For those who have visited Tokyo couple of times, one would wonder what else could I do if my travel is based out of Tokyo. One good option would be to travel North to the northern alps region. Kusatsu and Yuzawa areas are good options for scenic views away from urban Tokyo. Winter mountain views are magnificent.

Kusatsu is easily accessible via a direct train from Tokyo station to Nagano-kusatsu station for bus transfer to Kusatsu Onsen town. The bus ride takes you through a ascending mountainous route before arriving at the Onsen town.

Kusatsu is a small town surrounding the Yubata or 汤田. Alighting from the bus, enter the bus terminal building and get down to basement level for the tourist information center. From here, you could walk through the streets (汤街) to the Yubata, the town center.

Kusatsu is located high in the mountains. It does get snow fall in early December. There are ski grounds around Kusatsu. Recommend to take it slow here, book a hotel with dinner and breakfast, and enjoy the town.

There is a long range of mountains in Yuzawa area with ski routes linking from one mountain to another. Many of which are in the wilderness like this Kagura Ski Area that is only reachable with a gondola lift.

The snow here is powdery and thick even in early December. There is nothing here except fine snow and a cosy restaurant. But, the snow land view and feel is unforgettable.