Ski Resort Openings - 2014/2015 Season [UPDATED 2014/12/8]

A few more resort opening dates to add to the list courtesy of the instructors at Pod Snowsports who look like they are itching to get back on snow to teach ski and snowboard lessons.

Kagura - November 22nd 2014  OPEN
Tashiro - December 6th   OPEN

Iwappara - December 6th  Opening soon
Joetsu Kokusai - December 6th Opening soon
Naeba - December 13th
Maiko Kogen - December 13th
Houdaigi - December 13th
Norn - December 18th
Ishiuchi - December 19th
Yuzawa Nakazato - December 19th
GALA - December 20th
NASPA - December 20th
Kandatsu - December 20th
Hakkai-san - December 20th

All dates are planned opening dates so you'll want to check closer to the time if the resorts will actually open on that date or not.

Start doing your snow dance and let's get some big falls of the white stuff on the way.

Daily Updates on the SnowJapan Yuzawa Now page.

Banff Mountain Film Festival in Minakami 2014

One not to miss for all armchair adventure lovers. The highly regarded Banff Mountain Film Festival is on tour in Japan and stopping in Minakami on Saturday November 8th 2014.

The website is pretty amazing and worth checking out. Clips of various films are playing in the background, and they will definitely get you excited for the main event.

There are two sessions: an AM session at 1030 and a PM session at 1430. There are different films during each session so you probably want to check the schedule before you book your tickets.

The films are being screened at the Minakami Kankou Kaikan.

This is a great opportunity to see some amazing footage, and fantastic that they are touring outside of the major cities.

Minakami Adventure Festival - 4&5 October 2014

For those of you who enjoy the outdoors, a not-to-be-missed date for the diary is the Minakami Adventure Festival. This year it will take place on the fourth and fifth of October. There is also a new main location - Takuminosato. If you have time between your outdoor adventure experiences you can enjoy all the hands-on crafts, fruit picking and shopping that is available here aswell.

As ever the list of activities on offer is pretty impressive - rafting, canyoning, paragliding, stand up paddle board, quad bikes, mountain bikes, bungy jumping, tree climbing and canoeing. Add to this food, fireworks and lots of fun and games, and you have a great weekend out.

We'll see you there.

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.

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....

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hiking Tanigawadake

It is autumn in Snow Country which means amazing colors as the leaves change. This area is blessed with many different kinds of trees which means there are lots of hues to admire. On the weekends the stations are full of backpack wearing hikers off to challenge the peaks and trails of the surrounding mountains.

A great hike is to the top Tanigawadake, which is one of the famous 100 peaks in Japan - who knows, it could be the start of you ticking them all off your list?!

View from the top of the ropeway - http://www.tanigawadake-rw.com/item/3671

There is a ropeway which takes you up to Tenjindaira Ski Resort and from there you can choose several routes for your hike, depending on how long you want to walk. Or if you are not feeling so active you can hang out in the restaurant at the top and enjoy the view.

There are plenty of great accommodation options close by if you are looking for a longer stay ,and the area is well known for the abundance of onsen. There is a great view from the top of Tanigawadake, but there is also something to be said for lounging at the base of the mountain in an outdoor onsen, staring up at the peak towering above you.

Lake Sailing in Minakami

Sailing is awesome. Lounge back in your craft and let nature's soft breath skim you across the still waters. New this year to Minakami's already impressive line up of activities is sailing on the lake.

It is a great option for the whole family and lots of fun. You don't have to have been sailing before or even understand too much about how the wind works. You soon figure it out and the little dinghies you use have been specially selected for their ease of operation. The friendly staff give you the low down before you start and then you are cut loose to put your new found knowledge to use. Never fear though as the staff are always close at hand in a motorboat if you need a pull or a few more pointers. The scenery up on the lakes is beautiful now - lots of green and one of the dams looming above you, but it will really come into its own when the autumn colors kick in through September and October.

Lake Sailing in Minakami

Minakami Adventure Festival - Sept 29/30 2012

Minakami is one of the top destinations in the whole of Japan for outdoor adventure activities. This small little mountain township is home to rafting, canyoning, paragliding, bungy jumping, mountain biking, canoeing and lake sailing operators who have flocked to the surrounding lakes, rivers and mountains. Once a year in early autumn they all get together and host a big event to push their little outdoor paradise.

This year it is the 10th outing for the Minakami Adventure Festival. There is loads going on. All the operators offer special prices to visitors to try their activities. There is a central festival area in Yubiso Park with food stalls and shops. Many big brand names bring up stock and sell it off at cheap prices to the gathered outdoor enthusiasts. There are also some special events such as a trail run, adventure race and rafting race.

It is always a great weekend, so if Minakami is on your list of places to visit, the weekend of September 29/30 is the ideal opportunity.

Stargazing on Tanigawadake

Here's a stunning experience for you. Spend the evening on top of one of Japan's top 100 peaks staring up at the awesome night sky without the big city glow interfering. This is what is on offer at Tanigawadake Tenjindaira from the end of August until the beginning of October.

It is a rare opportunity to be on top of a mountain at night, and incredibly serene. The sight of the skies above you on a clear night is incredible and not one you are likely to forget any time soon.

You need to book in advance but all the info you need is on the Minakami website so hit it up for dates, prices and full details.

This is an unusual but highly recommended way to spend an evening.

Destination Gunma

JR are pushing Gunma as their destination of choice at the moment with posters up in stations across Japan. One of the aspects they have focused on is the outdoor sports that have made the town of Minakami famous.

Canyoning is one of the most popular summer sports and in the heat of summer jumping in a cooling river is absolute bliss. Canyoning is heaps of fun and with the abundance of river in Minakami there are lots of courses, so you are sure to find one that fits your required thrill level. Kids especially get a real kick out of it.

Minakami Happiness Campaign

The Minakami marketing machine has gone into overdrive this summer showcasing the many attractions of their town under the banner of the Minakami Happiness Campaign. They have put together a bit of a teaser video to tempt you into a visit. Check it out below.

The outdoor sports are famous with bungy jumping, canyoning, rafting, paragliding, canoeing and mountain biking all on offer, and snow sports also well represented.

It is also well-known for its stunning natural beauty with some great shots in the promo video.

Check out the video. (.wmv download)

Tempted?

Fujiwara Matsuri & Marathon - Aug 24 & 25

More summer fun on the way at the end of August with a festival and firework display at Fujiwara in Minakami, followed the next day by a road race for those impervious to the summer heat.

The Fujiwara Fireworks are always one of the best display of the summer. Lying back on the grass, staring into the night sky, the fireworks seem super-close as if they are bursting just above you. It is well worth getting up there as it is a really intimate spectacle much beloved by the locals.

The next day there is a road race around the lake. Just thinking about it makes me tired but it is a well attended race with some big name athletes in the field. It is the 55th Fujiwara Lake Marathon and it always draws a dedicated crowd of supporters