Matsumoto castle is the oldest surviving castle from the age of the feudal warring states in Japan dating back to 1592. The view from the surrounding moat to the North Alps beyond is breathtaking. The inside of the castle includes many items from japans feudal past.

Jigokudani “The snow monkey onsen” World famous since the movie “Baraka” brought it to the attention of people worldwide, the monkey onsen is a popular trip from Hakuba. A troupe of the most northerly monkeys in the world hangs out in a natural hot spring for most of the year. There are about 200 monkeys at the spring and you can walk around surrounded by monkeys going about the daily routine that monkeys do! Bickering, playing, posturing, running around in the snow or just chilling out in the onsen. Great trip! Jigokokudani Monkey Onsen and Zenkoji Temple Ski Japan Holiday Tours WHEN: Dec 20-March 30.  Every MON WED FRI SAT.  8:00AM -5:00 PM COST: 10,000 with lunch kids 3-11 years old 8,000 PROS: No hassle. Comes with an English speaking guide, great lunch in Obuse village and a visit to Zenkoji. On Your Own WHEN:  Any Day.  Travel time: 1hr 50 minutes one way (not including transfer time.) COST:  Adults:  6,100 Children: 3,050 (transport and park entrance ticket.) PROS: Go at your own pace any day of the week.  No Big Groups.  Save money! 1.)Take the bus from Hakuba Happo bus terminal to Nagano Station East Exit. (70 minutes. Price: 1,500 one-way.  Children 750) 2.) Take a second bus from Nagano Station East Exit Bus Stop #3 or #4 to “Kanbayashi Onsen Guchi.” (40 minutes. Price: 1,300 one way.  Children 650) From Happo Bus Station to Nagano Station From Nagano Station to Kanbayashi Onsen Guchi 6:20-7:35 8:15-8:56 8:20- 9:35 9:10-9:51 9:25-10:40 10:10-10:51 11:15-12:30 11:15-11:56 12:45-14:00 12:20-13:01 13:40-14:55 14:00-14:41 (RETURN) From Kanbayashi Onsen Guchi to Nagano Station (40 min) (RETURN) From Nagano Station to Happo Bus Station (70 min) 12:25-13:20 13:35-14:45 13:15-14:10 15:10- 16:20 14:15-15:10 16:10-17:20 15:10-16:05 17:1018:20 16:05-17:00 18:20-19:30 17:10-18:10 20:30-21:40 18:05-19:10 The bus, taxi, or tour will drop you […]

One of the best things about a visit to Japan is the numerous onsens scattered along its length. And soaking in one after a big day on the hill……there’s nothing better! Fortunately Hakuba and the area around Morino Lodge are loaded with `em! Our closest one is about 100 meters away and there are over a half dozen more within 5 minutes walk. This guide is intended to give you information about our favorite onsens in Hakuba as well as to introduce you to some of the etiquette that goes along with them. RULES AND ETIQUETTE The rules of conduct at an onsen can basically be summed up in four points; 1 – Clean yourself off before entering the bath. Most onsens these days have a showering area to clean up before entering the bath. In more traditional ones, use a washbowl to rinse off. 2 – Go naked. You could wear a bathing suit in many onsens in Hakuba but the truth is you’d probably get a lot more funny looks wearing one. It is common however to bring a “modesty towel” – a small towel to cover up with. If you’re still not ready to take a bath with naked strangers, there are two onsens near bye you can book out privately. 3 – Don’t put anything other than your body in the bath. So if you have a small towel, don’t let it enter the water. Keep it on the side or if you want to be like a local, on your head while you bathe. 4 – Don’t be too noisy. The Japanese come to onsens to relax. Talking is no problem but high-fives and cannonballs……not! *An extra point of interest, you can drink a beer while bathing, just be careful not to spill it and remember……no cannonballs! RECOMMENDED ONSENS […]

Hakuba doesn’t boast the nightlife of Tokyo, but there are a few choices for those who crave a big night out.  Look at the front desk for fliers to get the latest information on parties and events happening in Hakuba. Wadano and Happo Area The Pub UFO stadium Marzen Yohei Club Roots Café (Apres Ski and music events)   Echoland Area Q- Tips 902 bar Master Braster Cherry Pub

There are dozens of restaurants and bars to choose from in Hakuba with the greatest concentration being in the Wadano/Happo Village area around Morino Lodge. Other popular areas for eating out and drinking include Echoland as well as the area near Hakuba station. The following list of restaurants and bars include our favorites as well as ones recommended by our customers. There are a number of establishments not included so if you find somewhere worth mentioning, let us know and we’ll add it to the list! Reservations are necessary at a lot of these places, especially for big groups, so ask one of the staff to help you out if you’d like to go! There are dozens of restaurants and bars to choose from in Hakuba with the greatest concentration being in the Wadano/Happo Village area around Morino Lodge.  Other popular areas for eating out and drinking include Echoland as well as the area near Hakuba station. The following list of restaurants and bars include our favorites as well as ones recommended by our customers. There are a number of establishments not included so if you find somewhere worth mentioning, let us know and we`ll add it to the list!   MORINO CAFÉ Sure, we might be a little prejudiced, but we believe some of the best food and drink in Hakuba comes out of our own kitchen!  From café delights to tailor-made meals, chances are our in-house chefs from Australia can provide you with all your food and beverage needs without you having to leave the comfort of the lounge. With our deluxe cappuccino machine, we may have the best coffee in Hakuba!  Cinnamon Lattes、frothy Cappuccinos, or steamed Hot Chocolates, to name just a few of the items available. We also have bottles of import wine, local wine and local Sake available for purchase. We can create cocktails for you from our bar as well. Check out the café […]