As any snow junkie in Japan might tell you, few locales on earth can compare to the powder slopes of the Land of the Rising Sun. And the Happo-One resort is up there with the very best.

Abt Road in Annaka, Gunma Prefecture, is a world away from high-speed bullet trains, timely commuter rails and subway systems. The 11.2-kilometer portion of railway on the Usui Main Line between Yokokawa and Karuizawa stations had been active for 104 years until it finally closed on September 30, 1997. The Usui Main Line and others like it connected Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata prefectures to Tokyo, paving the way for travel today. The Usui Line has since opened to visitors in the form of Abt Road, which welcomes hikers, adventurers and history enthusiasts from far and wide to enjoy the historic railway and make new kinds of memories on these tracks.

This 200-year-old farmhouse has been lovingly restored as a luxurious ryokan for guests who want to experience an authentic retreat in the Japanese countryside near Tokyo. For a luxurious ryokan experience just outside of Tokyo, Miyamotoke offers guests countryside hospitality in a traditional Japanese farmhouse, plus something unique.

Treat yourself to an accommodation experience in Saitama that has it all - spa, barbeque, and stunning natural scenery. O Park Ogose offers a getaway from city life and a breath of fresh air deep in the countryside of Saitama Prefecture, a location perfect for relaxing and feel rejuvenated and refreshed amongst nature.

Discover the unique flavors of Fukushima Prefecture with a visit to the Fukushima Ouse Winery in Koriyama City. Established in 2015, this winery is more than just a place to taste wine: it’s a symbol of the region’s resilience and creativity after the hardship of the Great East Japan Earthquake. With a new business model that combines the production, processing, and sales of locally grown fruits, the winery is part of the “Fukushima Winery Project,” supporting local farmers and brands.

At Shougaku-ji, a 15th-century Soto Zen temple nestled in the forests of Hanno, visitors can experience an overnight retreat that delves into the calmness of zazen meditation and the gentle discipline of temple life.

The only wooden double-helix styled building in Japan, this mysterious temple located in Aizuwakamatsu must be experienced to be believed. Located partially up the slopes of Mt. Iimoriyama, the site of the tragic end of the 19 samurai boys of the Byakkotai during the Boshin War, Sazaedo Temple is a curious architectural anomaly that has fascinated visitors from around the world.

Rent a bike and ride through three rural towns filled with charming cafés, parks and museums on the way to the Kujukuri coastline on this active sightseeing adventure.

TOGEDAMA craft gin is locally made with love by a family business that has been based in the Saitama forest since the Meiji period.

In Gyoda (Saitama Prefecture), a new tradition has been established: “Tanbo Art” (rice field art), a stunning seasonal display that transforms large rice fields into colorful canvases. Various shades of rice plants create elaborate artworks that showcase the region's agricultural tradition in a modern and impressive way. As one of Japan’s most innovative rural attractions, Gyoda’s rice paddy art combines farming techniques with contemporary creativity, drawing visitors from around the world.

With its 280-year-old history of making tatami mats, Kuboki Tatami is helping this traditional craft win new fans at its innovative facility in Fukushima.

This picturesque location nestled in the mountains near Hanno is the only place in eastern Japan where Buddhism and Shinto beliefs are still fused together.

Amidst the scenic greenery of Shibukawa, Hara Museum ARC is a haven for contemporary art lovers. This unique museum integrates cutting-edge exhibitions with breathtaking natural surroundings, giving visitors a tranquil yet inspiring experience. ©Art by Kokoro, Jean-Michel Othoniel, 2009 ©Photo by Yuichi Shiraku

Explore a collection of preserved houses, shops, and public buildings that trace the evolution of Tokyo’s architecture and daily life from the Edo to the Showa period.

Iinuma Honke offers visitors the exceptional opportunity to stay overnight for a fully immersive sake brewing experience.

Yamabushi refers to an ancient Japanese ascetic practice of mindfulness, and along this unique cycling route, visitors will gain a new understanding of Japanese spirituality. Immaculate natural surroundings and well-maintained cycle roads make this tour any adventurous traveler’s dream.

imperfect Omotesando is a fresh brand founded in 2019 that blends style, sustainability, and social responsibility. It specializes in eco-friendly products crafted from responsibly sourced ingredients and offers an innovative shopping experience for eco-conscious consumers. ©photo by imperfect

Hidden on the historic streets of Nagareyama in Chiba, the Nagareyama Kaleidoscope Gallery & Museum offers visitors the chance to experience the unique and immersive world of kaleidoscopic art. The museum is located in a preserved storehouse that was built in 1889 and was once owned by the Terada family, one of the six pioneering families in the area. This is the only original storehouse remaining on the street, with its black plaster finish adding a touch of historical charm to the neighborhood gallery.