For those with the urge to getaway from it all, Manza Onsen is the place. With a base at 1,800 meters, this is one of Japan’s highest resorts and boasts amazing quality snow. Well-groomed, uncrowded slopes combine with spectacular vistas in pristine surroundings to make Manza a favorite with skiers and snowboarders seeking a relaxing holiday. A comfortably challenging destination for beginning and intermediate types, the resort also has a number of ungroomed trails in the backcountry area suitable for experts.

Perched on a hill beside the ski fields is the ski-in, ski-out Manza Prince Hotel. Featuring four restaurants, a lounge and 10 soothing hot springs, it’s where you want to be after a satisfying day on the slopes. Neighboring Manza Kogen Hotel has 10 more hot springs, some with mixed bathing.

This tiny alpine village is located in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, with its 2,000-meter peaks dominating the landscape. Natural hot springs abound throughout the area and are famous in Japan for their restorative powers.