The morning sky is brewing Base at top: 165 cm Temp at Top: -5 Degrees Base at Uenotara station: 150 cm New snow since close: 2 cm Weather: Cloudy A morning dusting of snow before a day of sunshine. Yesterday was an incredible day on the slopes. Bluebird skies and crisp groomers drew a crowd of happy skiers and snowboarders. We are expecting a similar day with clear skies and great conditions. The groomers will be the go-to in the next few days as we await the next snowfall. There are still plenty of fun patches of untouched powder scattered within Jumping, Utopia and a few other more advanced courses, so get out there and make the most of it! […]
Latest News from Nozawa Onsen
Sakai – Izakaya Restaurant
Sakai Sakai, a traditional Japanese Izakaya restaurant just a few minutes walk from the main street. Give it a try! Name: Sakai Open hours: from 6pm Location: G5 on our town map. Take a right turn off the main street when walking towards the grand O-yu Onsen and walk uphill a few hundred meters. Type of food: Izakaya Japanese dining The Plug: Tucked away from the busier main street, Sakai is a fantastic little spot for a meal. With a menu that keeps on going, you won’t have a hard time finding something appealing. The staff are very welcoming, speaking both Japanese and English. Sakai has an authentic Japanese feel with traditional art, attire, and tatami mat seating, as well […]
Snow Report 20 Dec 2017
Blown away in Nozawa Onsen Base at top: 175 cm Temp at Top: -7 Degrees Base at Uenotaira station: 160 cm New snow since close: 20 cm Weather: Sunny Beautiful sunrise this morning in Nozawa, setting us up for a great day on the slopes. We started the day off well yesterday with sunshine and perfectly groomed runs. The weather then took a turn in the afternoon as the wind picked up and a storm rolled in, giving us another 20cm of pow overnight. As the snow rolled in towards the end of the afternoon, we were all getting blown away on Paradise slope as it is so exposed. A lot of fun to play in. Great conditions this morning […]
Today’s Restaurant: Wagyu-Tei hot pot
Wagyu-Tei Sukiyaki and Shyabu Shyabu Japanese Hot Pot perfect for a cold winter night Name: Wagyu-Tei The Plug: Just in it’s second season Wagyu-tei has already proven to be very popular as is a great meal to enjoy with family or friends. Fairly spacious restaurant overlooking the main street, also has an adjoining bar where you can grab a drink before your dinner. Run by Tatsumi san and his friendly team. He also owns Heaven Karaoke so may talk you going to sing for your dinner. As discussed the Sukiyaki and Shyabu Shyabu hot pots. The main difference being the Sukiyaki is a sweeter broth of Soy Sauce, Sugar and Mirin. The Shaybu Shaybu is a cleaner water with dipping […]
Snow Report 19 Dec 2017
Above the clouds Base at top: 175 cm Temp at Top: -5 Degrees Base at Uenotaira station: 160 cm New snow since close: 0 cm Weather: Cloudy, expecting some light snow in the afternoon We have been having several “pinch me” moments lately in Nozawa Onsen. Yesterday was one of those moments with perfect conditions and beautiful weather. We were flying above the clouds. All the sunshine and fresh snow created a vibrant mood on the mountain. The feeling of skiing with excellent conditions on the crisply groomed slopes or in the waist deep powder is addictive. Big smiles on everyones faces. The town is currently in clouds but above the slopes are in sunshine and looking amazing once again. […]
December to Remember Nozawa Onsen
Floating in Heaven in Nozawa. The December to Remember continues… Base at top: 195 cm Temp at Top: -1 Degrees Base at Uenotaira station: 190 cm New snow since close: 35 cm Weather: Clearing and sunny day ahead amazing conditions! Wow, what a perfect storm that was with Nozawa Onsen scoring about 100cm out of it in just over 24 hours. Was still snowing late last night and just started to clear when we surfaced this morning. Almost 2 meter base up the top now and the resort reporting 35cm of fresh snow overnight. It is going to be nothing short of epic on the slopes today folks. The snow just kept coming yesterday and tracks were getting filled as […]
Restaurant of the Day: Nozawa Jiyu Gekijyo (old strip club)
Nozawa Jiyu Gekijyo (old strip club) Jiyu Gekijyo (The old strip club) is perhaps the most interesting venue in all of Nozawa. The Plug: An old converted Strip Club! There are no dancers there anymore, but you can still see the old balcony where they used to present their wares. Jiyu Gekijyo now chooses to sell its wares not in the form of women, but as delicious sticks of tempura. Pick your own tempura sticks – average 100 yen each- and have them cooked on a hot plate in front of you. Location: C5 (not highlighted on map but you’ll find it! Opposite the police station) Type: Pub style Open Hours: 18:00-late Reservations: yes Phone number:0269-85-5115 English: yes Vegetarian: yes […]
Restaurant of the Day: Kaze No Ie
Kaze No Ie -Pasta Kaze no Ie – Pasta and Italian meals and amazing ice cream parfait desserts! Location: Just below Oyu onsen on the main pedestrian street. F4/5 on our town map. Open hours: 6-10pm The Plug: Great European-feel restaurant in the middle of the village. Extensive wine range. Pizza and pasta made with love by Kono-san, with traditional flavours and some Japanese-taste options too. House Specialty: Be sure to try the Tomato bruschetta. Mouth watering. Average Price of a dish: 1000 Yen English Menu: Yes Reservations: Yes Phone Number: 0269-85-3244 Be sure to check out this restaurant and others on our free restaurant and bar guide
Snow Report 17 Dec 2017 Nozawa Onsen
Swimming in snow at Nozawa Onsen. Hope you packed a snorkel… Base at top: 160 cm Temp at Top: -7 Degrees Base at Uenotaira station: 135 cm New snow since close: 50 cm Weather: Sunshine/Clouds 50cm overnight and another 20cm this morning in Nozawa Onsen! Nozawa Onsen is swimming in snow this morning. Thick flakes are falling from the sky and it doesn’t look like it will be stopping til this evening. The contrast between yesterday and today is crazy. Yesterday we were skiing under blue skies on freshly groomed slopes, the perfect carving conditions. It is nothing like that today with 50cm of fresh powder and white all around. As the snow is coming down so heavily, visibility may […]
Todays Restaurant: Juntos Mexican
Juntos Type of food: Mexican food Plug: Freshly opened last season and only 100 metre stroll from the main street. Juntos has a unique relaxed Mexican vibe. The experienced friendly staff offer authentic Mexican cuisine providing a great alternative for those looking for a change from Japanese food. The nutritious burritos and rice bowls are great for replenishing the soul after a big day on the slopes. The Hot Shots are a favourite amongst spice lovers and the nachos are always good for a snack or sharing. They take bookings and have a lot of kid friendly options which makes it a great place for family dinners. The rustic wooden interior, Latino sounds and candle lit bar creates a relaxed […]