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
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