For the ultimate traditional Japanese winter experience, it’s got to be Nozawa Onsen. This authentic town embodies the rapture and fun of skiing and snowboarding mixed with intoxicating nightlife, entertainment and rejuvenating mineral rich hot springs.

The ski area is over 730 acres wide with trails and terrain that has everyone covered. Newbies and intermediates have at least 70% of the available space to ride and the experts can rip up the advanced courses. And with full mountain runs up to 10 kilometres long no one will get bored. The ski school has English-speaking instructors to elevate skiers and boarders to the next level and advanced riders can take an extreme backcountry tour for a taste of the untouched powder and tree lined runs through the panoramic Alps.

When the day is done, put the skis and boards away and choose from more than 30 onsens or natural hot springs to recover and rejuvenate those fatigued muscles. There’s a copious hunger busting options with small traditional izakayas and restaurants that use fresh local produce for the perfect Japanese vibe. Nozawa Onsen is the epitome of a true cultural Japanese winter holiday.