Winter Wonderland

.. in the Japanese Alps in the NAGANO Prefecture.

Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji was founded ~1,400 years ago and apparently, the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan is kept reight here in this temple.

Snow Monkeys (Jigokudani)

These playful furballs are simply oblivious of the curious camera totting tourists, as they enjoy their dips in the onsen. At times, you wonder who is entertaining who...

 Shibu & Yudanaka Onsen Towns

The onsens here are really HOT... 50°C !!! You gotta dip your feet first and then s-l-o-w-l-y immerse your body into the waters. We loved the footbaths by the roads =)

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

Okushigakogen Ski Area where apparently is one of Princess Masako's favorite ski spots. We were lucky to have the entire place to ourselves and had a 2-hr ski lessons. It was FUN!! and couldn't stop shrieking as we kept crashing to the pillowsoft snow :P