PARKS

Each February, Sapporo's Snow Festival is a favorite among snow-loving tourists. But while enjoying the snow sculptures is a must, there are many things to do that you shouldn't miss while in Sapporo.

Even if you missed the cherry blossoms, you can still catch the powdered blue fields of Hitachi Seaside in Ibaraki.

Japan has a worldwide reputation as a workaholic nation. But little do people know that Japan offers days off on holidays that don't exist anywhere else in the world. Here are some ideas for things to explore on those days!

If you couldn't make it in time for the sakura cherry blossoms, the Wisteria Festival in Tochigi is just as magical.

In addition to being one of Japan's major ski and snowboard centers, Gunma offers hot springs, winter illumination and cultural activities to warm up the colder months.

Blessed with numerous mountains, lakes and rivers, Gunma offers a wealth of outdoors activities in the summertime. Try mountain climbing, rafting, canyoning, canoeing and more—then rest your weary bones in one of the region's celebrated hot springs.

Incredible flowers bloom in Ibaraki even as the leaves on the trees begin to turn yellow, orange and red.

Gunma offers its cherry blossoms combined with daffodils, mountain phlox, converted tramcars, feudal warriors and even a World Heritage Site.