Japan - Nozawa Onsen 1 - 8 March

This is the oldest ski village in Japan, and is beautiful. It's quiet - no car horns are used - and full of friendly people who appreciate our pathetic attempts at the language! 

There are a few very early signs of Spring, but the trees are still in protective tepees - the usual 4m of snow would squash them… 

Lots of shortcut foot tracks to escape those quiet cars

And a 90* onsen to cook the veg or eggs

Great skiing the first day, with 60cm of fresh snow

Look very closely and son Neeson is airborne

But then bad news for Kay - I fall on the last run of the first day, hurt my knee, so no more skiing this year. Luckily there's a great physio located at our hotel!

 With daughter Jess and her husband Chris

The ski area is 20 minutes from the village: by chairlift,

moving walkway,

or gondola to get higher up

 The hotel onsen is easy - scrub up and rinse off, then step into the 38-40* hot water and relax

 And the toilets pure luxury with heated seats and warm water washes, even in the huts dotted around the ski slopes!

There's a winter festival with fire twirlers,

torch parade, free sake then fireworks

Food is good, despite various dietary needs. This vegan, gluten free feast for $20 each was so delicious we went twice

We have a cosy room for 5, on this first family holiday for 16 years… Neeson will stay here another night or two, then continue on his travels.