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Exploring Tohoku: Ski Resorts and Hot Springs with Spectacular Views

The Tohoku region is in northern Honshu. and it is in the south of Hokkaido. This area has a cold climate throughout the year, especially in winter with snowfall in most areas. There are a variety of attractions and activities unique to Tohoku in This time we want to spread this charm through ski resorts and hot springs with spectacular views. It is also convenient and cost-effective to travel from Tokyo using a JR EAST train ticket.

Zao Onsen ski resort

Zao Onsen Ski Center is located in Yamagata Prefecture. It looks like a long downhill slope. And it is famous all over the world for its magnificent scenery. Looking down from the top of the ski slopes, you will see trees covered in stunning ice, and it is also the largest ski resort in Japan. There are 26 slopes and trails that everyone from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy. You will have a thrilling experience as you slide your skis down the mountain with this stunning frosted landscape in front of you. The area is a comprehensive destination where you can enjoy not only skiing and winter sports. but it also includes tourism in communal areas Relax in an authentic hot spring hotel and relax after a long day by soaking your feet in the hot springs.

Access: From Tokyo Station Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station The journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. After that, take a bus from Yamagata Station to the station Zao Bus Terminal takes about 45 minutes and is 10 minute walk to the ski slopes.

API Snow Mountain Resort

Appikogen Ski Resort is a popular ski resort. The coordinates are Appikogen Plateau. Hachimantai City Iwate Prefecture The charm of this place is The soft and fluffy snow is similar to the snow of Hokkaido, and in 2023 it also won the award. “Best Ski Destination in Japan 2022” at the WORLD SKI Awards 2022, the most prestigious award in the world’s ski tourism industry. There are more than 20 courses to choose from that everyone can enjoy from beginners and families with young children to tree throwing courses for advanced skiers. And what you can’t miss when visiting here is “Appi Slope Food” is so delicious that it has been praised by many expert skiers, such as ramen and Morioka cold noodles. and delicious meat skewers If you get the chance, you must come and try it at least once.

Access: From Tokyo Station Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka Station The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. After that, take the Iwate Prefecture Kita bus heading for Up Ski Kogen: From Morioka Station West Exit Stop Bus No. 26 , get off the ski resort in about 60 minutes.

Nyuto-onsen-kyo Hot Springs

Nyuto Onsenkyo is a collection of seven hot springs scattered at the foot of Mount Nyuto in Towada Hachimantai National Park, and each hot spring has its own source. This makes the quality of each hot spring different. Moreover, in Kashira Onsenkyo there are more than ten types of hot springs. Bathing in one of the seven hot springs is said to cure all ailments. This is why it is worth visiting at least once in your life as It is a “dream hot spring” and its incredible charm is the atmosphere of a retro spa in the middle of a virgin forest. The food here is also not to be missed, including “Yamaimonabe”, a famous hot pot dish served with sweet potato dumplings and local vegetables. It has a special taste from the miso soup. There are also customers who come here just to eat the menu.

Access: From Tokyo Station Take the Akita Shinkansen to Tazawako Station The journey takes about 3 hours From Tazawako Station Bus Terminal, take the Uko Bus The Ugokotsu bus to Nyuto Onsenkyo takes about 45 minutes.

Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is located in Gunma Prefecture. It is one of Japan’s top three hot springs and is the most popular hot spring town among Japanese people. Snow scenes can also be seen depending on the weather. This is a natural hot spring located at an altitude of 1,200 meters. The hot spring water is abundant and of high quality. Basically, it is weakly acidic and therefore has a bactericidal effect. It is said to be effective against acne, wounds, and skin diseases. In addition to the hot springs, you can wear a yukata and walk along the streets lined with hotels. There are many accommodation options, from secluded Japanese-style inns to fun tourist hotels suitable for group travel. and is a popular destination for families and couples. Making this place an important destination for many groups of travelers. The hot springs here also have the famous “yumomi”, a 180 cm board that measures the humidity of the hot springs. So you can soak in the water comfortably too.

Access: From Tokyo Station Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, the journey takes about 50 minutes, then change to a regular line from Takasaki Station and get off at Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi station The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. After that, take a bus to Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

Zao Onsen

Relieve fatigue from skiing Soak in Zao’s healing hot springs Located in Yamagata Prefecture, the onsen is surrounded by nature. There is an outdoor bath that blends perfectly with nature, full of unique charm that cannot be found in other hot spring towns or hotels. Many skiers and hot spring lovers come here to relax. The special feature of these hot springs is that they contain very acidic sulphur, which is effective in treating diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. and nerve pain It is known for its beauty hot springs. Because it helps promote blood circulation and has antibacterial effects on the skin, and it can also make the skin smooth and beautiful after bathing here.

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station. Travel time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. From Yamagata Bus Terminal. Take the bus to Zao Onsen. and get off at Zao Onsen Bus Terminal Travel time is about 45 minutes, then walk for 1 minute to the site.

For more information Visit the JR EAST PASS official website at www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass/.
Travel to Tohoku for great value with “JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)”
Travel to the Tohoku region at great value with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku). The prices are 30,000 yen for adults and 15,000 yen for children You can reserve unlimited seats on both shinkansen and limited express trains for 5 days.
Click here for details:

More convenient with the new booking system “JR-EAST Train Reservation”
As of June 2021, JR East’s online ticket booking system has been overhauled. Making buying tickets even easier, this system facilitates the purchase of tickets and reserved seats before traveling to Japan.
Then come and put your ticket in the vending machine before getting on the train There is no charge and it can be used from the day of registration. For details on the reservation service, please refer to the JR-EAST Train Reservation User Guide https://www.eki-net.com/top/tr/guide/service/
English
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pdf/press_20230802_regional_pass.pdf

Tickets can now be purchased from the route search.
Route Search and Booking will help you find routes to your destination on our website, making it even more convenient for you to buy tickets and reserve seats for the route you’re looking for.
Find directions and reservation on JR East’s official website using the link below.

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