Cherry Blossoms and Snow

Cherry blossom season is a big deal here in Japan, and is already underway for this spring. It is a few weeks away here in Snow Country but there are some amazing places to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms. One of the most famous is The Cherry Blossoms of Nakago which draws crowds of admirers and photographers keen for some picturesque shots.

Most cherry blossoms are dotted in a park or by a stream but the ones here have a stunning mountainous backdrop, are reflected in the lake and have native cedars to offer some contrast. Often when they are in full bloom there is snow on the ground too, which makes for some truly stunning photographs.

Spring is a beautiful time to be out in the nature of Snow Country and sights like this just make it even more worthwhile.

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.

Koakasawa Onsen

As you probably know we are big fans of kicking back and relaxing in an onsen (just hit the onsen label to have a look at some of the ones on offer.) Snow Country is blessed with some amazing onsen which come in all shapes and sizes. But no matter how many different ones you go to, you can still be surprised.

Koakasawa Onsen definitely has the ability to surprise, mainly due to the color of its water, which is a muddy brown.

It is a fantastic little onsen tucked away in the mountains and certainly has a very rustic feel to it. It feels a bit strange soaking in a "dirty" onsen but is a great experience and a tremendous bath.

It is a really good time of year to visit because the roads leading up there are at their very best in autumn with beautiful colors on display all around.

Echigo Akiyamago Driving Course

It is autumn here in Snow Country - it really is one of the most beautiful times of year and it is hard to put into words how amazing the colors of nature are in this region. It is a spectacular change from season to season. The white of winter being replaced by the vibrant greens of spring and summer and then the reds, yellows and oranges of autumn. The mountains are a great place to experience the changing of the seasons.

One of the top places in Snow Country to see the colors is Akiyamago. The intense colors draw sightseers and photographers from all over the country. For a fantastic day out you could do no better than the Echigo Akiyamago Driving Course. It takes in some great regional sights and just the scenery out of the window is worth the journey in itself.

Jabuchi Waterfall is a highlight

and Maekura Bridge is also a famous spot for stunning autumn color photos

There are 8 stops on the itinerary but plenty more in the area to see and do. An escape to the mountains in autumn is simply a must-do.

Snow Country on Prime Time TV

Snow Country made a brief appearance on popular TV show ナニコレ珍百景, a program that showcases the weird and wonderful all over Japan.

Snow Country encompasses towns in 3 prefectures: Gunma, Niigata and Nagano. On the border of Nagano and Niigata prefecture a yearly tug of war match would take place between the middle school students of the towns either side. With prefectural pride at stake both teams were keen to win, and adding a bit of spice to the mix the location right on the border is not actually flat with one team standing on a slight slope (decided by a game of paper/scissors/rock.) Unfortunately, due to one school having now closed this interesting little battle is no longer a yearly event ending years of tradition.

Sakae Club Ski Field

The beauty of skiing in Japan, apart from the great snow, is the sheer number of resorts. Snow Country has its fair share with a wide range of resorts across the whole region. Many people tend to head to the same one over and over but it is well worth heading out to explore a new area from time to time.

One of the better kept secrets is Sakae Club Ski Field just over in Nagano. It has a good range of runs and is ideal for the family with some easy, open runs. There are also great views from the top.

There are plenty of events going on throughout the season. One of our favorites is their Lucky Monday which happens every Monday from mid-January to mid-March; a day ticket is just 1,000 yen on Mondays. At that price you really have no excuse not to check out Sakae Club Ski Field.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, this weekend will see Valentine's chocolate up for grabs with a chocolate lucky dip.

There are lots of great accommodation options close by if you fancy a slightly longer stay.

Ski Resort Opening Dates - Sakae, Tsunan & Tokamachi

Rounding off the opening dates for resorts in Snow Country. Again - planned dates only at this date. It has been snowing today in the region but all the resorts need more snow yet so it is possible that certain places may have to postpone their opening or receive one of Snow Country's legendary dumps.

Sakae

Sakae Club - 23 December


Tsunan

Greenpia Tsunan - 17 December
Mountain Park Tsunan - 23 Tsunan


Tokamachi

Matsunoyama Onsen - TBC
Nakasato Kiyotsu - 23 December

Akiyamago

Akiyamago is part of Sakae Village just over the border in Nagano Prefecture. It is a beautiful part of Japan with high mountains, native forests and deep gorges. We drove over from Tsunan in Niigata Prefecture on an overcast autumn day. Even though the sun wasn't shining it was a stunning drive.

Turning off Route 117 in Tsunan you immediately start winding up into the mountains on Route 405. The road quickly narrows off and is single track in some places with small passing points if another car happens to come the other way. The road follows a valley with a river flowing down towards the Shinano and clings to the side of the mountains which loom ever taller the further in you drive. On both sides of the road the forests cover the slopes of the mountains.

You soon start to pass small hamlets dotted on the side of the road and there is the odd stall selling local produce. The people here always relied heavily on the bounty of the mountains. Mushrooms and honey are local specialties, as are game, mountain grapes and mountain vegetables. You don't see many shops as you twist and turn your way deeper into the mountains. The local wood craft is highly regarded and if you are looking for a souvenir of your trip you will be spoiled for choice.

You soon cross over the border into Nagano Prefecture and the mountains continue to rise up on both sides. We saw loads of monkeys by the side of the road and locals told us that boars, foxes and deer were also common sides in these parts, as well as the odd bear.

Akiyamago itself is made up of several small hamlets and is popular with those looking for a relaxing getaway. There are some great onsen, including one that has hot pools right on the side of the river. You just need to dig a hole in the right place and it will soon fill with steaming spring water. The mountains here are also famous with Akiyamago right on the back slopes of Mount Naeba which at just over 2,100 meters is a popular destination for avid hikers.

It is easy to see the attraction of these kinds of locations. The pace of life is slower and more traditional with a strong link with the natural environment. Getting here is an adventure in itself and must have been quite a journey back in the day. Surrounded by nature and fresh, mountain air you can relax and really enjoy the stunning views and tranquility.

Rafting on the Shinano - November 5 & 6

Minakami is well known as the outdoor adventure capital of Snow Country but there are plenty of other areas offering adventures. With several major rivers running through Snow Country there are great places to raft all over the place. The Shinano is Japan's longest river, and one of Minakami's best known rafting outfits is heading over there for a weekend of rafting on November 5th and 6th.

Spring rafting is the best season for rafting in Minakami but at other times of the year Canyons head further afield to search out the rapids and whitewater. Autumn is a great time to head down the Shinano with stunning views of the changing leaves, warmer temperatures than the Tone and some great sections of water.

The tour kicks off right on the border of Nagano and follows the river back into Niigata. A delicious lunch of local ingredients is enjoyed on the banks of the river, which also gives you the chance to catch your breath after the high thrills of the morning, and then it is back on the water. The day finishes off with the requisite soak in a natural thermal spring bath.

A adrenaline-packed way to spend an autumn weekend.

Sakae Village Autumn Harvest Festival

With all the talk of autumn produce in Snow Country, it is time for a reminder about the Sakae Village Autumn Harvest Festival. It takes place on the third Sunday in October every year, which is the 16th this year and is always a huge hit for individuals and families alike.

Sakemura, or Sakae Village is proud of its agricultural heritage and has a thriving community of locals who work the land. The Autumn Harvest Festival gives them a chance to showcase their wares. Many people's favorite part of this festival is the chance to sample the incredibly fresh, recently harvested fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and rice. There are stalls offering all kinds of local specialties and delicious seasonal dishes. The great flavors and country life are sure to inspire you to keep fresh, local ingredients as an integral part of your diet.

Don't forget - Sunday 16th October
Sakae Village in Nagano Prefecture.