Myoko Guy

It's been a pretty cool summer here - even by Myoko standards. Been sleeping under a doona quite a few nights.

Keinan Bus provides shuttle bus service between Myoko, Hakuba, Nozawa and Shiga, as well as to and from Nagano City. So presume there might be a possibility to get the bus between Shiga and Nozawa. Also, ask your host. The majority of these places have vans and buses and could either do it themselves or maybe organise someone who could.

Actually I'd concur with SdS. Barring an early season it won't be much but it will at least be something. Kaurizawa is easy for foreigners too and easy to get to. Autumn leaves will be finished by then unfortunately but it's a beautiful time of year in Karuizawa when they're out.

I don't have the details in front of me now but there are ski buses from Tokyo (Ikebukero) direct to the resorts during the season. Cost (I think) is around 4,000 one way. There are also shuttles from Nagano to Myoko. Which place you prefer is a matter of personal choice. If you're going to be here for more than 2-3 days why no try them all? There's a regular shuttle that runs between Akakura, Ikenotaira and Suginohara. I prefer Ikenotaira because there's some nice tree runs and it's a bit quieter than the other places. Shin-Akakura (Akakan) is probably my second choice. Have fun!

Go for it MB. Change is as good as a holiday. But then again it would be a holiday too. Quote: One day last season I was worried that if I fell over on the slopes, no-one would find me for days! Good one Sanjo!

Been up late celebrating the Ashes 2PM? I recommended Hakuba for 4 days as per the OP. The OP didn't mention Shiga or Nozawa either but that for some reason hasn't drawn your wrath.

Sayama ski area - near Seibu-kyujo-mae station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line. Course/320:30m, average incline 7' (max 15') That's about the closest/best option since SSAWS closed down.

Or possibly time for a heated driveway and front path perhaps GN?

I think 4 days in Hakuba rather than a combo of Shiga/Nozawa. Get more runs in and you can do Shiga/Nozawa/Myoko next year.

You can stay in all night and watch the Red and White variety battle on NHK. That's what most Japanese I know do.

Originally Posted By: Go Native To be honest I have found that most locals, regardless of how long they have lived in a place, generally have no more insight into long term weather forecasting than any of the rest of us. Yep, very true. Locals are pretty good at telling me how good it USED to be though. Seeing some old photos at the Myokokogen Visitor Center in Ikenotaira I'd have to agree. My better half tells me tales of getting out of the 3rd story window to go to school in the morning! Here's maybe what's coming...

You'll have more chance of blue skies in Myoko, Hakuba, Shiga or Nozawa. Unlike Niseko, where the snowfall is more constant, snow at the above comes in big dumps. So you might get crap weather or you might get days where you'll think you've died and gone to snow heaven. Suginohara has some nice cruisy groomed runs and there's some nice places to stay there.

Well I've never experienced two bad seasons in a row in Japan. That's the only science I can muster. I predict I'll be in deep pow in the Ikenotaira trees on December 26th* *Unless I drink too much on Christmas night - in which case I revise my prediction to December 27th...

Originally Posted By: Tubby Beaver I know Cairns is a fair bit away from the Sunshine Coast BUT I had some good Ramen up there when I was there. Plenty Japanese restaurants up that way Probably because there are lots of Japanese too. I was quite amazed when I was there a couple of years ago. Nothing like a good bowl of chyashu-ramen on a balcony overlooking the slopes. Prices in the Myoko resorts are a bit more expensive than down the hill but I wouldn't say they are gouging tourists - unlike Thredbo.

Non-skiers may get bored methinks depending on what they like to do. Japan ski towns are not Vale or Aspen by any stroke of imagination. I know Myoko offers day tours during the season and probably other towns do too. So taking trips whilst you ski may be an alternative. If your child's nanny is Indonesian I'd make sure to apply for a visa well in advance. Yuzawa is closest to Tokyo and easiest to get to - about 1.5 hours by direct bullet train.

Yes, PV wasn't a great mountain but at least they did make a big effort with their website English-wise to help out any hapless foreigner vistors. Was up at Arai this morning and if there's no apparent work going on at this stage.

Originally Posted By: SKI Mr Mad and his Band of Bonkers friends. Will likely need his mate "Mr. Bottomless Pit of Money" in on the deal too.

And in a possible plus one - locals say that the Arai assets have been purchased but no news yet on a possible re-opening.

Another one for the list - Myoko Pine Valley. Not opening for the coming season and some other activities being cut back too.

The highlight from our visit last year to Nikko was Tamozawa - the old imperial residence. Most people seem to flock around the temples however. There's a really awesome soba restaurant almost opposite too. These two pics are too big so will just put up links http://snowjapan/_X4DA0hI7j50/SHuOkavp1PI/AAAAAAAAARE/9NJjYvAGMMQ/SV101844.JPG http://snowjapan/_TVx4sXnvD58/ShG_xVK7oZI/AAAAAAAAC0s/CMn-bhJjAMQ/IMG_3177.jpg We also went to one of those 'old town' re-creations - Edo-mura. What a waste of time that was. There was also a closed down 'Western' theme park. Ou

Great story Scott. I have to say, in a very positive way, that this sort of enterprise is typically Japanese.

For easy access from Tokyo and good snowboarding - Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen or Hakuba. How people rank them is a different matter but any of these would be good for Japan first timers. Lots of lodges have in-house rental although ski-in, ski-out is probably not as plentiful as Australia. Good luck!

Yep, go back-country in the Kita Alps (Hakuba or Myoko). There are a few guides to help you out. Steepest on-piste around here is only 38 degrees. If it's your first trip here I'd recommend using public transport unless you're happy to drive on the left and speak great Japanese.

Peak Leaders from the U.K. ran an instructor course here last year. Didn't actually meet any of them though.

I'd probably go for Nozawa although, like ID says, do both if you have time.