[steven]

I heard Matsumoto is really nice (isn't that like the center of Japan on google maps?)-- I have to admit that I turned down a trip to there a couple of years ago... I'd like to check it out someday though. As far as big cities go in Japan, I think I could live in Nagoya without going crazy (which I don't feel would be the case in any other big city). I actually did a homestay near Nagoya before and I liked it very much.

I've been to Gifu quite a few times-- I went to an Onsen there on Christmas actually. It was so beautiful. I've been to Gero Onsen as well, too.

All I can say is that if you don't like Asian humidity then you wouldn't like it around where I am. I actually don't like it either, but all the great things kind of balance that out. We do get a lot of rain though (and crazy ass weather).

You should try southern California for some good weather!

It's fun learning all the crazy weather words around here-- does your dictionary have 雷雪 in it? I had to look up what the English word for it was!