SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
Kamikochi
Located approximately 50km to the west of Matsumoto City, the stunning alpine valley of Kamikochi is one of Nagano’s most iconic destinations. Once considered the home of a sea god known as Hotakami-no-Mikoto by the Azumi Clan, visitors to Kamikochi will surely enjoy the heavenly atmosphere here. Stretching 18km in length from Mt Yari in the north, past the imposing triple peaks of Mt Hotaka down to Mt Yakedake in the south, the valley lies between 1400 and 1600 meters in altitude with the dramatic North Japan Alps rising to over 3000 meters above it. Blessed with abundant beauty and renowned for its pristine natural state, Kamikochi is considered the […]
Takayama Historic Old Town
Hidden in the scenic mountains of Central Japan, Takayama offers a timeless journey through Japan’s past with its beautifully preserved Edo Period streets. This historic town, once a thriving hub of commerce and craftsmanship, was also under the direct control of the shogunate, making it an important center of governance. Visitors are invited to explore its charming alleys lined with traditional wooden buildings, local shops, and cultural landmarks. The old town is like a living museum, where every corner tells a story of the town’s rich heritage. Takayama’s vibrant festivals, held in spring and autumn, transform the town into a lively celebration of tradition. These events feature elaborate floats, traditional […]
Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
Shirakawa-go, the largest of the three famed gassho-zukuri farmhouse villages and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, is nestled in the high mountains of Toyama and Gifu Prefectures. These villages retain their historic character and traditional ways of life, most pronounced in their ‘gassho-zukuri’ thatched-roofed farmhouses. Named for the steep pitch of their roofs, resembling hands held together in prayer (‘gassho’), many farmhouses are over 250 years old. Built to withstand heavy snowfall, these designs demonstrate ingenuity in adapting to the landscape. Adapted to withstand heavy snowfall, the gassho-zukuri design showcases the ingenuity of past generations in creating self-sufficient communities. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site […]
Shiga Kogen: Central Area
The central area of Shiga Kogen is by itself bigger than most Japanese resorts and your gateway to the entire resort. With the greatest concentration of accommodation, restaurants and bars, and services including ski schools and rental shops, currency exchange and a medical facility, the ski fields of the Central Area are the ideal place to base yourself when visiting Shiga Kogen in winter. This page includes: — Overview of the Central Area — Individual Ski Fields – who they suit & highlights — Season Dates, Operating Times, Lift & Ticket Information — Rental & Ski School — Accommodation in the Central Area — Book with Us! Accommodation & Ski […]
Explore Shibu Onsen
Located between Yudanaka Station and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring town boasting a 1300-year history. Blessed with numerous thermal water sources, the town has long been known as a place of healing and refuge. Japanese have been venturing to Shibu for centuries to soak in its mineral-rich waters, said to remedy a variety of ailments. Now home to many guesthouses – most with their own in-house hot spring – Shibu Onsen is a quaint village nearby the monkey park and Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen. — Where is Shibu Onsen? — How to Get to Shibu Onsen — 20 Things to Do Around […]
Kurobe Gorge
The Central Japanese Alps are not only famous for the beautiful snow capped mountains of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine but also the valleys and gorges created from the streams and river following from them. Japan has its share of beautiful gorges and ravines and among them, Kurobe Gorge is one of the most beautiful. Cut deep into the mountains by the Kurobe River, this is also one of Japan’s steepest gorges, blessed with beautiful forest – especially stunning in autumn – and several outdoor ‘onsen’ (natural hot springs). Easy to access by shinkansen from Kanazawa and Tokyo, you can enjoy this area from many of the major destinations around Japan. Explore […]
Hike Japan’s North Alps Mountain Trails
One of three mountain ranges making-up the ‘Japanese Alps’, the ‘North Alps’ boast some of the country’s highest peaks and spectacular alpine scenery. Visitors wanting to ascend high into the mountains along hiking trails can do some from the rural enclave of Azumino. Located around 30-minutes by train from Matsumoto, Azumino has three trailheads located at Nakabusa Onsen, Ichinosawa and Mitsumata from where trails lead into the mountains. Walks range from one-day hikes to multi-day courses requiring hikers to camp or stay in mountain huts overnight. Subject to heavy snow through winter, the hiking season runs from June until October. At its heart, Japan is a country of mountains with […]
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort
Operated the Prince Hotel group, Karuizawa Ski Resort is perhaps the most readily accessible resort from Tokyo – only a short distance from Karuizawa Station, a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Easy to get to from the capital, Karuizawa is a small resort that relies on snow-making equipment and as such is best-suited to families with young children, absolute beginners or those just wanting to enjoy the snow and winter atmosphere with easy access to everything else the resort town has to offer. Basically, if you are a keen skier or snowboarder or looking for Japan’s legendary powder dumps then Karuizawa definitely is not for you. But if you just […]
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Located directly across from Karuizawa Station, the Prince Shopping Plaza boasts more than 200 stores along with numerous restaurants and parkland spread across 26-hectares. Many major fashion houses have outlet stores at the plaza, making it an immensely popular destination for both Japanese and international visitors. — Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza: Stats & Facts — Accommodation & Resort Info — How to Get to Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza — Book with us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza: The Stats & Facts The Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is one of the largest outlet mall in Japan, consisting of 5 different areas and over 200 shops. The […]