Several exhilarating ways to reconnect with nature and shake off the months of sitting at home can be found at Minakami, one of Japan’s premiere spots for white water rafting and canyoning.

Looking for a place where you can enjoy Japan’s traditional hot spring culture? Then Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, is your ideal destination. Nestled along the scenic Takaragawa River, this secluded onsen is surrounded by natural beauty. Known for its riverside open-air baths and quiet atmosphere, it offers visitors the perfect escape to relax.

Become one with nature in this rural area filled with fun outdoor activities and spectacular scenery that offers something new at every turn. A trip to Gunma is not complete without a visit to Suwakyo Gorge, a beautiful valley famous for its stunning surroundings and the immaculate waters of the Tone River. Easily accessible from metropolitan Tokyo, the gorge is a natural wonder that offers relaxation, excitement, and a breath of fresh air.

From the backwoods of Myoko to the slopes of Echigo Yuzawa, Niigata is home to dozens of ski resorts scattered throughout the prefecture. To enjoy one of the country’s coolest snowy getaways, hop on a bullet train from Tokyo (which can take 70 minutes or more) to find a winter wonderland!

The pure snow of Niigata is well known for helping to create some of the best sake in Japan. And now you can sample over 100 kinds of sake from the region from the convenience of three major train stations.