Nozawa Onsen Snow Report, 5th of March 2019
There’s really no other news to begin with beyond the fact we got a fresh 15 centimetres overnight. Those disheartened by the wet conditions at village level need only venture up higher to have their spirits lifted. It wasn’t quite cold enough in town for that rain to turn to snow (except briefly). But both the Uenotaira and Yamabiko areas were certainly cold enough, yesterday and overnight. It’s been a little while since we’ve had some new snowfall but now that it has arrived, it looks as though we’ll add to it in the days to come.
The current cloud is set to clear for another sunny spring afternoon. Over the second half of tomorrow, the top of the mountain should start to see more snowfall. Thursday arvo/evening looks to where things might get serious, with heavy snowfall predicted up top and temps cold enough to bring snow to the village too.
Back to that 15cm overnight; what is the official word from the top of the mountain this morning?
At 10 am;
Temp at the top; 0C
New snow since close; 15cm
Base at the top; 275cm
Weather; cloudy
When the snowfall does finally stop and the white gives way to green, Nozawa Onsen transforms from a ski village to a traditional farming village. A farming village which Japanese people have been visiting for centuries for the onsens themselves.
What many don’t realise is that the village hosts all sorts of pursuits over its Green Season, from yoga retreats, cooking classes and cultural learnings, to hiking and mountain biking. The Nagano highlands provides both a quiet and cool break from the bustle and heat of the well-trodden tourist path. We’d love to see a few more people uncover the “real Japan” that may only be found in traditional villages like Nozawa Onsen in the offseason.
Check out the video below for a taste of Nozawa Onsen Green Season.