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Nozawa 4:12:15 It was really silent this morning when I woke up, which to me is always a sign that we have had some snow. Sure enough when I opened the curtains was greeted with a wall of white covering the Village. Was not sure it was going to be cold enough to snow in the village so was a nice surprise. There is about 5 to 10cm now collecting on the neighbours roof and still floating nicely from the sky. The resort is reporting 20cm up top at Yamabiko. At this stage they have not yet decided whether will open or not tomorrow but will see what the day brings. If it keeps up at this rate then we […]

After a few warmer days looks like the temps are set to drop today and some snow falls expected from this afternoon and into tomorrow. The big question is will it be enough for the resort to open up? Will have to wait and see what the powers to be decide but would say will be marginal. After that there is some beautiful sunshine on the menu which is always nice and will help the locals get in the rest of the crops and get set up for the season ahead but would be good to see a big dump like we had around December 7th last season soon – see the photo attached. Things can change pretty quickly in […]

Grey skies hovering over the Village in Nozawa today and not a lot to report on the snow front. They were expecting a little up top but hard to tell if it arrived as the top is shrouded in fog. Yesterday was a picture perfect day with lots of blue skies and sunshine. With the lifts not in operation yet a few of the gang here were keen to go on a hike into some snow country. They set off to nearby Mt Izuna and the Togakushi area. Deep in the forest there is an Inner Shrine, which is located 2km along an impressive route lined with huge cedar trees that are hundreds of years old. They say you can […]

Pretty wild old day in Nozawa with snow falling most of the day and heavy at times. Not much has settled in the Village but up top is looking nice and white. Will be interesting to see if it settles. The forecast is for more snow up top today but probably not as heavy as yesterday. Then a few little flurries thru the week before a nice cold front arriving Thursday and snow predicted for the whole weekend. Still very quiet in town, the farmers are working hard to get the crops in before the snow starts to settle. It has been a good season and seeing some amazing produce flow out of the fields.

A bit of Snow in the Village! The wind is up from the west, temps are down to just above freezing and we have a some snow falling from the ski. Not huge winter powder flakes by any means but definitely snowing. Great work to all those that danced and keep it coming…

Fresh off the press the Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has decided not to open this Saturday the 28th of November. No big surprises there, they hope to open as soon as the snow hits up top to a skiable level. Looking at the forecast it could be the following weekend but time will tell. Will keep you posted if we hear any developments. Keep that snow dance rolling…

Clearing to be a beautiful day here. Had another nice little dusting up top last night and can see the white rug rolling down Madarao Ski Resort across the valley this morning while I drink my coffee. It rained in the village last night so was not cold enough to produce any snow but up high here there is also some sprinklings in the trees. Tomorrow is still looking like a bit more of a snow show and temps are dropping with strong winds from the west. The long range forecast is looking better from Thursday next week at this stage but is early days will keep you posted.

People often ask what cards can we use at the ATM in Nozawa Onsen? Japan Post Bank provides cash withdrawal services for credit cards and cash cards issued by overseas financial institutions. Cards bearing the VISA, VISAELECTRON, PLUS, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, China Unionpay and DISCOVER can make withdrawals at Japan Post Bank ATMs. The amount you can withdraw depends on what you have preset with your bank at home. If you have not done anything it is generally about a $1000 equivalent in Yen. If want more contact your bank before you leave. ATM Open Times in Nozawa Onsen Monday to Friday 8:45 -18:00 Saturday 9:00 – 18:00 Sunday 9:00 – 18:00 For general mail […]

We have 3 Italian Restraunts in town pretty amazing for a small Japanese village! Kaze on iie is a favourite with all those looking for a Western fix. Great Pizza and pasta with a European touch. The owner Kono san is a lovely guy and well traveled so always happy to see overseas guests. Right in the Centre of town on the second floor so good for a bit of people watching too. It is opposite Oyu the main Onsen on the main street. Great place to go after a ski and have some Apres, usually has a few tunes playing and a great atmosphere. Together with his wife and their great team they put a lot of love into […]

As promised giving you a heads up on great places to eat in Nozawa Onsen. Type of food: Soba Buck Wheat Noodles The Plug: The family at Daimon is 3rd Generation Soba Makers, and it is a real art. It is a family business with Husband and wife and all the kids working together. Great value and healthy sumptuous meals. Lots of local specialties to stimulate your interest. Keiko san the owner is also a master at the Japanese Art of Shuji – writing Japanese Characters. She can write your name in Kanji and have it printed on a T-shirt to take home as long as you have a few days. Great memory of your trip to Nozawa. Her son […]