Blogs from Nagano, Japan, Asia - page 4

Morioka. Town of bridges, bathroom sized hotel rooms and, behold, the Shinkansen starts to hasten our slow local train trip to date. Questioned by John from the ‘Gong in Furano as to our stay here (“why?” implying a wasted pause), our contingencies meant for overnight stop only, and with a short nostalgic stint wandering the river side the next day, it was a fast transit on to our first of 2 trains bound for Nozawa Onsen Known for its multiple free bathing facilities and apparent authenticity, the omiyage shops greeted us, inviting appreciation of the local sake, steamed rice bun vendors creating towering loops of vapour and modestly crowded streets. A steep descent to Miyazawa pension near the base of Nagasaka chair lift was worthwhile when our hosts offered free espresso, free wifi, and, accordingly sign ... read more

Nagano Japan 7 January 2016 We caught the train to Nagano which was only a 45-minute ride. We were on our way to Kyoto but we decided to stop in Nagano for a short time. This was the town where the 1998 Winter Olympics was held. We wanted to go and see the Zenkoji Temple which was written up as being pretty special. We caught the bus from the train station in Nagano up to the temple and saw the spot where the medals were presented during the Olympic Games. It was a really interesting street leading up to the temple. All the different foods, including green tea ice-cream, green tea custard cream puffs, dried fish, lots of fans, lots of small shrines, and the list goes on. Very interesting, At the Temple there were many ... read more

So we decide that we are going on a day trip to Matsumoto Castle off on the train we get and arrive in Matsumoto. Quickly we find our way to the castle. Matsumoto Castle is one of the oldest five story tenshu in Japan. It was amazing going around the castle and climbing the stairs to each of the floors. I am not a very tall person and the Japanese are smaller than me so why do they build staircases with stairs so far away from each other I have no idea - there must be a reason but it beats me! The gardens were also amazing with so many fabulous flowers and plants. As I was looking out the window of the castle there was a Geisha girl walking and the vision looked so Japanese ... read more

Having had an epic amount of snow this season we have manage do arrive after a week of rain. Undeterred we set out for Iwatake resort for a days snowboarding. Thankfully we had a lovely sunny day and although the snow was a little slushy we had a lovely day. My legs were a little tired by the end but we held out for crepes and beer afterwards. Xx... read more

My fifth trip to Japan was to be different. A winter holiday, a white (post) Christmas, and the chance to polish up on my fledgling and fairly recent cross country and back country ski trekking skills. Having thought the next trip would be cycling in Cambodia, a dose of the travel blues after Africa ended sent my decision otherwise. Reframing the importance of facing new challenges each day, I set out seeking information for a New Years in the Nagano alp region of Honshuu and to visit both Chihiro and Hiroshi again Several emails to and from and between a friend of this hotel owner and that pension owner, and my itinerary came together as swiftly as the snow was to fall a month later. So I left Auckland, settled into a shorter than expected 11 ... read more