The prefecture is home to many ski resorts (see ... places like Niseko on the island of Hokkaido are well known for powder, we’ll let you in on a little secret: Nagano offers some of the best ...

2 hours from Tokyo, Nagano is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders ... is a half-hour train ride away. Hokusai is best known for his woodblock prints, including The Great Wave off Kanagawa.