Mountainwatch | Drew Jolowizc
It’s no secret Japan’s become an increasingly popular destination for those seeking deep powder snow and cultural immersion. During the winter months both Honshu and Hokkaido are the recipients of large volumes of snow from the powder tap that is the Sea of Japan.
Spread across Honshu there’s literally hundreds of resorts to choose from, which can be overwhelming when deciding upon where to spend your hard earned. For those who like to explore off the beaten track, the Akita prefecture in Northern Honshu is emerging as a destination for those who seek culture, deep powder with minimal competition for fresh tracks (i.e., none).
, Updated 8 Mar 2021, 11:09 GMT
Built over a thousand years ago, the Yamadera temple is a picturesque spot in the mountains of the Tohoku region.
Photograph by Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization
Comprising the six northernmost prefectures on Japan’s main island of Honshu, Tohoku is a rugged land where natural highlights, from pristine forests and remote hot springs to snowy peaks and crater lakes, set the scene for thousand-year-old temples, ancient shrines and lively festivals. Little wonder it was featured in the National Geographic s Best Trips 2020 list as a top destination for adventure.
And yet, less than 2% of the country’s international travellers come here. Due to its remote position and heavy snowfalls, this region has historically had minimal influence from the outside world, resulting in well-preserved traditions and ancient customs.