The snow is still dumping like crazy here and think we would be getting well up to 50cm now. Would not surprise me if we hit the Double Magic Foot later today! Stay safe have fun up there…
It’s been dumping overnight in Nozawa!
Base at top: 190 cm Temp at Top: -11 Degrees Base at Uenotaira: 155 cm New Snow since close: 40 cm Weather: Light snow falling — foggy and windy The skies turned in our favour yesterday afternoon and we were hit with heavy snowfall. Just what we’ve been waiting for! The winds have been strong, blowing snow in all directions, though on the ground we’ve got a good 40cm of fresh so today is definitely a powder day! Clouds and fog are still prevalent so visibility is going to be fairly poor today. We wouldn’t advise venturing into unknown territory. Prevailing North Westerly winds will be easing off late in the evening, taking the clouds with them to leave us […]
Could there be snow today?
Base at top: 150 cm Temp at Top: -9 Degrees Base at Uenotaira: 120 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather: cloudy skies with some blue patches, possible snow later After a beautiful and mild bluebird day on the slopes yesterday, the skies are looking much cloudier today. The forecast is telling us that we may see between 25-30cm of snow today, though there are still some blue patches in the sky and no sign of snowflakes yet. Our fingers are crossed! Winds will be picking up fairly fast today to reach speeds of 55 km/h. We won’t feel it so much in the village, but up the top it’s going to be cold and windy […]
Bluebird morning in Nozawa
Base at top: 160 cm Temp at Top: -9 Degrees Base at Uenotaira: 130 cm New Snow since close: 0 cm Weather: Blue skies for the moment, possible snow flurries The sun is shining brightly over Nozawa this morning. After 15 odd centimetres of snow yesterday, the pistes should be groomed to perfection. We’re glad to have seen some snow falling yesterday to make up for what we didn’t get on Saturday. Looking at the webcams now, it looks like it’ll be a beautiful day up on the slopes; clear skies in every direction, though the forecast is predicting snow showers during the day… A nice dusting of snow could be heading our way. Westerly to North-Westerly […]
Snow is finally falling over Nozawa
Base at top: 165 cm Temp at Top: -8 Degrees Base at Uenotaira: 130 cm New Snow since close: 10 cm Weather: moderate snow and moderate fog The great piste conditions and the nice weather up on the hill made up for an unfortunate turn of events in the skies yesterday. Our predicted dump of 30cm never materialised and we were left with not a whole lot in the way of snow. As for now, well it’s been snowing moderately for a few hours and we’ve got a fresh coating of 10cm on the mountain. Snow is expected to fall through till the afternoon, though we can’t say that for certain as this storm seems to be […]
Some fantastic Japanese cuisine in Nozawa Onsen.
Name: Hamacho Sushi Location: D5 on our town map, next door to Wanryu and The Corner Steakhouse. 50 metres down the road opposite the alcohol shop. Type of Restaurant: Sushi and Sushimi The Plug: Sushi, what usually comes to mind when one thinks of Japanese cuisine. There is far more to Japanese food than Sushi, but a trip to Japan would just not be complete without it. Hamacho (not to be confused with Himecho, a karaoke bar which we’ll discuss on another ocassion) does some of the best Sushi and Sushimi, with a chef who takes a great deal of pride in his work. He’s always smiling and will do his best to have a chat in Japanese/English. […]
Here comes the snow
Base at top: 165 cm Temp at Top: -8 Degrees Base at Uenotaira: 130 cm New Snow since close: 5 cm Weather: Heavy snow and moderate fog Snow clouds moving in What we thought would be a snowy day yesterday, turned out to be a fairly mild day with some occasional cloud. With our base reading on the rise, things are only looking better for us with heavy snow forecast to fall throughout the day. The clouds have already laid down 5cm of fresh up the top and we’re just starting to see it accumulate down here in the village. The skies are looking promising, with around 30cm still forecast to come down during the day. Visibility […]
Restaurant reccomendation – Wakagiri
A great place for your first night out in Nozawa. They have plenty to choose from and it’s fairly close to our accommodations. Name: Wakagiri Location: E6 on our town map – One of the first you come to when heading into town from Lodge Nagano, Central, or Villa Nozawa. It is down a little lane way on the right in an A frame shaped entrance. Type of food: Japanese Te Shoku or Meal with different bowls and Sushi The Plug: This is often a great place to start when you first get to town. It is a Large place with a good English menu and great selection. The staff are all great especially their little 3 year old, the […]
What better place to go after a day of skiing
Name: Neo Bar Location: F8 on the town map – Next to Ski Locker; ski down from the Nagasaka Gondola base station about 200 meters. Type of Bar: Après bar/snack restaurant The Plug: A fun atmosphere with a great group of friendly staff. With direct access from the slopes, it’s a great place to go for an après drink or a bite to eat. Though called a bar, they have a substantial food menu for a bar, with some delicious snacks and meals. Food is served from 2.30pm til 9pm daily and they do the best crepes in town. They also do a traditional Nabe hot pot upon booking a day before. Definitely a favourite for everyone who’s tried […]
Looking for some fine dining in Nozawa or a classy bar?
Himatsuri is easy to get to and has some of Nozawa’s more refined c. Name: Himatsuri Location: F4 on the town map – At the end of the main street, O-yu Dori, opposite the grand O-yu Onsen Type of Bar/Restaurant: Bar and Modern Japanese Izakaya The Plug: Having just opened last season, the Himatsuri, meaning Fire Festival, brings a bit of style to the main street. Great décor and outlook into the snow covered trees. Owned by the same guys that own Foot bar, they have taken Après Ski to the next level. There is also a classy restaurant upstairs if you want something different though it is a bit pricy by Nozawa Standards. The Kaiseki style dining (many small […]