2019 TOBU WINTER FESTIVAL Enjoy Winter in Japan

Get away from it all on a trip with Tobu Railway!

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Enjoy Winter in Japan

Winter in Japan has many attractions. The panoramic winter scenes are especially tasteful.
There are many things to enjoy, including snow-related events for active visitors.
Visitors who wish to relax are advised to try the open-air baths amid the snowy scenery.

Why not enjoy winter in Japan at Yunishigawa Onsen, Aizu and Zao as recommended by Tobu Railways?

Yunishigawa onsen / Aizu
Zao

Yunishigawa onsen / Aizu

Yunishigawa Onsen

The Yunishigawa Onsen is a popular hot spring resort for providing beautiful skin.
Away from the clamor of the city, it is the perfect spot for relaxation. One of its main attractions is its easy access from Asakusa, which takes only around 2.5 hours.

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Yunishigawa Onsen

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Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura (Igloo) Festival

The Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is a popular event in the winter at Yunishigawa Onsen.
It will be held between January 26th (Saturday) and March 3rd (Sunday) in 2019. The mini-igloos will be lit up between 17:30 and 21:00.
∗ The mini-igloos are not illuminated on Wednesdays and Thursdays.Various forms of snow recreation are also available, which makes it a popular spot for families.

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Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura (Igloo) Festival

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Ouchi-juku Post Town

With its thatched-roof houses lining the streets, the Ouchi-juku post town makes visitors feel as if they have slipped back in time, and it is a popular spot in Aizu.
The winter panoramas are especially spectacular and must be seen.

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Ouchi-juku Post Town

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Aizu Tsurugajo Castle

The Tsurugajo Castle is a symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu City, and is affectionally known as the Wakamatsu Castle by the local people. It is a popular spot for its cherry blossoms in the spring, but the snow-clad Tsurugajo Castle in winter is also very popular.

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Aizu Tsurugajo Castle

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Ashinomaki Onsen

Ashinomaki Onsen is a hot spring resort town located in a deep valley surrounding by sheer cliffs, and it used to be known as the Mystical Onsen.
It is a very calm and pleasant spot surrounded by Mother Nature. Viewing the winter panorama while soaking in a hot spring is the ultimate in relaxation.

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Ashinomaki Onsen

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TRAVEL NOTE

Snow at its Best: Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival

Toshogu Shrine and Lake Chuzenji are two of the most well-known attractions in Nikko. But do you know that Yunishigawa is also an attraction with historical significance? You don’t have to travel all the way to the Tohoku region to experience Japan’s unique snow house culture. Yunishigawa Kama-kura Festival, or Yunishigawa Snow House Festival, takes place from January to early March every year and around 800 snow houses are lit up at night, creating a magnificent sight to enjoy. If you're in Tokyo, just hop on the Tobu Railway’s limited express Revaty and you’ll be in this winter won-derland in no time.

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SAMPLE ITINERARY

Enjoy a winter trip to the Aizu area.

Here we introduce a one-night/two-day tour itinerary that includes visits to the popular Ouchi-juku Post Town, Aizu's symbolic Tsurugajo Castle, and the mystical hot spring resort of Ashinomaki Onsen. Why not escape the clamor of the city and soothe away your fatigue?

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ACCESS

Yunishigawa Onsen

The Limited Express Revaty operated by Tobu Railways is recommended for trips from Tokyo to Yunishigawa Onsen.
Arrives within approximately 2.5 hours without changing trains.

Aizu

The Limited Express Revaty Aizu is recommended for trips from Tokyo to Aizu.
Using the Yuttari Aizu Tobu free pass in Aizu is especially enjoyable. If you are in possession of a free pass, you will be able to use it from Shimo-Imaichi Station to Kitakata on Tobu Railways.

Zao

Zao Onsen Ski Resort

The Zao Onsen Ski Resort is the largest snow resort in the Tohoku region at which winter sports on powder snow can be enjoyed, and it is very proud of the amazing panoramic views of the Zao mountain range it affords to skiers. The resort contains many slopes for beginners through to advanced skiers.

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Zao Ropeway

The Zao Ropeway provides dynamic 360-degree panoramic views of Mt. Zao as it rises up the mountain. It is a form of transport that delivers passengers to the mountain peak in a safe and secure manner so that they can enjoy a wide variety of activities.

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Zao Snow-Clad Trees (Day)

Natural artistic sculptures made of ice and snow that are produced in the natural environment of the Zao mountain range owing to its special weather conditions and that can only be found in a few places throughout the world. The snow-clad trees are both magnificent and delicate. The area also provides views that can only be seen here.

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Zao Snow-Clad Trees (Day)

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Zao Snow-Clad Trees (Night)

The snow-clad trees are illuminated during a limited period in winter.
The trees appear mystical when illuminated in vibrant colors against a pitch-black background. Tours enabling participants to get close to the snow-clad trees are also available.

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Zao Snow-Clad Trees (Night)

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Zao Astraea Hotel

The Zao Astraea Hotel is located at an altitude of 960m, which makes it the highest hotel in the entire Zao Onsen area.
It is possible to see the mountain range far in the distance from the open-air bath fed by hot spring water. The meals mostly use local produce, and a menu offering Japanese cuisine using ingredients carefully selected by the chef is available.

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Hoju-zan Rissyakuji Mountain Temple

The Hoju-zan Rissyakuji Mountain Temple is a historic temple built in 860 by Jikaku Daishi (Ennin), the third leader of the Tendai Order.
Matsuo Basho, the famous Japanese poet, visited the area and wrote a well-known haiku about it. The temple estate contains eight halls. The views are spectacular, and it is a popular sightseeing spot in Japan.

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Hoju-zan Rissyakuji Mountain Temple

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TRAVEL NOTE

More than just scenic views — Immerse yourself fully in the wonders of Zao’s spectacular winter

Many of those who visit Yamagata during winter come here for the acclaimed beauty of Zao’s scenery. It takes only 40 minutes by car to reach Zao from Yamagata City. Did you know that apart from juhyo, Zao is also home to unique sightseeing spots such as the historic Zao Onsen Town and Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

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SAMPLE ITINERARY

Enjoy winter sports and hot spring bathing at Mt. Zao, Yamagata, this winter!

Yamagata in winter is a white paradise. Winter sports on powder snow can be enjoyed at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort. Delicious cuisine, and impressive hot springs. Includes a trip to Yamagata's famous Hoju-zan Rissyakuji Mountain Temple on the second day.

See sample itinerary

ACCESS

Zao

The Shinkansen bullet train and airplanes are recommended for trips to Zao.
Shinkansen: Approximately 3 hours
Airplane: Approximately 1 hour