Goldie’s in the snow!!! So many nice people let B take snow dog photos to send me up on the mountain lol.
Day 15 food: B had a delicious Sunday roast up on the mountain and I ate snacks for lunch today. We then had a mid afternoon snack after our onsen with a fabulous view – icecream!!!
Day 15 dinner, we lined up at Toyo ramen (a basement restaurant near the Oyu Onsen on the Main Street) when they opened. We were 2nd on the wait list (they were fully booked out) and got in within half an hour. The food was really good and really well priced – i wish i spoke japanese So i could book here! You can book but need someone who can speak Japanese to help you out with calling.
The food and blueberry Sochu highball was fantastic here and really well priced.
day 16 food – we booked at Juntus Mexican for dinner which was recommended by a regular Nozawa visitor. It wasn’t really Mexican (more Mexican inspired) but made a nice change from ramen. It was insanely loud and cramped and most people in there were really hammering booze. I struggled to be in there for more than 30 mins to be honest so we were in and out fast. Also….not cheap by any account! This is one of the few places you can book online though and that does make life a lot easier. I would not return to this one.
Day 17 food – had to book 6 days ahead but managed to get into Suminoya BBQ. Not the cheapest option but super tasty Japanese bbq at your own table! We did the platter for two which was 700Y each (about $70 AUD). We also had to take a 7:30pm booking (second seating) as that was all we could get. The bbq meat platter with veg and 3 sauces was good but the dessert was absolutely next level. I would go back just for that DIY ice cream sandwich again. Note; this one wasn’t a cheap option and is one of the pricier places in the town, you also need to book ahead as they were totally full for both sittings.
Day 18 food: I booked 5 days ahead for hot pot here by showing up one evening and asking. It was a bit of stuffing about but it meant we managed to get into Sumonabe hotpot at a good time of 6pm. Long waits and booking times here! So definitely one to plan ahead for.
Food was really good but crazy amounts of it for my poor stomach lol. B had to do some really heavy lifting here. We had heard the hot pot at Sooyu is better but couldn’t get in there with a booking for just 2 of us so can’t comment on that.
Day 19 food: The engage lunch at Toyo Ramen again which was a lot less busy at lunch time
Our last dinner was booking at Winterland taproom so we could eat a whooooole lot of dumplings lol. While the vibe is super American here (no Japanese staff in sight) the gyoza are made by a local and are made from local ingredients. I also really wanted to try their banana gyoza with icecream which was only available at dinner time. We felt the vibe was good, enjoyed the music and the snowboarding on TV (and the drinks!) but wouldn’t want to attend on a 7am ski morning.
Note to self: book ahead for SOOYU hotpot and Tanuki Teppanyaki next time. Both book out 2/3 weeks ahead which I didn’t know until we arrived. Also add POTS to my list as a few people mentioned that when I was at an onsen. Also book again for the bbq.place and leave space for 4 x icecream sandwiches lol.
Mel's Travel Blog 