Joe Mignano

"Arrive a day in advance sometime in April, get up as early as possible, hike to the top of Gassan, and ski or board all the way down. Don't expect powder (more like sherbet), but it's pretty epic."

"If you need a tourist visa, they can no longer be acquired directly at the embassy...learned this the hard way. You'll need to go through a travel agency. Luckily the guards showed us one next door."

"Come for lunch--great proprietors, 500 yen for a great meal!"

"Great hostel/dive shop! Incredibly nice owners and the Japanese rooms are very nice. GET BREAKFAST HERE—you will thank yourself after (it's worth the ¥1,000)!"

"Everything is good. Try everything. ...I am partial to the Arrabiata Pasta, though."

"Best tonkotsu ramen in northern Tochigi. The gyoza set is a great deal--780 for half ramen and gyoza. You can also ask for a side of garlic (にんにく)...which I highly recommend. ;)"