SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
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 […]
Unazuki Onsen
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. The Kurobe Gorge is one of those areas and is the biggest gorge in all of Japan. The entrance to that stunning natural scenery is the town of Unazuki Onsen. Situated at the entrance of the beautiful Kurobe Gorge, Unazuki Onsen is the largest hot spring town in Toyama Prefecture. Home to many guesthouses including traditional ‘ryokan’ and large hotels, the hot springs of Unazuki Onsen are known for the clarity of their water, known to aid […]
Hiking & Walking Trails of Togakushi
Part of the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Togakushi lies just outside central Nagano City and is an area blessed with fantastic hiking and walking trails. The area has long been considered sacred and acted as a place of devotion for at least one thousand years. Some of the most important Shinto shrines in the country are found within the forests of Togkaushi, the trails leading to which are known as the ‘Togakushi Kodo’ – pilgrimage trails that have been walked for centuries. — Where is Togakushi? — Introduction to Togakushi’s Hiking Trails — Walking Between the Shrines — Join a Tour or Charter to Togakushi Togakushi has a lot […]
Kagami-ike (Lake Kagami)
Located just outside Nagano City in the beautiful region of Togakushi, Kagami-ike or Lake Kagami is a renowned nature spot known for its beauty and tranquility. Translating as ‘mirror lake’, Kagami-ike is named for the beautiful reflection of Mount Togakushi and surrounding forests seen on its surface on clear and calm days. On the right day, the reflection appears near perfect – a sight you are most likely to catch in the morning. — Where is Togakushi? — How to Enjoy Kagami-ike — Join a Tour or Charter to Togakushi While Togakushi offers many reasons to visit, for nature lovers Kagami-ike may be one of the most persuasive. Read […]
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 […]
Kusatsu Onsen
Famous throughout for its abundant volcanic water and dramatic setting, Kusatsu Onsen is often cited as one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. It is also grouped with Minakami, Ikaho and Shima as the four famous onsen towns of Gunma Prefecture. Kusatsu is centred around its iconic ‘yubatake’, an immense open-air ‘hot water field’ over which the thermal water flows in order to cool, before being used to fill the baths of the town’s many guesthouses. — Where is Kusatsu Onsen? — The History of Kusatsu Onsen — The Yubatake: The Symbol of Kusatsu — 25 Things to Do Around Kusatsu Onsen & Where to Stay — Onsen Etiquette: […]
Kusatsu Onsen ‘Yubatake’
Lying in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, the town’s ‘yubatake’ is an iconic sight, instantly recognisable to most Japanese. Translating as ‘hot water field’, the yubatake is large open-air area over which thermal water runs along timber troughs. In doing so, the incredibly hot volcanic water cools to a temperature that allows it to be used in the town’s many bathhouses. — The Yubatake: In the Heart of Kusatsu — Yumomi Performance at Netsunoyu — A Short History of Kusatsu — 25 Things to Do Around Kusatsu and Where to Stay — Tours and Charters to Kusatsu As the center of Kusatsu Onsen, many guesthouses, restaurants and shops surround the […]
Shinhotaka Ropeway – A Journey Beyond the Clouds
The Shinhotaka Ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ) is an engineering marvel and a beacon of adventure in Japan, offering one of the highest elevation gains in the nation. Ascending over 1000 meters alongside the majestic Hotake Mountain Range, which houses Oku-Hotakedake, Japan’s third-highest peak, the ropeway offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of nature. Its most notable feature is the innovative double-decker gondola cars, the first of their kind in Japan, providing unmatched panoramic views of the Okuhida Region. Embarkation Point: Nabedaira Kogen The voyage begins with a modest yet scenic 200-meter ascent using a traditional single-story ropeway from the accessible bus stop to Nabedaira Kogen. This station acts as a comprehensive […]
