Learning Japanese Nozawa Onsen
After skiing for several days last week in amongst the clouds, it’s absolutely magic when those clouds and mist lift and we have a day like yesterday – bluebird, where you can see the gorgeous vista far below you.
It’s hard not to stop every 10 minutes while riding down the piste to take photos.
Today is shaping up to be similar so make sure you get to the top of Yamabiko to try and catch a glimpse of the Sea of Japan to the east. The sun is just poking over Mt Kenashi now and there is not a breathe of wind.
Today I wanted to share some tips and tricks and resources for learning Japanese.
One of the best things about travelling is the challenge of being surrounded by a language completely foreign to our ears. Japan is definitely a destination that is a catalyst for growth… So long as you put in some effort to try and embrace the culture and language.
Start with learning Hiragana and Katakana – tofugu.com offers a nifty quiz to practice with mnemonics. There are lots of places around town where you can then put this new learning into practice, reading menus at restaurants and the names of buildings is a good start.
When you hear new words or phrases around you, note them down in your phone to look up later.
Just try! Don’t be embarrassed, today try and order your food or drinks in Japanese! The locals in Nozawa will really appreciate it and you will get more out of your holiday experience in this beautiful traditional Japanese destination.
Many locals in Nozawa still don’t speak a lot of English but are very happy to welcome you, so if you make a little effort to speak some Japanese they will be very impressed.
Learning Japanese Nozawa Onsen
Hello – Konnichiwa
Good Morning – Ohayou
Thank you – Arigatou
Please – Kudasai
One – Hitotsu
Two – Futatsu
Three – Mitsu….
after that your on your own. You should not be drinking so many beers anyway!
Where – Doko
When – Itsu
What is this – Kore wa nan desuka
Bon apetit – Ittadakimasu
Thanks for the meal – Gochisosama
Delicious – Oishi
Cheers – Kampai
That’s probably enough to get you started and out of too much trouble
Let us know in the comments below your favourite Japanese phrases.
TODAY:
Temperature at the top; -2 degrees on Yamabiko, 0 degrees on Uenotaira
New snow since yesterday; 0cm
Base at the top; 240cm
Snow conditions; Groomed snow that will soften up during the day.
Weather; Mostly cloudy today with the sun peeking through every now and again.
LIFTS IN OPERATION:
All lifts bar Karasawa Double, Utopia Double and Challenge Pair are open.
RUNS OPEN: Same as yesterday.
SNOW FORECAST:
After the past few days of warm, spring-like temperatures, the cold will be back tomorrow and we should see a nice top up of snow; around 20cm. It will be snowing lightly during the day, getting heavier overnight for a nice powder day on Thursday. The light snow will continue throughout the day and into Friday. Saturday and Sunday are looking warm and sunny, a taste of spring again. Monday to Thursday next week are looking like epic snow days with a Siberian snowstorm on its way with 20-30cm dumps each day!
Check back tomorrow for the latest forecast and good luck with the Japanese study. Ganbate Kudasai!