Nature & Hiking | ALPICO GROUP Official Website

“Karasawa Cirque”, the Best Autumn Hike in Kamikochi

The temperature is perfect, the leaves are turning into fiery colors – there’s nothing better than going out for an autumn hike. Karasawa Cirque is, definitely, one of the best autumn hikes in Nagano.

Nov 13, 2020

Climbing the Highest Peak of Mt. Norikura (3,026m) in Just 3 Hours

Climbing a 3,000m level mountain can be easier than you think, even for those who never hit the gym! Here is our guide to climb the peak of Mt. Norikura as a daytrip.

Sep 30, 2020

A Complete Guide to Visiting Kamikochi (Best Time to Visit, Access, Opening, Hiking Routes and More)

As the title says, this post is a comprehensive guide for those who are planning to visit Kamikochi. This will cover all the common questions and things you should know before going, from basic information to tips that will help you enjoy more of Kamikochi.

Sep 30, 2020

Nakasendo Hiking Tour & Narai-juku Post Town Sightseeing Bus

This sightseeing bus will bring you to discover “Narai-juku”, Japan’s longest post town, which has a 1 km-long townscape that looks as if you’ve slipped back in time to the Edo period. There are inns, souvenir shops, restaurants and more that make you feel the good old days, as well as museums, temples and other historic sights. It is a perfect one-day trip from Matsumoto!

Jun 09, 2020

Top 5 Cherry Blossom Sightseeing Spots in Nagano Prefecture

Spring is here! The temperature is picking up, the birds are singing, and lots of flowers are blooming. That also goes for the sakura or cherry blossoms, a Japanese icon that’s loved by people all over the world. The blooming of the cherry blossoms is a special event that many people look forward to and is celebrated nationwide with a so-called hanami or cherry blossom viewing party and by indulging in some of the many cherry-blossom-flavored foods and drinks that are available during this period. The transient beauty of these pink flowers is certainly the biggest reason why the cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times to visit Japan.

Apr 30, 2020

A Must-Visit World Heritage Site! The Historical Village of Shirakawa-go

Hidden amid the mountains and forests of Nagano’s neighboring prefectures Gifu and Toyama, you will find a unique remnant of Japanese history: The Historical Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, these villages should definitely be on your must-visit list when travelling through Japan!

Mar 06, 2020

Enjoy the Best Food, Drinks and Onsen – Après-Ski (After Ski) in Hakuba

A huge part of any winter vacation is the après-ski (literally “after ski”) part of the trip and we know that some find it even more exciting than the skiing itself. Compared to other popular winter destinations, Japan has a pretty unique après-ski culture. Rather than going to a bar, most Japanese prefer relaxing their bodies at an onsen (hot spring). While you’re here, we highly recommend you try it out yourself! But first, let’s introduce you to some places to eat and drink.

Feb 25, 2020

The Ultimate Bucket List Trip – A Visit to Nagano’s Snow Monkeys

Buried within the mountains of Nagano, there is a natural hot spring that has some very peculiar visitors. Instead of humans, you can find red-faced monkeys bathing and relaxing in the warm spring water. This behavior is what makes them so unique as it’s something that has never been seen with any other monkeys. Thanks to this, the Japanese macaques in this area have become world-famous and are commonly known as the snow monkeys of Nagano.

Jan 31, 2020

Exciting Snow Activities and More! – Snow Fun in Hakuba

Do you like the snow and the mountains, but you want to take a break from skiing, or you don’t really like skiing at all? Not to worry, as there are dozens of other snow-related activities available in Hakuba Valley for people of all ages, so both adults and children can enjoy a day out in the snow. Ever wanted to slide down the mountain on a tube or ride a snow mobile? You can!

We’ve listed some of the most popular and exciting winter activities for you to try out in Hakuba!

Jan 14, 2020