Ryo Ishikawa Museum

Ryo Ishikawa, Japan's young golfing superstar, has his range of souvenirs and memorabilia for sale in Echigo Yuzawa Station. This might seem a bit strange considering he is from Saitama prefecture not Snow Country, but Yuzawa has become a hotbed of Ishikawa fandom. Tucked away beside the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway is Risu No Ie which houses a Ryo Ishikawa Museum - not bad going having your own memorial museum before you are legal old enough to drink.

There are a whole collection of photos of the young star, outfits he has worn and things he has used as he is growing up and during his bright career as well as some trophies.

Best of all though is a veritable cottage industry in Ryo memorabilia. A cartoon version on his face appears on lanyards, golf balls, candies, ball markers, putting practice cups - you name it..... There is also a small, cuddly Ryo-kun doll. If you know a fan, then you can stock up on a huge array of goods as well as picking up an autographed picture.

Rumour on the street is that he comes up to Yuzawa to do a bit of cross country skiing when he is back in Japan over winter, so keep your eyes peeled next time you are out on the Xcountry course. You never know who you might bump into...