Cherry Blossoms in Nozawa Cherry blossoms, also known as “sakura” in Japanese, are one of the most beloved symbols of Japan. It’s beautiful in Nozawa Onsen this time of year with the cherry blossoms currently in full bloom covering the village’s streets. The blooming of the cherry blossoms is a symbol of new beginnings, and in Nozawa Onsen, it marks the start of a vibrant and joyful time of year. You can read all about the famous sakura cherry blossom’s and their symbolism in Japan here; https://japanjunky.com/the-history-of-sakura/ The weather this morning is cloudy with light to moderate winds throughout the day with chances of occasional light showers. We have our fingers crossed for a dusting of new snow on top […]
April Snowfall in Nozawa
April Snowfall in Nozawa Good morning Nozawa Onsen. On Saturday night we had some spring snowfall! Nozawa village was covered in a dusting of fresh snow early Sunday morning. Many locals and holiday goers grabbed their skis and snowboards and headed up the mountain yesterday to enjoy the fresh snow. It was also the last day of Nozawa’s annual Demo Days event. It was another successful year of the three-day event, where everyone could head up the mountain to test ride all of the latest models for free. After some strong winds and showers over the weekend, it is a sunny and clear day today. Winds have calmed since yesterday and are expected to average from 5-15km/hr throughout the day. […]
Demo Days Event 2023
Demo Days Event 2023 The mountain is now open after a day of being closed due to strong winds. The Nagasaka Gondola lift has started operating from 10 am this morning, so for those who have been waiting for this announcement, time to grab your skis and snowboards and head on up for a day on the slopes! With the mountain re-opening today, it will be the first day of Nozawa Onsen’s annual Demo Days event! From the 7th-9th of April, you can head up to the top of the mountain to test drive all the latest models for free. Choose numerous skis to test drive with a maximum of 20 minutes for each ride. Click here for the operating […]
Cherry Blossoms in Matsumoto
Cherry Blossoms in Matsumoto Due to strong winds, the mountain is unfortunately closed today. The weather tomorrow is also expected to have some high winds, cloudy skies and chances of rain. The good news, however, is that the forecast estimates some snowfall on Saturday and Sunday! With Monday looking like it’ll be back to clear skies and sunny days again. In other good news, the cherry blossoms are currently in full bloom in the city of Matsumoto! Located just an hour and a half from Nozawa Onsen, Matsumoto is breathtaking this time of the year. Be sure to visit Matsumoto Castle and watch the sunset at Koboyama Park for an unforgettable experience. You can check out the best places to […]
Nozawa Skiing in April
Nozawa Skiing in April Good morning Nozawa Onsen! Today is a great day to grab your skis and snowboards and head up to the top of the mountain. It is now April but there is still plenty of snow coverage on top of the mountain with lots of fun to be had! Accomodation options and ski equipment hire is still available in Nozawa Onsen. Check out this recent short clip of everyone basking in the spring snow; https://www.facebook.com/nozawaonsenjapan/videos/ Today is expected to have cloud coverage along with beautiful spring sunshine. TODAY: Temperature at the top; Yamabiko 6 degrees New snow since yesterday; 0cm Base at the top; 140cm Snow conditions; There is still a good amount of snow cover on […]
Snow Monkeys in Spring
Snow Monkeys in Spring Snow monkeys in springtime! Just a 50-minute drive from Nozawa Onsen is Nagano’s Snow Monkey Park. The Japanese macaques are the only monkeys in the world that love to bathe in a hot spring, especially during the colder months. You can go to see the snow monkeys at any time of the year with the monkey park being open all year long. We had a blast seeing the snow monkeys in springtime. Not only are they cute and cheeky, they are truely mesmerising animals. Travelling from Nozawa Onsen to see them was well worth the trip for us! Find more information on Jigokudani’s Snow Monkey Park here; https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/ Another sunny day is ahead of us here in […]
Snowboard Masters Winners 2023
Snowboard Masters Winners 2023 And that’s a wrap on the 2023 Snowboard Masters Contest! Congratulations to all of the competitors who competed this year. The talent this year was unreal. This year’s female winners: THIRD PLACE: Ruki Tomita SECOND PLACE: Misa Honda FIRST PLACE: Yuka Fujimori This year’s male winners: THIRD PLACE: Hironori Nagata SECOND PLACE: Wataru Okamoto FIRST PLACE: Yuri Okubo More information on the Snowboard Masters contest can be found here; https://snowboardmasters.jp/ Another sunny day is ahead of us in Nozawa Onsen. There are still many people enjoying the beautiful Nozawa Spring on the slopes! TODAY: Temperature at the top; Yamabiko 3 degrees New snow since yesterday; 0cm Base at the top; 150cm Snow conditions; Snow is slowly […]
Snowboard Masters Last Day
Snowboard Masters Last Day It’s the last day of the Snowboard Masters today! Riders have been showing off their skills and it has been a spectacle to watch over the last few days. All competitors have really given it their all with audiences enjoying watching the talent this year. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the announcement of award results happening at 4pm this afternoon. You can read all of the information on the Snowboard Masters here; https://snowboardmasters.jp/ TODAY: Temperature at the top; Yamabiko 3 degrees New snow since yesterday; 0cm Base at the top; 160cm Snow conditions; Snow on the base Hikage area is disappearing. However, snow cover higher up is still very good! Weather; Nice and sunny with the middle […]
Snowboard Contest Nozawa Onsen
Snowboard Contest Nozawa Onsen Snowboard Masters Contest starts today in Nozawa The groomers and course builders have been busy setting the stage up at Yamabiko. Today sees the start of a free ride Snowboard contest in Nozawa and the winner will take home a massive 2,000,000 Yen purse! Well worth heading up for a look to see some of Japan’s top athletes compete. Met one girl that was an Olympic competitor so the level will be high. Yesterday was another superb sunny day on the slopes and the snow was fast up top with the clear nights helping to keep the freezing level down. Looking like more of the same today and into the weekend for the contest which goes […]
Closing Dates Nozawa Onsen
Closing Dates Nozawa Onsen The Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort usually runs until May 7th or the end of the Golden Week Holiday Spring vibes in Nozawa Onsen Village Being greeted by another gorgeous sunny day here in Nozawa Onsen. The village and slopes are gradually getting quieter day by day and it is a great time to be in Nozawa and experience all the area has to offer. Just wandering the streets can be half the fun. It was a cold clear night here so the snow should be fairly firm early but will no doubt soften up under this bright sunshine. Should lead to a good day of slush otherwise known as “Poor Mans Powder”. See Qantas has a […]