Japan – Page 7 – Memoirs of Aleisha

Snowpocalypse

February 15, 2014October 11, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Tokyo had some unprecedented snowfall yesterday. Ended up getting stranded and didn’t get home until 6am this morning. What a long cold night it was.

It snowed all day in Tokyo yesterday. Some workplaces declared snow day. All we got was a 5pm earlymark.
When I left the office a little before 6pm, here is what it looked like outside my office building:

From Snowpocalypse

It wasn’t too bad. Subways were running (although a few train lines were down).
I headed to Shinjuku where we boarding a bus bound for Hakuba for a weekend of snowboarding.
Our bus left Shinjuku at 7:30pm and we hit the road. It took us an hour just to get out of the city and onto the highway.
We then spent 5 hours on the bus only to travel 50km and we were technically still in Tokyo. Traffic had been diverted off the highways as the highways shut down due to the snow. We just crawled along.

At about 12:30am the decision was made to head back home to Tokyo. By this time we were outside Takaosan train station. There was no way we were going to reach our destination. Snow trip officially cancelled.

Stopped in the middle of the road, where we walked to the nearby train station to use the toilets:

From Snowpocalypse

Here are some pics in the middle of the night at the pit stop:

From Snowpocalypse

We made it back to Tokyo where the bus dropped us off in Shinjuku. It was now 3:30am and we were stranded in Shinjuku as no public transport was running. They close during the night. Not a single taxi was available either. We tried to hail over a dozen taxis. They were either all full or no one wanted to pick us up.

By this time, we were super tired, freezing cold and wet. Ugh. Sooo cold.

These were the conditions trying to cross the roads in Shinjuku:

From Snowpocalypse

With no way to get home, my friend and I camped out a ramen shop where we ate a bowl of ramen at 4am. Even the 24 hour Maccas was closed! They had decided to close at 4am and were only doing takeaway to stop people from camping out inside.

From Snowpocalypse

Cars struggling in the snow in Shinjuku:

From Snowpocalypse

I finally got home at 6am this morning, once the trains were up and running again at 5am. Had a long hot shower to thaw out, and crawled into bed with my hot water bottle.

There was so much snow for this weekend, but ironically no one could get out to the slopes to enjoy it. All the highways have been shut. Quite the adventurous weekend so far, and it’s only Saturday morning!

Am now settled in for having a bludgey day indoors. It’s freezing though and super slushy outside. although it has stopped snowing.

Here was the view from my balcony this morning:

From Snowpocalypse

Powder Power – Houdaigi ski resort

February 13, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

From Houdaigi, Minakami

Another weekend snowboarding last weekend in Minakami (Gunma-ken) for a friend’s birthday weekend and the Snow Splash festival. Was an amazing weekend of powder – one of the best days on the slopes in a long time. Powda in the day and Louda in the night. But meanwhile, back in Tokyo, I missed out on one of the biggest snowstorms to hit Tokyo in the last 45 years. By the time I got back on Sunday night, there was still plenty of snow around Tokyo and my neighbourhood. Why couldn’t we have a snow day on a weekday so we don’t have to go to work.

Anyway, it didn’t make much of a difference to me, as we enjoyed a glorious weekend of powder snow. Went to Houdaigi ski resort which although small, has some really great runs. I thoroughly enjoyed the runs there and snowboarded for both days. Even got in an intermediate snowboarding lesson where we got to go off-piste a little bit and into the trees. Still gotta work on those narrow turns though. Was heaps of fun though. And if I was to ever learn how to ski, I would want to do it at this resort. They had some of the best beginner-friendly green runs I’ve ever seen.

The Minakami area is just as popular in the summer for activities like rafting, canyoning, hiking and bungee jumping. We passed through the Minakami Dam as well.

From Houdaigi, Minakami

Lotsa snow:

From Houdaigi, Minakami

One of the gourmet specialty’s of the area is the Dam Curry! (where the rice is served as the dam wall for the curry). This amused me greatly.

From Houdaigi, Minakami

Now here is the onslaught of photos that you know and love from a powder-filled weekend of snowboarding . Soooo much fun.

From Houdaigi, Minakami

This was a lot steeper than it looks here (It was the top of the black run):

From Houdaigi, Minakami

All strapped in:

From Houdaigi, Minakami

Knee deep in powder:

From Houdaigi, Minakami

All but deserted:

From Houdaigi, Minakami

Powder Powder:

From Houdaigi, Minakami

Expect more of the same next week. Headed off to Hakuba this weekend for another weekend of powder snow. Conditions are looking good. I also took some video footage of last weekend, but I don’t know how to video edit. Ooops! Might have to pos them uncut, and unedited.

50 shades of Autumn: Oze trail

February 3, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

A long overdue photo post from last Autumn.
Finally got around to walking the Oze mashlands trail. Had always wanted to do this, since living in Fukushima back on my JET days.

It’s a nice easy leisurely walk on wooden platforms around the Oze national park marshlands (when you’re lucky enough to not be led around by the group guide at a whip-cracking pace).

Am getting lazy with the writing, so enjoy the photo overload.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yRxzmjovD6V__GXeNTbJRQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IkCwGX_Od2s/UoddEem6sdI/AAAAAAACZWA/wzM-uZirRGQ/s640/DSC_0326.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

Autumn leaves:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pKTsgH8pEsaJ8aYobSR6kgOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZB-lAwqWlC4/UoddFnW1qgI/AAAAAAACZWQ/l1tCS2DSqtA/s640/DSC_0333.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a5NNfK2RUKnEqIiQv82WvwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DIDgbgPak7Y/UoddIFJpJ-I/AAAAAAACZXM/cBw4b1YvVlM/s640/DSC_0346.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_jzLDKa6kZ-nD44IOJnM9wOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PE0pw31Ev2U/UoddJlAHGkI/AAAAAAACZXY/pr7gfqm6eFc/s640/DSC_0353.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T9jHjpmXyQTL2JJoPZd-yQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1LhJR_o2TPc/UoddL1sHuCI/AAAAAAACZX8/FR2i2wWGZmM/s640/DSC_0357.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

Hues of brown:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lV25oVgJjtWJTuDCkd1yMQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ueRixEazEPI/UoddMi9aLfI/AAAAAAACZYU/FDIq1wDnMcw/s640/DSC_0360.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

And more photos. Keep scrolling!
<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7u0NtuqMmJnz37iyGHvXlQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-szdkptCoOpI/UoddN15ZXZI/AAAAAAACZYs/UcF4hQtsH68/s640/DSC_0362.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WKe72bmuBSZiQzmYujiUqAOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovOmXq8MwD0/UoddOFQ74XI/AAAAAAACZY4/FwCAliJ5-mQ/s640/DSC_0364.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tCHG-R4QeKh2m75WienYxwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bz548KcC4LY/UoddPMJ1hXI/AAAAAAACZZE/mr814lS-ITs/s640/DSC_0368.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vlOSbfZYsdoXkkMEEM5-pQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EVv0nuceEwE/UoddPh7n43I/AAAAAAACZZI/yCHCKxd7Nms/s640/DSC_0369.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vDvSwM2nT_yx6uvB8Rz5YwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r2zkrG_kjS0/UoddRrGY3pI/AAAAAAACZZw/R_b5WUCv67o/s640/DSC_0372.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/807Qm5oEwFdfMZzxLZU8mwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VYXQNlOf1oM/UoddQ0hkGMI/AAAAAAACZZg/Rv_yWKlr_vA/s640/DSC_0373.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M532lsj7q4Yp9rRyEKXulwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z-OVlV26FXY/UoddSBwhThI/AAAAAAACZZ0/Q9bU8eyh_ow/s640/DSC_0375.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/35UmgCIR07TBvDP62nfjVAOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nrgfoy6YmAI/UoddSr4-kaI/AAAAAAACZaA/36Xmd4-BICg/s640/DSC_0376.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MKLKf-Z60AYIBfKfluEidAOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s0A7ABT7yxQ/UoddTQ6B4JI/AAAAAAACZaY/Inq47cjphYY/s640/DSC_0379.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

Playing follow the leader:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nr_IO9tKGwVExDLFuR2bfwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Os05Xa702Jw/UoddUV_yxwI/AAAAAAACZak/blo8z1-1WKI/s640/DSC_0381.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iMM3Wm8uQv-0jiVNvFy4TAOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q727O_428qE/UoddUlj6ajI/AAAAAAACZa4/1CPGupYAsbU/s640/DSC_0383.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

The clouds were constantly changing on this particularly day, providing varied backdrops to the scenery, all in a matter of hours:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z8jQFpLGypOfneDSeJX9lQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_ccp074jX-Q/UoddU3YB7AI/AAAAAAACZaw/g7y7aLHWZP4/s640/DSC_0384.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TP9E5lZsuJnHbubq816a0wOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e6LqGZPpxsU/UoddVW1EQoI/AAAAAAACZbA/ZzR1YmjqFEI/s640/DSC_0385.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4xDyvtmZUUohgOoExuGDCgOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oYT5k1iS1Ak/UoddVtVcchI/AAAAAAACZbI/dHwgMTq3hDA/s640/DSC_0388.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-Qb1ATzatpwnk5-QH8U-JwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PXDpCzWiMhw/UoddV2S9iJI/AAAAAAACZbQ/mbxQJdjrgC8/s640/DSC_0390.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SYQcB1u05Y2vGnUAzZrQrwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0BKbwH5WXYo/UoddWmxG5CI/AAAAAAACZbM/GY1QDpDb3L0/s640/DSC_0393.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

Yeah, that’s right. More photos.
<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vYg4Mky9HbCsC-AUqy5NPwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c4Kugcy1h18/UoddXAKv3KI/AAAAAAACZbo/aVLCamDMYNM/s640/DSC_0394.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yzX3xYBGBjrdmMcKGi9PFAOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qY3KHyi4E-g/UoddXWh2y7I/AAAAAAACZbc/0lSmAkP8hp4/s640/DSC_0395.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xwUiNm1y7GV5pnkG_YTWBAOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R-TqDSK4Gtg/UoddZbCL7-I/AAAAAAACZcA/fWLG8C-y-3Y/s640/DSC_0398.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pCLbmE0C639Cw9uxyqz5eAOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d24nDdG4zbg/UoddaCT-hFI/AAAAAAACZcI/ZPhEx2qudAI/s640/DSC_0401.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

When we stopped for lunch, we totally gatecrashed this guy’s napping spot, and he still didn’t budge!

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ka_E2qp_eAdp_7rr9rJhvAOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t0XggzDuRYw/UoddamKCNUI/AAAAAAACZcQ/Y9YTAjVsQfI/s640/DSC_0405.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/57-HkRjcIczXKoYsE6bzqgOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dVFlkH7hy8o/Uoddaniul5I/AAAAAAACfMo/NPrhtghCNZo/s640/DSC_0404.JPG” height=”562″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AtHcbK5HJJ2AUKZ6HjIBFgOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8JrtmsoBvpk/UoddcKUuk5I/AAAAAAACZc4/ISWTuy2EAJw/s640/DSC_0409.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8qSXcK0vtdFIX6DCgTCZrgOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9eVHIJtVjUA/Uoddc69l-tI/AAAAAAACZc8/lOsW7VhVQ4s/s640/DSC_0413.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K1ZawzZUNmybbUso1IoBJQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5dFezQoKebE/UodddU-wVoI/AAAAAAACZdQ/qof5PzNnkzo/s640/DSC_0414.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2QbmibXhyVaNmt_dEFbeCwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kbfeAfWqc24/Uoddeo_QyhI/AAAAAAACZdg/vBMEedBlmII/s640/DSC_0421.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

Halfway:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q0HTx-zULBSOUY-ItIbRggOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tV9fp-5KL4M/Uoddhgm1s6I/AAAAAAACZeQ/_g3TwJzs_ic/s640/DSC_0426.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

In the “middle” of nowhere:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Cv4QQSHYHGfNA-ktn1IlowOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DOY9KAMnc5c/Uoddg7N0StI/AAAAAAACZeU/ocx7HmfZTpg/s640/DSC_0427.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AtCTOH8V1kwrsArH-v8W6QOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SzL28SHDo7o/UoddjIyEXlI/AAAAAAACZew/jh-Bm9xumb4/s640/DSC_0436.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6Rw3oyq8c1wjmoOG3-QvjQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lIcZl-Iy18w/UoddjUwhiwI/AAAAAAACZe4/kOOMCdgWfFw/s640/DSC_0437.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zHhjE9hOJBxOrvY-0zGDAQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tGaA9W7elFc/UoddngOQGbI/AAAAAAACZgQ/W2necn-H0wk/s640/DSC_0457.jpg” height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RhPhCNyGaiBmnurqvH1rIAOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tdmFfVLE6ys/UoddoupBilI/AAAAAAACZgg/qrkolKVOik4/s640/DSC_0462.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FG-m–2PteHK3c9k1oS2awOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K8ogrVl5CBI/Uoddo3Iql7I/AAAAAAACZgk/yVvY7Hez-mM/s640/DSC_0463.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lWRejvsd0UWvCMTz0zz5RwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z1AlTfItUAQ/Uoddp9WnAyI/AAAAAAACZg4/ANBTWHgnd6M/s640/DSC_0466.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zjjCtceWofijroPxZThjcQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vhTcXya3h_k/Uoddrh-T9-I/AAAAAAACZhg/5FjYvqa1Fpw/s640/DSC_0473.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

And because I haven’t posted enough photos….here are a few more.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/daoh9o7WzeKpnBDHHx1tJQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kz_3vqEGkqo/UoddtXpRUPI/AAAAAAACZiE/g23_yx0C8zY/s640/DSC_0479.jpg” height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k_KuV40vPlQqa70NesjAzQOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UDTP8WSK5gs/Uoddu5ho2qI/AAAAAAACZiU/pULXd73iaXQ/s640/DSC_0483.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I3JGV8c1p5gREIli6qidHwOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L9QYPeWyeyM/Uodd3Gxl0TI/AAAAAAACZk0/UP5SbLHyC28/s640/DSC_0508.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JMClO01-A3-8rffCDHkF9wOVP5pgN1J-7jWX7d-iNUU?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IRVXkeGLcOY/Uodd98nm0CI/AAAAAAACZnA/xcREUrpNZ-s/s400/IMG_5465.JPG” height=”400″ width=”400″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/OzeTrail?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Oze trail</a></td></tr></table>

Myoko Snow Weekend

February 2, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Last weekend was another weekend spent snowboarding. Went to Myoko Suginohara resort for the first time.
The runs there are incredibly long and pretty wide. Great for beginners.

Saturday was a bluebird day, followed by a dump of snow which made for a powder day on the Sunday along with poorer visibility. Seems to be the way every time I go away for a snow weekend.

The scenery, landscape and views from the slopes are pretty EPIC.

A snowboarding weekend in pictures:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4Zq1tRrVTy5JJNnAxc5cks8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sfgAgIHEJfM/UuZ3HmcUgLI/AAAAAAACez4/pI7To2N1tKw/s640/IMG_6594.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/URQO5teLImpi5-nmnM5GI88ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L5Brcbs4tpk/UuZ21xu3wqI/AAAAAAACewc/OMwyq1m26k4/s640/DSCF0158.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oHLO8BQLl7A1ZLZSqZdf4s8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FdIpVJoJ4ZI/UuZ238LMHzI/AAAAAAACew4/h4WW6B-Y0J4/s640/DSCF0161.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bDh4A2N7Bm47qhst5MPOhM8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xVnJyYHV0gk/UuZ3IAK1pjI/AAAAAAACe0A/lIBnbvPKQrw/s640/IMG_6597.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EPMgiX3HuogoUFcYw2Nr4c8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-X8zZ33oSCBU/UuZ3JZD5khI/AAAAAAACe0U/5JskX-qwer4/s640/IMG_6599.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7sO4zRu770O3xztlAiFy5c8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gcBn6OiPc5I/UuZ3LduIq8I/AAAAAAACe1A/THemHRhmM8A/s640/IMG_6605.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-LCFlzJXOAnsh2EbmbrozM8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wejTDoWzxeA/UuZ3MB7KesI/AAAAAAACe1I/67QHOgBAkMU/s640/IMG_6606.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JxEgOfxA17ExL7DMkvMFpM8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O-aU9Qtlvgw/UuZ25jjejOI/AAAAAAACexY/JPeSYC1jIC0/s640/DSCF0166.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tuitIATs2rH68DRKHQlMUM8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P_S4IjAuNE0/UuZ26RBqI2I/AAAAAAACexw/skGtXhQPAIk/s640/DSCF0167.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xXhvqgfZd4o8TCgWlbT-5s8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YUdq9MfLtmU/UuZ24TJZVOI/AAAAAAACexE/Vfxyuz6DPYw/s640/DSCF0162.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yelNODL_lUcb7EfJ7-pMDs8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fRX_YEkRGSo/UuZ3RcFWN8I/AAAAAAACe2g/tQva_l31BKU/s640/IMG_6618.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7GYvhL1jBYmidFAz7Fxg588ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UcwDOtsBQ84/UuZ3GWhiBJI/AAAAAAACezg/Vwx47K3AbQM/s640/DSCF0188.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Fr6Wu-mJGANrrnQZO4_uYs8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-98w7deOA6GE/UuZ3fomCn4I/AAAAAAACe5I/kZmq5wLL6UA/s640/IMG_6639.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

Amazing views:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TcY0ARMlZnVAju_zu32PBc8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Kwkzge2r6mA/UuZ3AyO8vNI/AAAAAAACeyI/dfppHj6K23E/s640/DSCF0173.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nZE4xoG8QQzPJQVMj_gpks8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vLxKlf9FoBU/UuZ3HB-q9pI/AAAAAAACezs/MAEucn0ISkU/s640/DSCF0189.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U61_PdlNa5ToIqp7uteaCc8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RsLf1x6LTrE/UuZ3BfU0ZrI/AAAAAAACeyQ/vs72Sj78EEY/s640/DSCF0174.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2yDIEH0BKmyhyUoOTFBsxM8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KMN99budsdo/UuZ3CN8Pf0I/AAAAAAACeyk/xbaiPR6mqow/s640/DSCF0177.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EGI_ZyLcS7BnfAabXiuOaM8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e3ruZPk1Qn8/UuZ3C4QSZjI/AAAAAAACeyw/71qM98NS3c4/s640/DSCF0178.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-h_Ht5tNHgh1njpD7zYIZs8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rWbPAfVqgtM/UuZ3EpjHOBI/AAAAAAACezE/rh7lSkeGQcQ/s640/DSCF0183.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

Majestic Mountains:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vXYhnogN6yxRYVnVxvHd588ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4iFR_Qn7w8I/UuZ3Dce3zAI/AAAAAAACeys/t9le-Dby1pc/s640/DSCF0181.JPG” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rN61Yz6TyayX8cbUtMlrFs8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P_psqQDRNs4/UuZ3ErINWEI/AAAAAAACezA/nyZp7W26tW4/s640/DSCF0182.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7OXQYANEciOJTbjvpPRJnM8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gHfRU29vceo/UuZ3F4rw81I/AAAAAAACezk/cto26NlrSmY/s640/DSCF0186.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JrqQ7Cqg3ci2mk4-93NzCc8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gp5BOYPDtBU/UuZ3PFjVQmI/AAAAAAACe18/VHQWkWfkUTA/s400/IMG_6613.jpg” height=”300″ width=”400″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DRAosQqMaWtxsB33iUHamc8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j2wJ4yw3xHQ/UuZ3WFhJuRI/AAAAAAACe3Q/Hgxu672eCvM/s640/IMG_6624.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

Lunch on the slopes. Katsu curry + Beer = standard.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GZG1Owk8_TOptlkn8sgcg88ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TpNXcQUfkWY/UuZ3WMHj0MI/AAAAAAACe3U/oEyJh0SI5d4/s640/IMG_6625.jpg” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g8qMOOjMoM44VrDYIoOHl88ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TDPVgdo-bak/UuZ3YXgZtPI/AAAAAAACe38/eBN-K6hyn-A/s640/IMG_6630.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

Suginohara summit: 1855m

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wNFR2I5v3ux-Uab2R2jtm88ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R6YD25sgjUU/UuZ3ZIa9z_I/AAAAAAACe4I/LxO_QsqKmNo/s640/IMG_6631.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

Mount Fuji – thatta way:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lxda6kwFR-dFpikHRSnPj88ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ow2LXcZySWI/UuZ3a5f-U4I/AAAAAAACe4k/1ZmGgeSeXT8/s640/IMG_6635.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v_i3XvqGy805rkpyef9Q9c8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HmmuxQuRMBM/UuZ3bcWZ9EI/AAAAAAACe4s/QbhMqrAsV0A/s640/IMG_6634.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JCU3U82tXKL02Due-kPq8c8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wiR8PqX6RYU/UuZ3Z76yvHI/AAAAAAACe4Q/rT8H40wP7os/s640/IMG_6633.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AMX44vRdz7YvQWroeuCCcc8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sCm7jpI48TI/UuZ3cOpdukI/AAAAAAACe4w/VbPnwdO4T9s/s640/IMG_6637.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lIP3IE9buQgjwxe758iGSM8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y5f650RTix4/UuZ3ddQRZZI/AAAAAAACe44/4JMiqqjJHhg/s640/IMG_6638.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MRLJEY35LriJfpXEQCnq388ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zfMxGOK4D8E/UuZ3gv0kwEI/AAAAAAACe58/bdOUz2QMItg/s640/IMG_6642.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pkZ51rRw0vg50Xt6LK5rbc8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PPOCkx9G4CM/UuZ3hJ6YhwI/AAAAAAACe6E/UgT2xo89AJE/s640/IMG_6644.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m-YDN4IfTY214HtkneLnAs8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q6stJ73eI34/UuZ3hh9Ky5I/AAAAAAACe54/vkJ2YgncvGc/s640/IMG_6645.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

Meanwhile, back in the accommodation – a slipper explosion in the genkan!

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MI7eFhP-SVJvdYPR7acx0s8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/–GXUu4U0-1M/UuZ3j8xaMZI/AAAAAAACe6g/bgjXyDtVblo/s640/IMG_6652.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

Compare the amazing views to this on the Sunday. Visibility reduced to zero. Hard to believe the photos above were taken from the same spot:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CSldk7oDMdOg1rHtnd9hZc8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y-U3pHsw_3Y/UuZ3r2kx7pI/AAAAAAACe8c/Li0-Z7UUEdQ/s640/IMG_6668.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_IeRlBjzRFhrGtIiHHOor88ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ioX6AbA7pHM/UuZ3sVWHjPI/AAAAAAACe8k/XpDJDffqQjk/s640/IMG_6670.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1DL0n1BmJMAm8uj3CTKGkc8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rc7t7juy0_0/UuZ3tpMWqKI/AAAAAAACe9U/L_GXSSa0ob8/s640/IMG_6674.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>
And last Sunday was Australia Day.
Represent!

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NFWIgJP0-kuojEgtwQtVxM8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RCcMpZsIzl8/UuZ3u6gUMKI/AAAAAAACe9c/IunZlYuUAGM/s640/IMG_6677.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

Swapped the Aussie BBQ for a bowl of ramen instead. Gotta admit, this ski resort was definitely one of the better places for food.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sCoEEvoDBR57fT2QRXlzj88ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dPOurEnhUlE/UuZ3szHeTTI/AAAAAAACe88/XDGXEAeFSkk/s640/IMG_6671.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

When it’s snowing outside, my preference is to wear a beanie. But our bus driver had a better idea – a shower cap.
Sensible, practical and waterproof.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qUXhIKgk0jDcEnXez-z6yM8ix6Leamj18Vk2krRNnLA?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3fQHjagdme4/UuZ3wWkKhDI/AAAAAAACe9s/h95F2STBu9k/s640/IMG_6682.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/MyokoSnowWeekend?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Myoko Snow weekend</a></td></tr></table>

Return to Nozawa

January 23, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

For the third year running, I went back to Nozawa for a weekend of snowboarding and onsen. It’s become a yearly winter tradition.

Nozawa is probably one of my favourite ski resorts. I really like all the runs there (I like ’em wide) and I love the village atmosphere and all the onsens. There’s even a craft beer place there and they stock my favourite craft beer (I only know of one place in Tokyo that has it). Snowboarding, followed by an onsen and a drop of craft beer – the perfect winter’s day out.

Saturday was perfect conditions out on the slopes. A bluebird day. Had probably one of the best days ever snowboarding.

From Nozawa 2014

Made it up to the peak:

From Nozawa 2014

An awesome day on the slopes. Full day of snowboarding and then a soak in the onsen.
Did a pub crawl in the evening and went to all four bars in the village.

I’ve died and gone to….

From Nozawa 2014

My favourite craft beer: Dead Guy Ale by Rogue Breweries:

From Nozawa 2014

Saturday night and all day Sunday it dumped snow. It made for a great powder day on the slopes on Sunday but visibility was negative. We got to the top of the mountain, and I had a little meltdown. I was basically blind and could not see a thing up there. Had a bit of a panic attack snowboarding blind. And it was extremely cold. I thought I was gonna get freezeburn.

From Nozawa 2014

Somehow made it down to the bottom in one piece, a little bit traumatised. Stuck to the lower runs instead. The powder was awesome. But visibility not so good.

From Nozawa 2014

Another weekend of snowboarding to look forward to this weekend. Will be checking out a new/different ski resort.

Skytree: Tokyo night view

January 9, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

It is the tallest tower in the world and the second tallest structure in the world. And I went up it. That’s right, the Tokyo Skytree, which opened in 2012.

Purchasing tickets is a little convoluted if you don’t have a Japanese credit card, which I don’t.
This meant that I rocked up there at 4pm. Upon arrival, I was given a coloured card with a time slot printed on it. You have to come back at that time slot, just to purchase the ticket. I was allocated the time slot of 7:30-8pm at which time I would be allowed to purchase a ticket.
That was fine by me. I could grab dinner at the other end of town and kills some time and then get back to the Skytree.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k7E8_lBCHJ7sc47zMVWOxFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V-y9bMk_RyU/UsF7i8SG_3I/AAAAAAACcnw/A9e0LHHpFL4/s640/IMG_6254.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

Between the 7:30 – 8pm allocated time slot, I was then allowed to line up to purchase a ticket. A line that I waited in for 45minutes, just to purchase a ticket. At about 8:30pm, I finally had a ticket and was then free to go up the Skytree.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hxAGeNEXo6CWJkuURTbhH1R4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ylEJ6Q9BCs/UsF7jL3JAZI/AAAAAAACcn4/8RZcv5RvfNo/s640/IMG_6255.jpg” height=”640″ width=”480″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

By the time, I actually got to go up the Skytree, I was well and truly in time for the nightview.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZkV-vfPUAPD6vPJDb_d8LFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uRiXX-NNq5k/UsF6-obepfI/AAAAAAACccc/9CoHnhsPiHo/s640/DSC_0038.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ouCT_qTevohuRzEoDdQnrVR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qjKDun0dtHY/UsF6-IOLKbI/AAAAAAACccU/yWZto5BnafQ/s640/DSC_0036.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

This is Tokyo by night:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O38nlPnqBtYkZZlkUTdx81R4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gc-uXsB9q2I/UsF62NT524I/AAAAAAACcaA/3wRUHI-miy4/s640/DSC_0007.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

The Edogawa river:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4GkwTu8aaBb_pAM1xFPgx1R4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ak0eQuMWO04/UsF7J424o9I/AAAAAAACcgE/mPDLqcW4y0g/s640/DSC_0089.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f2rEjE60yQch2wfk6sapbFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RJqqIPzdqts/UsF68CWu9MI/AAAAAAACcbs/0LKCObMbBdg/s640/DSC_0025.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

My super dooper zoom lens: Big Brother is watching yo!

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2IExKFL3inK-D03GSBNUVVR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F_hnwIkco0c/UsF68xgJSwI/AAAAAAACcb0/qWJtpZeV8fc/s640/DSC_0029.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

Tokyo Tower:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n1VXwbC9oxBrihVgR4pL-FR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OJT0R_6ocBY/UsF7aIwrcCI/AAAAAAACclA/DF0zmRMFIlI/s640/DSC_1686.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0tT5TOuu3ScBTWn8mig68FR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3xcGvO1PrWw/UsF7azBpNWI/AAAAAAACclY/-81aORmhveE/s640/DSC_1691.jpg” height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

Trust me: There is nothing wrong with your eyesight:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4HuGkKmh-d82nAOZtie3xVR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7QDFzAGoOgA/UsF7c1gqbDI/AAAAAAACcl8/q5VaZwZtlfo/s640/DSC_1695.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mM6y41SxISPbSeVhmKWi_VR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e3E4GZyt5s8/UsF7B6iUy6I/AAAAAAACcds/wVaUv49nSgk/s640/DSC_0053.jpg” height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

The view from the top is pretty impressive. So long as you don’t mind jostling with people for window space. It was crowded! Avoid the long weekend if possible.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yqAJxjy63Ex4WrXIdv0RwlR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WHCCipi1C_A/UsF7Y48RrfI/AAAAAAACcko/b359kBbjQPA/s640/DSC_1680.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

Tokyo is a pretty awesome city:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tuXhVcMpvBZHDjqO3ogYolR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NE0xD5C_04/UsF7UCZFQPI/AAAAAAACcjU/sThJb4TRvoY/s640/DSC_1669.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YktsqDjDW5rn2-f5NnQYcFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/–8-Q6hyk3xU/UsF7p4QwnsI/AAAAAAACcqI/n6hjzaxPdUc/s640/IMG_6306.JPG” height=”640″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OeSV4ZBj3KT0P-Vux4rEgFR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3UkjSnIg3sc/UsF61ZEe0YI/AAAAAAACcZ4/1gAcsNc9oSQ/s640/DSC_0004.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yWTxKbxkwbUHF6sb_Z5r_FR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wNI4gZzxi34/UsF7hBhcmrI/AAAAAAACcnU/hlHmFX9Ftg8/s640/DSC_1709.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zoB15v8AsNSGT_Bg1VVZhlR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fnDjq4nEbtA/UsF66XbeN3I/AAAAAAACcbE/tlRRoAr-f6Q/s640/DSC_0020.JPG” height=”425″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V77YAqZZ_zw_RISk664yalR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r7XTDcuRHS8/UsF7eEo2dVI/AAAAAAACcmY/U_E2QlOy2-A/s640/DSC_1698.jpg” height=”640″ width=”425″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YDODlcjvmTnfXDNl5cfq7lR4lJf8NLaTQbGlvs79c_0?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gIZ4kl6HpEg/UsF8AL4V01I/AAAAAAACcqo/jk0PQiRaHGQ/s640/IMG_6307-TWINKLE.gif” height=”640″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/Skytree?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Skytree</a></td></tr></table>

2014: Day One

January 5, 2014October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Happy New Year!
May 2014 be a good one for you. Good lord, I need it to be.
2013 was a shocker of a year (hence the lack of posts over the last few months. You wouldn’t believe the lousy times I went through). Here’s hoping this year is going to be a lot better.

Anyway, what better way to see in the new year than a New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim! You could say it was a “cool” way to see in the new year. Quite literally. It was freezing.

More like a polar bear dip for me though. Air temp was about 10 degrees. Water temp about 16 degrees and plunge into the water we did. Mind you, I was sporting a severe hangover from the previous night’s New Year’s Eve festivities in Roppongi. Probably hit bed around 3am and had to be up at 8am to make the trek to Hayama Beach in Kanagawa prefecture. I was throwing up on the 1.5 hr train ride down there. Not a pretty sight.

A couple of trains and a bus ride later and a few more throw ups along the way, we made it to the beach.

Crazy windy and freezing. And quite the swell. The waves were rough.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ax7KyGH821c6npappSAvTNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4XfAM_8cM8s/UsUAke5g6ZI/AAAAAAACdFo/rX2r9UBblbA/s640/IMG_6414.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ojxAumCfeh3Anp7J8EvW59EAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lcYUpHaPhb8/UsUAkTPaLXI/AAAAAAACdFk/0ir-5p7PS38/s640/IMG_6412.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JHPDiSmW-whD3jQrEDh8z9EAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1p99TCiZoy0/UsUAkdSygXI/AAAAAAACdFc/j5r__K7hMH4/s640/IMG_6413.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

A few of us braved the cold temps, <em>sans</em> wetsuits, of course! The boys got in:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XeQiPuTQHF0BwdkWUx1cNtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-po_mTGuaveY/UsUAvxwZSOI/AAAAAAACdIA/tlIwy9kzOCo/s640/RIMG0702.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4VugJRsKO5PiprjMzgnsrtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9HJnX_qnQ_U/UsUAw8lsiZI/AAAAAAACdIQ/RemnG9Fgmwo/s640/RIMG0705.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Meanwhile, at the water’s edge….(I’m the one in the pink cap):

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EryuDmFIBPXBEUJ5r_ztfNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1xkySEvKBtg/Usj34XlHG9I/AAAAAAACd9k/TaLjPKOHmjw/s640/polar.jpg” height=”427″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Am still not convinced about going in:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gWKz2OOjSW7EQHl_ONS8UtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XnbpBZRp6vg/Usj2bm8LUsI/AAAAAAACd9A/Ch5VhJGwCHI/s640/dip.jpg” height=”626″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

C’mon in the water’s lovely.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mv7N_7Hv1leJX92C3fri9dEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EQDxy6kxkSU/UsUAmw2BS3I/AAAAAAACdGc/8BAAAkXSDRk/s640/IMG_6420.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

I finally muster the strength to take the plunge. Might help rid the hangover, me thinks:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mie8jtnd7tqFqhp10mbRJNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s98EZkfeGjA/Usj2eTohRZI/AAAAAAACd9I/agPM4ViAZTw/s400/plunge.jpg” height=”400″ width=”313″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Oh holy crap it’s cold!
I couldn’t breathe. I cannot breathe.
I had to get out of the water. Because I couldn’t get in proper breaths, I had to get out of the water. Know your boundaries.
Survived the polar bear dip, but not the swim sadly.
My body did not take kindly to the water especially in the state I was in.

The others did well, and we’re in the water swimming away for at least another 20-30 minutes.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Vc_PL5I8D_LwzlyVMeMlq9EAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WdzlVbsVmYI/UsUAmZryNkI/AAAAAAACdGM/GW4Jzt69t90/s640/IMG_6418.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V_AQgpKNfnCjQ18j_x_W7dEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uvuIXdhUNk4/UsUAlal2YUI/AAAAAAACdF4/ludcYkXFsBw/s640/IMG_6415.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hxut6mlTye9itlz_4BNVMNEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-71GXI8iLeHs/UsUAloZFOXI/AAAAAAACdF8/6qQkPLSqZbo/s640/IMG_6416.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6ZuffkCVJ8FnaPYU5vo36NEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HbjRF6i3EIk/UsUAmG-kLkI/AAAAAAACdGE/dL0BBFLJTZo/s640/IMG_6417.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

Cold, cold, cold:

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-KFnu2DRSc7A0zGgsXECMtEAJXZdkKLe2njuguxH8bw?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9KFJqL_c4sE/UsUAnksYEdI/AAAAAAACdGg/_KWXjzrYU44/s640/IMG_6421.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/PolarBearDip?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObBn4fm9fei6QE&feat=embedwebsite”>Polar Bear Dip</a></td></tr></table>

It then took a few hours to get warmed back again. But a breakfast of pancakes, soup and muffins and cups of tea helped. My head and liver still not in good shape though.

Was a very cool thing to do though on New Year’s Day. I’m glad I did it, even though my body didn’t really hold up to the challenge. Still, I went in and took the plunge.

Here’s to a swimmingly hopeful new year!

First snowboard of the season

December 17, 2013October 11, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

Managed to get in the first snowboard of the season. And perfect conditions for it too.
Lots of fresh powder snow.
Went to Naeba and Kagura ski resort.
Highly recommend Kagura. Loved it out there. Lots of nice green runs. Probably one of my favourite resorts on Honshu.

Snowboarding with a view:

From Kagura snow

View of Lake Tashiro:

From Kagura snow

Lots of nice wide runs for beginners like me: Perfect. And a bluebird day too.

From Kagura snow

Look! It’s snowing!

From Kagura snow

The next day, it dumped powder snow all day. Visibility not as good as the previous day though.
Winter Wonderland:

From Kagura snow

Tanigawadake Hike and Takaragawa Mixed Onsen

October 28, 2013October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

One of the things I told myself I would do more of last year was do more hiking. Autumn is the best season for hiking in Japan because the weather is a lot cooler and the colours of the leaves are pretty at that time of year.

I don’t hike a lot, so this one was quite a tough one for me. It was a long, steep, rocky hike, but the view and landscape was pretty spectacular. Didn’t start off that way though.

From Tanigawadake hike

This was the Tanigawadake hike that I did last October (yes, a little overdue, I know).
It first required taking the cable car:

From Tanigawadake hike

The leaves were just starting to change colour:

From Tanigawadake hike

Conditions at the hiking start point did not look good. Not good at all. How is this for visibility:

From Tanigawadake hike

Trail was a bit muddy and wet too:

From Tanigawadake hike

The fog cleared a bit and we were on our way:

From Tanigawadake hike

Once we got closer to the top it was very picturesque. When I wasn’t sweating and panting away, I managed to get in a few photos. Ok, so more than a few photos.

From Tanigawadake hike

It got steeper and steeper. Not entirely sure if this was meant to be a hike or a rock climb!

From Tanigawadake hike

In amongst the clouds:

From Tanigawadake hike

You would have thought we were climbing Fuji!

From Tanigawadake hike

We were up pretty high:

From Tanigawadake hike

There were even some small patches of snow. And this was October!

From Tanigawadake hike

More climbing. Still not yet at the summit:

From Tanigawadake hike

Stunning scenery:

From Tanigawadake hike

I finally reached one of the lower peaks (there was still the upper peak as well):

From Tanigawadake hike

I think I’m in heaven:

From Tanigawadake hike

The trail of people:

From Tanigawadake hike

What goes up, must come down. Coming back down is worse than going up. And going up was no picnic.

From Tanigawadake hike

A beast of a mountain:

From Tanigawadake hike

After a hardcore hike, we totally deserved an onsen. And we went to a really awesome. I can’t believe I didn’t know about this onsen. It’s a mixed outdoor onsen. There’s about 4 outdoor baths and all are mixed (there is one female-only onsen). This is one of the very rare mixed public onsens in Japan (no cossies allowed). You are allowed to rent a towel to wear into the hot springs though. Most of the ladies covered up with a towel (as I did), but be warned, that a lot of the men there won’t be so modest. The hot spring is a secluded location built across a river and there’s also a really nice ryokan you can stay at there.

From Tanigawadake hike

A very cool onsen:

From Tanigawadake hike

This is Takaragawa onsen for the record. Definitely want to come back to this place. Lots of different rotemburos to enjoy so long as you don’t mind being surrounded by naked people (towels are optional. Although I am glad I am not too much fatter than what I am because they towels on offer wouldn’t have covered all of me! Just something to keep in mind, if you’re on the bigger side).

I’m Back!

October 26, 2013October 8, 2016memoirsofaleishaLeave a comment

I’m back. And so are the Backstreet Boys! I went along to their concert, like all the cool kids do.

In all seriousness, if you’ve missed my blog ramblings, it’s because I haven’t had Internet connection at home. I have moved apartments so was without Internet for the last couple of weeks. Got lots of stuff to catch up on here, so feel free to clear your calendar.

I fulfilled a life-long childhood dream to go see the Backstreet Boys. Yep, they’re back and they’ve still got all the moves!
Please no judgement on my music preferences. Remember you are friends with me for my awesome personality and not my taste in music.

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ssgrBvuamu_9rvbkhXf4g3VPuYTzod4QOXZenJG8k3M?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9z1_1MhZezQ/UmsgM9HpRAI/AAAAAAACZRo/12TTaDOUysA/s640/IMG_5478.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/BBoys?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLHJ5YrhtOD9fQ&feat=embedwebsite”>B-Boys</a></td></tr></table>
And it was a sell-out crowd:

I was suffering from glow-stick envy! Seriously, where did everyone get these glow sticks from?

<table style=”width:auto”><tr><td><a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DBDWlCHA3ZWbkeGQOmecTnVPuYTzod4QOXZenJG8k3M?feat=embedwebsite”><img src=”https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GfmRHM73F0E/UmsgRpONPOI/AAAAAAACZRo/G9hZtKSKrBs/s640/IMG_5491.JPG” height=”480″ width=”640″ /></a></td></tr><tr><td style=”font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right”>From <a href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/116032719585350311356/BBoys?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite”>B-Boys</a></td></tr></table>
The concert started really early. At 4pm. And it was over by about 6-6:30pm. All the young teeny boppers. Bless.

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