Japan’s northern Tohoku region has guaranteed snow for the winter season and is a convenient alternative to the other well-skied Japanese resorts, and there are little or no queues, advises the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
Appi Kogen Ski Resort is best for first timers with wide groomed runs, an ‘excellent’ ski school, it says, with English-speaking instructors and accommodation to suit couples, families and groups. Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain combines the former Alts Bandai and Nekoma ski areas into one resort, offering terrain for beginners through to advanced skiers. Meanwhile, Zao Onsen Ski Resort is said to be perfect for those wanting to combine skiing with traditional hot springs and the famous Snow Monsters giant fir trees coated in snow unique to Japan.
Beyond the ski fields the Tohoku region has historic villages, samurai warrior history, regional culinary specialities and natural onsen. Nyuto Onsen (pictured) in Akita Prefecture is a collection of seven unique hot spring inns with each drawing water from its own sources.
Tohoku is also full of samurai history, says the JNTO, with pre-served castle towns, historic battle sites and centuries-old samurai districts including the ‘beautifully preserved’ Kakunodate Samurai District, and Tsurugajo Castle.
For foodies there is wanko soba, a traditional dish that servers continuously refill as quickly as the diner can eat. Tohoku is also considered one of Japan’s finest sake-producing regions and visitors can tour the Suehiro Sake Brewery in Aizu-Wakamatsu which blends history (founded in 1850), craftsmanship and award-winning sake. See more details HERE.
