In January, I crossed an item off my bucket list: I skied in Japan. Going to Japan has been a dream of mine since high school, so I jumped at the chance to ski there when the opportunity arose.

Japan is a beautiful country, and the people could not have been more welcoming. At 37 million, Tokyo is the largest city in the world, population-wise, and also the cleanest city I have ever been to. Every elevator and escalator worked, there were no pot holes in the streets, there is almost zero crime, and the trains and buses all ran on time. There is no concept of retirement; everyone wants to feel useful.

We skied for a week in the Hakuba Valley, where the Nagano Olympic downhill skiing events were held in 1998. There are still many Olympic Rings displayed around the resort.  

While in the Hakuba Valley, we also went to Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, to see the Snow Monkeys.  It was snowing when we went, and my first time being close to wild monkeys. They were chilling in a man-made rock hot tub, but the hot springs are natural.

We then took the bullet train to Tokyo for a three-day stay. One day in Tokyo, we went to the Tuna Auction, and I had the freshest Nigiri in my life. I was in heaven!

However, the one part of my diet that was not the best I’ve had in my life was the Japanese wine. While in Hakuba, the local brand was called “Musée de Vin” from the Shinshu region, but it was not very good. Luckily, there was plenty of great French wine available; due to Emperor Meiji’s love of Burgundy and Bordeaux wine, trade with France was opened during his rule (1867-1912).

What I did enjoy was the Japanese Plum and Yuzu Sake. Total Wine, by the Cherry Hill Mall, has a large selection of sake. (in Japan, “sake” is a term used for alcoholic beverages in general, not just the alcoholic drink made from rice that we use it for.)

Choya Umeshu with Plum Wine comes in an unusual cylindrical bottle, with a plum inside it. Umeshu is traditional aperitif/desert wine. This sweet, light wine is delicious served on the rocks, like I had it in the Golden Gai district in Tokyo, or mixed with tonic. Total Wine carries it for $17.50.  Another popular brand is Takara Plum Wine, only $10.50 at Total Wine.

Yuzu Sake is Junmai sake (sake made from only rice, water, yeast, and koji, with no other distilled alcohol added) blended with yuzu fruit, a Japanese citrus that is a cross between a Meyer lemon and a mandarin orange. This sake is extremely citrusy, and great on its own over rocks, or mixed into a margarita. Total Wine has a 500ml bottle for $26. Kanpai!