Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

Snow
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Manza Onsen – Sitting high on Mount Shirane, Manza Onsen boasts sulphuric thermal waters. It is a great place to go to if you want to
try dipping in an outdoor bath surrounded by snow.
Kusatsu Onsen – With an endless supply of top quality natural hot spring water, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is a long-time,
highly recommended onsen resort town in the country.
Otaru Snow Light Path
Kusatsu
Festivals
Winter in Japan also sees a number of fun and exciting snow festivals that attract thousands of tourists despite the chilly weather.
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Sapporo Snow Festival – Held in early February of each year, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a one-week event that showcases impressive
ice and snow sculptures.
Otaru Snow Light Path – A 10-day event hosted by the city of Otaru, the Otaru Snow Light Path is a festival that transforms the town
into a winter wonderland — with bright lanterns and snow statues all over the city.
Tokamachi Snow Festival – A three-day February festival held in Tokamachi, the Tokamachi Snow Festival features snow sculptures and
statues, a winter market, snow slides and other outdoor snow activities for everyone.
Asahikawa Winter Festival – Known for creating the largest snow sculpture in the country during winter, the Asahikawa Winter Festival
is observed in early February of each year.
Sapporo Snow Festival – ©JNTO
Shirakawago village
Attractions
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Shirakawa-go – A UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits in the mountainous rural area of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go consists of
numerous old, traditional, uniquely-designed farmhouses that look even more splendid and picturesque in the midst of a winter snowscape.
Tateyama Kurobo Alpine Route – This attraction opens only in spring and allows visitors to traverse a long corridor between 20-metre
high snow walls. It is located in Toyama and Nagano and is best visited towards the end of April.
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