Enjoy Takada’s Snow City, the Iiyama Kamakura Festival, and world-class skiing at LOTTE ARAI RESORT, creating unforgettable winter memories.

The fourth Saturday of February | Yasuzuka, Oshima, Uragawara, and Maki Wards in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture
The “Corridor of Lights” is an event where about 100,000 candles are lit along the roads in the mountainous areas of Joetsu. From children to seniors, local residents put their hearts into making each candle. Enjoy the silent but warm world of snow. On the day, large and small snow sculptures are created in various places, and many food stalls (yatai) are also open.

In addition to LOTTE ARAI RESORT own Hoshizora Onsen, there are many other famous hot springs scattered around Myoko.
Each hot spring has a unique charm with facilities differing in terms of spring qualities, washing facilities and the design of the hot spring baths.

There are also many natural open-air baths full of ambience, where you can enjoy the untainted mineral waters fresh from the earth.

Mid-February–Late March | LOTTE ARAI RESORT
At LOTTE ARAI RESORT, a “Snow Corridor” made of snow walls about three meters high appears. Skiers visiting our hotel walk along the path, experiencing the power of the snow walls and enjoying taking photos.

“Kamakura no Sato” is a winter tradition in Iiyama, a town in the heart of snowy country, where more than 20 large kamakura (igloos) are lined up in a pure white snow field.
Every year from late January to the end of February, you can enjoy the Kamakura Festival and even take dinner in the Kamakura Restaurant where you can eat delicious hot pot inside a kamakura.

A mountain range that stretches along the border between Niigata and Nagano, the three mountains of Myoko, Hiuchi, and Yakeyama are also known as the “Kubiki Sanzan” or “Kubiki Alps.”
These mountains have rich nature and beautiful scenery that rival the Alps.

November - March
Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can meet wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs, is about an hour drive from our hotel. It is very lively with overseas tourists as their number one must-see site in Japan. You can also get there by public transportation instead of by car. (Japanese macaques are present in winter)

Positioned a mere 30-minute drive from LOTTE ARAI RESORT, Takada Castle undergoes a remarkable transformation into a 'Snow City' each winter, enshrouded in an expanse of pristine white snow. The 'Kanditori,' recognized as Japan's most extensive snow arcade, spanning 16 kilometers, facilitates the exploration of the town even during periods of heavy snowfall. Guests may fully engage with Takada's distinctive snow culture and its vibrant community life amidst the profound snowdrifts. Opt for an accommodation at LOTTE ARAI RESORT to indulge in a serene promenade through the winter vistas of Takada.

This park was developed on the site of Takada Castle, which was built as the residence of Matsudaira Tadateru, the sixth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The earthworks and moats surrounding the main keep of Takada Castle are still intact, and you can get a sense of the castle’s appearance in its heyday. In the park, the three-story tower, which was the symbol of Takada Castle before the castle tower was built, and Gokurakubashi Bridge, which spans the inner moat leading to the main keep, have been restored.
*May be closed during the winter.