Actually, I was very nervous on the day, because
I cannot speak English.
But once we got in the car, it took very little time
to get friendly with everybody.
It was first time for them to go to Ehime prefecture,
so we stopped by some popular venues such as Akashi
Kaikyo Bridge, Uzushio in Naruto and Yoshino river.
It took about 4 hours to get Across Shigenobu from
Osaka.
It was a weekend, so there were many people in Across
Shigenobu.
They seemed to be surprised with its coldness.
There is a 90m course and some items such as a 100m
half pipe, kicker, box and rail.
We took a belt conveyor instead of a
lift, so it was easier to get the top.
It's been a long time for us to snowboard, so each of
us enjoyed some free ridings.
Joe and Karl was very good. I couldn't believe that
it was the second time for Chie to try snowboard, because
she had guts.
2 hours have been past so quickly for
the first day, they seemed want to ride more.
Then we moved to Dogo Onsen which is the oldest hot
spring in Japan.
There were many tourists at Dogo Onsen. It is very famous
for its hot water, so I was worry about them.
We had a dinner after and slept on that day.
For the second day, Joe tried the half
pipe, and Chie tried jumping.
We were very surprised with Chie's improvement.
They enjoyed riding for 4 hours with almost none break,
so they slept in the car on the back to Osaka.
It was very hard schedule, but they said they want to
join the trip again, so I was really happy.
I joined this trip as a staff, but I want to go snowboard
with them again!
Living in Japan as a foreigner (who
can barely speak any Japanese) presents a number of
problems.
Finding out if I am on the right train, ordering food
at a restaurant or trying to blend into society by adhering
to Japanese culture; are all things we as foreigners
struggle with.
So when I want to get away for the weekend,
I'd like to avoid situations like these at all costs.
Luckily for us there is a solution to this. In addition
to the international parties in the Kansai area, Whynotjapan.com
has recently begun organizing snowboarding trips!
Last weekend we met at Tennoji Station
and headed to Ehime Prefecture to do some indoor snowboarding
at AX Shigenobu. The resort is great for any level.
They have runs for beginners and a half-pipe, rail and
kickers for the more advanced snowboarder.
The young, english speaking staff from
Why Not Japan had arranged everything for me. They provided
the board with gear, reserved a hotel room and took
me to an onsen at night (which was amazing after a day
of riding). So if you are looking to have some fun in
Japan and avoid the hassle of organizing your own trip,
then look no further.
Let Why Not Japan organize a snowboarding
trip for you. You wont regret it!
I'm very lucky because I was chosen
as a monitor for Across inner snowboard trip.
I applied to the trip just because I wanted to improve
and enjoy snowboarding.
I didn't expect I was chosen as a monitor and it was
going to be a really great trip.
Let's go to the snowboard trip!!
I was in the van with the people I have
just met. In that situation, I was very nervous, of
course!
The conversations in the van were English, Japanese,
English, English!!
I felt “Oh, no...,” but I was getting relaxed and enjoyed
the conversations around noon.
Though I say it myself, I think I improved so much for
the second time of snowboarding.
That's because of Chiho's shrewd advice
and support.
I had a great time at Dogo Onsen, too.
I couldn't believe we've only just met today, because
we got very friendly and talked about romance on the
first night.
I guess I will go to snowboard as many as possible in
this winter!
Thank you Joe and Chie!!
I am planning a snowboard trip not the inner snowboard
slope!
I'm looking forward to snowboarding with you!!
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