (Gifu Prefecture)
Nearest Station: Takayama Station or Shin-Takaoka Station. From there, you'll need to take a bus.
Recommended Hotel
Shirakawago no Yu Hotel
This is the only inn with a hot spring located directly inside the Shirakawa-go village. It's ideal for those who want to enjoy a nighttime stroll during the village's special illuminations. You can warm up in the inn's hot spring, which comes from its own source, and wash away your travel fatigue. The delicious dinner made with local ingredients is another highlight, letting you fully experience the charm of the region.
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Jigokudani Monkey Park (Nagano Prefecture)
Nearest Station: Yudanaka Station. From there, you can take a bus to the park.
Recommended Hotel
Shibu Onsen Kokuya
A historic inn that has been operating since the Edo period, Kanaguya is located right in the center of Shibu Onsen town. It boasts nine different hot springs, all with water flowing directly from their own sources, so you can enjoy a full hot spring tour right inside the inn. It's highly recommended for anyone who wants to relax and unwind in a space rich with Japanese history and tradition.
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Otaru Canal's Snow Light Path (Hokkaido)
Nearest Station: Otaru Station.
Recommended Hotel
OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts
This is a stylish hotel that repurposes the old Otaru Chamber of Commerce building. It's the perfect base for exploring Otaru's streets on foot while enjoying the retro atmosphere. If you're looking for a special stay that blends in with the historic townscape, this hotel is for you.
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Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
Nearest Station: Oishida Station. From there, you'll need to take a bus.
Recommended Hotel
Kosekiya Bekkan
Located by the river in the heart of Ginzan Onsen, Kosekiya Bekkan is known for its Taisho-era romantic and retro atmosphere. You can stay here at a relatively affordable price and fully enjoy the charm of the hot spring town. The inn also has its own hot spring, perfect for a relaxing soak to relieve your travel fatigue.
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Shirohige Waterfall (Hokkaido)
Nearest Station: Biei Station. From there, you'll need to take a bus or taxi.
Recommended Hotel
Mori no Ryotei Biei
This is a luxurious inn with only 17 rooms, allowing you to feel Hokkaido's nature and four seasons. You can fully enjoy the Biei hot springs in a private space while looking out at the surrounding nature. The creative Japanese cuisine made with local ingredients is also popular, making it an ideal choice for those who want a quiet, out-of-the-ordinary experience.
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Hirosaki Castle's Winter Scenery (Aomori Prefecture)
Nearest Station: JR Hirosaki Station. You can take a bus or walk from the station.
Recommended Hotel
Dormy Inn Hirosaki Natural Hot Spring
Dormy Inn Hirosaki is a great choice for sightseeing at Hirosaki Castle. It has a large natural hot spring bath on the top floor, which is perfect for warming up after a cold day. The free late-night ramen service is also a nice touch. With its location within walking distance of Hirosaki Castle, it's a convenient and comfortable base for your trip.
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Kusatsu Onsen's Winter Scenery (Gunma Prefecture)
Nearest Station: JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. From there, you will need to take a bus to the hot spring town.
Recommended Hotel
Kusatsu Onsen Boun
Boun is a historic inn located just a 3-minute walk from the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, the Yubatake. It's perfect for exploring the hot spring town on foot. With two different spring sources and six baths, you can enjoy a full hot spring tour. It's highly recommended for anyone who wants to relax and unwind, surrounded by a historic atmosphere and exceptional hospitality.
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Summary
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