Top 5 Reasons to Ski in Japan

It's baking hot here in Japan with temperatures creeping up into the mid-30s most days at the moment. Perfect time to be thinking about the soft, fluffy snow of winter; after all it is called Snow Country for a reason.

Just to get you in the mood check out this article from the Sydney Morning Herald who give their top reasons to ski in Japan. Powder, onsen and food all make the list.

Gala Summer Park - up and running

We mentioned GALA Yuzawa's plethora of summer activities last year a couple of times, and they are back in action again this summer too. It is open on weekends and holidays and there is masses to do.

The big air bag jump, summer skiing, hiking, swimming & onsen, crafts and outdoor activities.

Far too much for us to explain in full details so thankfully GALA have knocked together a bit of a video so you get the idea. (Or you can have a look at their Japanese Summer Park site too.)

Enjoy!

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

Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale 2012

It is summer in Snow Country which mean time for art in the outdoors with the Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale.

This is an amazing project that is just get bigger and bigger. It is pretty difficult to describe everything that is involved, so it makes much more sense for you to just come up and check it out for yourself. Based in an around Tsunan and Tokamachi, there are projects and artwork from artists from all over the world.

The art itself is in different locations with different settings: abandoned buildings, fields, parks, great halls... You could spend days here and still not cover everything but you are guaranteed some amazing spectacles at every turn.

Their website is really comprehensive with some recommended itineraries to help you get the best of your time there, links to the best places to eat and of course a sneak peak at all the artworks (though they are all much more impressive in real life.)

It is a must see and a very unique art event. It runs until mid-September so you can come back again and again.

Sarugakyo Fireworks - Aug 25th

Fireworks festivals are a big part of summer in Japan. Sitting back and watching the fireworks with a cool drink and some snacks is a great way to spend a warm evening. Most areas have their summer festival complete with fireworks and Saturday August 25th it is the turn of Sarugakyo, the little township on the way from Minakami to Naeba.  It is a beautiful area if you have never been - heavily wooded hills and a large lake..

There is a full schedule of events with live music and performance from mid-afternoon, culminating with the fireworks at 2000 and then the traditional Bon dancing.

Sarugakyo Fireworks

Cooling off in Snow Country

It's the height of summer and although Snow Country is cooler than the cities it can still feel pretty hot and humid. Never fear though, there are always ways to escape the heat.

1. Grab some great summer food
Shaved ice with fruit syrup is a summer favorite, especially at festivals. Cold soba noodles or watermelon are also great ways to cool off. Or a few glasses of ice cold sake can work wonders.

2. Jump in the water
Easily one of the most fun ways to chill out in summer is find some water, be it pool, water park or river activities. Or even just a stretch of river to laze in works.

3. Head up high
There is some great hiking or plenty of easy way to access the cooler temperatures at the top of the mountains - even a bit of summer skiing if you are interested.

4. Alternatively head deep underground!

5. Have an onsen
It sound counter-intuitive but a nice hot bath will leave you feeling cool and refreshed. Snow Country is blessed with lots of great onsen of all kinds.


Whatever you do, escape the city and head to the mountains.