Niigata and Nagano with the JR EAST PASS

When spring hits Japan, you know it’s time to see the cherry blossoms—but how about snowy landscapes and hot springs? Travel to the west coast of eastern Japan, to Niigata and Nagano, and you can enjoy all of these things at the same time. Grab your JR EAST PASS and get going through a world of whimsical petals and snowflakes.

The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is indispensable to any traveler wanting to see the sights while saving yen. From Tokyo to Niigata via the shinkansen costs about 10,000 yen per person—and that’s just one-way—but with a 5-day JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) that costs just 18,000 yen per adult, you’re looking at incredible savings plus more freedom to travel to all of the places on your bucket list.

So let’s head for an adventure in Nagano and Niigata prefectures to see some once-in-a-lifetime sights.

Cherry blossoms

A Japanese-style hanami (flower-watching party) is a major must-do on many visitors’ list. But whether you’re picnicking beneath the beautiful trees, singing karaoke, or simply taking a stroll, cherry blossoms are one of Japan’s most beautiful sights. Here are some top picks for where to go:

1. Niigata - Takada Castle Park

This charming park stands on the site of the once-proud Takada Castle that was in use from 1614 to 1889. After having a tumultuous life as a castle, after World War II, over 4,000 cherry trees were planted on the western half of the grounds. Today, visitors can experience springtime bliss in this cherry blossom forest and even enjoy pink lotuses in the moat later in May.

Access: After arriving at Joetsu-Myoko Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, take the Myoko-Haneuma Line to Takada Station. From there, walk 20 minutes or grab a taxi to Takada Castle.

2. Niigata - Hakusan Park Open-Air Garden

This Dutch-style promenade garden displays gorgeous cherry blossoms every year. The open-air garden of Hakusan Park was designed in such a way that it represents islands floating on the ocean’s surface. It makes for a sublime vision during the nightly cherry blossom illuminations. While visiting the park, make sure to visit the nearby Hakusan Shrine and other park beauties, like ponds, hills, and other flora.

Access: Take the JR Echigo Line from Niigata Station (Joetsu Shinkansen) to Hakusan Station. From there, simply hop on the bus at the Ekimae bus stop (bus B10, B13, or W32D) and get off at Shiyakusho Mae stop. It’s just a 1-minute walk to Hakusan Park from there.

3. Nagano - Takato Castle Park

Once the site of a famous battle between the sons of two Sengoku-period warlords, nowadays, Takato Castle is more famous for its beautiful landscapes. Regarded as one of the three best locations to see cherry blossoms, more than 1,500 trees stand here serenely—some as old as 150 years old. While wandering the castle park grounds, you’ll see vestiges of the castle’s former glory, now surrounded by natural beauty.

Access: From Matsumoto Station, head to Okaya Station on the Limited Express Azusa. From there, take the local train to Inakita Station (not a part of the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)) and then take a bus to Takato Station bus stop. It’s a 20-minute walk from the bus stop to the castle ruins.

4. Nagano - Matsumoto Castle

The contrasting white and black form of Matsumoto Castle against a backdrop of the Japanese Alps makes for a stirring vista. The reflection of the castle, trees, and distant mountains on the still surface of the moat is perhaps what made Matsumoto Castle a Japanese National Treasure. In mid-April, the stark exterior of the castle is softened by pastel pink blossoms that bloom around the moat and inside the inner grounds.

Access: Via train, it’s a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station on the Shinonoi JR Line. Via bus, take the Matsumoto Tour Bus “Town Sneaker” North Course from Matsumoto Station; it will take about 10 minutes to go from Oshiroguchi stop to Matsumotojo-Shiyakushomae stop.

Snow

Niigata and Nagano are famous for their snow season, which lasts much longer than other parts of the same region. The altitude and geography make for some of the best winter scenery in all of Japan. Whether you want skiing, snowboarding, or simply snow watching, you’ll find it all here.

1. Niigata - Tsunan Snow Festival

If you want a day of enjoying beautiful snowy scenes and maybe a bit of excitement, it’s time to visit the Tsunan Snow Festival held every year in mid-March. With all of the traditional festival fun like food stalls and games, this festival has an exclusive Tsunan-twist on the festivities. Look forward to snowmobile rides, snowy treasure hunts, and even a sky lantern event once night blankets the festival.

Access: From Echigo Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen, take the Minami Echigo Kanko Bus for about 50 minutes. Get off at Tsunan-Machiyakuba and then take the shuttle bus for about 30 minutes to New Greenpia Tsunan venue.

2. Niigata - GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort

Famous for being the only ski area with its own Shinkansen station—talk about easy access—GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort is the premium spot for winter sports in Niigata. It’s a popular place for day trips from Tokyo and, thanks to its altitude, enjoys a long snow season. With courses for snow enthusiasts from any skill level, this might just be the perfect place for your next winter adventure.

Access: GALA Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen line provides direct access to the resort.

3. Nagano - Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort

Known as the powder capital of Hakuba, Cortina Ski Resort provides some of the best conditions for snow sports. While the resort itself is on the smaller side, the slopes are anything but. The slopes at Cortina are best tackled by intermediate- to expert-level skiers. For a great experience, stay at the photogenic Green Plaza Hotel at the base of the mountain—especially for the added bonus of having access to their hot springs (which can also be used if you aren’t staying overnight).

Access: From Nagano Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, take the Nagano-Hakuba Extra Line bus to Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort. The trip will take 2 hours.

4. Nagano - Jigokudani Monkey Park

There’s no doubt that people love seeing these red-faced macaque monkeys taking a wintery soak in a hot spring. There’s something about those stoic faces that seem so Zen as they relax in their very own open-air bath surrounded by biting snow. Buried in snow for one-third of the year, the monkeys here thrive and since 1964, the world has been obsessed with these tiny hot spring lovers.

Access: Ride the bus directly from Hokuriku Shinkansen’s Nagano Station to Snow Monkey Park bus stop. The ride will take 40 minutes and the walk to the park will take an additional 40 minutes.

Hot springs

After all of that walking to see the cherry blossoms; skiing and snowboarding down snowy slopes; marveling over snow monkeys and castle ruins, it is time to soak away that ache, stress, and cold in a Japanese hot spring. Let these healing waters lead you to bliss.

1. Niigata - Tsubame Onsen

Located at the highest point in the Myoko Highland Hot Spring Village, it’s said that Tsubame hot spring was named for the groups of swallows (tsubame) always flying overhead. Many Myoko mountain climbers use the hot spring to relieve their aches and pains on the descent from the peak. The spring is also said to have beautifying effects for women.

Access: After arriving at Joetsu Myoko Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, take the Myoko Haneuma Line to Sekiyama Station. From Sekiyama Station, take a bus for 30 minutes to Tsubame Onsen. Please note that the Myoko Haneuma Line is partially outside of the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) usage.

2. Niigata - Matsunoyama Onsen

With deep beech forests and rice terraces surrounded by wild nature, Matsunoyama hot springs are a place to truly rejuvenate your spirit and feel at peace with the world. Covered by snow in the winter, this mountainous hot spring is said to be one of the top three medicinal hot springs of Japan. Come here to heal your body and weariness.

Access: It’s a 20-minute taxi ride from Matsudai Station on the Hokuhoku Line to Matsunoyama Onsen.

3. Nagano - Bessho Onsen Town

The small hot spring resort town of Bessho came alive during the Kamakura Period (1192–1333) and served as a prosperous hub of education and religion. Bessho Onsen itself is the oldest recorded spring in the region and the sulfurous waters are renowned for their healing properties. You’ll love soaking up the atmosphere of the town just as much as you will soaking in its curative waters.

Access: Take the Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line (outside the usage area of the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) from Ueda Station to Bessho-Onsen Station, and from there, walk 10 minutes to the hot spring town.

4. Nagano - Nozawa Onsen Village

Nestled in the mountains of northern Nagano prefecture, Nozawa Onsen Village is a hot spring spot that retains its Edo-period charm. By enjoying a long, deep soak in one of the hot springs here, you can become one with Japanese Zen. Surrounded by powder snow in one of the outdoor open-air baths, you’ll want to enjoy these waters forever. Go hot spring hopping in the more than thirty different hot springs and thirteen public hot spring baths.

Access: From Iiyama Station take the Nozawa Onsen bus at the Chuo Terminal, get off at the Nozawa Onsen bus terminal.

5. (extra) Gunma - Takaragawa Onsen

Still have time for a small detour from Niigata and Nagano and craving more mineral-rich hot springs? Make a short trip to Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma prefecture. Surrounded by glimmering nature and the sound of burbling streams, relax and let your stress melt away in the hot springs of this quaint hot spring village.

Access: Ride from platform 4 at Minakami Station bound for Yunokoya. Get off at Takaragawa Iriguchi and walk about 25 minutes to reach Takaragawa Onsen Village.

There’s no shortage of things to enjoy in Niigata and Nagano—especially in spring when you can experience the best landscapes of fluffy snow and blossom-laden branches. Fall in love with the rich nature of the region with ease when you make use of the JR EAST PASS. With all of the savings, you can enjoy an even richer experience of cherry blossoms, hot springs, and snow.