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...

Classic Cars in Snow Country

A bit of a treat today for classic car lovers as the La Festa Rally roars through Snow Country.

Most of the towns get a look in with the official route heading from Nagano into Niigata, over the mountain and back down into Gunma. So in terms of Snow Country that is through Sakae and Tsunan, into Tokamachi, through Yuzawa and into Minakami.

The line up has some real gems and the photographers have been out in force capturing shots of Bugattis, Rollers, Bentleys and other vintage cars.

The rally continues for the next couple of days past Fuji, Hakone, Yokahama and ending up back in Harajuku on Tuesday. Not a bad way to spend a long weekend!

Outdoor Onsen - Rotemburo

Snow Country has masses of hot spring sources and soaking in one of these natural volcanic hot springs is one of the joys of visiting this area. Each water source has its own chemical composition with resulting benefits for the skin and body. Another great favorite that is worth tracking down is the outdoor onsen, otherwise known as the rotemburo.

There is something magical about being in a hot spring outside, especially when the snow is falling. The outside air temperature is cold but you are toasty warm up to your ears in hot water. Admiring the natural scenery or the perfectly sculptured garden just helps you relax further.

There are many places with rotemburo to check out. Most ryokan will have one and specialist onsen are likely to have several different types for you to enjoy. The changing of the seasons from an onsen are a joy to behold, whether it be the autumn colors, snowcapped peaks, cherry blossoms or the greens of summer.

Tashiro Ropeway for Autumn Colors

It is definitely autumn here in Snow Country now. The first snow dusted the top of Kagura, Hakkaisan and Tanigawadake a couple of days back, the rice is being harvested and autumn fruit is back in the supermarkets.Everywhere you look in the mountains, the early leaves are starting to turn and the deep greens are starting to be dotted with reds and yellows. It is a stunning change and one of the most beautiful times of year in in Snow Country - a vibrant blaze of colour before the white blanket descends.

We mentioned different ways of checking out the autumn displays and we have another one for you. The Tashiro Ropeway is a large cable car that runs skiers and boarder up to the slopes of Tashiro resort, between Kagura and Naeba. It whisks you up 400 metres higher in about 10 minutes and both the ride up, and the view from the top offer fantastic views.

From 8th October to 6th November, prime autumn colours season, the Tashiro Ropeway and the Naeba Dragondola will be linked up by bus for a great scenic circuit. Start at one of the stations, ride either the Ropeway or Dragondola and then walk the 30 minutes to the next one - a word to the wise - it is downhill from the top of the ropeway to the Dragondola Station. Take the Dragondola first and you have an uphill walk to Tashiro. The base of the two are joined by a shuttle bus for you to complete the loop.

Vita Magazine in Yuzawa

Himawari are a real estate agency in Yuzawa town on the east side of the station. They publish a magazine with a guide to all the local restaurants and events, and although it is only in Japanese, it is a useful resource if you are in the area. You'll find it in the station, outside Himawari or dotted around town.

The staff give their recommendations of where you should eat and most restaurants have a discount coupon in the magazine that will get you something if you are eating there.

Himawari specialise in resort mansions and apartments. During the Bubble Period when skiing was the thing to do in the winter, resorts and big resort mansions were popping up anywhere there was space. As you drive into Yuzawa today you can see the slopes dotting the hills and big apartment buildings in rather odd places. Since the crash the price of these flats has been steadily coming down as people do away with their holiday pads and second homes, and they can now be picked up for a song. Himawari have the low down on all the latest offerings and the Vita magazine has a list of what is available. Interesting to browse, and if you are in the market for a pad close to the snow for winter, or a country retreat to escape the city heat during summer, look no further - there are some incredible bargains to be had.

Fire Walking at Hakkai San - October 20th

Rural Japan has many interesting festivals that offer a unique insight into Japanese culture. Snow Country is no exception and has a calendar full of interesting events, from newly weds being thrown down a hill to semi-naked men trying to battle their way into a shrine.

Tuesday October 20th sees another interesting local festival with the fire walking at Hakkai San. Hakkai has long been regarded as a sacred mountain and its shrine is seen as an especially powerful area.

This is a festival that takes place in Spring and Autumn and is an amazing sight. Cedar wood is burnt until there is a bed of red hot coals and then Shinto devotees walk barefoot over them guaranteeing the health and safety of their friends and family. It is not only limited to believers but the general public too can put their faith to the test and take a stroll across the coals. This is probably not one for the faint-hearted but your loved ones would be impressed to see you putting your body on the line for their well-being.

Even if you don't fancy the heat of the fire walking, it is a great festival and a fantastic one to watch.

New Rice Season

It is officially harvest time and the new season rice is out there to be enjoyed. Snow Country is proud to produce such high quality rice and visitors to the region are always keen to see what the fuss is about. Try it and you will see.

There is a campaign running at the moment to let people try some traditionally cooked Koshihikari rice fresh from the harvest. Lots of shops and accommodations are participating so if you are in Snow Country, pick up a leaflet with a map and head along to your favorite location to try the rice. You won't be disappointed.

If you see one of these contraptions you know there is likely to be delicious rice underneath and you will probably be able to pick up the scent as you approach.

There is a prize draw you can enter as part of this campaign and if you are lucky enough to win, you could be heading home with a 2 kg bag of Koshihikari.