March 2010

Leaving Nozawa Onsen

by Anthony on March 29, 2010

It was a sad day, but all good things must come to an end.  I packed my bags, loaded up with local chocolates and souvenirs, and handed in my rental skis.

After saying goodbye to the wonderful staff at the fantastic Villa Nozawa, I set off for the bus station. [click to continue…]

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Evenings in Nozawa Onsen

by Anthony on March 23, 2010

I was traveling solo, but had plenty of good advice from the locals on where to go in town.  Evenings were great – I’d usually wander into the heart of town, stopping at a small restaurant along the way for a snack.

Seriously – one place makes the best Yakitori I’ve ever tasted.  I stopped in there most nights for a pre-dinner snack.

I tried to vary where I ate each night, ranging from Chilled Soba Noodles to Okonomiyaki – a cross between pancakes and noodles – way better than it sounds! [click to continue…]

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Enjoying Nozawa Onsen

by Anthony on March 22, 2010

Over the next few days, I had a great time.  I did as much skiing as I could – making a mental note to myself to work on my legs before my next trip!  Standing on skis all day is surprisingly tiring.

In the spirit of honesty, I should say that I also spent a good amount of time flat on my face.  Whatever – it’s all downhill, right?  Snow doesn’t hurt – much. [click to continue…]

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Time to Hit The Mountain

by Anthony on March 20, 2010

I woke up for my first full day in Nozawa Onsen, keen to get started.  After a host breakfast, I picked dressed in my snow gear, collected my skis, and left for the mountain.  I was headed for an area called Karasawa. [click to continue…]

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Arriving in Nozawa Onsen

by Anthony on March 19, 2010

The train station is actually “Togari Nozawa Onsen Station”.  It’s still a 15 minute bus ride away from where I wanted to be, but that was no big deal.  I made the short walk from the bus stop to Villa Nozawa pretty easily, although it was hard not to notice just how hilly the town is.  Uphill all the way! [click to continue…]

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