Spring/Summer Activities in Snow Country

The Snow Country Region is famed for its snow and winter sports/activities but is is very much a 4 Seasons destination.

It is spring at the moment and the snow is melting (though the skiing continues well into May at the higher resorts.) This melt water makes its way down into the rice fields to make some of Japan's most famous and delicious rice, but another consequence is that it flows down the rivers making for some world class white water rafting.

That is just one of the activities available for those that love the outdoors in Snow Country - others that might tempt you include paragliding, canyoning, lake sailing, bungy jumping, canoeing, mountain biking, high ropes courses, hiking.... the list goes on.

Even if activities aren't up your street there are plenty more things to keep you occupied with onsen, museum, art galleries and exhibitions, flower parks, traditional craft centers and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Not to mention the food.

So much to do, so little time...
If you need a bit of help, drop us a line for some recommendations...

Minakami Cherry Blossom Viewing

Being the other side of the mountains to the rest of the Snow Country Region, Minakami is often the first to have cherry blossoms in bloom as they make their way up the country. Minakami is dotted with great places to stretch out a blanket (or blue sheet if you are a local) and enjoy a picnic as you admire the flowers. A great option is Kenshin no Sakasa Zakura.

The ancient cherry trees are not the only attraction in the area. Located just off the old trade route there are some amazing old inns around, each with onsen that will delight even the most picky onsen purist. There is a large lake nearby with some great walking trails and also some points of historical interest.

Check out this link for more information and a guide to some of the reccommended hotels and activities within striking distance of these cherry blossoms - more than enough to fill a relaxing spring break in the country.

Early Start to Cherry Blossom Season

Good news for lovers of spring as the recent warmer temperatures have brought the cherry blossoms out earlier than usual.

It is still a little early for Snow Country to sit under the cherry blossoms and admire their beauty with a drink in hand. The ski resorts are still all open here and the higher resorts will be open into the first week of May. This opens up the possibility of a half day on the slopes (think "skiing in a T-shirt and taking lunch on a deck chair in the sun") and then heading down to one of the cherry blossom viewing points for an afternoon of drinks and snacks with the other revelers.

The cherry blossoms blooming make their way up the country and it is an eagerly awaited time of year across Japan. It even has its own spot on the news with the weather forecasters letting you know when the blossoms are likely to be fully open in each area - currently Snow Country seems to be scheduled for mid-/end of April - so we hope to see you for some ski/hanami action next month.

Soaking in the onsen is good for you!

As if you ever needed an excuse to soak in an onsen!

An article in the Daily Yomiuri Online has some great news for onsen lovers. Traditionally onsen were seen as a way to prevent and treat illness and injuries, and some recent research is backing this claim. So you owe it to yourself and your well-being to jump in an onsen and enjoy a good soak.

Snow Country is blessed with an abundance of onsen of many different kinds so head on up here for some medicinal R&R.

Full Article

Adaptive Skiing in Snow Country

We get enquiries about adapative snowsports in Snow Country. People are keen to know, with all the resorts around, if there are facilities for adaptive skiers and boarders.

The good news that there is with two schools covering resorts in different areas.

If you are up in Yuzawa the people to talk to are NPO Neige who run both summer and winter activities in the area.

Down in the Minakami area there is Palnetwork who cover all the resorts down there including Houdaigi, Norn, Okutone, Tenjindaira and Minakami Kogen.

There are plenty of options out there and both school would be good to talk to if you need specific advice.

Minakami Ski Trekking Festival - Mar 20

Do you have plans for the public holiday for the Spring Equinox (Wednesday 20th March)? If not head out into the mountains of Snow Country for the 13th Minakami Ski Trekking Festival.

It is being held at Minakami Kogen Resort, which boasts a cross country ski circuit that loops around the summer golf courses. It is a great day out and if the weather cooperates it is an amazing place to spend a spring day. The blue of the skies with the forests and the mountain backdrop make for a great change to the grey of the city.

It is a very beginner friendly event and there are also activities for the kids.

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.

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?

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....

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.

Chalet La Neige in Minakami

If you are looking for the complete break this winter you should be considering ski-in, ski-out accommodation on the side of a ski resort. Add in amazing cuisine, friendly English speaking hosts and a log fire and you are guaranteed a great time. One place that ticks all these boxes and many more is Chalet La Neige in Minakami.

It is right on the slopes of Houdaigi Ski Resort which is the biggest and best in that area. Great beginner slopes for the learners and some really challenging courses for the more experienced. Stunning views over the surrounding mountains too.

The chalet is cosy with spacious rooms with real beds. The decor is stylish and you would be forgiven if you forgot you were in Japan for a moment, so much does it resemble the European chalet style.

Time on the slopes is the big draw for a winter break but once you have eaten here you will constantly be counting the hours until the next delicious dinner. It really is that good. European-influenced dishes that  are the perfect end to the perfect day.

Highly recommended and it is easy to see why they have such a loyal customer base who keep coming back for more.

A Snowy Start to 2013

One of the favorite pastimes of snow-lovers is making predictions about what each winter will bring. There are many methods of forecasting but a wait-and-see approach is our one of choice.

So far it has been a good season for skiers and boarders and conditions right now are fantastic. We had early snow in December which allowed the resorts to put down a good base and open on schedule, and since then there have been regular top-ups of snow. Most of these have been followed by a few days of blue skies and some pink, sunburned faces have been spotted around town.

We are just coming to the end of a 3 day storm that has dumped masses of snow on Snow Country with over a meter falling in the past few days. Some of the off-piste runs have been almost too deep to ski. According to the forecast we have a couple of days to clear away the built up snow before another big snowfall is expected to arrive mid-week.

It is a great time to hit the slopes. The New Year holiday crowds have thinned and conditions right now are first rate. Time to enjoy the snow in Snow Country and see why it has earned that name.

10 Great Reasons to Go Skiing in Japan

We've mentioned JapanTourist before - articles and photo stories about life and places in Japan, written by people who live here. For those of you who are weighing up a winter trip to Japan, here are 10 reasons to stop delaying and get over here.

You don't just have to take our word for it. Snow, onsen, backcountry and food all get a mention, and also friendliness/customer service. It is just a great all-round experience, and no matter what you are looking for, there is bound to be an area or resort that caters to your wishes as there are so many of them.

Full article. And there are plenty of other pieces related to Snow Country if you are interested.

Winter fun in Minakami

Minakami has a fantastic reputation as an outdoor adventure paradise. Much of its fame comes from the abundance of activities in summer. It is sometimes overlooked as a great winter destination too. Whether you are looking for fun on the slopes, a gondola ride to the top of the mountains, some extreme backcountry riding or a peaceful snowshoe tour, there is plenty to keep everyone in the family occupied.

There are lots of ski resorts in the area too. In fact, did you know that Minakmi boasts 10 resorts in all? And though you may not have heard of all of them, each of them is worth a visit.

Tenjindaira has already opened but the other resorts won't be far behind. Below are the planned opening dates for the other 9 Minakami ski resorts.

Dec 15th - Houdaigi
Dec 20th - Norn
Dec 21st - White Valley, and Okutone
Dec 22nd - Minakami Kogen, Fujiwara, Oana, and Akasawa
Depending on snow - Kanosawa

There is also plenty of great accommodation in Minakami if you are looking for a memorable stay.

Snow Country Freak magazine

The bizarrely titled Snow Country Freak magazine have just brought out their winter issue. It is a free guide to everything that is going on in Snow Country over winter. Unfortunately it is only in Japanese but it is a wealth of useful information if you can get someone to help you decipher it.

Contents -

"500 yen off" voucher for day passes at Yuzawa Nakazato, Maiko or Muikamachi Ski Resorts
Maps of the area
Event lists by month
Ski Resort Events
The best meals on the slopes
A voucher for the one day upgrade pack at GALA (lift ticket, 500 yen voucher, and discounts off rental and lessons.)
Activity guide
Onsen guide
Gift guide

You should be able to see this free magazine online too

It's December

December arrives in style with snow falling in Snow Country this morning. The winter season is fast approaching and there are people wandering around with skis and snowboards which is always a cheering sight.

Kagura has been open for a week but the season also starts today with Tenjindaira opening their first lift of the 2012/13 winter.

It looks like there is more snow on the way for the coming week so we can hope for a few more resorts to open their doors shortly.

Winter Preparations

It is cold in Snow Country at the moment. The leaves are falling and there have already been some snow showers down low. Higher resorts are already starting to get their lifts fired up for the season.

There is a bit of siege atmosphere in Snow Country at this time of year. The snows are not far off and there is plenty of preparation to get done first.

As you walk around you will see trees and bushes covered in planks of wood. The sheer weight of the snow can easily damage these plants so proud owners go to great lengths to protect them.

Another key element to battling the snow is the water that is pumped out of the middle of the roads. Without this driving around would be a nightmare, and just looking at some of the old photos you can see what happens if you don't stay on top of the snow clearing. At this time of year the water systems are turned on again to clean out the accumulated dirt of the warmer months. Local residents get together and make sure their area of town is ready to go.

If you are coming to Snow Country in winter it is a good idea to pack some decent footwear. With heavy snow and lots of water about the footwear of choice for locals is the trusty gumboot. It may not be fashionable but dry feet are worth any sacrifice. Blend in with the locals with a cheap pair of rubber boots from the local hardware store. Your feet will thank you.

2012-13 Winter Snow Levels???

The autumn colors are bright and vibrant in Snow Country at the moment with lots of reds, oranges and yellows, The leaves are starting to fall and that means many minds turn to the upcoming winter. The first resort is due to open in just 10 days time (with a bit of luck), though there is not much white stuff covering the peaks right now.

The long range forecast seems to be for a slightly warmer than average winter which will be a relief for those that struggled under last year's monster snowfalls, though disappointing to snow sports enthusiasts.

A further worrying sign for snow lovers was spotted over the weekend...

That white ball in the middle of the photo attached to the little bush is a praying mantis egg case. Local knowledge has it that the mantis knows how much snow is coming and places the eggs at a suitable height to avoid getting buried in snow. Last year the egg cases were up high and there were near-record levels of snowfall. This year there are plenty to be found closer to the ground.

Old wives' tale or a nature's snow prediction....? We'll have to wait to see.

Minakami Norn - Opening December 20th

New season, new poster and pamphlet for Norn in Minakami. This winter it is planning to open its lifts on Thursday December 20th.

It is right next to Minakami IC so if you are heading up to Snow Country by car it is one of the easiest resorts to reach. Just hop off the Kanetsu Expressway and you are just about there. It also has free parking which is always a bonus at a ski resort.

If you want to know a bit more about Norn and what goes on at the resort there are plenty of videos from last season over at their YouTube Channel. Or you can have a read of what one Snow Country visitor thought about their day at Norn.