If you’re after day-trip inspiration, we know just the place. Situated 20 miles away, Minamiuonuma is worth hopping in the car for. Among your first few stops here should be Muikamachi Hakkaisan Ski Resort, Mount Hakkai and Hakkaisan Shrine. The locals will also probably point you toward Kusatsu, 25 miles away. If you only have time for one thing here, let it be Kusatsu International Ski Place. (But we’d also highly recommend Yubatake and Mount Kusatsu-Shirane.)