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余白旅行 YOHAKU TRAVEL
余白旅行 YOHAKU TRAVEL

Nagano and Niigata

Hakuba and Uonuma: mountains, wine and sake

A six-day private journey from Tokyo through Nagano to Niigata, for two to four guests. The winter version centres on skiing; the green-season version follows mountain paths and rural landscapes. Both leave room for food, wine and time at the accommodation.

Area
Nagano and Niigata
Length
Six days, five nights
Group
Two to four guests, private
Illustration of wine and sake by a timber window overlooking a snowy mountain valley
Illustrations inspired by the itineraries.

The route at a glance

  1. Tokyo
  2. Nagano
  3. Hakuba
  4. Minamiuonuma
  5. Echigo-Yuzawa
  6. Tokyo

Day by day

This is a sample itinerary, subject to feasibility and availability. We confirm hosts, accommodation, transport and activities for each request before travel.

Ask about this journey →

  1. Day 1

    Via Nagano to Hakuba

    Travel from Tokyo to Nagano by Shinkansen and meet the guide and private car. Visit Zenkoji and pause for Shinshu soba before continuing to Hakuba. Settle in for the first of three nights, with a Japanese-wine dinner proposed for the evening.

  2. Day 2

    A mountain day

    In winter, plan a privately guided ski day around the guests’ abilities. In the green season, consider the Happo-ike walking route, with a picnic and time for wine tasting if the weather and operations allow.

  3. Day 3

    Choose the pace and terrain

    Experienced winter guests can discuss an off-piste or backcountry day with a qualified guide; non-skiers can consider Jigokudani. The green-season alternative combines Tsugaike Nature Park with a visit towards Azumino.

  4. Day 4

    Across snow country to Minamiuonuma

    Continue by private car through Iiyama and the Tokamachi area to Minamiuonuma. In the green season, consider Kiyotsu Gorge and outdoor art, with hegi soba along the way. The winter route depends on road and snow conditions.

  5. Day 5

    Uonuma’s sake and rural life

    Explore local sake culture around Uonuma no Sato, with any brewery visit arranged in advance. Add snowshoeing in winter, or a countryside cycle in the green season, according to the guests’ interests and conditions.

  6. Day 6

    Back to Tokyo

    Allow a quiet morning before the transfer to Echigo-Yuzawa station. Return to Tokyo by Joetsu Shinkansen, with the departure time chosen to fit onward plans.

Adapting the journey

  • A green-season journey

    Replace skiing with mountain walks, rural art and cycling, checking each route’s opening season.

  • For non-skiers

    Discuss Jigokudani, food, wine and time at the accommodation rather than a ski-led stay.

  • Add Niigata

    Extend for a brewery visit and Furumachi performing arts in Niigata city, then craft in Tsubame-Sanjo.

Notes for planners

Season
Plan around December to March for winter or June to October for the green season. Snow cover and mountain operations determine the final dates.
Mountain activities
Guides assess ability, equipment, weather and terrain. Backcountry and off-piste activities are optional and depend on the guide’s decision.
Transfers
Snow can affect roads between Hakuba and Niigata. We check conditions and prepare an alternative route, including rail if needed.
Brewery visits
Special or non-public access is not guaranteed. We confirm the visit, language support and tasting arrangements with the host.
Stays and guides
Accommodation, age restrictions, English-speaking guides and peak-season stay requirements are checked per request.
Rates
Quoted for the dates, season, activities and group; winter and green-season arrangements differ.

A few more starting points, each with its own rhythm.

See our sample journeys →

Shape this journey for your clients

Send us your dates, group size and a little about your guests. We will reply by email.

Ask about this journeyinquire@yohaku-travel.com