*6 Feb 2020*
Flight departs Singapore 23:55 via SQ
638, KK decided to sit next to me after I obtained the confirmation to upgrade to Premium Economy seat. I'm glad that I only bid for S$120 (minimum bidding amount allowed) for the upgrade because the seat was spacious but the leg-rest doesn't go high-enough and the "Book your Chef" wasn't that elaborate either. But, it is still cheaper then I get the Premium Economy ticket and since KK & Kai practically just wasting time stopping for a meal so the priority lane was redundant as we were superb late (gate-closing sign showing on the screen).
*7 Feb 2020*
I managed to get some beauty sleep till the air-stewardess came to tap on my shoulder to ask if she can serve me my breakfast, I think that was like 4am (I'm very sure my stomach is still sleeping). Then, with the sight of my healthy-option buckwheat pancake with maple syrup, I think it was not appetizing to "wake my stomach up" either.
I went back to sleep after my "flat" breakfast and 1.5hours later suddenly, I was awake by the first ray of light thru the window and I almost miss the sunrise... I choose the window-seat for this reason which I don't want to miss it...
Flight arrived NARITA Airport (Terminal 1) 07:30am and immigration was smooth and no long queue and we head out to organised the rented car. I basically just wait at the side because I don't think I can tolerate KK's impatience in the early-hours of the day. Hahaha...Before the trip (weeks ago) I've reminded that it is important to ensure the hired car comes with a fitting snow tyres but some 'planner' just do not take that into detail.. so, yeah.. the car do not have snow tyres and those that Times have are already booked and it is compulsory to buy the snow-chains on our own account. We went about hunting for the snow-chain after we were chauffeur from the Airport to Times's car storage centre. I was given the honour to drive because KK claimed he did not sleep and not fit to drive.
KK wants to get his snowboard wax so that's why we headed up to the ski resort before checking in to our hotels... I highlighted to KK that we have to put on the snow-chain when we reach Yamanouchi town before we head up to Shiga Kogen but KK just brushed me off. Our journey took us more than 6hours; we arrive Shiga Kogen at almost 3pm. While driving up-hill, I felt the tyres are slippery and I once again notify KK about it... unfortunately, on our way down-hill, I losed control of the steering wheel and the break did not function as per normal and I hit to the banks of snow (which after would be the cliffs - pine trees). Thank God, I was driving at a very very slow speed that I manage to glide the car by scratching more on the snow-bank... I asked KK to take over the down-hill driving as I was still 'shivering' from head to toe from the incident. I requested KK to fix the snow-chain but after meddling it a few times and with one Japanese guy stopped to help, they still cannot manage to install the snow-chain and it was too cold to continue the task.
While KK drove, the car loose control again... So, KK was forced to drive at a very slow speed at every turn we took, we finally reached Yudanaka Train Station at 5.15pm and previously I've called up T Hotel Ryuoo to change my free pick-up shuttle from 3.30pm to later. I'm so glad I've arranged for this pick-up shuttle or I won't know how KK can deliver me safely up to Ryuoo Ski Resort in the darkness.
Ryuoo is located on the slopes of Mt Ryuo in the Yamanouchi region, about 37km northeast of Nagano in the northern part of the Nagano Prefecture. It's about 10km from the town of Yudanaka (a 20 minute drive) with not much terrain and sharp turns. Almost seeing T Hotel ahead, I was transfered to the snow-van with triangle-tyres to brace the deepest snow.
I'm staying at T Hotel Ryuoo for 2 nights and all by myself because I want to experience staying in a ski-resort (people ski-in/ski-out) which also means, the 'snow playground' is right at the door of the Hotel. The room is nice with a huge king-size bed as per the photos on their website and the most important thing is I've a very nice en-suite western-design bathroom. And it comes with a Nespresso machine too!
Few weeks ago, I've planned and reserved my dinner and decided on the menu on each night of my stay in T Hotel and tonight is at Teppanyaki
Restaurant (7.30pm) – Set Aoi7000 – Shinshu Pork - ¥7000 (Rm264.00). The Chef is really slow in cooking every thing right in front of me especially the garlic, the grilled vegetables and the pork-chunk that I almost fall asleep waiting for it. Glad it ended with the garlic-rice that I was looking forward to have some carb to go down my throat as the pork-chunks were rather too salty.
I off the heater before I sleep because it was too noisy and I was surprised that I even sweat when I sleep under the down-comforter (I usually have my whole head go right under it). But, when I woke up at 5am to pee, it was freezing cold in the whole room. Geez.. but because the AC-heater is in Japanese, I couldn't get it to start the heater. So, I continue my sleep under the warm down-comforter. Basically, the body-heat will build up the warm from within. Hehehe...
It was snowing when I looked out from the window when I was awake, I'm not sure how long it has been snowing. It is just so nice... but cannot imagine the level of cold out there...
I arranged for breakfast at 9am because I'm on vacation! How can I drag myself out of bed for breakfast at 7am, right? I was greeted by Elmo on the sofa (the entrance to the restaurant where I'm suppose to have my breakfast). Cannot resist giving Elmo a cuddle on a cold wintery morning...
Breakfast menu was also decided last evening, I told them I do not want the raw salmon and salad and picked poached egg and bacon. A basket of toast, croissant, cinnamon roll & Danish-pastry are served with choices of jams, butter & maple syrup. A bowl of yogurt is also part of the Menu. Choice of juice between grapefruit, apple and orange but non are freshly squeeze.
After breakfast, I visited the gift-corner and took my time to make myself a cup of peppermint tea while lingering around the lobby checking out activities that I can participate and the cost of it. Then, I went back to the room to sleep. By the time I was awake, it was already 1pm! Quickly, I dressed up warmly for the snow adventure outside. It was still snowing lightly when I stepped out the main entrance and the snow was like 6inches deep. It took me awhile to accustomise myself with walking in the snow and walking down and up, I decided to hike back to the hotel to request them to send me to the Academy Centre so that I could visit SORA Terrence.
The hotel's shuttle sent me to the Academy Centre which I realised after going around the building that it is actually walking distance back to T Hotel with the magic-carpet. Hehehe... Just need time to figure out the directions of each building which is really within walking distance if it's not because of the thick snow that covers the road and one cannot visualise where is where..
As the timing for the next snow-tank to bring me up to the gondola was another 1hr away; 2.40pm, I went walking around again to buy my quick lunch. Gorilla Curry was recommended but I was not in the mood for Japanese curry. I settled for Tuna Mayo onigiri and Mr. Rainier Caffe Latte (I'm also not very keen on the Japanese's brewed coffee). Simple lunch but satisfied; both for less than ¥300 (RM11).
It is actually rather costly ¥3000 (RM114) for such a short service and a superb-crowded gondola ride; cannot actually move my body to take photos from the window and it's foggy all the way up. At SORA Terence, it was not very scenic when the sun was always going behind the clouds. And my hands freeze when I expose too long to take photo. Photography became very limited and only by observing with my own eyes and remembering the moments.
After I descended and return to Academy Centre, I tried the "magic-carpet" and continue tracking around as it was too late to pay for the Adventure Park's Entry Fee as it was already almost closing time; 4pm. Decided to make snow-angel and snow-girl. Hands are so cccooolllldddd.... and so hard to get-up from the deep-snow. Hahaha...
Today's dinner reserved at T’s Dining
(7.00pm) – Prosciutto Wrapped Lamb Chop with Madelra Sauce - ¥5000 (RM188). I really love the foie gras & scallops but the lamb-chop was disappointing; not cooked till its bone and they never ask me what level of doneness I prefer. When I told the waiter about it, he seems lost and cannot understand what I meant when I told him that it is not cook enough. I wonder if he feedback to the chef.
KK told me last evening that he wants me to check-out early and arrive Yamanouchi town at 9am because they want to head-up to the ski resort. So, I've to re-schedule my breakfast to 7am and the van shuttle to Hotel & Resort Yamanouchi Hills at 8am. I had a feeling that it will be 'wasted' morning because I actually wanted to visit the Adventure Park and check-out from T Hotel at 12pm. My instinct was right! At 9.00am when I reached Yamanouchi Hills, KK whatsapped me and said Kai is not feeling too well and will not be joining us the rest of the day and he himself is going to take time to get ready... He picked me up close to 10am. It was snowing heavily since this morning...
When on foot again to explore while waiting for KK to pick me up... Cannot check-in yet so just leave my luggage in their storage and the Receiption don't speak English. It's a struggle... my room was paid to include breakfast and dinner. When I asked if I need to book the time or menu for my dinner, the guy cannot understand what was I asking and told me I cannot get any refund if I decide to have dinner outside. With lack of sleep, I'm not in the mood to talk further with him.. so, I just sat at the lounge waiting for KK.
Our journey up to Prince Hotel (Shiga Kogen) was a challenging one today as visibility is obviously zero with the blizzard...
We finally reach Prince Hotel and we decided to have lunch first while hoping the snowy condition can get a bit mild. KK went for his half-day snowboarding jumps; I witness him fall from the cafe's window. After walking around in the heavy snowing condition (the google helped so much with the visibility), I decided to sit and wait for KK to finish his 8th round. I checked out the Kid's Corner but the slope was so short, I find it ridiculous just to pay ¥500(RM18.85) per entry for just tube and plastic-sledge.
The drive back to Yamanouchi town is so much better as the sun is about to set and snow-chains are definitely a big help.
KK dropped me off at my hotel so that I can check-in and we arranged to have dinner together. Despite that this hotel is ryokan concept, but I was rather happy that I have my en-suite bathroom and I'm so glad I don't have to shower in the common bathroom. Given me the choice of hotel, I will not want to stay in ryokan since my first experience in Fukuoka. The view from my window for breath-taking when it's almost sunset...
Turns out the walk from my hotel to KK's ryokan was quite a distance, my hand freezed holding my phone to read the navigation-map. And we still have to spend time making last minute plan for dinner because most place requires reservation and was also waiting for Kai to reply if she is joining us for dinner. On second thought, I should have stayed in my own hotel for my paid-dinner rather than un-plan dinner with KK and Kai.
We made plans to be early again tomorrow to go visit the wild snow monkey park...
*10 Feb 2020*
My body was sore-aching from the uncomfortable bed and pillow. The heater was on but it doesn't seem to help keep the room warm enough. And the quality of the comforter provided is not as good either. Reluctantly had to wake up by 7am for an early breakfast at 8am as the Reception said it will be close by 9am.
Once again, Japanese style breakfast was not my cup-of-tea... I rushed thru my breakfast because KK whatsapped me saying they are ready and warming up the car and will pick me up by 8.45am. Did not even have the chance to have a cup of coffee.
Gosh... the entrance of the snow monkey park is indeed far-deep into the 'jungle'... It's like endless slippery-track.. A tracking trip that only requires 25minutes, end-up more than 50minutes for me!! A few people slipped and fall on their bump but I think I don't want to get into that state of fall despite a few slipped happened to me. Finally, group photo...
While I'm at the park, no snow-monkeys went into the 'onsen', waited for a while and finally gave up on them... It's getting too crowded with people too and when everyone are so cautious about the 'Wuhan Coronavirus', stay away from too crowded place is mandatory.
(Live webcam - http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/livecam/monkey/index.htm )
We stopped for early lunch at Enza Cafe which is at the foot of the hill, KK believes that our "long" trekking in and out from the snow monkey park deserve to have an early lunch prior our next agenda... And finally, I get to order and eat my ramen... Been craving it since Day 1 and was having difficulty ordering it else-where.
Somehow, after lunch... KK decided not to drive up to the ski-resort because they want to sort out their hotel & car-rental arrangement due to the changes that had happened. So, I drove into the neighbouring town for a coffee cafe. And after chilling out there for more than 1hour, we head to Aeon Mall which is also nearby. Shopping trip with KK always end up with massive purchase by him... He never leave a shopping mall empty-handed. Usually by 5pm, it gets dark in winter... so, we head back to KK's ryokan as we have reserved for shabu-shabu dinner tonight.
*11 Feb 2020*
This morning, the view from my room's window was magnificent... it's sunny and not snowing.
Breakfast at 8am and lucky, I managed to get a cup of coffee this morning. It was salmon again! Which is full of bones... I did not really have a big appetite and left most of the food untouched.
The Nagano Snow Shuttle supposed to pick me up at 10.45am but the driver came almost 11.10am and the van was full of Aussie onboard. Had a few small chat with them along the way to the Nagano Bus Terminal where we were transferred to another big coach for the rest of the trip to the Narita Airport. There was only 1 stopped along the way around 2pm and I managed to get a late lunch. We reached Narita Airport Terminal 2 around 4pm (way early than schedule) and I had so much time in the Airport that I was really bored... waiting for my 20:25 via SQ11 flight.
