Japan in winter can feel like an entirely different country, and in the rural Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, snow transforms traditional villages, mountain valleys and rivers into a remarkably quiet landscape. Walk Japan’s five-day, four-night Onsen Gastronomy: Snowy Aizu tour takes travelers from Aizu-Wakamatsu to Inawashiro on a fully guided, easy snowshoeing journey through the western reaches of Japan’s Tohoku region, an area known for its history, traditional townscapes and natural beauty.

Each day brings a different perspective on the snow-covered countryside, from walking through mountain landscapes and rural villages to traveling alongside rivers beneath deep winter snow. The physical exploration is balanced by the restorative ritual of staying at Japanese inns and soaking in onsen, the country’s traditional hot spring baths. The journey culminates in Urabandai, where cobalt-blue lakes sit beneath the imposing presence of Mount Bandai, creating one of the region’s most striking winter landscapes.

The Curated Take: Aizu offers something increasingly difficult to find in Japan’s better-known destinations: the opportunity to experience the country at a slower pace and within a distinctly local landscape. Snowshoeing provides a way into the countryside, but the real appeal is the rhythm of the journey, where walking through winter scenery gives way to hot springs, traditional inns and regional culture. For travelers who already know Japan’s major cities, this is a compelling way to see a quieter side of the country without sacrificing the deeply Japanese experiences that make the journey memorable.