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Said to be the most active volcano on Honshu – Japan’s main island – Mt. Asama is one of the few mountains in the country that people are not allowed to climb. At 2568 metres above sea level, Asama b...

Bessho Onsen blends the historic and retro with pure relaxation, as one of Nagano’s best-known Showa Period (1926-1989) hot spring towns while also containing a beautiful collection of temples. Conve...

The third largest city in Nagano Prefecture, Ueda is home to Ueda Castle, once the home of the feared Sanada Clan of Samurai. Today its lack of a main keep means it is less famous than some other cas...

Lying in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, the town’s ‘yubatake’ is an iconic sight, instantly recognisable to most Japanese. Translating as ‘hot water field’, the yubatake is large open-air area over whic...

‘Yumomi’ is a daily performance taking place in Kusatsu Onsen every day, during which a local troupe of performers use large wooden paddles to stir the thermal water. Taking place inside the ‘Netsuno...

Located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park Mt. Shirane – often referred to as Kusatsu-Shirane – is a series of volcanic peaks, including some of the most active in Japan. At 2160 metres above sea ...

Open from May to mid/late-November, the Japanese National Route 292, otherwise known as the Shiga-Kusatsu Kogen Route is a scenic alpine driving route that winds through the Joshinetsu Kogen National...

One of Central Japan’s most dramatic hot spring areas, Manza Onsen is a small but unique onsen town located high in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Drawing its waters from nearby Mt Kusatsu-Shira...

Another of Gunma Prefectures famous four hot spring towns – along with Kusatsu, Shima and Ikaho – Minakami Onsen is home to some equally famous bathhouses and a variety of excellent accommodation. Ne...