The bustling Japanese capital of Tokyo experiences winter, but it's usually just cold (sometimes extremely cold) weather, and very little snowfall. If you're on this side of the world and would like to experience some snow, hot springs, as well as activities like skiing and snowboarding, read on.
Here are a few ways on how you could get a full-on winter experience just a few hours from Japan's busy capital, as well as recommendations on activities in store.
Manza Onsen (Gunma Prefecture) is easy to reach from Tokyo. What awaits you here is a resort town that has beautiful hot springs. Located on the slopes of Mount Shirane, this place has Japan's most sulfuric waters, so lots of outdoor baths to be made here.
Minakami Onsen, also Gunma prefecture) is another place for hot springs. Here, you'll find mixed bathing hot springs (rhough there is also a women-only baths available).
If you're more into sports, check out Yuzawa (Niigata Prefecture). The resorts here open between November to May, when the weather is perfect for activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. You'll also have a lot of choices from accommodations here. The best part? It's only approximately 90 minutes away from Tokyo Station.
Nikko, or Okunikko (Tochigi Prefecture) is where you should go if you're into beautiful landscapes. During the winter, the waterfalls freeze, creating a breathtaking landscape that would make you want to wish you're staying there longer. Lots of shrines and temples await visitors here-including the famous Toshogu shrine, a huge memorial to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founding ruler of the Edo Period.
If you're in Japan during the winter and want to take a break from Tokyo's energy, these places will sure give you what you need to recharge.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
