Fifteen Years Later I Found Myself Back on Skis in Hirayu Onsen

As I am writing this, I am sitting in the waiting room of the Takayama Bus Station, on our way back home to Gifu.

My legs feel heavy. My body is tired. But my heart feels incredibly full.

My wife and I just wrapped up our second day in Hirayu Onsen, and what a day it has been.

We spent the entire morning and part of the afternoon skiing at Hirayu Onsen Ski Resort. For my wife, it was a completely new experience. She booked a private beginner skiing class and, although it challenged her, she had an absolute blast. Watching her take those first steps, learning how to balance, turn, and trust herself on the snow, was beautiful to witness.

While she was in her lesson, I took the opportunity to explore the slopes myself.

It has been over 15 years since I last stood on skis.

Yet somehow, under the bright sun and those clear blue skies, it felt as if my body remembered. I carved down the slopes again and again, soaking in the joy of movement, the mountain air, and the stunning scenery surrounding Hirayu Onsen.

At one point, I even took my drone up for a short flight from the top of the ski resort. Standing up there, looking across the winter landscape, I realized I did not even know the name of the mountain we were on. Local maps simply referred to it as Hirayu Onsen, just like the village itself. Somehow, that made it feel even more grounded and local, like a hidden gem quietly existing in the Japanese Alps.

After her class, my wife and I took the ski lift up together for the very first time.

And that moment meant more to me than skiing the slopes alone.

We made our way down slowly, safely, at her pace. No rushing. No pressure. Just enjoying the experience together. Laughing. Encouraging each other. Feeling the snow beneath our skis and the mountain around us.

By mid-afternoon, our legs were completely exhausted.

But despite the fatigue, I kept going a little longer. Maybe because it had been 15 years. Maybe because my first real skiing experience in Japan felt so special. I simply did not want the day to end.

What I particularly appreciated about Hirayu Onsen Ski Resort was how relaxed everything felt.

It was not overcrowded. There were no long waiting lines at the ski lifts. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the ski rental service was excellent. Everything felt smooth, welcoming, and unhurried. The kind of place where you can truly enjoy the moment without stress.

On the way back, my wife and I kept talking about the day.

We both agreed this was an experience we want to repeat. Next time, we want to bring our family along so they can enjoy the same joy, the same laughter, and the same sense of adventure we felt today.

For now, I sit here in this bus station waiting room, tired but grateful.

Fifteen years after my last time on skis, I found myself carving down snowy slopes again. But more importantly, I found myself sharing a new first with my wife.