Srog 0 Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Hi there Been lurking a bit and thought I'd just get registered and done with. I visit Japan fairly often on business and have been skiing in Nagano. Come February I will have some time and based in western Gunma - not too far from Kusatsu Onsen. I won't (as it is) have a car and wondering if Kusatsu skijo would be worth a week or if that is too long maybe and it is worth my putting the effort into going further afield - problem with that is the extra costs. I'm a fairly competent skier, but not looking for some huge wilderness adventure. A decent ski resort perhaps with some nice trees will do me fine. Cheers. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 if you are based in Gunma then you could probably get a bus to and from the ski-jo's or hop on the Shinkansen up to Yuzawa in Niigata Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Hi Srog. As much as I liked Kusatsu (both the skijo and town), I don't think it's a place to stay a week. Well I wouldn't anyway. It's not really that big. But there are a few other places quite closeby including Manza Onsen. I suppose it will depend on exactly where you are. The trip into Numata from Naganohara (?) is a fairly long winding road, probably takes the best part of an hour but there is a train. Then there's the resorts on the other side of Numata/Minakami and also Yuzawa to the north. Where will you be? Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 If you are interested, here's my little report on Kusatsu http://www.snowjapanforums.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/301415/Kusatsu_Kokusai_25th_January_2.html Link to post Share on other sites
Jynxx 4 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Kusatsu is definitely worth checking out but a week is too long. I'll go to Manza for sure, like muika suggested. Link to post Share on other sites
SKI 15 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Fairly small place in reality but worth a look. I agree with others - I would say a week is too long. Manze is worth a look as well and nice onsen (as has Kusatsu). Link to post Share on other sites
JapaneseSnowBunny 0 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 I love Kusatsu and Manza. You must try onsen both place. Link to post Share on other sites
blinkin'ek 0 Posted June 22, 2009 Share Posted June 22, 2009 If it's mainly skiing you are wanting, it is not worth a week. Nice area though and the town and onsen are worth a look for sure. Link to post Share on other sites
Srog 0 Posted June 23, 2009 Author Share Posted June 23, 2009 Thanks folks. I will be just out of Naganohara. Link to post Share on other sites
AET 0 Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 Kusatsu is definitely worth a visit but like others said a week would be pushing it. The skijo isn't actually that big, just long and narrow. I like the top bit though and a few sneaky runs. They do some walking tours up there, over to the crater which is fun. Link to post Share on other sites
BlackpoolTower 0 Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 I was looking at information on Kusatsu, looks very nice. I can't wait to check out the onsen in Japan I think that is going to be one of the highlights. Your pics from there were lovely muikabochi, thanks. Link to post Share on other sites
Srog 0 Posted July 3, 2009 Author Share Posted July 3, 2009 Thanks. How does Manza compare? Link to post Share on other sites
flask and butties 0 Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 I spent a day at both Kusatsu and Manza this last winter, Srog. Great few days. Very different though. Kusatsu is very much an onsen town (check out muikabochis pics he posted) whereas Manza is basically just the resort/hotels. Both not particularly big places but when we went the snow was great and we had a good full day at both. I'd say like others that more than a few days for the skiing is too much, but definitely worth a look. Link to post Share on other sites
mina2 6 Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 They are both definitely worth a look and in peak season the snow is often very fine over there. If you like smelly onsen too, you're in luck. Link to post Share on other sites
Srog 0 Posted July 13, 2009 Author Share Posted July 13, 2009 Cheers. Well, will look forward to checking them out. Link to post Share on other sites
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