| . an upgraded room adds an open-air soaking tub. there are indoor and outdoor bathhouses with natural hot spring water. breakfast and dinner are available. some offer private toilets; others share facilities. in a quaint wood building, this cozy, informal hot spring inn is 19 minutes' walk from yudanaka train station and 3 km from jigokudani monkey park. warm rooms (stair-access only) have tatami mats, futons and traditional short-legged tables, plus wi-fi, flat-screen tvs and minifridges
Shinshu-Matsumoto Airport 2 hr 19
Madarao Kogen (41 min)
Year-round recreational destination, offering wintertime mountain skiing & hiking in warmer months. Ryuoo Ski Park (23 min)
Scenic mountain & ski/snowboarding resort with soaring views alongside spring & summer hiking. Yokoteyama (35 min)
Mount Yokote houses Japan's highest ski-resort at 2307m with scenic views & open slopes in spring. Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort (39 min)
Family-friendly mountain & ski/snowboarding resort with soaring views plus spring & summer hiking. Manza Hot Spring (2 hr 12)
Laid-back facility featuring multiple outdoor pool areas filled with natural hot-spring water. Shiga Kogen (18 min)
Acclaimed collection of ski resorts with 71 lifts & the site of many 1998 Nagano Olympic sports. Yudanaka hot spring (8 min)
Historic town featuring classic hot spring baths & inns, plus a snow monkey park & habitat. Manza Onsen Ski Resort (2 hr 10)
Familiar, modest destination for skiing & snowboarding, with an informal eatery & an onsen. Shibu-toge (36 min)
High-altitude pass between Mounts Shirane & Yokote that's used by National Route 292. Mount Kusatsu-Shirane (2 hr 17)
The public are no longer allowed to the summit of this active stratovolcano with 3 crater lakes. 北志賀高原 (19 min)
Ropeway line known for its large cabin, carrying up to 166 passengers to ski runs & hiking trails. Yakebitaiyama Ski area (27 min)
Primary resort in a cluster of 19 with trails for all levels, a platinum snow slope & gondola lifts. Shigakogen Hasuike Ski Area (17 min)
Mountain resort featuring ski & snowboard slopes, traditional hot springs inns & hiking trails. Jigokudani Monkey Park (8 min)
Destination for up-close viewing of snow monkeys in a secluded park accessible by long, scenic walk. Yubatake (1 hr 58)
Hot spring and autumn leaf color | 
