Just another world from Ploy's view
With only four winter days to explore Hakuba for the first time, we decided to dedicate each day to a different resort. Naturally, we saved a spectacular ‘bluebird’ day for the legendary summit of Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort & Snow Field. In this post, I’ll walk you through our entire journey—from the first morning lift …
Finding the perfect yakiniku spot can be a challenge, especially when you’re craving an all-you-can-eat feast outside of Tokyo. Last week, my travels brought me to Nagano Station. While Nagano is a bustling city with almost everything you could need right by the station, I struggled to find a spot that offered an all-you-can-eat service …
After a long day on the slopes or exploring the beautiful trails around Hakuba, there’s nothing better than finding a warm, quiet spot to unwind. I came across Cafe Momoka (カフェももっか) while searching for a place to grab a nice cup of coffee near Hakuba Station. And while the area certainly doesn’t lack for coffee …
If you’re planning a trip to the snowy wonderland of Hakuba, you likely already have your lift passes and gear sorted. But what about the post-shred fuel? On a recent trip, we followed a tip from a friend who’s a Hakuba regular and headed straight for Takahashi-ke 髙橋家. We can’t thank them enough for the …
It took me two winter trips to Japan to finally arrange my time slot to fit ARIGATON (ありが豚) for a dinner while staying near Narita International Airport. And the result? Nothing short of regret—that I should have tried to visit sooner! This restaurant commenced our first night in Japan this year (2026) wonderfully well, boding …
Planning a road trip through Japan is an absolute dream—until you hit the neon-lit, bustling streets of Tokyo. If you’ve ever tried to park in a high-profile district like Shinjuku, you know the struggle is real. During my recent trip, I quickly learned that while rural Japan is a breeze for drivers, Tokyo parking fees …
My first international trip of 2026 to Japan has just come to an end, and my heart is overflowing with fond experiences. While this journey centered around snowboarding in Nagano’s beloved Hakuba Village, one particular visit became the undisputed highlight: dining at ao LAKESIDE CAFE. If you are heading to Nagano, you’ll want to bookmark …
So, you’re heading to Sapporo in winter? Excellent choice. Forget everything you think you know about a typical snowy city—Sapporo wraps its cold in a blanket of steaming ramen broth, twinkling lights, and pure magic. As someone who’s wandered its snowy streets (and fallen in love with them), I’m here to guide you beyond the …
I’d spent years hearing about Ishiuchi Maruyama, a snowboarding crown jewel in Niigata. This past winter, I finally chased the hype. My visit came the first week of January—past the holiday rush, but not in time for a major powder dump. Yet, to my delight, the trip was a revelation. The groomed snow was fast and …
For snow enthusiasts, February in Japan has one mission: finding the perfect powder. Having traversed slopes across this winter-wonderland nation, I can confidently say that Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture exists in a category of its own. It’s a place where world-class snowboarding blends with ethereal natural phenomena, creating not just a vacation, …