Nestled deep in the mountains that border Gumna and Niigata, the town of Fujiwara is the winter gateway to several ski resorts in the area. Most people pass through this sleepy little area on their way to Hodaigi or Minakami Kogen ski resorts. Perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in the area, Takaragawa Onsen (the largest co-ed outdoor onsen in Japan) is also close by. The large lake that borders the lower slopes of town is formed by the Fujiwara dam, which is one of many controlling the flow of the Tone river, whose waters make it all the way to Tokyo and out into the Pacific Ocean.
- 1 min read
Fujiwara
Sleepy mountain town

By C. Rio
Community writer

Fujiwara buried in the snow

Hotakasan hovers above

Tanigawadake looming in the distance

Winter tourism is anchored firmly in the Ski and Snowboard industry

Good luck!

Looking down the valley

Homes have to be built strong enough to deal with the weight of the winter snows

Fujiwara from the other side of the lake

The Fujiwara dam regulates the flow of water all the way down to Tokyo
Explore nearby
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
2
Starbucks Japan Spices Up Summer
Food -
3
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
4
Suica 2026 and Beyond: What’s New and What’s Cool
Culture -
5
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
6
Kamenoi Hotel Atami
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
7
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
8
Mt. Fuji Hike 2025: New Safety Rules & Registration Guide
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
9
Driving in Japan: Guide to ETC for Highway Toll Gates
Transportation -
10
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Adachi Fireworks
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto