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Probably mostly Kawaba with some White World Oze Iwakura, Houdaigi and Kagura mixed in. Might check out a few Yuzawa / Muikamachi skijos I haven't been to (Maybe Maiko , Hakkaisan, Iwappara and or Gala) Might also make a trip into Nagano to go to either Hakuba, Nozawa or the elusive Charmant Hiuchi depending on how much free time I have. Might also just get on the Tenjin Gondola now to ensure I'm up there by the end of winter.
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Guess Where This Is
Gunma Boarder replied to hellyer's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
That was fast! It is Kagura. From Shiragamon across from Tanigawa. Your turn X Nova! -
Guess Where This Is
Gunma Boarder replied to hellyer's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
What skijo is in the background of this picture? It is a bit hard to see so I will post a close-up soon. (If no one gets it first ) -
Guess Where This Is
Gunma Boarder replied to hellyer's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Didn't realize they were that close together! I'll post something tonight. -
Guess Where This Is
Gunma Boarder replied to hellyer's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Iwappara and Maiko -
Guess Where This Is
Gunma Boarder replied to hellyer's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
I'll go with Hakkaisan, but have no idea and am all for another hint. -
Tips for Hakuba vs. Niseko
Gunma Boarder replied to TICesk's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
I think Hakuba might be the best spot for you, but if you are looking for a change up, Kawaba in Gunma might be a good option. The proximity to Tokyo tends to attract a lot of good young park riders on the weekend. Kawaba has a pretty nice rail section every year. I am a pretty good rider and most of the rails intimidate me. It also has a nice wall section before the rail section. It also is a nice place on a powder day. SJ Kawaba page. http://snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/gunma/kawaba/kawaba -
Marunuma in Gunma opens on the 22nd of November using snow machines. It is not far from Tokyo but requires a car or a bus ride. Kagura in Niigata should also be open and is easier to get to. Both have nice hot springs in the area and the views are nice. As long as you're not expecting knee deep powder (or natural snow), they could be fun.
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I know it can obviously vary by season, but what is Kagura like mid-December? I usually wait till at least late December to start the season so I have never been that early. I imagine it would have more snow than anything else in the area but is it usually "full coverage" or more stick to the runs? I would imagine the valley beside the Kagura area would be a no go, but I really don't know.
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Nozawa has a nice "authentic" Japanese feel. Really nice little hot spring town. I would imagine they would have English instructors, but I'm not sure. Also don't know about the cross country skiing. Never been to Hakuba so can't really compare the two. Tell us all how it goes. What you want matches up a lot with what I'm looking for in a snow trip (minus the cross country skiing). Would love to hear how things go!
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I think Kawaba would be the best balance of a nice skijo with good snow not too far away if you are going by car. Just try to avoid going home Sunday night if possible. If you have to go back Sunday I recommend taking a hot spring, eating some dinner and taking it slow on the way home. Yuzawa is another great option but the tolls would be higher. Might also look into Naeba and Kagura. You can exit the Kanetsu in Tsukiyono and drive 45 minutes up the 17. Kawaba is one exit closer to you (Numata) and only 20 minutes from there. I would probably hit Kawaba first then consider other places later.
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3 days skiing in Feb
Gunma Boarder replied to Pompom3's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Maru-634 - I have actually never bought the joint ticket because I live so close by and one is definitely enough for one day . The reason to buy would be to be able to stay in the Naeba area but be able to easily access Kagura. Also I heard the views are nice. You can also take a free bus back to Naeba if you stay to late in the Kagura area. That all said I agree with what you said. Those are just the reasons I could think of to buy the joint ticket. -
3 days skiing in Feb
Gunma Boarder replied to Pompom3's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
+1 for Yuzawa especially Naeba/Kagura (both can be ridden on one ticket). I know you said you aren't going for hot springs, but might as well get in after the slopes while you are there