Yuzawa Town was the setting for the Nobel prize-winning "Snow Country".  The town has a long history as a hot spring and ski resort town but there are more attractions in the area as well as onsen and skiing.

There are numerous hot springs in Yuzawa open to the general public, and NASPA itself has a wonderful large bath on the 2nd floor.  

The winter season brings with it huge amounts of snow and many skiers and snowboarders visit Yuzawa each winter to enjoy the snow resorts.  NASPA Ski Garden is a skiers-only resort behind the NASPA New Otani hotel, but there are around twenty other ski and snowboard resorts in the region.  Skiers and snowboarders of any skill level will find somewhere to suit them in the area.
 

The famous natural hot springs (onsen) of Yuzawa town were founded over 800 years ago. These can be found all over Yuzawa, and NASPA New Otani also has it's own excellent hot spring baths.  A trip to the baths is highly recommended during any stay in Yuzawa.

Yuzawa onsen water is weak alkaline, and is said to have great healing qualities. Most people go, however, just for the great relaxing feeling that they provide. The public baths in Yuzawa town that anyone can go to ( for a small charge ) are:

Yuzawa and the surrounding towns offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy trekking. There are various official trekking routes in the area. One of the most popular in the summer is to climb Mount Naeba. You can get to the ski area at the foot of Mount Naeba (2145m) in about 25 minutes by car, but the walking course actually starts at a small village called Mitsumata, which is a 10 minute drive from NASPA New Otani.

Other popular walking courses in the area are:

There are many other places to walk and climb in Yuzawa - please ask staff at the hotel if you want more information about the mountains in the area or official walking courses.
  

Yuzawa Fishing Park is open from late spring until autumn.  At the Fishing Park you can fish for your own fish by the lakeside.  After you pay the entry fee (which includes the use of all the equipment needed), you can then go by the riverside and try to catch as many as you can.  There is a restaurant and souvenir shop at Yuzawa Fishing Park and you can take up to 10 fish home with you when you leave.　
 

Aurora Swimming and Leisure Pool was opened in the early 90's. The main pool, unlike the pool at NASPA New Otani, is circular in design (like a circuit) and there is a moving water current - this pool is meant for fun rather than serious swimming. There are also a number of water slides and fountains which are very popular with children.

The Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway has a capacity of 166 people making it one of the largest in the world.  The ropeway is a 10 minute walk away from the station (about 20 minutes from NASPA New Otani) or only a 5 minute drive away. The ropeway cars take you on a journey to the top of Yuzawa Kogen.

The ropeway operates all year, and in the summer months there is a "moonlight service" which operates in the evenings. In winter it takes skiers to the Yuzawa Kogen ski area, and in spring, summer and autumn it is used to get to the alpine village ("Alp no sato"). This area is a pretty place to visit with all the flowers of each season blooming in a flower garden area. There is also a small go-cart course and mountainside toboggan run, as well as places to eat and a souvenir shop. Whichever season you choose to come to Yuzawa, you can be sure to have excellent scenery from the top of Yuzawa Kogen - depending on the weather, of course!

Daigenta Canyon is located about a 10 minute drive from NASPA. The journey from the center of Yuzawa to Daigenta is very scenic as you pass through a valley into Daigenta.  The small lake at the foot of the mountain and the surrounding mountains are very picturesque. At the base of the mountain there is a camping area and picnic area which is popular in the summer months. Yuzawa Park golf course is also located at Daigenta.

Yuzawa has a small museum on the main onsen street (West Exit of the station) which tells you about the history of the town and how they used to cope with 4 and 5 meters of snow in the winter.

The nearest large temple of interest to NASPA New Otani is called Untoan and is well worth a visit.   It is located in neighbouring Minamiuonuma-shi and is just a 25 minute drive from the hotel.  It is set at the foot of a mountainside, surrounded by tall trees and is very peaceful.

The Hakkai-san Gondola services the Hakkai-san ski area in the winter months, but in the summer months it is used to take people up the mountain. At the top you can either just enjoy the view or go on and climb to the summit of Mount Hakkai