skybow

Thanks for sharing! I ahve been to many ski resorts and towns in Japan, but Yamagata Zao is by far one of my favourites for a weekend away. It just has a really nice little feel to it, and the onsens are great. It has one really long run, and is good for visiting with friends of different abilities. Can't wait to get there again this season!

I completely agree with some others, that bus is the way to go if you're on a budget! Most cities have very cheap day trips, so I am guessing being where you are you would be able to find plenty like that, which are often much cheaper than trying to do it yourself without a car. Enjoy!!

No, 4 years in the inaka of Fukushima, and many more in other parts of Japan, I've seen plenty of towns and villages. I think the point I was trying to make was for the person who will be visiting from Okinawa in the winter needs to decide if they want a more 'Japanese' snow destination or not.

I love the look of little Japanese towns covered in snow! To be honest, although I love Niseko for the snow, and dining options, etc, being Australian, sometimes Niseko can be a bit too much for me. I have been in Japan several years though and so sometimes it's nice, but sometimes just too much Aussieness.

I spent Christmas eve in Kanda/Shin Ochanomizu areas, and picked up some good deals on gear. If you are happy to buy last year's models in particular, there are some great deals to get, and this season's gear can also be discounted. Certainly the place to go if you're in Tokyo and plan to board more than a couple of times this season. Much cheaper than hire! Excited to try out my updated gear next weekend!

I have boarded in Nozawa once (last year), and several times over the last 4 years in Niseko, Hokkaido. Like somebody else said, Nozawa does have some flat areas as it's made for skiers. Snow quality is good at both, but Niseko probably has more powder (too much for me actually). However, a BIG factor I think you should take into account is the village culture. Nozawa is an older, Japanese ski village. It's beautiful, and has many free old school, and extremely hot local onsen bath houses. It's not just a ski experience but a cultural one, too. MAny of the places to stay are minshuku, whic