The Snow and battle with Mother Nature continues in Nozawa Onsen
New Snow; 30cm
Base ; 380cm
Firstly apologies that we have not posted for a few days, has been a challenging time for all in Japan over the last week. We would like to sincerely thank everyone for their messages and well wishes it has meant a lot to us and the people of Nozawa. As we stated before Nozawa Onsen was not badly affected by the earthquake with no serious injuries but there was some damage to the higher lifts and buildings. At this stage we have also had no direct impact from the tsunami or the Nuclear Reactors in Fukushima north of Tokyo.
Understandably most people due to come up have chosen to postpone their visit. With the uncertainty of everything at the moment we have also decided to leave Japan for now with the family. Anyone still keen to come up please let us know and we will arrange accommodation for you. We suggest however it is best to comply with any day to day requests for cooperation from Government, other agencies and our community.
On the snow front it was snowing heavily in Nozawa the last few days with over 60cm of fresh snow falling. Ironically the base is the best it has been all season with an amazing 380cm. Most of the lifts are operating except for the top area and there will be some good conditions.
The heavy snow and cold has however also made the rescue mission in the North more difficult. At this time our thoughts and prayers are with all the people up in the affected areas of Tohoku to the North of Tokyo. For many their homes and lives have been devastated by this disaster.
It is going to be a long and hard recovery but if anyone can do it, the Japanese can. Have seen a lot of newspaper reports in the past days referring to the Japanese as being stoic. I thought thats sounded like a good description of the Japanese spirt but was not sure what it meant so I looked it up. The description was ; a person who can endure pain or hardship without complaining. The images from the affected area and in our local area would show this with people working together as a team in an orderly and dignified way.
For many of you reading this Japan and its people have most likely had a lasting affect on you in some way. If anyone feels the urge to help then a donation to the relief effort would be greatly appreciated .
There are a number of ways you can donate here are a few links that may help
The Red cross seems like one of the best organisations to contribute to.
In Japan
http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/relief/l4/Vcms4_00002070.html
In Australia
Red Cross: Donors can contribute to the relief efforts by calling 1800 811 700 from anywhere in Australia or Donate online at www.redcross.org.au
Once again a big thank you to everyone that visited Nozawa Onsen this year was a pleasure having you. We look forward to welcoming you again to this beautiful part of the world. Stay safe.
Gods watch over Nozawa Onsen
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the update, I was beginning to worry. Wish you the best as you leave Japan and hope to read your reports again in the future.
Mark, Yoshi and Kai, thanks for the update and for being such great hosts in our recent visit! Our hearts go our to the people of Japan at this difficult time and we will certainly donate through Red Cross as you have very kindly suggested. I would encourage anyone thinking about skiing in Japan to go and stay with Mark and Yoshi. They are fantastic people, as is the accommodation, the mountain, the village, people and the skiing. A complete experience! Keep up the good work you are doing Mark and thanks so much for this great website. Richard and Judy
Hi Richard thanks a lot for your mail and kind words and also for donating to the Red Cross much appreciated. Was a pleasure to have you and the gang up and we look forward to welcoming you back to Nozawa Onsen in the near future Cheers Mark Yosh Kai and all the Team