Japan is famous for its metropolitan areas, such as Tokyo and Osaka, or for the historical heritage of Kyoto. But you can find a wilder aspect of Japan in a beautiful natural area called YUKIGUNI.
YUKIGUNI in Japanese means ""snow country"", and is one of Japan's most snowy areas.
The first settlements date back to 8,000 years ago, and the local culture has been shaped by the snow.
Living in a snowy area is undoubtedly challenging, but also provides opportunities and blessings.
The Yukiguni region is renowned for producing Japan's best koshihikari rice, the sake, and for its beautiful ski resorts.

The Snow Country Zone was born as a government initiative to encourage tourism to this fascinating rural region located only 70 minutes northwest of Tokyo. 7 municipalities across 3 prefectures have united their efforts to promote the region as a whole.
The areas are Echigo-Yuzawa, Minami-Uonuma, Uonuma, Tokamachi and Tsunan in Niigata prefecture; Minakami in Gunma prefecture; and Sakae in Nagano prefecture.
Visiting the Snow Country will let you discover and experience a completely different culture and lifestyle.