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Snow Country Stories Japan

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日本
Nagano-shi, Nagano
Snow Country Stories Japan

A bi-weekly podcast about life and travel in Japan's legendary 'yukiguni'.

14/11/2023

Episode 17 of the podcast is now available! In this episode I chat with snowboarder Billy Halloran about the Myoko Kogen ski resorts and life in the snow country. Billy is a talented boarder who operates The Greenhouse Myoko, a self-contained lodge near the base of Suginohara Ski Resort.

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep17-myoko-kogen-ski-resorts-with-billy-halloran

I really enjoyed my chat with Billy. We cover a lot of ground including each of the resorts, backcountry and tree-riding, what's on offer at The Greenhouse and more! With the first snow falling across Honshu, it's the right time to be thinking about winter and the deep pow of Myoko Kogen. I hope you enjoy!

#妙高高原 #新潟 #スノーボード #雪国

07/11/2023

The autumn leaves are now falling in higher areas of Togakushi, meaning that winter is well and truly on the way. Some consider it a little bleak, before the snow arrives, but I think the stillness, faded colours and anticipation of what's to come is very enjoyable. Always love coming here.

#戸隠 #戸隠森林植物園 #長野 #秋

02/11/2023

A favourite photo from a recent outing to what is, in winter, the powder-filled ski fields or Yamaboku Wild Snow Park. Also a fantastic place to enjoy the autumn colours and get a proper mountain meal

#ヤマボク #やまぼくワイルドスノーパーク #長野

01/11/2023

Episode 16 of the podcast - Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Nagano: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide - is now available! Located in the enclave of Yamanouchi – 50 to 60 minutes from Nagano City – the monkey park is one of the most popular destinations in the snow country; home to a curious troop of Japanese macaques known for the love of bathing in hot springs. This episode has everything you need to know to plan your visit to the monkey park including just why the monkeys are there and why they are so famous, what to expect, the best times of year to visit, other destinations to visit while there, where to stay, how to get there and my services as a tour guide.

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep16-jigokudani-snow-monkey-park-travel-guide

The monkey park is open all year round with each season offering its own distinct reasons to visit. I hope you enjoy!

#地獄谷野猿公苑 #野猿 #山ノ内 #山ノ内町 #長野

17/10/2023

Episode 15 of the podcast is now available! In this episode I speak with Eli Sooker - a conservationist, writer, wildlife photographer and eco tour guide based in Japan, whose current research focuses on bear conservation and specifically, bear attacks. His research is the launching point for our conversation about wildlife conservation and the potential of wildlife tourism in Japan.

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep15-wildlife-tourism-japan-eli-sooker

Chances are that when you think of the many reasons to visit Japan, wildlife isn’t the first thing to spring to mind. Yet Japan is home to 34 national parks and many more quasi-national parks, nature reserves and UNESCO Biosphere Reserves or Geoparks. Most of these are home to abundant wildlife including large mammals such as black and brown bears, serow, deer, monkeys and more. Japan also boasts a huge number of bird species and even more wildlife in its waters. With this in mind, we discuss the potential of wildlife tourism in Japan including Eli's recommendation of the best wildlife experiences in the snow country - for links and further information about each experience, visit the episode page on the Snow Country Stories Japan website.

Eli Sooker: The Traveling Conservationist

12/10/2023

Photographs from an early autumn walk along the forest trails of Togakushi. A beautiful time of year. Full of decay, colour and life. Episode 12 of the podcast - 'Togakushi, Nagano: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide' - is available on all popular podcast apps. You can also download the episode on the Snow Country Stories Japan website:

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep12-togakushi-travel-guide

Should you be interested in a private guided tour in Togakushi, I'd love to arrange that for you. Autumn really is the best time to visit. For information, please see the tour page on the website:

https://snowcountrystories.com/togakushi-walking-tour

#戸隠 #戸隠神社 #長野 #秋

10/10/2023

Last week I interviewed Shotaro Kamimura about his life and his work as a local revitalisation coordinator in the heavy snow area of Matsunoyama, Niigata. We chatted about life in the snow, the importance of that snow to local identity and agriculture, and the challenges facing the area including depopulation, ageing and the impacts of climate change. Of course we also discussed the reasons to visit or even consider relocating to the area including Matsunoyama's participation in Echigo Tsumari Art Field, its famous hot spring town and what's on offer at Matsunoyama Onsen Ski Resort.

My interview with Shotaro will be published as an episode of the
podcast in the coming months. In the meantime, make sure to check out Shotaro's fantastic website 'Snow Notes' for more information - including English pages - about life in the snow of Matsunoyama:

https://snownotes.org/en/

#松之山 #十日町市 #十日町 #新潟 #新潟県 #松之山温泉 #雪国

06/10/2023

The local observatory said snowfall was brought by clouds hovering over the peak due to a low-pressure system from late Tuesday night.

06/10/2023

Released in 2021 by 長谷川時夫 / Hasegawa Tokio, ‘Stone Music’ includes recordings of three performances – in India, Taiwan and Japan – that blend cultural influences, traditional music and instruments including an Afghani ‘ruhab’, Indian violin, percussion instruments and ‘hitting of stones’ along with vocal performances and electronic sounds. The music is immersive and reminds us that no one culture stands alone, and that all human cultures borrow, blend and feed off each other. Japan is no different.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIxKxeZXwuA

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Released in 2021 by 長谷川時夫 / Hasegawa Tokio, ‘Stone Music’ includes recordings of three performances – in India, Taiwan and Japan – that blend cultural influences, traditional music and instruments including an Afghani ‘ruhab’, Indian violin, percussion instruments and ‘hitting of stones’ along with vocal performances and electronic sounds. The music is immersive and reminds us that no one culture stands alone, and that all human cultures borrow, blend and feed off each other. Japan is no different.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIxKxeZXwuA

I was fortunate enough to sit down with Hasegawa-san at the ミティラー美術館 Mithila Museum in Tokamachi, Niigata - which he is the director of - for an interview that will be released as part of the podcast later this year. The album is available for purchase via Experimental Rooms.

http://www.experimentalrooms.com/label/no2.html

#長谷川時夫

06/10/2023

This week I sat down with Hasegawa Tokio – avant-garde musician, artist and director of the ミティラー美術館 Mithila Museum in Niigata – to record an upcoming episode of the podcast. There’s a good chance you’ve not heard his name before nor aware of the museum, however for those who know him, Hasegawa-san is a legendary figure whose story is well-worth listening to. Originally from Tokyo, Hasegawa-san moved to the heavy snow area of Tokamachi more than fifty years ago. Living by himself in a secluded area of the mountains – a story in itself given the amount of snow the area is subject to – he gained guardianship of an abandoned wooden primary school, which in 1982 became the ‘Mithila Museum’ housing one of the world’s most important collections of Mithila / Madhubani art from Bihar, India (along with other artforms). Hasegawa-san’s work in helping conserve an important regional artform produced by women, has long be recognised and awarded in India and to this today, he remains an inspiring musician whose 2021 album ‘Stone Music’ deserves attention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIxKxeZXwuA

Not just one story, this was a conversation of stories upon stories and one I look forward to publishing later in the year as we continue our exploration of Japan's snow country.

#長谷川時夫 #ミティラー美術館 #十日町 #十日町市 #新潟

02/10/2023

Episode 14 of the podcast takes us once again to Nagano Prefecture and Son of the Smith Hard Cider brewery. Opened in 2020, Son of the Smith Hard Cider are in many ways forging a new era for cider in Japan – a country that doesn’t have a strong cider tradition.

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep14-son-of-the-smith

In this episode, I speak with head brewer Ikeuchi Takuro about the brewery’s founding vision and the cider they are now producing – work that is redefining what is possible when it comes to cider. As Ikeuchi-san explains, his background in organic chemistry underpins brewing techniques that respond to the variation in apples from season-to-season. Such methods allow Son of the Smith to utilise apple varieties typically considered unsuitable for good cider while also adapting methods used in the United Kingdom, United States – including production of hop cider - and Europe to pioneer a new Japanese tradition. I hope you enjoy!

Son of the Smith Hard Cider

#大町 #大町市 #長野 #日本

26/09/2023

Japan's newest World Heritage-listed sites - the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan - are located in the snow country prefectures of Akita, Aomori, Iwate and Hokkaido. I plan to dedicate episodes of the Snow Country Stories Japan podcast to these sites and Jomon culture in the near future. Japan's rich catalogue of material culture from recent historical periods often obscures the prehistoric story of the islands, a story most easily found in regional areas and especially, the snow country.

26/09/2023

Japan's 'akiya' (abandoned home) problem is well documented. Indeed it's something we discussed in Episode 4 of the podcast. While it's a serious issue, one element I rarely see commented on is the beauty and biodiversity these now empty homes support and the lessons that entails about natural regeneration and repurposing of spaces that are seen to have no 'value'. If nothing else, in the autumn they often harbour true beauty in the flowers and wild grasses that emerge before the long winter here in the snow country.

20/09/2023

Episode 13 - Shiga Kogen: Japan's Largest Ski Resort with Robel Zemichael / Shiga International Ski School - of the Snow Country Stories Japan podcast is now available! In this episode I speak with two-time Olympian Robel Zemichael about Japan's largest and highest ski resort, Shiga Kogen.

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep13-shiga-kogen-mountain-resort

Located only 70 minutes drive from Nagano City, Shiga Kogen was a host venue of the 1998 Winter Olympics and enjoys Nagano's longest season and most reliable snow - and as already noted, it is Japan's largest ski resort. Despite all this it continues to fly under the radar for international visitors. I hope my chat with Robel goes a little way to changing that! Definitely an episode to share with friends, family and anyone planning their next winter getaway to the powder of Japan. I hope you enjoy!

Shiga International Ski School
志賀高原 SHIGA KOGEN
Visit Japan

#志賀高原 #志賀高原スキー #長野県 #長野 #雪国

14/09/2023

Season 2 of Snow Country Stories Japan begins Tuesday 19th September. It's a podcast about life and travel in Japan's legendary 'yukigunii'. Diverse stories told by the people who live here - available on all popular podcast apps! In Season 2, we'll continue our exploration of the snow country including episodes about some of Japan's best ski resorts and life in the deep snow that makes this place so special. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and if you have time to write a quick review and share it with friends and family, it is always hugely appreciated!

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/announcement-season-2

14/09/2023

I had the pleasure yesterday of interviewing Ikeuchi Takuro, head brewer at Son of the Smith Hard Cider brewery in Omachi, Nagano. Opened in 2020, Son of the Smith produces some truly fantastic cider, in no small part thanks to Ikeuchi-san's dedication to his work. As he explains in the interview, he quit his PhD in organic chemistry to pursue his love of brewing, first in the United Kingdom and now in Japan. Influenced by brewing traditions from the United States, France and other countries, Ikeuchi-san has redefined what's possible when it comes to cider. A true cider boffin and an entertaining nterviewee!

http://www.hardcider.jp/

Our interview - Son of the Smith & The Science of Cider - will be released on the Snow Country Stories Japan podcast in early October. Make sure not to miss it.

https://snowcountrystories.com/

07/09/2023

Chances are that when you think of the many reasons to visit Japan, wildlife isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. However with the government now beginning to actively promote the country’s wonderful national parks to the world, wildlife tourism has big potential in Japan. Potential that starts with effective conservation.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Eli Sooker - conservationist, writer, wildlife photographer and eco-tour guide – for an upcoming episode of the podcast. Based in Japan, Eli’s research into bear conservation was the launching point for a conversation that included the potential of wildlife tourism in Japan, the current state of wildlife conservation and his recommendations for the best wildlife experiences in the snow country. All photographs were taken by Eli and cannot be used without his permission.

I’ll shortly announce the return date for Season 2 in September and lookout for Eli’s episode in October.

https://snowcountrystories.com/

21/08/2023

Another favourite shot taken in the Terakoya ski fields in Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest ski resort. Whenever I come across this photo it gets me excited for the season to come and everything that comes with it, and especially, days like this when you come off lift with mates to see a field of empty powder lying in wait…

https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/english/

Starting in September, Season 2 of the Snow Country Stories Japan podcast will be focusing a lot on the ski resorts as we head toward winter. I hope you enjoy and we see you here this winter!

https://snowcountrystories.com/

21/08/2023

Nagano is home to a huge number of resorts including Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen. The officially named ‘Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort’ is both Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, boasting the country’s highest ski run at 2307 metres (7569 ft) in its Yokoteyama ski fields. Shiga Kogen enjoys Nagano’s longest season with higher areas opening as early as November and staying open well into April or (in a good season) into May. One of the host venues of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Shiga Kogen hosted multiple events including women’s downhill and both men’s and women’s snowboarding events – noting that the ’98 Games were the first to include snowboarding as a medalled event. Olympic courses remained well marked, allowing you to bomb down them and test yourself – just like this lone boarder on the Olympic run at Higashidateyama (1970m/6463ft).

https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/english/

Starting in September, Season 2 of the Snow Country Stories Japan podcast will be focusing a lot on the ski resorts as we head toward winter. I hope you enjoy and we see you here this winter!

https://snowcountrystories.com/

16/08/2023

Today marks the end of the Obon period in Japan and with that, like clockwork, the temperature and humidity have dropped here in Nagano. The weather pattern is the same each year and it means late summer is upon us and I can officially start thinking about the coming winter. The photo below was taken atop the powder fields of the Terakoya ski area (2060m) in Shiga Kogen - Japan's largest ski resort. Located off the backside of the Olympic downhill course at Higashidateyama, Terakoya often gets missed by visitors due to the overall size of the ski resort, but given its altitude and tendency to be devoid of people but filled with powder it's a bit of a must-do while skiing and boarding in Shiga Kogen.

https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/english/

Starting in September, Season 2 of the Snow Country Stories Japan podcast will be focusing a lot on the ski resorts as we head toward winter. I hope you enjoy and we see you here this winter!

https://snowcountrystories.com/

志賀高原 SHIGA KOGEN Visit Japan #志賀高原 #志賀高原スキー場 #寺小屋 #長野

14/08/2023

Japanese food is great but not all great food in Japan is Japanese! The relatively new ロンれー長野 serves fantastic Thai food and I rate it as one of the best restaurants in Nagano City - under 5 minutes walk from Nagano Station.

#ロンレー #ロンレー長野 #長野県

11/08/2023

Summer means festivals in Japan and one of the most popular festivals in Nagano is Ennichi Matsuri. Taking place last night and this evening at Zenko-ji Temple, Ennichi has special importance within both Buddhism and Shintoism and takes place during the Obon period, when the human and spirit realms are considered to be at their nearest and we can commune with an ancestors.

#善光寺 #お盆 #縁日長野長野 #長野

10/08/2023

Episode 12 of the podcast – Togakushi, Nagano: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide – opens with my retelling of the tale of ‘Amaterasu and The Heavenly Rock Cave’. Written down in ‘The Kojiki’ or ‘Record of Ancient Matters’ in 712, the story accounts for Amaterasu – the Sun Goddess and Mother Goddess of Japan – and her retreated from the world following a dispute with her unruly sibling Susanoo – God of Storms and the Sea.

There are many versions of the story with the account written in the 8th century being just one of alternate stories that likely date back much further. Included in ‘The Kojiki’ along with other stories accounting for the gods and creation of Japan, it was intended that the text would act as an authorised history and in ways, scripture legitimising the power of the early emperors.

Titled ’岩戸神楽之起顕 / Iwato Kagura no Kigen’ or ’Origin of Music and Dance at the Rock Door’, this three panel image dates from 1887 and is attributed to the artist 春斎年昌 / Shunsai Toshimasa. It depicts the Sun Goddess Amaterasu emerging from the Heavenly Rock Cave, with the large stone that had blocked the cave entrance about to be cast into the air, eventually to land in Togakushi.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep12-togakushi-travel-guide

07/08/2023

Episode 12 of the podcast – Togakushi, Nagano: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide – is now available! Located just outside of Nagano City, Togakushi is home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and one of the snow country’s most important cultural landscapes. Togakushi has been a focal point of devotion for more than 1000 years with its shrines and story of Togakushi linked to the Japanese myths – giving it true significance. Part of the wider Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Togakushi’s spiritual significance is matched by its natural beauty making it a fantastic destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts; while also home to the Togakure-ryu tradition of ninjitsu, bamboo craft, famous ‘soba’ and the picturesque Togakushi Ski Resort.

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep12-togakushi-travel-guide

#戸隠 #戸隠神社 #戸隠スキー場 #長野 #日本 #観光 #神道

05/08/2023

Hot hot summer days here in the snow country but with the first hint of a chill on the morning breeze, perhaps autumn isn't that far away... Things are coming along nicely.

02/08/2023

Available this Sunday, Episode 12 of the podcast takes us to one of my favourite destinations in the snow country – Togakushi. Located on the outskirts of Nagano City, Togakushi is home to some of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, the legendary Togakure-ryku ninja, traditional bamboo craft, famous soba, beautiful autumn leaves and the little-known but fantastic, Togakushi Ski Resort. Part of the broader Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Togakushi is in every sense an all year round destination that is being discovered by more and more international visitors. This episode of the podcast – the last of Season 1 – is also the first of my travel guides to recommended destinations in the snow country. I hope it inspires you to visit!

#戸隠 #長野県 #日本

27/07/2023

The literal end of the road, Tsubame Onsen is a small hot spring village within Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park. You can't go any further into this area of the park by car and from here, you're on foot along trails leading to the summit of Mount Myoko (2454m). Trailheads at Tsubame Onsen provide access for hikers climbing Myoko, an active volcano that feeds the many hot springs in the area including the milky blue-white waters of Ougon-no-yu in Tsubame. The hot spring is free to use although visitors are asked to make a small donation to assist with its upkeep. Few international visitors make it here making it yet another of the unknown gems of the snow country.

24/07/2023

Episode 11 of the podcast - Fukushima: Portraits of Life by Photographer Yuki Iwanami - is now available! In this episode, I profile the beautiful photography of Yuki Iwanami. Based in the snow country area of Aizu in Fukushima, Yuki's recent work has focused on the ongoing impact of the triple disaster - earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdowns - of March 2011, on individuals and communities in Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate. An exploration of what it means to be human, what happens when the connection between people and landscape is broken and the role of tradition in maintaining communities.

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep11-photographer-yuki-iwanami

As a photographer, Yuki's work is of course visual therefore I encourage you to listen to the episode in conjunction with visiting his website:

https://www.yukiiwanami.com/

21/07/2023

Another hot day working the vines in Iizuna, Nagano. Agriculture is a big part of the snow country economy and in Iizuna, it's all about the grapes and apples. Hot but enjoyable days and the best way to connect to the community. It's funny the ideas and opportunities that reveal themselves in the mottled green shade of the grape vines... 🍇🍇 🍇

17/07/2023

Available this Sunday, Episode 11 of the Snow Country Stories Japan podcast includes my interview with photographer Yuki Iwanami. Based in the snow country area of Aizu in Fukushima, Yuki's recent work has focused largely on the aftermath of the triple disaster - earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdowns - of March 2011 and ongoing impact on individuals and communities in prefectures including Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate.

https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep11-photographer-yuki-iwanami

In ways, this episode is a follow up to my chat with guide and writer Kevin Kato in Episode 7 'Life After the Quake: Guiding, Cycling & the Essence of Japan', while also profiling Yuki's wonderful photography and the strength, resilience and strong sense of tradition of communities often still separated from their ravaged homelands. A big thank you to Yuki for speaking with me and providing these images - all of which were taken by / are the property of Yuki Iwanami and cannot be used without his permission. You can view Yuki's portfolio of wonderful work on this webiste: https://www.yukiiwanami.com/

#岩波友紀

17/07/2023

Another happy snap from recent days touring. Thanks again Lou, Viv and Em! I enjoyed all of our days together. This one just one of them, a hot day in Matsumoto.

#松本市 #松本城 #長野 #夏

13/07/2023

It's been a pleasure guiding this lovely family for six days. Life is easy when going to work feels like spending the day showing friends about. A huge thank you to Em, Cam, Viv, Di, Lou and Duncan (sorry mate, you're not in these shots / not good looking enough to make the final cut). I hope I injected a bit of fun and insight into your time in Japan!

https://snowcountrystories.com/togakushi-walking-tour

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ビデオ

The next episode of the Snow Country Stories Japan podcast will be available on Tuesday 17th October. In that episode, I speak with conservationist Eli Sooker about wildlife conservation in Japan - including his current research into bear attacks - and the potential of wildlife tourism, including his recommendations of the best wildlife experiences in the snow country. Here's a little sample of our chat. Full episode available this Tuesday on all popular podcast apps. #elisooker #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #wildlifetourism #wildlifephotograhy #conservation #japan #japanwildlife #shiretoko #bear #podcast #japanpodcast #snowcountrystories #snowcountrystoriesjapan

Episode 12 of the podcast – Togakushi, Nagano: A Snow Country Stories Japan Travel Guide – is now available! Here's a little audio peek... https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/ep12-togakushi-travel-guide #snowcountrystoriesjapan #snowcountrystories #japan #podcast #japanpodcast #togakushi #myokotogakushirenzannationalpark #nagano #travel #traveljapan #japantravel #visitjapan #visitjapanjp #shintoshrine #spiritual #togakushiskifield #togakure #ninja #戸隠 #戸隠神社 #戸隠スキー場 #長野 #日本 #観光 #神道

Available this Sunday, Episode 11 of the podcast - Fukushima: Portraits of Life by Photographer Iwanami Yuki - profiles the beautiful photography of a renowned photographer based in the snow country and his recent focus on the ongoing impact of the triple disaster - earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdowns - of March 2011, on individuals and communities. As a visual artist, I encourage you to listen to the episode in conjunction with visiting Yuki's website - https://www.yukiiwanami.com/ - or follow him @yukiiwanami. #snowcountrystoriesjapan #snowcountrystories #japan #podcast #japanpodcast #yukiiwanami #photographer #photography #Fukushima #miyagi #iwate #March2011 #March11 #earthquake #tsunami #meltdown #tradition #Community #japaneseculture

If you haven't already, make sure to listen to Episode 10 of the podcast - Nozawa Onsen Distillery: Award-Winning Gin & Whisky That Gin - in which I speak with Sam Yoneda, lead distiller at one of the snow country's (if not Japan's) best new distillery. Definitely one for the gin and whiskey fans among us! https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/10-nozawa-onsen-distillery #snowcountrystoriesjapan #snowcountrystories #japan #podcast #japanpodcast #nozawaonsendistillery #nozawaonsensnowresort #nozawaonsen #distillery #gin #whisky #whiskey #japanesegin #japanesewhisky #traveljapan #japantravel #visitjapan #visitjapanjp #nagano #visitnagano #野沢温泉 #野沢温泉スキー場 #ジン #ウイスキー #snowcountrystoriesjapan #snowcountrystories #japan #podcast #japanpodcast #nozawaonsendistillery #nozawaonsensnowresort #nozawaonsen #distillery #gin #whisky #whiskey #japanesegin #japanesewhisky #traveljapan #japantravel #visitjapan #visitjapanjp #nagano #visitnagano #野沢温泉 #ジン #ウイスキー

Available this Sunday, Episode 10 of the podcast is one for the gin and whisky lovers as I chat with Sam Yoneda, lead distiller at Nozawa Onsen Distillery. Opened to the public in December 2022, the distillery has already won awards in both Japan and abroad for its four different gins and although their whisky is still a few years off, it seems bound to add to their success. https://en.nozawaonsendistillery.jp/ Nozawa Onsen is one of the snow country’s most historic hot spring towns and boasts one of Japan’s best ski resorts. Following on from my chat with Sam, I go into a little detail about the ski resort including why I rate it so highly. So all-in-all, this is a great episode for anyone keen on Japan’s world-class skiing, snowboarding, gin and whisky. I hope everyone is enjoying the podcast and if you are, I’d love for you to subscribe, rate, review and share it. I look forward to bringing you more stories about life and travel in Japan’s legendary ‘yukiguni’! #snowcountrystoriesjapan #snowcountrystories #japan #podcast #japanpodcast #nozawaonsen #nozawaonsendistillery #nozawaonsensnowresort #gin #whisky #whiskey #japanesegin #japanesewhisky #distillery #traveljapan #japantravel #visitjapanjp #visitjapan #nagano #visitnagano

If you haven't already, make sure to listen to Episode 09 of the podcast - 'How to Die Well in the Mountains: Way of the Yamabushi' - in which I chat to Tim Bunting - otherwise known as @kiwiyambushi - about his practice as a 'yamabushi' in Yamagata, Japan. The episode seems to really be resonating with people given the subject matter and themes we discuss. I hope it's of interest and you can take something from it. https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/09-way-of-the-yamabushi #snowcountrystoriesjapan #snowcountrystories #japan #podcast #japanpodcast #japaneseculture #yamabushi #shugendo #yamagata #traveljapan #japantravel #visitjapan #mountains #山伏 #山形

Available this Sunday, in Episode 09 of the podcast I speak with Tim Bunting, a practicing 'yamabushi' based in Yamagata. Originating from NZ, Tim is otherwise known as the 'Kiwi Yamabushi' - @kiwiyamabushi - and a follower of Haguro Shugendo. Tim goes into detail about just who the yamabushi are and what they do along with some of the principles of shugendo and the wider importance of mountains in Japanese culture. One of the most rewarding chats of the podcast so far, I hope you can find time to listen and make sure to check Tim out on his website: https://timbunting.com/. #snowcountrystoriesjapan #snowcountrystories #japan #podcast #japanpodcast #kiwiyamabushi #yamabushi #shugendo #yamagata #mountains #japanculture #japantravel #traveljapan #dewasanzan #山伏 #修験道 #山形 #出羽三山

In Episode 07 of Snow Country Stories Japan I speak with Kevin Kato. Based in Matsumoto, Kevin is an experienced guide and writer, who leads extended cycling and walking tours in Nagano and many other regions. As a fellow guide, we discuss the pleasure we both find in guiding, the need to convey of sense of place to guests and the growing popularity of cycling, including cycling tours and new routes, in Japan; before then delving into Kevin's compelling story of how he came to be in Nagano following the 'Great East Japan Earthquake' or 'Great Tohoku Earthquake' that struck on March 11th 2011. I hope you can find time to listen. Available this Sunday 28th May. #snowcountrystoriesjapan #snowcountrystories #japan #podcast #japanpodcast #matsumoto #nagano #japantravel #traveljapan #tour #japantour

If you haven't already, make sure to checkout the latest episode of the podcast - Shiga Kogen Brewery & The Artistry of Barrrel-aged Beer. In this episode I speak with Todoroki Mai about the brewery's vision and wide range of beers including its celebrated 'Yamabushi' series of barrel-aged beers. https://snowcountrystories.com/episodes/06-shiga-kogen-brewery-the-artistry-of-barrelaged-beer You can follow Shiga Kogen @egobrewer or head to their website for more information: http://tamamura-honten.co.jp/. And as always, if you're enjoying the podcast make sure to subscribe, rate, review and share! #snowcountrystories #snowcountryjapan #japanpodcast #japan #beer #beerstagram #craftbeer #japanbeer #shigakogen #shigakogenbrewery #shigakogenbeer #志賀高原 #志賀高原ビール #クラフトビール #日本

In Episode 04 of the podcast, I talk to Murai Shota about Japan's akiya problem and his role in finding solutions to the many abandoned houses in Nakano, Nagano. Available tomorrow, here's a preview of our chat...