2026 Japan photos for friends and family
Monday March 14, 2026
Back in Tokyo and staying close to Shibuya Crossing. It is my last day tomorrow, then I head home on a late night flight and arrive in Sydney on Wednesday morning.
I am looking forward to getting home. I am exhausted after skiing, and the mountain air has left me with a bit of a cold.
Saturday March 14, 2026
Skied Happo-One using the gondola. It was not the best day, with some tricky icy slopes, and after three days my legs were definitely feeling it.
Now waiting at the hotel to catch the bullet train back to Tokyo. I will be in Shinjuku tonight.
It was a fun few days here, and I met a guy I had played golf with years ago, so it was great to catch up, eat some excellent food, and enjoy some excellent Japanese whisky.
Thursday March 13, 2026
Day 3 skiing and I was at resort called Tsugaike Mountain resort. Long gentle slopes, no to heavy on the legs an managed a few consecutive runs. Good snow and not make people.
Wednesday March 11, 2026
2nd day skiing was at Iwatake Resort. There was not much snow on the lower sections of the mountain, the upper slopes had good coverage and the runs from the top were long and enjoyable. Weather was much better today.
Legs starting to feel the effort, so today I am heading to Tsugaike, which is known for its wide, gentle slopes and more relaxed skiing. There are 10 different ski resorts spread across the valley.
Tuesday March 10, 2026
Great Day skiing at Hakuba Goryu, snowed in the morning. Followed up with a nice soak in the hotel Onsen and an excellent Ramen.
Monday March 9, 2026
The train from Nagano to Matsumoto was very relaxed, heading further into the mountains.
Matsumoto is well worth spending a night. The castle was fabulous, and the city itself feels more modern than I expected, with plenty of great food and bar options.
I leave for Hakuba and the ski fields at 11:00 am. My first day skiing is tomorrow. I think the last time I skied was about 25 years ago.
Sunday March 8, 2026
Left Tokyo Station around 10 am and arrived in Nagano just before midday. The train was incredibly fast, and along the way the first signs of snow in the mountains.
Nagano is quiet and noticeably colder than Tokyo. I am staying next to the station, so I mainly explored the nearby shops and restaurants. I had a great steak for dinner and found an excellent bakery for breakfast, although the coffee was not the best.
This morning I am heading to Matsumoto to visit the 14th-century Matsumoto Castle.
Tomorrow I will continue on to Hakuba and the ski slopes.
Saturday March 7, 2026
More sightseeing and lots of eating!
Today I’m catching the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano.
Friday March 6, 2026
Flight JL0051 to Tokyo was good, 9 hours and the food was excellent. Staying in Roppongi, which is near Tokyo Tower. First stop was a cigar bar for a quiet Romeo y Julieta, and I think I will do the same tonight. The weather is warm and clear, unlike last year when it rained every day.
Catching the train to Nagano tomorrow. Heading north to the mountains and snow!
