A travelog about Nagano's four seasons: Winter | The ALPICO GROUP Official Website offers useful travel information on Nagano Prefecture

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

Kaiseki – The Ultimate Japanese Dining Experience

Do you love Japanese food? Sushi, sashimi, wagyu beef, tempura – there are so many delicious dishes to choose from. If you are as crazy about Japanese food as we are, then you cannot miss out on having a real kaiseki meal!

Dec 17, 2019

An Introduction to Hakuba Valley – Japan’s Ultimate Winter Wonderland

For those who love wintertime and want to enjoy the season by skiing, snowboarding or participating in any other snow-related activities, Japan is the place to be.

Don’t know where to go? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let me introduce you to Hakuba – one of the largest and best ski resort areas in Japan. From mid-December, all ski resorts in the area have officially opened for the 2019/2020 season, so if you’re still looking for your ultimate winter vacation, then look no further!

Dec 16, 2019

Discover the World’s Largest Collection of Ukiyo-e – Pictures of the Floating World

Everyone is probably familiar with the image of a giant wave with two boats in the foreground and a small Mt. Fuji in the background. This famous artwork is called “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” and was made by Katsushika Hokusai, arguably Japan’s best-known artist from the Edo period (or in general). What he produced wasn’t really a painting though, but a print created from carved woodblocks. This traditionally Japanese art genre is called “ukiyo-e” and literally translates to “pictures (e) of the floating world (ukiyo)”.

Dec 05, 2019

Five local foods of Matsumoto that you must try!

If there’s one thing we love doing when visiting a new place, it’s trying out the local food. It’s often said that the best way to experience a culture is through its food and we wholeheartedly agree. By seeing what the locals are eating and trying it for yourself, you can get a sense of how the history and location of a place has influenced these eating habits and dishes.

Oct 04, 2019

Cruising Lake Suwa and tasting local sakes during a daytrip to the Suwa area!

In the middle of Nagano Prefecture lies the quiet and peaceful Suwa area. The place is famous for its beautiful lake of the same name that’s also featured in the popular animated film “Your Name” (2016). During summertime, firework festivals light up the surface of Lake Suwa and during wintertime there is a chance that the lake completely freezes over. This phenomenon is called omiwatari.

Sep 27, 2019

Recommended Restaurants near the Norikura Kogen Tourist Center!

Those who are going from Matsumoto to Mt. Norikura (Tatamidaira) have to transfer buses at the transport hub N-29 Norikura Kogen Tourist Center. There are probably people who are looking for a place to eat as they arrived exactly at lunch time or they are waiting for the next bus to come. For tourists who are experiencing a bit of trouble because they are unsure whether the place they are looking at is an actually restaurant or just somebody’s house, or they don’t know what’s on the menu, we are going to introduce 3 of our recommended restaurants near the Norikura Kogen Tourist Center.

Aug 23, 2019

Travel to World Heritage Sites with the Three-Star Route Ticket

With the Three-Star Route Ticket, you can see the best Japan has to offer in an easy and relaxing way by bus. For those of you who have already been to places like Tokyo, Kyoto etc., this ticket is a great way to experience a different side of Japan.

Jul 25, 2019

Exploring Kamikochi in Winter: A Guide to Snowy Adventures

Kamikochi is known to be closed during winter. Well, it is not completely true. Closing period (Nov. 16 – Apr. 16) means that all the shops and hotels inside Kamikochi are closed and the bus service to Kamikochi is not operated.

If you wish to see Kamikochi in winter, the only way to do so is to walk or snowshoe to Kamikochi by yourself.

Jul 10, 2019