{"id":76215,"date":"2011-03-27T17:59:27","date_gmt":"2011-03-27T08:59:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/welcome.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp\/modules\/xpressme\/?p=434"},"modified":"2011-03-27T17:59:27","modified_gmt":"2011-03-27T08:59:27","slug":"ski-resorts-close-early-cherry-blossom-festivals-are-held-as-usual","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blog.visitmatsumoto.com\/en\/events\/ski-resorts-close-early-cherry-blossom-festivals-are-held-as-usual\/","title":{"rendered":"Ski resorts close early, cherry blossom festivals are held as usual."},"content":{"rendered":"

We added a new category “Earthquake-related Updates” and a frame for articles of the category<\/a> in the top page, to report precise and scientifically correct information.<\/p>\n

The Mt. Norikura Ski Resort in Matsumoto close today, one week earlier than usual since visitors decrease and fuels are short because of the quakes and problems of reactors in Fukushima.<\/p>\n

I went to Hakuba Ski Resort with British, Korean, and Japanese friends two days after the 3.11 earthquake.
\nI considered whether we should cancel it, but I read all the courses and lifts in the ski resort would operate safely and a blog of one ryokan said “Many guests canceled. This year snow condition is good and I am very sad”. I thought if all people stayed home and just watched the disaster on TV, it would make the economy and tourist industry worse, so we decided to go.
\nThe resort was less busy than a normal weekend, but many people including foreigners were enjoying skiing and snowboarding without any problem.
\n\"\"
\nBut, some ski resorts in Nagano also close earlier.<\/p>\n

Some events in Nagano such as cherry festivals will also be cancelled. However, Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing in Matsumoto Castle<\/a> are held as usual and cherris will be lit up at night. Cherries in Matsumoto are forecast to bloom on April 11 and full-bloom around April 16. I hope it will encourage people in Japan.
\nA cherry blossom lighting up event at Mt. Kobo<\/a> will be canceled.<\/p>\n