Jyoetsu area (上越) is the southern part of Niigata Prefecture. Because Joetsu is surrounded by high mountains and only its open side is facing sea, Joetsu gets lots of snow in winter. Therefore, there are many sky resorts concentrated in one spots. Also, those mountains especially Mt. Myoko offers great hiking spots. The famous Sengoku Daimyo, Uesugi Kenshin was born in Kasugayama, Joetsu. There are many Kenshin's related spots.