It has been over a year since the disastrous earthquake struck on March 11, 2011 and which resulted in so much damageand loss of life. Japan has received a lot of support from around the world and for this, I sincerely thank you.

Hakuba was fortunate to escape any damage from the earth-quake and as a consequence the resort saw over a million visitors looking for a diversion from the uneasy news reports coming in almost daily.

One of the questions most often asked by the many visitors who come during the winter season is “What is Hakuba like in summer?” If you’re here during the ski/snowboard season, it’s a bit of a challenge to visualize the look and feel of Hakuba.

For one, the mountain scenery is so stunning that it rivals that ofof the Eurropopean AlA psps. MoMounntaainin bbikinngg annd d trekkingg repeplace the mountain sports. In fact there are so many land and water based recreational activities that if you were to visit theHakuba Tourism Commission on a beautiful summer’s day and asked about what you could do today; you would be there for

ages listening to the many options and opportunities avail-able.

Hakuba also has a wide range of dining options that focus on fresh local ingredients. We hope during your stay that you have a chance to sample some of the culinary delights on offer. I myself recommend locally grown Soba Noodles.

This year sees the 10th Anniversary of the Flower Zanmai Hakuba Alps Festival. During the summer months of July and August expect to see Hakuba covered in colorful flowers from wild alpine varieties to vibrant lilies.

I hope the stories and pictures in these pages will help inspire your time here and give you a taste of all the wonderful choices for relaxation and adventure.

lPlease hhave an awesome stay in Hakubba and d fof course fif you are thinking of coming back in winter then you are more than welcome. Mayor, Hiroki Ota

Hakuba Connect Publisher: Snow ConnectionsEditor: Steve WilliamsDesign: Ashish BoseAdvertising: Mikiyo WilliamsCoContntriribubutotorsrs:: DaDavividd EnEnririghghtt Karey Watanabe

Contract Information:Snow Connections1606-4 Hokujo, Hakuba VillageNagano 399-9301, JapanTel: 080-3126-0247EmEmaiail:l: mmagagazazinine@e@hahakukubabacoconnnnecectt.cocommwww.hakubaconnect.com

Hakuba Connect twiw ce annually y visitor gguide is free when picp ked upp at distribution ppoints througghout the Hakuba valley.y© S© Snownow CoC nnections. Alll rights reserved. Reprodoductuc ion in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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Short Family Walk

ocated about a kilometer or so to the east of the main Hakuba train station this short walk or stroll mixes a sense of history as well as affording some awesome views of the Hakuba three peaks. Start the walk at the at the Oide Suspension Bridge parking area, where there is also a small ice cream shop for your treat when you return. Cross over the Himekawa

River, aplty named Princess River in Japanese, and walk up through the forest keeping the river to your left. There are a couple of viewing points on the way up so don’t forget to bring your camera. At the top of the forest road there are steps that lead back down to the river, I forgot to count them but there must be a few hundred. Cross back over the river on another suspension bridge and then it is a short stroll back to the parking area – passing Oide Water Wheel. Now it’s time to enjoy that ice cream.

Gondola Accessed Short Walk

This walk is for those who would like to have a stroll as well as having the thrill of a gondola ride then head over to Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield. In summer the snow is replaced by thousands upon thousands of brightly colored lilies. After the 8 minute ride to 1280m, enjoy the beautiful 360 degree panoramic views of the Hakuba valley and mountains.

There are a couple of loops you can try depending on your fitness and time available. The easiest one is a 30 minute stroll around the peak. You will walk through the lilly park, pas the dog run and then back to the top of the gondola.

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For a longer walk of about 90 minutes head to the left as you look up the mountain. This sign posted route will have you enjoying the “Natural Power Spot” of the forest – so says the guided literature! Enjoy local soba buckwheat noodles at Sky Arc Café as you make your way back to the top of the gondola.

Iwatake Snowfield lifts open time: 8:30 to 16:30, Season: July 13 to September 2, Adult 1400yen Children 700yen, Tel: 0261-72-2474

After spending much of the last summer exploring the local trail throughout the Hakuba Valley, I have tended to my blisters and compiled the following list of Hakuba’s favorite hikes based on how much time or fitness you may have.

Half Day

Perhaps you have an entire morning or afternoon to adventure, if so then upload on the Tusgaike Kogen gondola and further upload on the Tsugaike Ropeway to 1829m to access the high alpine Tsugaike Nature Park.

The path around the nature park is on elevated boards so you don’t need to have hiking boots – normal sneakers will suffice. There are a few loops all linked together with the longest being about 6km. In the summer there are an abundant of alpine flora, and in the fall there are some of the best autumnal colors you will find in the Hakuba Valley.

Most walkers stroll around the course – please give yourself a few hours for a complete circuit. There are few restaurants at the entrance serving the usual hikers fayre, including my favorite “katsu curry” pork cutlet on curry and rice. And seeing as you have earned it why not treat yourself to some mountain grape flavored soft ice cream.

Full Day

Should you be both fortunate and adventurous enough to devote an entire day to exploration – then the Happo Ike Pond is calling you.

This adventure begins at Happo-one gondola where you are uploaded to the Usagi Daira Terrace. Make sure you spend a few minutes here on the open terrace watching the paragliders set off to fly back down to the village below.

Next, hop on the Alpen Grat followed by the Grat Quad to 1831m. This is Hakuba’s highest lift accessed point. You will feel a drop in tempera-ture from this height so make sure you pack the sweaters even in the middle of summer.

From here the hike gets a little tough with climbing to the cairn at the top of Happo Mountain at 1974m. There are actually a few cairns at various heights. These are good to give yourself little goals for when the going gets tough. Upon reaching the Happo Ike Pond at 2060m take a rest and enjoy the magnificent views of the peaks and the valley below. If you are lucky then the pond will mirror the reflection of the peaks.

As a word of warning as you leave the lift accessed area there are no places to buy anything so make sure you bring some snacks for this hike. I recommend hitting the local Lawson convenience store in Happo to stock up on energy bars or do the Japanese thing and buy plenty of rice balls, these are a great alternative to energy bars and just as nutritious.

Tsugaike Kogen lifts open time: 8:00 to 16:20Season: June 1 to November 4

Adult 3,300yen, Children 1,750yen, Tel: 0261-83-2255

Happo-one lifts open time:8:00 to 17:00

Season: May 19 to Nov. 4Adult 2600yen

Children 1460yenTel: 0261-72-3280

Multi–Day

For the ultimate hiking adventure, take a few days and explore the 3,000 meter peaks of Hakuba. The best way to enjoy mulit-day hiking is hut-to-hut carrying light packs. Hot food, cold beer and a comfortable bed awaits you at the end of each day. Alternatively you can pitch you tent at campsites that overlook magnifi-cent alpine vistas. The favorite of many, is to begin the hike at top of the lifts at Happo-one ski area and follow the ridges along the peaks then head back down to Tsugaike Kogen ski area. This hike is best carried out over 3 days though it can be done in two. After leaving the lifts at Happo-one climb up to Karamatsu Lodge at 2620m. It takes about 4 hours. Drop your bag off at the lodge and do a quick climb of Mt. Karamatsu 2696m. After a good night’s sleep, rise before dawn and watch the sunrise over the eastern horizon before breakfast. You won’t be disappointed. After breakfast, it’s a strenuous climb to the next mountain hut at Tengu-sanso. Be careful when hiking, this is high alpine and some of the ridges are narrow with some long drops.

It should take you about five hours to reach Tengu. For the fitter ones, another three hours of hiking will get you to Hakuba Sanso and cut one day off the hike.

After Tengu, it is time to tackle the three main Hakuba peaks. First is Mt. Yarigatake (2,903m), mostly known as Hakuba Yari to save confusion with another Yariga-take. The middle peak is Shakushidake (2,812m ). The last peak is Mt. Shirouma (2,932m) or Mt. Hakuba as the Chinese characters can be read both ways. Just before the peak you will come to Hakuba Sanso the largest of the mountain huts with beds for 800 persons! This is your hut for the last night on the mountains. It’s mostly downhill to the lifts at Tsugaike Kogen and then a short bus ride back to Hakuba.

The Tourism Commission of Hakuba makes a good map with booking contacts for the mountain huts. Make sure you are fit enough to tackle the mountains. Pack warm clothing – it can get very cold even in middle of summer.

hen you think Japan your immediate image may not be that of pure clean water but that, however, is one of Japan’s great resources, if not it’s most important

asset. The same geography and weather patterns that provide Japan with its great snow fall in the winter also gives way to plenty of rain mixed with sunny days during the ‘Green Season’. And even though most of Japan has 4 distinct seasons the hills are almost always lush with green plants and trees due to the readily available and vast quantities of fresh water. Hakuba is one of those very special places, not only in Japan but on Earth. It is blessed with natural spring fed streams that flow gently into more rapid flowing rivers that charge from the mountains high above to the Sea of Japan to the North, as well as crystal clear lakes in the alpine and in the valley. This multitude of water and waterways may not be, at

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first glance, as dramatic or as important to Hakuba as its 3000 meter backdrop but water is at the root of almost all commerce and enjoyment here in this beautiful and bountiful Northern Japan Alps village.

Everyone is quite aware these days of the great skiing and snowboarding that Hakuba has to offer but come spring when all that great powder snow starts to melt and the rivers start to rage it’s time to pull out the rafts and kayaks and start running the rapids. There are professionally guided rafting trips down the Himegawa a local technical class 2 river that allows for great views of the mountains and local cultural sites. The Himegawa starts its 50 kilometer journey to the Japan Sea at the Himegawa headwater springs, one of Japan’s most famous pure water sources.

Mid May after the cherries have shed their beautiful blossoms it is time to put on wet suits, harnesses and helmets and jump into the Kamoshika Canyon for some thrilling adventure in Hakuba’s natural water park. Canyoning is fast becoming one of Hakuba and Japan’s most sought after adventure sports. Just imagine yourself sliding down waterfalls, jumping off high cliffs into deep crystal pools and screaming in delight as you shoot down multiple flying Foxes and splash into the water at the bottom. Even though this may sound like insanity the professional guides at the Evergreen Outdoor Center will make sure you are safe and have one of the most rewarding outdoor experi-ences of a life time. They will suit you up from head to toe in state of the art equip-ment to allow you to go where most people would not dare. The river gorge has been hollowed out by millennia of snow melt and spring water passing over the soft igneous rock formed from the areas ancient volcanoes. The scenery truly is spectacular and will have you in awe of the Japanese jungle that few have yet to discover.

For those less adventurous or those just looking for a relaxing day with friends or family, canoeing on Lake Aokiko is just the thing. The lake is a local treasure and said to be with in the top three clearest lakes in Japan and home to a multitude of marine life, birds and animals. There are no powerboats allowed on the lake, which is the prime reason for Lake Aokiko’s pure water and its serine ambiance. To attest to the lakes purity swarms of fireflies can be seen during the summer months all along the edge of the lake and the best way to see them is by 10 person voyageur canoe while admiring the reflection of the Milky Way in the still night waters. The purity of the spring fed lake is also due to the fact that there are no rivers that enter the lake and that the lake is still encom-passed by the blue, green forests that are the lakes name sake.

Lake Aokiko is just over the divide between Hakuba Village and Omachi City and is the headwaters of Japan’s longest river, the Shinano Kawa, that flows over 400 kilometers before reaching the Sea of Japan through Nigata City. The Shinano River is a very historic water way that has seen the rise and fall of samurai lords, the ever encroaching cities and more recently great hydro electric projects to feed Tokyo’s growing need for electricity. There are multiple areas along this great water-way that make for wonderful half day to multi-day canoe tripping and rafting through rural Japan on anything from flat water to class 3 rapids.

With all these mountain streams, cascading rivers and crystal clear lakes Hakuba is a fisherman’s dream with Rainbow Trout, Char, Dace and a type of local Steal Head named after the ancient name of Nagano prefec-ture, ‘Shinshu’ Salmon. Even if you are not a fisherman you can enjoy some of these fresh water delicacies with select chilled rice sake made locally from natural spring water and rice from the Northern Alps. There are many sake distilleries in the area that produce some of Japan’s best sake once again due to the purity of the water.

But what would a trip to Japan and Hakuba be with out a relaxing and rejuvenating soak in one of the local Onsen baths? Hakuba and the surrounding areas are blessed with not only free flowing crystal spring water but natural hot springs that carry your aches and pains away. Hakuba itself has four totally separate types of hot water with varying healing properties and there are plenty more in the surrounding Northern Alps communities. The Onsen baths are a very special part of the local culture that every visitor must experience at some part of their journey. There are a few ‘Foot Onsens’ spread through out town that hikers and site seers can soak their soar feet in by just taking off their boots, socks and rolling up their trousers.

While you are here in Hakuba do take the time to explore the multitude of beautiful waterways and enjoy the healing properties of this pure Northern Japanese Alps spring water.

With all these mountain streams, cascading rivers and crystal clear lakes Hakuba is a fisherman’s dream with Rainbow Trout, Char, Dace and a type of local Steal Head named after the ancient name of Nagano prefecture, ‘Shinshu’ Salmon.

SanosakaSanoasaka Ski hill also used to host the Japanese National Series Races for several years. It is where my downhill racing career began and why it is one of my favorite trails. There are two ways to climb up the main loop, one being very steep the old race course right up the ski hill, and the other being the back route or easier way up, riding up on mostly backroads. The first way up is definitely for riders with a good fitness level and who want a good climbing challenge. It takes about 20-25 mins depending on your climbing abilities and is mostly double track. The back route takes a bit longer and is not as steep. It takes anywhere from 25 - 35 mins, again depending on your climbing abilities and is also double track on paved and gravel roads. The downhill is all single-track that is twisty with lots of turns, technical with roots and rocks and very smooth and flowy. Depending on your downhill skills it may take anywhere from 10-15 minutes to come down. The end of the trail leads you right to the start of the second loop.

The second loop isn't as long as the first one, but it starts off with a good

y name is Karey Watanabe and I have been living, working and racing in Japan since the

summer of 1992. My fellow Canadian racers introduced me to what is known as the CMIC, Canadian Mountain Bike Instructor's certification a few years ago and I was hooked. I learned how to coach, and be a guide with a very solid methodology that I knew I had to bring to Japan. That is when I started my business Sweet Riders. I wanted to spread the love of mountain biking and the knowledge I have learnt. I now race occasionally, and run Sweet Riders coaching and touring with riders from not only Japan, but all parts of the world.

I learned how to coach, and be a guide with a very solid methodology that I knew I had to bring to Japan. That is when I started my business Sweet Riders.

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steep climb, again the time depending on your climbing abilities. 15-20 minutes climb then another short but sweet, 10-15 minute descent. This downhill is my favorite places to get some speed and just flow through the trail. Sanosaka is great because you can decide to do each loop once or as many times you want and in any order you want. You can ride as much or as long as you want depending on your day. It starts and ends right at the base of the ski hill.

MinekataThe next place to ride is Minekata. I would recommend these trails for the intermediate or advanced rider. This trail system is supported and maintained by Hakuba village, including trail maps and signs along the way. There are four trails to choose from; A, B, C and D, however, I really only ride three of them. There are two ways to climb up to the start of all three trails. The climbs take anywhere from 45 minutes. They are nice gradual climbs with beautiful scenery.

When you reach the top via either route you have your choice to do A, B or C. Here you can grab a western view of the spec-tacular mountains Hakuba has to offer. A great photo point. “A” course is fast with lots of switchbacks and not so technical. It is pretty wide and flowy. It can take anywhere from 15 - 25 minutes to descend. It leads you back to pretty much the same way you started. B course is similar to A, but a little steeper and a bit longer. C course is definitely for the most advanced riders and is my all-time favorite. From the peak of climb, you have to continue climbing to get to the entry point. Once on the descent, it is very steep and technical in some spots and offers some fast and challenging downhill.

Hakuba 47 Ski HillThe last area I will introduce you to is Hakuba 47 Ski Hill. I helped build a mountain bike course here, along with many other locals two years ago. We have been having some great events here in the past and will be holding two of these events this summer. One in July, Specialized Days July 21-22nd, which has various fun races from road, to downhill. The other event called the X-Sessions Asia August 11-12th, has a flatland bike exhibition, a downhill and much more. Regarding the trails, it is a gondola ride up to the top to get to the trails and then there is a chairlift running to keep you going all day. There are four trails to choose from, Freedom, Ajisai, Route 4 and Route 7. Beginners ride here, but in

some places it can be a bit steep and a little technical on some of the trails. Therefore, I would recommend you have some basic skills before you hit the more advanced trails here. There is bike rental available for the whole family and the resort has a great pizza restaurant to fill your hungry stom-achs for lunch or after riding. It is by no means a Whistler B.C., but it is a great place to have some fun with your family or friends riding downhill. It is set beside a river which can be great fun to cool down in during the hot summer.

There is also a jump park down in the lower parking lot of the ski hill. If jumping is your thing, this could be for you. This summer there is talk of a new pump track being built there....let's hope so. It also has a great kids venue, a kiddy pool, kids bike park, and a huge train track for the kids to ride on. There is something for everyone at this resort.

Hakuba has a lot to offer in terms of nature and mountain biking. I am proud to be living in such a hidden gem of an area in the Hakuba Alps. It is a place that cannot be described. It is magical and somehow, just keeps pulling you back to its vast beauty over and over again. Don't miss an opportunity to visit such a beautiful place. Come out and see for yourself this 2012 summer, you will not regret it.

If you need guided assistance during your stay here in Hakuba or want to touch up your mountain bike skills, please drop Sweet Riders an email at info@sweetriders.com. We would be happy to assist you in an epic Hakuba mountain bike experience. Happy trails this summer!

Hakuba meetings combine business with serious pleasure. Take bored out of the boardroom and inject some fun into your Hakuba meeting.

I Inspiration needs to come from more than just the boardroom. Open your minds and interact

with one another on a whole new level. Create lasting memories while you engage your team in mental, physical and creative challenges at their desired levels of adventure.

0261-72-3001

1. Inspiring DestinationShowcasing a unique setting in the Japanese Northern Alps. A truly authentic backdrop which will challenge attendees to reach their full potential.

2. FacilitiesNo matter how large your group, there is a meeting space available. From beautiful hotel properties to state of the art Olympic Convention complex.

3. ActivitiesYear round there is an activity for every level of adventure – all of which can be customized to ensure clients have an outstanding unique experience. Rewarding experiences create rewarding meetings.

4. Open AirWhen you choose Hakuba for your meeting or conference, you will have the space and alpine mountain scenery that will provide a memorable experience.

5. Team BuildingDevelop creative problem solving and improve team communications with fun and positive team building interactions.

6. AccessHakuba is only three and half hours from central Tokyo, but a world apart with such fabulous mountain scenery. Professional and safe transportation companies can make it easier for meetings planners as well as attendees.

7. AccommodationFrom luxury hotel suites to private chalets, Hakuba has a range of hotels and private lodges to suit all budgets and tastes.

8. DiningAttendees can relish on fresh local fare from across Nagano. Give your group food that is as delicious as the mountain views. Rent out private rooms or entire restaurants.

9. Spouse ProgramsDon’t leave your loved ones at home. Hakuba offers a wide variety of activities for spouses and guests of visiting attendees. Indulge in some luxurious aromatherapy, massages, yoga or take a stroll around the local art galleries.

10. Natural Hot SpringsLastly don’t forget the abundant natural hot springs found throughout Hakuba. Let the minerals ease away both the mental and physical tiredness. Refresh and rejuvenate attendees for the next day’s adventures.

ow many of us have uttered or heard that time honored and clichéd phrase from the back of

the car at the beginning of the trip – “Are we there yet?”

It is the query of someone who is not only bored with the journey but with the destination as well.

But take the family to Hakuba and that same question is inflicted not with boredom but with excitement and anticipation.

While many destinations claim to offer a variety of diversions for families, few can really compare with the wide range of adventure activities on offer in Hakuba.

While many destinations claim to offer a variety of diversions for families, few can really compare with the wide range of adventure activities on offer in Hakuba.

What can a typical day in Hakuba offer your clan?

Well for starters in the summer the Hakuba mountains feature hiking and sightseeing in alpine meadows bursting with wild flowers. The bigger kids will enjoy the challenge of hiking on some of the more rugged trails, just make sure that they don’t get too far ahead!

But the towering mountains are believe it or not only the tip of the Hakuba recreation iceberg.

How about climbing high in the trees at the ever popular Ex-Adventure park in front of the Iwatake Snowfield. This is one activity that the kids will want to try again and again.

Another favorite is either shower climbing for the little kids or canyoning

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for the older ones. Imagine walking through alpine fed rivers, sliding down natural chutes into rock pools below, all the time staying warm in a wet suit. This is fun with a capital "F".

Some of the other adventure activities also involve water which is more than welcome in the heat of summer. The smiles on the kids as they approach another rapid one of the many rafting trips available will be as big as the moun-tains. If the kids are a little too young for the rapids, then not too worry, there is an option of a rafting picnic on the calm lake Aokiko. Canoeing and kayaking are also activities that can be enjoyed on the pristine Lake. Exploring and discovering hidden bays followed by a refreshing swim is an adventure to brag about when they finally go back to school after the summer months.

And let’s not forget about some of the other outdoor adventures available in the resort, such as mountain biking and climbing, these are just a few activities that the whole family can enjoy together.

Of course not every activity has to happen together. While the kids are at a bike camp learning to ride down a mountain, Dad can be found trying his luck at fly fishing on Nireike Pond while Mom luxuriates at one of Hakuba’s aromatherapy spas. There is something for everyone in Hakuba.

If by chance you have you have a wet day – then not to fear. Hakuba has craft work-shops for the kids that will keep them interested until the sun shines once again. One of the more popular ones is Gaku Tombo Dama, where the kids can try their hand at making different kind of amazing glass designs. Another option is to make your own soba, buckwheat noodles. This involves rolling the flour, cutting out the lengths followed by cooking and of course eating, all under the supervision of a qualified soba chef.

When you add the range of accommodations available, including campsites, hotels and alpine chalets, it’s easy to see how Hakuba makes family vacations less about whether you’re there yet and more about having already arrived at the perfect family destination.

Evergreen Outdoor Center has been offering summer camp programs for several years. These camps are a big hit with campers and parents alike! In addition to the summer camps, they also run yearly camps for several Japanese based international schools and English language schools as well as for school groups from outside Japan.

www.evergreen-hakuba.com/summer-camps

The journey begins at any one station though we recommend commencing at either Nagano, Matsumoto or of course Hakuba. Within minutes of the train pulling away from the station you will be in open valleys with lush green forests giving way to towering mountains and pristine blue lakes reflecting the amazing alpine images.

You view all this through large windows while you are nestled into your seat. Mounted digital cameras on the front of the train provide a drivers “eye view” on flat screen monitors installed in the carriages.

If you are coming from Nagano or Matsumoto to Hakuba on the weekends, you will have the added treat of disembarking from the train and enjoying a guided tour to the impressive Hotaka Shrine, followed by a cultural performance onboard the train. A good selection of refreshments are offered throughout the trip.

The train runs every weekend and most other days during the summer. You can book at any manned JR train station including Hakuba. JR Rail pass holders can ride using their passes.

n summer, our dogs like nothing better than playing in the river. Some dogs are a little scared of water, but ours can’t wait to

get in. As soon as they can hear the river, they start panting and pulling at the leash. Once we’re there, they jump straight in. Paddling comes so naturally to them. On a hot summer’s day, nothing feels better than the

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cool clean water off the mountain. The choice river for dogs in summer is the Hirakawa River opposite Hakuba 47 where the flow is gentle enough to play safely. Our other favourite is Lake Aokiko, one of the cleanest mountain lakes in Japan.

You can even head out with our friends Lion Adventure who’ll take you on a “raft picnic” with your dog! Again, taking a dip here is a great way to cool down. The water in the rivers and lakes is so clean that there is no need to wash your dog afterwards. He may end up cleaner than when he went in! Just put your hand in to check the temperature, especially in early summer. The rivers are fed by snowmelt, not just rain on the mountains, and can be colder than they may look!

In summer, dogs are allowed on the gondola lifts at Hakuba Iwatake and Hakuba 47, and both have dedicated dog play areas for our four-legged friends where you can let them off the leash. The air is much cooler up on the mountain, sometimes more than you’d realize. At Iwatake, along with the 360° views, there is a trail through the woods with the added bonus of some welcome shade. For visitors with cars, a drive up to “Yumenojo” at the top of Minekata ski resort rewards you with a wide, bark-covered trails used for cross-country skiing in winter. The views over to the Japan Alps can be stunning.

Most dogs love snow! When winter comes and the snow starts to pile up outside, our dogs dash out of the house and jump straight in. We’ve got a song in Japan that goes “Dogs running merrily round the garden”, and that’s just what it’s like. They leave countless tracks crisscrossing in all directions and bound about happily with balls of snow sticking to their coat and their paws. Just watch out for frost nip, especially at their toes.

With snowshoes, you can take your dog for a winter walk through the woods or along the riverside. Once the snow has accumulated, there are infinite paths through the woods, while the banks of the Matsukawa river between Happo and Iwatake are a wide playground with great mountain views.We get some very sunny days in winter where the sky is deep blue, the sun’s rays are warm, and the air is crisp and fresh. It’s perfect weather for a walk.

Once you are all dog-tired and back indoors, no prizes for guessing who’ll get the best seat by the fire. If you’ve been walking through deep snow, you may find yourself snoozing too!

If you love coffee than you will not be disappointed in Hakuba. Expect to find many specialty shops serving great coffee as well as gourmet snacks. Take the time

to relax from all the activities on offer and enjoy the atmosphere where you can enjoy premium coffee, read a good book or browse the internet

he classic local food in Nagano is soba, thin brown noodles made of buckwheat, a crop grown locally. Buckwheat has distinctive yellow or white flowers and grows quickly, allowing two harvests a year even in Hakuba where the fields spend much time under

snow. Soba noodles can be eaten hot in a warming fish broth flavoured with bonito or cold on a tray with a stronger soy-based dipping sauce. Typical accompaniments include spring onion, wasabi radish, ground sesame seeds, tempura prawns and vegetables, wild mushrooms, and thin slices of fried tofu. Soba noodles are filling enough to be a meal in themselves. The lack of gluten in buckwheat makes the kneading of the flour into noodles a rare art, and means the best soba restaurants still prepare their noodles by hand. At around 18%, buckwheat is very high in protein and can be eaten by even the most health-conscious. For the rest of us though, the temptation to pair it with tempura is hard to resist.

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Hakuburger, Shirouma Burger and Happo Burger are just a few of the names of the local burgers available in Hakuba. America’s national dish is well established in Hakuba. With no fast food chain shops in Hakuba, you can be guaranteed to get an original delicious tasting hamburger every time.

Nagano’s contribution to the enjoyment of raw fish comes

in the production of wasabi, the green radish that

graces every plate of sashimi and many forms of sushi, though it can be omitted

on request. MostJapanese parents do so for

their children.

Brewed since 1906 in nearby Omachi, Hakuba Nishiki Sake is made from natural spring water that is found abundantly in the region. This is distilled with locally grown rice to produce one of the finest sakes in Japan. Ask for it by name in the hotel, restaurants and bars. The large bottles also make some good souve-nirs to take back home.

In a recent development, Hakuba has embraced an alternative buckwheat

dish, galettes. Galettes are basically French-style pancakes where the nutty flavor of buck-wheat adds a savory dimension compared with normal crepes. Chefs at many restaurants and hotels around the town have developed their own interpre-tations of galettes. Make sure you pick up a leaflet from the

Tourism Commission and see which one takes your fancy.

Canyonig & Shower WalkingEvergreen Outdoor Center 0261-72-5150 Hakuba Lion Adventure 0261-72-5061 Otari Outdoor Club 090-3312-1069 RaftingEvergreen Outdoor Center 0261-72-5150 Hakuba Adventure Club 0261-72-5323Hakuba Lion Adventure 0261-72-5061 River Canoe & Kayak ToursEvergreen Outdoor Center 0261-72-5150 Hakuba Lion Adventure 0261-72-5061 Lake Canoe & KayakEvergreen Outdoor Center 0261-72-5150 Hakuba Lion Adventure 0261-72-5061 Canoe PicnicEvergreen Outdoor Center 0261-72-5150

Rafting PicnicHakuba Lion Adventure 0261-72-5061

Night Firefly ToursEvergreen Outdoor Center 0261-72-5150Hakuba Lion Adventure 0261-72-5061

Mountain BikingEvergreen Outdoor Center 0261-72-5150Sweet Riders info@sweetriders.comHakuba 47 0261-75-3533

Cycling ToursHakuba Lion Adventure 0261-72-5061

Bicycle RentalSpicy Rentals 0261-72-2858 Hiking ToursEvergreen Outdoor Center 0261-72-5150

Tandem ParaglidingHakuba Lion Adventure 0261-72-5061Happo Paraglider School 0261-72-7013

Tourist Information Happo Information Center 0261-72-3066Hakuba Tourism Commission 0261-72-7100 Sanroku Tours 0261-72-6900

Water Ski JumpingHakuba Sanosaka Water Jump 0261-21-4488Hakuba Goryu Airfield 0261-72-7776

Craft WorkshopsGaku Tombo Dama 0261-72-5567

Soba Making ExperienceRingo-ya 0261-71-1566Hakuba Goryu Escal Plaza 0261-75-2101

Ceramic Art ExperienceMokudo 0261-75-3006

Tree ZippingEx Adventure 0261-72-7860Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba 0261-82-2236

SailingHakuba Lion Adventure 0261-72-5061

Fishing Nire-ike fishing center 0261-72-3708

Hot Air BallooningHakuba Lion Adventure 0261-72-5061

AromatherapyHakuba Tokyu Hotel 0261-72-3001FUNFUN 0261-85-7993