Tokyo Weekender - January 2016
Looking back at the year that was. How to Stay True to Your Resolutions Snowboarding & Skiing in Honshu.
Looking back at the year that was. How to Stay True to Your Resolutions Snowboarding & Skiing in Honshu.
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POWDER QUEST | FEATURE | 15<br />
Skiers David Enright & Julie Nieuwenhuys<br />
Photo by Caroline Vanthoff<br />
WINTERLAND RETREAT<br />
For those looking for a relaxing day on the mountain<br />
and a deep soak in a hot spring, Nozawa Onsen offers<br />
a beautiful setting and selection. With traditional Japanese<br />
architecture lining the small cobblestone streets,<br />
the Edo-era town is renowned for its onsen and happens<br />
to have a great ski resort above it. Nozawa Onsen<br />
offers a great variety of beginner and intermediate runs<br />
in addition to off-piste riding. The ski resort is a short<br />
walk or ride on the covered escalator from the village.<br />
Nozawa Onsen also offers a great variety of accommodations,<br />
including the modern traditional Japanese<br />
hotel Sayaka. The Michelin Guide recently granted the<br />
Sayaka a coveted 2-star rating. The Sakaya Ryokan is<br />
ideal for small families or groups and is located in the<br />
heart of the village.<br />
Nozawa also hosts one of the most spectacular<br />
fire festivals in Japan every <strong>January</strong> 15th. The 42 and<br />
25-year-old men (so called unlucky ages) of the village<br />
take on special roles of protecting a massive tower constructed<br />
from trees chopped down from the mountain<br />
in October. The festival is focused on celebrating the<br />
birth of a family’s first child, dispelling evil spirits, and<br />
on praying for a happy marriage. At night, villagers<br />
charge at the tower with torches. The 25-year-olds<br />
fight them off at the base and the 42-year-olds defend<br />
the top. The event climaxes in a massive bonfire as the<br />
tower is engulfed in the flames.<br />
If you’re traveling with a group that enjoys après<br />
style skiing, consider the Bluebird Chalets in Hakuba.<br />
They’re modern, elegantly designed, and conveniently<br />
located a short stroll from the restaurants, cafés and<br />
bars in the heart of the town. Surrounding the chalets<br />
are Hakuba 47 and Happo ski areas, two of the largest<br />
and most popular resorts in Nagano.<br />
Hakuba Valley is a skiier<br />
and snowboarder’s paradise<br />
Ski runs for everyone from complete<br />
beginners to experienced downhill riders<br />
Stay at a traditional ryokan, a luxury resort<br />
hotel, or a private cabin<br />
Après ski, soak in an onsen or dance the<br />
night away<br />
www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY <strong>2016</strong>