Want to chase some powder and get away from the crowds? Make your way over to Manza Onsen and be prepared for a bit of a trek compared to other ski resorts. The additional time it takes to get here is what keeps this place quiet.

The ski area is small and quaint and is good for a few days-especially if you get into the side country in the trees. But I wouldn't recommend staying here for a week long trip. This one is great for a day trip or overnight. Thanks to how this mountain is situated high up on Mount Shirane in Gunma, this place gets some nice light powder snow.

Make sure to get into the onsen here as this area is said to have the highest amount of naturally flowing sulphuric water in Japan. This is what feeds into the very popular Kusatsu Onsen down on the east of the mountain. There are a few options for hot springs in town and some places offer mixed bathing with swimsuits mandatory.