Though it is said their numbers are dwindling slightly year by year, it is still quite possible to see fireflys near some of the clear waters of the lakes, rivers and streams around Hakuba. I was lucky enough to have the chance last week to join one of Evergreen's "Hotaru Tours" and see them in all their glory around the edge of Aoki-ko.
It is not an easy thing to put into words, or indeed pictures, as it is quite difficult to capture with a camera, but the feeling of floating softly in a canoe by the shores of the lake, lit only slightly by the moon overhead and the flitting glow of dozens of fireflys... well, hard to put into words. A tilt of the head also gives you full view of the panorama of stars above, and the dim comforting bulk of the mountains surrounding you. Reflection, calm, and a rekindling of a sense of wonder are sure to follow.
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Onsen / Hot Springs
The Japanese love of Hot Springs, or "onsen" is inseparable from the national character. People will gladly travel many hours just for the chance to have a soak in one of the many thousands of hot springs throughout this volcanic country. The "onsen" experience, like so many things in Japan, is a multilayered experience. Some hot springs form the focal point for a whole tour...
Other Adventures
A boundless range of other activities can be found in Hakuba and area, from canyoning to paragliding to rafting to kayaking to canoeing, arts and crafts and more!
Sightseeing
The Nagano Prefecture area and beyond offer a variety of sightseeing opportunities, from the laid back ambiance of Matsumoto, with it's justly famed Matsumoto Castle, to he beauty of Zenkouji Temple in Nagano City, to the resort shopping town feel of Karuizawa...and more.
Hikes and Walks
There are many hiking opportunities around the Hakuba area, ranging from challenging multiday hikes to ones that are more suited to the "strolling". The one constant is views of the Japanese Alps and the surrounding countryside that is sure to soothe the soul.
Cycling
Japan is a cyclist's paradise in a number of respects. Forgetting the highways for a moment, it is a country of well kept roads, many of them with very light traffic (thanks to those highways!) which lead you through blissful scenery and villages where time seems to have stopped, or at least has slowed down a bit, with a refreshment stop or lodging for the night never more than a few km...
Daytrips
Hakuba can be your base for many fascinating day trips, on the way up or back from the major centres, or to break up your ski vacation.
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Aoni Village
This is certainly one of the iconic images around Hakuba, and rightly so. Absolutely beautiful spot. 15 minutes away from
Azumino Alps Park
Last week, on the way back from Hotaka, I took the time to stop in at the Alps Azumino Park.
Mountain Bike Clinic
I've been convinced for a long time that by bicycle is the best way to travel. It gives you enough
Go-Karting
A friend's birthday celebration provided the occasion to put the pedal down and let loose for some go-kart action… at
Happoike
Like many a man since the dawn of time... woke up with a few problems on my mind. Got myself
Matsumoto
Matsumoto is a lovely town. Population of 210,000, it's about a half hours drive from Hakuba and is also the
Nozawa Onsen Day Trip
One thing we don't often get in Japan is fat and lazy flowing rivers. but the Chikuma River flowing through
Walking the Source of the Himekawa River
The Himekawa River flows through Hakuba, and indeed gains strength for 60 kms before emptying itself into the Japan Sea
Canyoning and Canoeing
Well, the smiling faces you see in the photo gallery below should tell you all you need to know about
A cycle around town
When you tell people that you like cycling, most assume either a road bike and 60 kms before breakfast, or
Firefly tours
Though it is said their numbers are dwindling slightly year by year, it is still quite possible to see fireflys
Cycling to Togakushi
Despite the heat in Hakuba over the past couple of weeks, I decided to venture out by bicycle again, over
Paragliding
A mostly futile wish for most of humankinds existence, the dream to fly like a bird in the sky is