Our Mission
Kijimadaira Blog is your authentic guide to discovering hidden gems around Kijimadaira Ski Resort (Snow Resort Romance no Kamisama) and the surrounding Nagano region, including Nozawa Onsen, Iiyama, Karuizawa, and Shiga Kogen.
What Makes Us Different
✅ Real Experiences: Every article is based on our actual visits – no secondhand information
✅ Family Perspective: Recommendations from a family of passionate skiers
✅ Local Insights: We share spots locals love, not just tourist traps
✅ Honest Reviews: Authentic opinions with detailed photos and practical tips
✅ Bilingual Content: Articles available in both Japanese and English
What You’ll Find Here
🎿 Ski Resort Reviews
Detailed reports on slopes, snow conditions, lift ticket prices, and family-friendliness at resorts throughout Nagano Prefecture.
🍜 Local Gourmet
Authentic restaurants, cafes, soba shops, and hidden culinary treasures. From slope-side steakhouses to traditional hand-made soba.
🏨 Accommodation
Ski-in/ski-out lodges, cozy mountain stays, and family-friendly hotels with onsen facilities.
♨️ Hot Springs (Onsen)
Relaxing onsen recommendations perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
🗺️ Travel Tips
Practical advice for navigating rural Nagano – parking information, crowd conditions, seasonal tips, and access details.
About the Author
We’re a skiing family who have fallen in love with the Kijimadaira region. We visit throughout the winter season and share our discoveries to help you plan the perfect ski trip to Nagano.
Our home base is Kijimadaira, but we explore the entire Northern Nagano area – from the powder fields of Nozawa Onsen to the high-altitude slopes of Shiga Kogen.
Why Kijimadaira?
Located just 20 minutes from Nozawa Onsen, Kijimadaira (Snow Resort Romance no Kamisama) offers a unique skiing experience:
- ⛷️ Zero Lift Lines – Even on weekends, you’ll rarely wait more than 2 minutes
- 💰 Affordable Prices – Significantly cheaper than major resorts (Adult lift tickets from ¥4,900)
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly – Gentle slopes perfect for kids; preschoolers ski FREE
- 🇯🇵 Authentic Japanese Experience – Fewer international tourists, genuine local atmosphere
- 🏔️ Quality Snow – Same Nagano powder as famous resorts, without the crowds
Perfect for:
- Families with young children
- Intermediate skiers seeking uncrowded slopes
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Day-trippers from Nozawa Onsen
- Anyone seeking authentic Japanese skiing
Our Content Philosophy
We believe in:
🎯 Transparency – We clearly state when we visit, what we pay, and what we think
📸 Visual Storytelling – Extensive photos so you know exactly what to expect
💡 Practical Information – Prices, hours, parking, crowd conditions, and access details
🌍 Accessibility – Making rural Nagano easier to explore for international visitors
We don’t accept payment for positive reviews. All opinions are our own, based on genuine experiences.
Coverage Area
Our primary focus is the Kijimadaira region, but we regularly cover:
Ski Resorts
- Snow Resort Romance no Kamisama (Kijimadaira)
- Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
- Shiga Kogen (Yokoteyama and other areas)
- Madarao Kogen
- Togari Onsen
Cities & Towns
- Iiyama City
- Nozawa Onsen Village
- Kijimadaira Village
- Karuizawa
- Nagano City
Gourmet Highlights
- Hand-made soba restaurants
- Izakayas and local sake
- Slope-side dining
- Traditional Japanese cuisine
- Unagi (eel) specialists
Useful Information
Season
We’re most active during ski season (December – March), but also share summer and autumn experiences.
Language
Articles are published in Japanese and English. Use the language switcher at the top of any page.
Updates
We aim to update information regularly, but prices, hours, and conditions can change. Always check official websites before visiting.
Connect With Us
Have questions, suggestions, or collaboration ideas? We’d love to hear from you!
📧 Contact: Get in touch here
Explore More
Ready to discover Nagano’s hidden gems? Start with these popular articles:
- Complete Guide to Kijimadaira Ski Resort
- Nozawa Onsen Season Opening Report
- Auberge Groovy: Exceptional Steak Lunch
Follow our adventures and discover your next favorite spot in Nagano! 🎿❄️✨