This nice!

How nice a day is it today in Myoko?

Have a great Valentines Day!

Video taken at Myoko Suginohara

Check Myoko webcams here!

Check Myoko Snow Report here!

The post How nice a day is it today in Myoko? appeared first on Myoko-Nagano.

Nagano Snow Resort Pass

The Nagano Snow Resort Pass is a convenient and money saving unlimited rides pass. Enjoy unlimited access between Nagano City, the Hakuba Valley, Togakushi, Matsushiro, and the Snow Monkey Park for two consecutive days. A perfect option for travelers who want a taste of Nagano’s winter charms but with limited time to savour them, for skiers who are having a couple of off-days to explore the area or for non-skiers travelling with skiing friends. See the details below for more information, or click the image right to see the flyer.

Period of Availability

December 2, 2017 to March 31, 2018

Looking for local accommodation options? Check here for Nagano City & Matsushiro, Hakuba, Togakushi and the Snow Monkey Park.

Price of Nagano Snow Resort Pass (two consecutive days)

• Adult: 5,000 yen
• Child (6-12 years): 2,500 yen
• Child (0-5years): Free!

Where to catch the bus in Nagano?

Where to purchase the Nagano Snow Resort Pass?

Nagano City

• Nagano City Tourist Information Center (JR Nagano Station 2F) (+81-26-226-5626) [Map]
• ALPICO Kotsu Nagano Station General Information Center (+81-26-227-0404) [Map]
• JTB Chubu Nagano Office (Diagonally Opposite Cher-Cher, Nagano Tokyu Dpt. Store) (+81-26-228-0489) [Map]

Hakuba Village

• Kita Alps Information Center (Near Hakuba Station) (+81-261-72-3000) [Map]
• Happo Information Center (Happo Bus Terminal) (+81-261-72-3066) [Map]
• Hakuba Goryu Tourist Association (Kamishiro Station) (+81-261-75-3700) [Map]

Otari Village

• Tsugaike Kogen Tourist Association (Near Tsugaike Kogen Bus Stop) (+81-261-83-2515) [Map]

Designated Buses (see link for timetables)

• Nagano-Shigakogen Line Bus (Nagano-Snow Monkey Park Section Only)
• Togakushi Line Bus
• Hakuba Line Bus
• All Nagano City Buses to Zenkoji Temple (Nagano Station-Zenkoji Section Only)
• Matsushiro Line Bus

Conditions

• This is not a ticket to the Zenkoji underground passage, Sanmon gate or Snow Monkey Park. Please buy an entrance ticket at each location.
• This pass allows one passenger to ride buses on the route map.
• Rides on JR/private trains are not included with this pass.
• This pass will be good only for the date(s) stated on the front.
• This pass is only refundable before the valid dates.
• Some buses are not in service or do not go to the terminal on certain days. Please check the schedule (as above) before your trip.
• This pass is non-refundable after the 1st date of validity even when services are suspended.
• The buses may be delayed or cancelled due to the road and weather conditions.
• Please show the bus driver the front side of this pass so the valid dates can be clearly seen.
• This pass is valid only for the person who purchased it.
• This pass is not valid for travel to/from Myoko Kogen, Nozawa Onsen or Shiga Kogen.
• Rides taken outside designated routes will incur regular one ways cost.

Thanks to Go Nagano for the original blog post.

The post Nagano Snow Resort Pass appeared first on Myoko-Nagano.

The war on snow in Akakura Onsen. Photo thanks to rabidK9 at ski.com.au

La Nina Japan winter 2018

(Update Nov 23, 2017)

La Niña conditions have officially developed and should continue through January 2018 before weakening in February/March. There is now a 65-75% chance of weak La Niña conditions continuing through the winter months ahead based on the latest forecast guidance, NOAA said. There are many other factors that are considered when developing a winter forecast, but this year the overwhelming majority of these considerations are pointing to the same pattern. As it’s considered to be a ‘weak’ La Nina don’t expect exceptional snow falls. However it should still ensure above-average conditions.

References [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

A great 2017/18 Japan winter coming up we hope!

Below are the records (thanks to Snow Japan) for the last five seasons for Hakuba and Myoko Kogen.

Hakuba Snowfall Records

Myoko Snowfall Records

Myoko’s iconic ski lodge – Xmas and March specials available!

The Japan Meteorological Agency’s expectation that the La Nina Japan winter 2018 may appear aligns with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which upgraded it’s forecast to a 65-75% chance of the phenomenon appearing during the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2017-2018.

On 23 November JMA issued their forward one-month weather forecast between November 25th and December 24th. Hokkaido is very likely to be colder than the average December. Tohoku and Niigata looking nice too. Lower temps means December rain might become December snow.

Blue = Colder than average.

This is the snowfall chart issued by JMA. Hokkaido and Tohoku are very likely to have larger than average snowfalls and quite possibly Niigata as well. Nagano has not been included.

Blue = Higher snowfall than average.

The emergence of La Niña Japan was also observed from December 2005 to February 2006, when around 150 people died as a result of heavy snow across Japan. Snows were also heavy in the most recent occurrence of La Niña in 2011/12.

Will this La Niña Japan event be our last big winter?

Before we rejoice there is a sombre note. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has stated that whilst the Global Warming Hiatus appears to have ended in 2014, they expect a start of a reversed decadal-scale phase which may strengthen the global warming impacts. However, it may still be possible that the winter from 2017 through 2018 may be an exception with high snowfall. Even if we receive ‘average’ snow, remember that an ‘average’ season in Japan is like a once in 20+ year season in places like Australia.

We hope this will not our last big winter but get booking now to be sure!

Imagine yourself here at Red Warehouse Myoko next winter?

Book now to get the best La Niña Japan deals!

• Myoko Kogen
• Nozawa Onsen
• Hakuba
• Shiga Kogen & Snow Monkeys
• Madarao Kogen
• Nagano City

Can’t find what you want? Send us a accommodation request or ask a question.

Note to other website owners. Whilst we know you and your guests/clients/visitors will be excited to read about La Niña Japan in 2017/18, if you would like to use some or all of the above you must ensure that you include the below link/reference at the bottom. Thank you!

Originally published as: La Nina Japan Winter 2017/18: Some Observations at Explore the Heart of Japan.

Japan Weather App

Sorakaze Inc and Japan Weather Association have released WeatherJapan, a simple weather forecast application that supports multiple languages for tourists to Japan. WeatherJapan is an application of iOS and Android that displays the weather forecast of Japan provided by the Japan Weather Association.

Main Features

• Hourly weather forecasts for up to 48 hours in advance.
• Daily forecasts for up to one week in advance.
• Display of weather information for surrounding areas on the map.
• Search for a location by name from the area list.

Free App Download

• AppStore (iOS 9.1 and later)
• Google Play (Android 4.4 and later)

The post La Nina Japan Winter 2017/18: Some Observations appeared first on Myoko-Nagano.

We know you’ve all been waiting and here it is! The English trail map for Lotte Arai Ski Resort.

Arai Trail Map

Check the new piste map for Lotte Arai Ski Resort

When compared with the old piste you can see that there has been a big expansion of allowed, avalanche controlled, inbound terrain zones. There will be 4 non-groomed, advanced zones.

New English trail map for Arai (click for larger map)

Old trail map for Lotte Arai Resort

Book Arai Ski Resort Hotels Now!

Arai Ski Resort closed in 2006 but is scheduled for full re-opening in late 2017 under the new ownership of the Korean Lotte Group. Formerly branded as “Arai Mountain Resort and Spa” it will be known after re-opening as “Lotte Arai Resort”. It will offer world-class standard hotels with nearly 250 rooms, extensive spa and onsen facilities, a variety of restaurants, retail stores, an international snow school, and alpine activities.

Arai Mountain Ski Resort will re-open with five ski lifts. It has a very impressive 951 metres (3,120 feet) of vertical descent with 11 pistes. Four advanced areas will be left ungroomed – perfect for the powder dogs. The resort is best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders but there is some terrain for beginners and advanced skiers.

The nearest stations are JR JoetsuMyoko Station (shinkansen) and Echigo TokiMeki Arai Station (local line). See this info on getting to Myokokogen for more details. Transfer details to Arai Resort from the two stations will be available in due course.

For more information on Lotte Arai Resort check out the comprehensive (and ever expanding) website here or the official site.

Lotte Arai transfers available from Red Warehouse Myoko!

Tags: Lotte Arai Resort, Arai Ski Resort, Arai Trail Map, Lotte Arai Resort, ロッテアライリゾート, 롯데 아라이 리조트.

Lotte Arai Resort will definitely be the new must-ski destination; just one visit and you will know why the mountain had been called legendary!

The post New piste map for Lotte Arai Ski Resort. Arai trail map. appeared first on Myoko-Nagano.

Myoko Nozawa Ski Package

Join us for March Magic in the Japan Alps

March is an excellent time to be skiing in Japan, especially with kids. The slopes are quieter, the days are sunnier but there is a great snow base with occasional dumps of the famous Japow!

Get the best of both worlds and enjoy Spring skiing in two of Japan’s most popular ski resort areas. Locally based area experts, Nozawa Holidays and Destination Myoko Kogen, come together to offer a great Myoko Nozawa ski package – the March Magic deal!

What are the highlights of this Myoko Nozawa ski package?

• 10 Nights Stay (5 Myoko, 5 Nozawa);
• Daily breakfast;
• Use of all the village hot springs (Nozawa only);
• Local knowledge and experience from the area’s locally based and trusted experts;
• Accommodation at two of the area’s most popular lodges – Alpine Villa Nozawa, Red Warehouse Myoko or equivalent standard.

Rate per person

• All of the above is for just 99,500 yen per adult for this Myoko Nozawa Ski Package!
• Kids 7-15 years old – 59,500 yen (sharing same room)
• Kids 3-6 years old – 39,500 yen (sharing same room)
• Kids 0-2 years old – free (when sharing beds, no meals)

Ten days doesn’t suit? Traveling by yourself or in a group? Contact us with your request.

What are the inclusions and extras of the Myoko Nozawa ski package?

• Includes 8 days tickets (4 days – Nozawa, 4 days – Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira or Suginohara)
• Optional intra-resort transfer + 7,000 yen per person
• Optional one day Madarao Kogen (ski only) + 5,000 per person

Myoko Nozawa ski package: Other Information

• Cost is based on twin room with shared bathroom/hot spring. Ensuite rooms may be available for + 1,000 pp/pn;
• Ski school and ski rental not included but can be arranged easily;
• Available from 25 February, 2018 until lifts close;
• Bonus gift if confirmed by October 1, 2017.

Myoko Nozawa ski package: How to book

To grab this great deal contact Nozawa Holidays or Destination Myoko Kogen directly. It is not offered through any agencies. Include the term ‘Magic March’ in your enquiry

Ten days doesn’t suit? Traveling by yourself or in a group? Contact us with your request.

Myoko Nozawa ski package proudly brought to you by:

Booking conditions

All bookings must be made by December 1, 2017 with deposit paid by December 15, 2017 at the latest.

Deposit & Balance

A 20% deposit is required (by credit card, Paypal or bank transfer) to secure your booking with the balance due at least 30 days before check-in.

Cancellation Policy

We strongly recommend travel insurance for any unforeseen circumstances.

The post March Magic – Myoko Nozawa Ski Package appeared first on Myoko-Nagano.

Still tossing up on Hokkaido v Myoko/Niigata this year?

Book your Myoko accommodation now!

Red Warehouse Myoko will be looking like this in 2016/17

According to the latest long range forecast from the JMA, Niigata has better chance of:

• normal winter temperatures, compared to Hokkaido which is likely to be warm;
• normal (eg. high) snowfall and low rainfall, compared to Hokkaido which has a much higher than average chance of high rainfall/precipitation this year.

Both will have excellent seasons. But if you are thinking Hokkaido based on the poor season in Honshu last season you might want to think again!

Book your Myoko accommodation now!

Ref: http://www.jma.go.jp/en/longfcst/

The post Hokkaido v Myoko appeared first on Myoko-Nagano.

Hakuba Valley Pass

Hakuba Valley is launching a new ticket and electronic gate system for 2016-2017

Like this Hakuba Valley Pass but haven’t booked your Hakuba Accommodation yet? Get the best deals via our Hakuba booking engine!

Hakuba Valley Pass

There’s some awesome news for 2016/17 ski season with the new Hakuba Valley Pass – an integrated electronic gate system that covers all resorts in the Hakuba Valley. Now when you arrive at your Hakuba Accommodation you can buy an electronic chip that will be used to access lifts at whichever resort you decide to go to for the day. No longer is there the need to line up daily to exchange your multi-resort ticket and receive your daily lift pass.

This is what Hakuba valley is saying:

“From the beginning of this season, Hakuba Goryu, HAKUBA47, Hakuba Happo-one, Hakuba Iwatake, Tsugaike, Hakuba Norikura, Cortina resorts in Hakuba Valley will implement a new ticket and gate system for skiers and riders to access the lifts with one pass. This will greatly improve customer’s experiences at these snow resorts. For the 2017-18 season Kashimayari, Jiigatake, Yanaba plan to install the new ticket and gate system making Hakuba Valley snow resorts even more accessible.”

Haven’t booked your Hakuba Accommodation yet? Get the best deals via our Hakuba booking engine!

For more information on the Hakuba Electronic Pass see the resort site.

Eligible season pass holders from Mountain Collective resorts can also enjoy skiing and riding for less by purchasing lift tickets at 50% off for up to 5 days.

The post Hakuba Valley Pass – Electronic gate system covering all Hakuba resorts appeared first on Myoko-Nagano.

The war on snow in Akakura Onsen. Photo thanks to rabidK9 at ski.com.au

A great 2016/17 Japan winter coming up we hope!

A La Niña Japan weather event has a 70% chance of emerging by autumn, Japan’s weather bureau has said, with oceanic and atmospheric conditions indicating an emergence of La Niña conditions approaching.

The Japan Meteorological Agency’s expectation that the La Niña will appear aligns with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which puts a 75% chance of the phenomenon appearing during the fall and winter of 2016-2017.

La Niña, a natural cooling of parts of the Pacific that alters global weather and generally brings hot days to Japan during the summer months, was initially thought likely to develop before summer. However, much to relief of cities on the eastern seaboard, the forecast has been revised back to Autumn.

Chart from the NOAA highlighting effects of La Niña Japan

The emergence of La Niña Japan was also observed from December 2005 to February 2006, when around 150 people died as a result of heavy snow across Japan. Snows were also heavy in the most recent occurrence of La Niña in 2011/12.

Will this La Niña Japan event be our last big winter?

Before we rejoice there is a sombre note. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has stated that whilst the Global Warming Hiatus appears to have ended in 2014, they expect a start of a reversed decadal-scale phase which may strengthen the global warming impacts. However, the winter from 2016 through 2017 may be an exception with high snowfall.

We hope this will not our last big winter but get booking now to be sure!

Imagine yourself here at Red Warehouse Myoko next winter?

Book now to get the best La Niña Japan deals!

• Myoko Kogen
• Nozawa Onsen
• Hakuba
• Shiga Kogen & Snow Monkeys
• Madarao Kogen
• Nagano City

Can’t find what you want? Send us a accommodation request or ask a question.

The post La Niña Japan Winter 2016/17: Some Observations appeared first on Myoko-Nagano.

Myoko Nozawa Ski Package

Join us for March Magic in the Japan Alps

Sunny spring time skiing

March is an excellent time to be skiing in Japan, especially with kids. The slopes are quieter, the days are sunnier but there is a great snow base with occasional dumps of the famous Japow!

Get the best of both worlds and enjoy Spring skiing in two of Japan’s most popular ski resort areas. Locally based area experts, Nozawa Holidays and Destination Myoko Kogen, come together to offer a great Myoko Nozawa ski package – the March Magic deal!

What are the highlights of this Myoko Nozawa ski package?

• 10 Nights Stay (5 Myoko, 5 Nozawa);
• Daily breakfast;
• Use of all the village hot springs (Nozawa only);
• Local knowledge and experience from the area’s locally based and trusted experts;
• Accommodation at two of the area’s most popular lodges – Alpine Villa Nozawa, Red Warehouse Myoko or equivalent standard.

Alpine Villa Nozawa

Rate per person

• All of the above is for just 99,500 yen per adult for this Myoko Nozawa Ski Package!
• Kids 7-15 years old – 59,500 yen (sharing same room)
• Kids 3-6 years old – 39,500 yen (sharing same room)
• Kids 0-2 years old – free (when sharing beds, no meals)

Ten days doesn’t suit? Traveling by yourself or in a group? Contact us with your request.

What are the inclusions and extras of the Myoko Nozawa ski package?

• Includes 8 days tickets (4 days – Nozawa, 4 days – Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira or Suginohara)
• Optional intra-resort transfer + 7,000 yen per person
• Optional one day Madarao Kogen (ski only) + 5,000 per person

Red Warehouse Myoko

Myoko Nozawa ski package: Other Information

• Cost is based on twin room with shared bathroom/hot spring. Ensuite rooms may be available for + 1,000 pp/pn;
• Ski school and ski rental not included but can be arranged easily;
• Available from 25 February, 2018 until lifts close;
• Bonus gift if confirmed by October 1, 2017.

Myoko Nozawa ski package: How to book

To grab this great deal contact Nozawa Holidays or Destination Myoko Kogen directly. It is not offered through any agencies. Include the term ‘Magic March’ in your enquiry

Ten days doesn’t suit? Traveling by yourself or in a group? Contact us with your request.

Myoko Nozawa ski package proudly brought to you by:

Booking conditions

All bookings must be made by December 1, 2017 with deposit paid by December 15, 2017 at the latest.

Deposit & Balance

A 20% deposit is required (by credit card, Paypal or bank transfer) to secure your booking with the balance due at least 30 days before check-in.

Cancellation Policy

We strongly recommend travel insurance for any unforeseen circumstances.

The post Myoko Nozawa Ski Package appeared first on Myoko-Nagano.

Onbashira Festival in Nagano

Onbashira Festival details

If you think the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival is crazy, well then mark your diaries for 2016 and head for the Onbashira Festival (御柱) in Suwa, Nagano. Being one of the “Big Three Strange Festivals” in all of Japan, the festival is held every six years and is something that definitely shouldn’t be missed. The purpose of the festival is to symbolically renew the Suwa Taisha or Suwa Grand Shrine. “Onbashira” can be literally translated as “the honored pillars”. Every six years in April and May, huge logs are selected from trees in mountain forests in the Lake Suwa region and transported by hand to the smaller shrines of Suwa Taisha. The Onbashira festival is reputed to have continued, uninterrupted, for 1200 years. The festival is held once every six years, in the years of the Monkey and the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac, however the locals may say “once in seven years,” because of the traditional Japanese custom of including the current year when counting a length of time. Onbashira lasts several months, and consists of two segments, Yamadashi and Satobiki. Yamadashi traditionally takes place in April, and Satobiki takes place in May.

Part of the journey includes Kiotoshi, where local men climb aboard the logs and endeavour to stay on as they slide down the steep mountainside. Injuries and deaths have occurred during the festival in past years, though being killed by one of the trees is considered to be an honourable death.

“Yamadashi” literally means “coming out of the mountains.” Before this portion of the festival, huge trees are cut down in a Shinto ceremony using axes and adzes specially manufactured for this single use. The logs are decorated in red and white regalia, the traditional colors of Shinto ceremonies, and ropes are attached. During Yamadashi, Teams of men drag the logs down the mountain towards the four shrines of Suwa Taisha. The course of the logs goes over rough terrain, and at certain points the logs must be skidded or dropped down steep slopes. Young men prove their bravery by riding the logs down the hill in a ceremony known as “Ki-otoshi.”

“Satobiki” festival involves the symbolic placement of the new logs to support the foundation of the shrine buildings. The logs are raised by hand, with a ceremonial group of log bearers who ride the log as it is being raised and sing from the top of the log to announce the successful raising. After two festivals, there is an important event “Building of Hoden”. This event isn’t generally famous, and few people know that the event is held even among people who live nearby and participate in Yamadashi and Satobiki. The end of this event marks the end of Onbashira.

Onbashira Festival videos

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