Discover Secluded Hot Springs and Spectacular Scenery in a Tour from TokyoNagano / Niigata / Gunma / Saitama

Situated at the base of Mt. Kenashi, around an hour from Nagano City, Nozawa Onsen Village is a quintessential onsen town complete with all the facilities you would expect from this classic Japanese vacation spot. You’ll find hot springs, of course, as well as traditional ryokan inns for a unique overnight stay, and a multitude of cozy restaurants and bars. Its location makes Nozawa Onsen a popular place for skiers who enjoy the relaxing onsen facilities as part of their après ski routine, but there is plenty to offer those who prefer time away from slopes and out of season. Like many Japanese onsen, Nozawa has a rich cultural history. In fact, the village dates back to at least the 13th century and it has been a popular destination for visitors since the Edo era (1603–1868). As such, this quaint village is littered with cultural landmarks, from temples and shrines, to striking examples of traditional Japanese architecture.

Traverse the mountains in Japan and you’ll come across many breathtaking sights, but few compare to the grandeur of Kiyotsu Gorge. Dramatic igneous rock formations rise from the gorge’s watery depths, punctuated by rich vegetation. Yet, natural beauty isn’t the area’s only draw. The gorge is also famous in Japan for the Tunnel of Light, an architectural installation art piece realized through a collaboration between renowned Beijing-born architect Ma Yansong and his team at MAD Architects. This 750-meter-long pedestrian tunnel was revitalized in 2018 as part of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field initiative. As you walk the length of the tunnel, a series of lookout points invite you to pause and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty. At the final lookout point, a breathtaking scene unfolds. Here, the floor beneath your feet becomes a reflective pool that mirrors the pristine gorge. The walls, clad in stainless steel, completes the effect, creating an immersive play of light, water and rugged rock formations. The Tunnel of Light is a testament to the transformative power of art in enhancing our connection with the natural world.

Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan, renowned for its rich waters that are said to relieve pain in the mind and body. Standing at an elevation of 1,200m, the resort has been a popular destination for health tourists for many centuries, but its popularity skyrocketed in the 1800s after Erwin von Baelz, a doctor from Germany stationed at the imperial court, gave the resort his seal of approval. One of the most traditional onsen in Japan, it still draws in tourists year-round. Kusatsu hot spring is like a time warp. You’ll find iconic wooden structures delivering the water to the bathing pools, while at the Yubatake, the source of the hot spring, you can witness yumomi, an age-old ceremonial water-stirring ritual steeped in tradition. Beyond bathing, the area is also a popular destination for skiers in the winter months and hikers year-round.

Established in 1950, Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is a very popular destination for hiking in Japan. Located just over two hours from central Tokyo, a visit to Chichibu-Tama-Kai proves you don’t have to travel far from the city to enjoy the mountains in Japan. A hike up to Mitsumine Shrine along the forested trail from the base of the mountain takes about 3 hours and requires proper footwear. The shrine itself is vividly colorful and features intricate carvings on many of the buildings. The national park is home to an abundance of natural sights, from verdant mountain slopes to gushing river valleys and tranquil lakes. Visitors can expect stunning views of Mt. Fuji, one of Japan’s most iconic natural wonders, and a wide range of hikes from challenging routes across craggy mountain trails, to relaxed walks along one of many riverside paths. And you don’t have to do it alone. – there are plenty of options for guided hikes, cycle tours and other experiences. Visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park in Greater Tokyo and leave with a renewed appreciation for Japan’s breathtaking natural environments.