If you’re searching for day-trip inspiration, we can help out. Situated 20 miles away, Kaminoyama is worth hopping in the car for. Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort ought to be high up on your list here. Zao Sanroku Ropeway and Zao Chuo Ropeway are awesome attractions too. The locals will also probably point you toward Yonezawa, 25 miles away. If you can only see one attraction here, let it be Uesugi Jinja Shrine. (But we’re also big fans of Keji Maeda’s Tomb and Matsugasaki Park.)