Whisk off to the the Island of Kyushu to the upscale resort town of Yufuin and enjoy some of our favorite inns or relax in the mountains around Kyoto where you can enjoy the solitude of a quintessential ryokan and the finest Japanese cuisine and hospitality
Behold fabulous nature at Jigkudani Onsen in Nagano, where a group of macaque snow monkeys have discovered the pleasure of an outdoor bath; descending from their mountain perches each morning
Explore the Japanese Alps and the winter beauty of Shirakawa-go, a cluster of hamlets over 800 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Regale the subdued elegance of the New Year's holiday and partake in centuries old traditions as well-wishers, many dressed in beautiful kimono, gather at their local temple or shrine to ring out the old year and welcome in the new
Experience the thrill of seeing dozens of meticulously carved and larger than life snow and ice sculptures at the extravagant Sapporo Snow Festival to be held from February 5 to 11, 2013; turning Sapporo into a winter dreamland of crystal-like ice and white snow
Ski in some of the world's best snow whether on the slopes of Shiga Kogen or Hakuba in Nagano or in the mountains of Niseko on the northenmost island of Hokkaido
