May Snow Ski Japan Can you still ski in Japan? Have had a few people asking if can still get a ski if visit Japan now? Nozawa Onsen closed the lifts on May 7th at the end of Golden Week but there are still two ski resorts in the area open until this Sunday May 21st! Yokoteyama in Shiga Kogen and Kagura in Yuzawa. Both are pretty marginal this year so just a novelty ski but are open if keen to get in that last turn. These shots are of Yokoteyama in late April a few seasons back and the cover was still great. The top of Kagura is 1845m above sea level and Yokoteyama the highest resort in the […]
Nozawa Onsen Spring
Last Day Season Nozawa
Last Day Season Nozawa Last day of the Ski Season in Nozawa Today Sunday the 7th of May will see the ski lifts in Nozawa Onsen roll for the last time this ski season! It kicked off on December 19th this year so almost 5 months later and we are brushing the seats off for the last time. Check out the slopes at Yamabiko yesterday and also during the very peak of the season early February this year. Quite the contrast and well done to all the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort staff for keeping the dream alive and managing the remaining snow to make it to the end of Golden week. Even when the mercury was hitting the high 20’s […]
Swim Ski Nozawa Japan
Swim Ski Nozawa Japan Ski and Swim in the same day in Nozawa These two photos were taken in the last two days both in Nozawa Onsen only a few kilometres apart! Yesterday was warm. I mean jump in the lake warm. Admittedly we were the only ones crazy enough to do it and the water certainly had a chill but it did feel great. Pretty amazing time of year in Nozawa seeing nature change so rapidly. Not as warm today with some clod cover in town and a cool breeze. Temps set to plummet this evening with the top falling below 0 degrees again tonight and into tomorrow, remaining cold and clear the next few days which should keep […]
Late Season Skiing Japan
Late Season Skiing Japan Snowy Spring Surprise for Nozawa Was busy working about lunch time yesterday and my daughter looked out the window up the mountain during a break in the clouds and said; “ Look Papa it’s White”. We grabbed the skis and headed up. We were greeted by 10cm of fresh snow on the deck up at Yamabiko when we got off the Gondola. It was cold too, had been a while since needed the thermals. Wasn’t the best day of the season by any means with thick fog and a bit grippy in places but the novelty value of late season snow, pretty much all to our selves was worth the admission. Today on the other hand […]
Cycling in Nozawa Onsen
Cycling in Nozawa Onsen Nozawa Onsen has something for everyone, including cycling enthusiasts! Nozawa Onsen is a great destination at this time of year for anyone seeking a scenic and memorable experience. Three beautiful different destinations you can cycle to from Nozawa are: – Lake Hokuryuko – Keyakinomori park at Kijimadaira – Shrine Kokugonji Here are some top tips if you’re planning to cycle around Japan; https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/guide-cycling-japan/ It is a beautiful sunny morning in Nozawa Onsen today! Clear to partially cloudy skies are expected throughout the rest of the day with light winds. Great day to be on top of the mountain. TODAY: Temperature at the top; Yamabiko -1 degrees New snow since yesterday; 0 cm Base at the 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 […]