Tenjin Banked Slalom - Mar 2&3

The Tenjin Banked Slalom is one of the top races in Snow Country, drawing pro-riders from all over the globe. The course is designed for maximum thrills and spills, and whether racing or watching, it is a fantastic event.

The event runs all weekend and you can expect as much fun and action off the slopes as on it, as the racers and organisers go as hard in the evening as they do on the snow.

There are lots of prizes up for grabs and a long list of big name sponsors. We'll be there cheering behind the fences and marvelling at the high speed crashes, of which you can guarantee there will be many.

For more details on the event, entering (if you dare) or some photos of the action, check out the Tenjin Banked Slalom homepage or click through to their Facebook page.

GALA Spine Session - Feb 23

For those of you that either enjoy hurling yourself of giant jumps crafted of snow, or for those of you who enjoy watching other people hurling themselves off said jumps, the GALA Spine Session this weekend is probably the place you want to be.

It is a 2,000 yen entry fee for those of you feeling brave and will surely be a great day down in the GALA Park. There are some talented riders in the area keen to show what they are made of and it will also draw competitors from much further afield so you can expect some real gravity defying stuff.

It starts at 0900 so if you find yourself in Yuzawa this weekend, head up to GALA and enjoy the show.

Sakae Kids Festival - March 16

One of the joys of skiing in Japan is the amazing amount of different resorts to explore. From the big, inter-connected, well-known areas to the little family run slopes - there really is something for everybody. It is definitely worth heading out to some of the places off the beaten track and you will always be met with fantastic hospitality wherever you go. What makes it even more tempting is when there is a festival or event on at one of the resorts.

For a great day out for the whole family, and to tick another resort off the list, head over to Sakae Village in Nagano on Saturday March 16th for their Kids Festival.

Food stalls selling tasty local dishes, plenty of action on the stage and an open-air footbath brought in specially for the occasion. There will even be fireworks to finish off the day. Spend the day on the slopes and then come down to the festival.

Igloos and Candle Night in Minakami - Mar 9/10

There is something about fire and snow that go together really well. Most winter festivals seem to incorporate  fire in one form and another, and Candle Night in Minakami on the weekend of March 9 & 10 is no exception.

The night is lit up by hundreds of eco-friendly home-made candles and you can take a break in one of the many igloos that have been constructed for the occasion. There will also be fireworks to add to the light and noise.

The Candle Night will be held up at Houdaigi Ski Resort and if you would like to have a ringside seat for the festival, why not book yourself a weekend in some ski-in, ski-out accommodation right on the slopes of the resort?

Tokamachi Snow Festival starts tonight.

It is a big weekend for snow lovers with one of the biggest Snow Festivals in Japan starting tonight in Tokamachi. The Japanese do Snow Festivals in a big way and if you haven't been to one, you are missing out. Incredible snow sculptures are the main attraction but there are loads of things going on in and around the town too. Food, fireworks, a carnival, a beauty pageant, and it looks like it is going to snow most of the time too - just what a Snow Festival needs.

There is masses to see and do and some of it is spread around, so if some of you are enjoying the slops, while some have free time, this would be a great way to spend a day or two.

The Tokamachi Snow Festival runs through from 6pm tonight until 4pm on Sunday.

Nakazato Snow Carnival - Mar 9

March is a great time to enjoy yourself in the mountains in Japan. There is still good snow but the weather is getting more springlike and there area always plenty of off-snow events and festivals to participate in.

The evening of Saturday March 9th is the Nakazato Snow Carnival.

There will be mochi making, warming winter soups and drinks, fireworks, a torch light descent and plenty of other spectacles to enjoy.

If you have never been to Nakazato before you should definitely check it out. Good skiing, loads of accommodation close by and a very family friendly atmosphere. It is not one of the best known resorts in the area but people that go there often return.

Snowwave 2013 - Mar 2nd

Calling all snowboarders - Snow Wave 2013 is just around the corner and they are looking for competitors. If you like the idea of throwing yourself off a giant jump in the name of a good time, you might want to make plans to be in Tsunan on Saturday March 2nd.

It runs hand in hand with the Tusnan Snow Festival so you can make a weekend of it. Being full of hip young kids there is a bit of a party afterwards too so as well as seeing the famous floating lanterns at the Snow Festival you can let your hair down.

Even if you don't fancy taking part, it is fantastic to watch to get on over there.
Check out their Facebook page for details

Strawberries in Yuzawa

Valentine's Day is just around the corner which means gifts of chocolates and cookies will change hands. (In Japan it is usually the women who buy the goodies on Valentine's Day and then the men return the favor on White Day on March 14th.)

If you are looking for a less sugary but incredibly sweet gift for your loved one, how about some hand-picked strawberries from Yuzawa's very own Pick Your Own.

The strawberries are grown in glass houses and are ready to pick from mid-January. Resident bees keep everything ticking over as it should and even surrounded by snow, you can enjoy juicy, sweet strawberries - it's quite an experience for those of us who think of strawberries as a summer fruit.

It is worth a visit, and for the gluttons among you, the eat-as-much-as-you-can deal is a great challenge. For those with more control, you can pick them and take them away.

It usually runs until sometime in June so plenty of opportunity to get covered in strawberry juice yet.

Deep Snow in Minakami

Minakami often remains a little bit under the radar when it comes to snow as many people know Yuzawa, over the other side of the mountains, a bit better. However, for those in the know it is one of the best places to ride, avoid the crowds and score some amazing powder. Check out the video from the Japan Journals for a little taste of what is on offer....

Ryugon ryokan - traditional luxury

There are some amazing place to stay in Snow Country with many of them boasting centuries of history providing top quality accommodation to weary travellers. The inns on old trade routes are fantastic places to stay and you can often feel the history that surrounds you. Ryugon is one such inn and even if you just see it from the exterior it looks like it belongs in another period. The interior doesn't disappoint either.

The inside of this ryokan has been lovingly restored and is all dark beams and whitewash. There is a definite sense of peace and tranquillity as your footsteps echo down the wooden corridors. Each room is a suite with plenty of space to relax and admire the landscaped gardens outside. The hot spring baths are also famous and have been the location for commercials in the past.

The ryokan sits at the base of Sakado mountain from which the local lords controlled the area, and Ryugon has long links with the surrounding temples being firmly entwined in the rich history of the region. It is a great base if you intend to explore the area, and if you are staying over winter there are ski resorts close by. Even non-skiers can head up the nearby Hakkai-san ropeway to enjoy the stunning views of mountains and valleys.

Ryugon really is a class apart and if you are looking for a truly unique accommodation experience it will never disappoint.

February Long Weekend - 9-11 Feb 2013

It's National Foundation day on February 11th. That is definitely a cause for celebration as it means a three day weekend for people in Japan. It is mid-winter and there is plenty of snow falling so an escape to the mountains would be the perfect choice for some quality R&R.

There is masses going on all over Snow Country for the long weekend.

The Minami Uonuma Snow Festival is on the Saturday and Sunday

The Koide International Snow Ball Fight is on the Sunday

Or if you like watching other people suffer, head up to Uonuma on Monday to watch recently married men get doused with ice cold water...

Maiko 500 yen Night Ski

So for those of you that can't get enough time on the slopes Maiko have a pretty amazing deal on. 4 hours of night skiing for just 500 yen. That has to make it some of the cheapest skiing around.

The usual price is 1,500 yen for an adult so that is quite a nice saving.

Night skiing at Maiko runs every night until Sunday 3rd March (and for one more night on 9th March). The night ski ticket is valid from 4 - 8pm so you can get a decent session in. Night skiing is a great experience as you shoot down the runs under flood lights. It is fantastic if you get to do it in the snow too.

Maiko One Coin Nighta

Naked Man Festival, Urasa - March 3rd

Another one for the diary - the Naked Man Festival in Urasa is on March 3rd and is definitely one you don't want to miss if you like unique winter festivals.

Giant candles, men clad in loincloths in a heaving, steaming mass trying to push their way into a temple - all the things you want from a winter celebration. The location itself is a beautiful temple and there is plenty going on in and around it. The streets leading up the temple from Urasa station are lined with food stalls hawking tasty treats so there is plenty to do once you have had your fill of the main event.

If you get a bit cold standing around in the winter snow then get yourself a nice warm cup of sake....complete with dried fish for flavor!

Where to ski....?

It can be a really tough question with so many good options in Snow Country. If you have the time it is worth giving them all a go but as that is not always an options we have prepared a handy guide for you.

The Ski Resort Guide has all the information for the resorts in the area and the ability to filter them by location, activity or facility, so now it is easy to find the one that will tick the boxes for all of your requirements.

If you need a bit more information or like a quick video introduction to an area then don't forget to have a look at our YouTube Channel which has a selection of resorts featured.

Of course, if you still need further information on anything, or a bit of local knowledge to really make your day, we are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Just drop us a line.

A-Kyu Gourmet

If the amazing snow and unique culture aren't enough to tempt you to visit this area then maybe the food might just be the thing to tip the balance. This area has a strong agricultural and culinary tradition and it is still very much evident in the dishes on offer in accommodations and restaurants.

Organic ingredients abound and many places have received special commendation for their traditional methods of preparation. Dining up in this area can be an absolute treat. Should you need some inspiration, have a look at some of the images on this website (Japanese) that have been going around assessing the local food.

Most places have some kind of food or ingredient of which they are deservedly proud, so if you are up here, it is always a good idea to find out what it is and have a taste. Gourmet tourism is a delicious way to explore.