Best Early Winter Events: Ice Valley (beginner), Free River Onsen, Tanigawadake Snow Cave

[Andy OCJ]

Update: Covid restrictions will limit opportunities this year.

Nikko Ice Valley (beginner)

An easy 1 day trip but good for all levels. Amazing ice formations along a 300m gorge Unryu Keikoku
Best from middle to end of January. Public transport OK.

Photos
photos/index.php/2005?page=2

photos/index.php/2008/080302nikko014

photos/index.php/2007/070127unryukeikoku009

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photos/index.php/2012/120205nikko_ice_valley022


Free River Onsen - Shiriyaki onsen near Kusatsu.
Beginner ok as it is a short walk on road from bus stop, Public transport OK.
It is an overnight event as not worth the travel for 1 day and you can enjoy 24 hour free hot river taking a bath at night.
OCJ has a secret spot for camp near onsen. Need sleeping bag with comfort range to -10C.
Good now but February has more snow around so atmosphere is better. Also frozen walterfall hike nearby (will need 4-6 point crampons).

Photos
photos/index.php/2014






Tanigawadake Snow Cave - Beginner Snowshoe

View is fantastic there. Onsen nearby as well.
Another beginner trip if you have cold weather gear for snow. It is an easy walk up the valley to Ichinokura where you can make snow cave and sleep inside. If problems there is a free lodge there (not a nice one but in winter it is good to have for dinner etc).
Need sleeping bag with comfort range to -12C. A few other things from 100yen shop. A stove or share one to boil water/snow.
You will need snowshoes (cheap 4,000-5,000yen ok). Small 4 point crampons might be needed.
More details later if people interested. Public transport OK.
Now till early February best.

Photos
photos/index.php/2010

photos/index.php/2008




Matsuki Gorge Snow Hike Near Nikko / Ashio

Very beautiful scenery and almost flat walk.
photos/index.php/2016?page=4

1 day ok, Low level hiker ok with crampons.
February usually best as snow is later here.

[Andy OCJ]

If someone volunteers to meet people, lead the hike (group can do together), and collect the OCJ event fee, I can help with organisation.

All these events are quite simple and I have map scans. People must have the right gear though.