Winter Sports Early Season Skiing at Kagura Rufus Starbuck Ski Season in Yuzawa kicks off when Kagura opens at the end of November each year. How much early snow has fallen plays a big part..
Activities Yahiko Chrysanthemum Festival 2026 Nov 1st - Nov 24th The Yahiko Chrysanthemum Festival is held on the grounds of the picturesque Yahiko Shrine. It is the largest chrysanthemum festival..
Activities Cosplay Gataket at Mitsuke English Garden 2026 Early Apr Niigata's Mitsuke English Garden is adding some fun this April with their Cosplay Gataket event, returning after its successful..
Sports & Fitness Mt. Kakuda Bryan Baier A beautiful, ~5km hike up Mt. Kakuda, a 473m high mountain on the Sea of Japan coast
7 Camping & Trekking Hiking to the Top of Naebasan C. Rio I have been told by many that the top of Naeba was an amazing experience. So when I saw that my next day off had clear skies I jumped..
Winter Sports Winter at Naeba Ski Resort Rufus Starbuck Naeba ski resort is one of the most well known winter resorts on the main island of Japan. Dominated by the big Prince Hotel at..
Activities Sagurigawa Dam Kim Bergström Niigata’s Sagurigawa Dam offers some spectacular views and a varied scenery depending on the season.
8 Winter Sports Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort Rufus Starbuck A cable car up to the snow from the town center opens up an amazing vista down the valley and over the mountains. Yuzawa Kogen links..