Nagano, Takayama, Toyama: A Winter Wonderland Adventure
The recent sweltering heat has me reminiscing about my first trip to Japan earlier this year. It was a winter escapade in late January, exploring the charming cities of Japan's central region. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and etched in my memory, so I'm eager to share it with you all, especially those who have explored Japan before and are seeking new destinations for their next adventure.
My Itinerary:
- Hanoi - Tokyo
- Tokyo - Nagano
- Nagano - Hakuba - Togakushi
- Hakuba - Takayama
- Takayama - Toyama
- Toyama - Tokyo
- Tokyo - Hanoi
Nagano: A Gateway to Alpine Beauty
I based my exploration in Nagano, making day trips to the picturesque Hakuba and the serene Togakushi Shrine. Every location offered a unique and memorable experience.
Hakuba: Where Winter Sports and Stunning Views Collide
Hakuba, nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is a renowned resort area that once hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. This vibrant destination boasts numerous ski slopes, cozy hotels, and rejuvenating hot springs.
My visit focused on two key spots: Oide Park and Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort.
Getting to Hakuba:
- Transportation: I relied on Alpico buses, a popular transit option in the central region.
- Tickets: I purchased my bus tickets at Nagano Station. The tickets were flexible, valid for one day without a specific time slot. Initially, I planned to go directly to Hakuba Station and then proceed to Oide Park. However, the staff informed me that there were no direct buses to Hakuba Station itself, only to the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. From there, another bus ride was necessary to reach Hakuba Station.
- To Oide Park: From Hakuba Station, I considered a taxi to Oide Park, which is about 2 kilometers away. Unfortunately, neither Uber nor GO had available cars. Opting to walk, I was treated to an incredibly beautiful journey with charming houses adorned with snow-capped roofs resembling marshmallows lining the path. The air was crisp and the atmosphere utterly peaceful.
Arriving in Hakuba around 9:30 AM, it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The roads were quiet, with very little car traffic, perhaps due to our early start. Oide Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, was equally enchanting in winter. The juxtaposition of the majestic mountains, the gentle murmur of the stream, and the quaint houses created a scene straight out of a fairytale.
After soaking in the beauty of Oide Park, I returned to Hakuba Station to catch a bus to Iwatake Resort. While free shuttle buses are available, their infrequent schedules and long waiting times led me to opt for the paid bus service, costing around 800 JPY per segment. It's wise to download the "Hakuba shuttle bus timetable" to stay on track and catch the last bus back to Nagano.
Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort: Panoramic Vistas and Alpine Delights
Upon arrival at Iwatake Resort, the gondola lift beckoned, promising a ride to the summit. At the ticket counter, they kindly reminded visitors of the last gondola departure time from the mountain top, allowing ample time to enjoy the views. Interestingly, they even offer gondola tickets for pets, and it's common to see many well-loved companions enjoying the mountain air. I'd even heard rumors of dog fashion shows being held here!
Beyond skiing, the resort offers breathtaking scenic views and snow activities. At the summit, the Hakuba Mountain Harbor features a stunning terrace that juts out towards the snow-capped peaks, offering unparalleled views of the Japanese Alps. The City Bakery here serves delicious treats, including hot coffee, soup, and freshly baked croissants.
Pro Tip for Photography: For the best photo opportunities, it's advisable to capture the mountain vistas early in the day. By afternoon, heavy snowfall can obscure the views, as it did for us when we got engrossed in enjoying the outdoor scenery before heading to the cafe.
My experience at Hakuba highlighted the importance of arriving early to maximize your time. The last gondola from the summit typically departs around 4:30 PM.
Hakuba's popularity is evident in its international flair. Unlike other towns I'd visited in Japan, Hakuba caters extensively to Western tourists. English is the primary language on menus, and shop signs often feature English prominently. The resort staff, often Caucasian, are fluent in both English and Japanese, adding to the unique and welcoming atmosphere. I struck up a conversation with a group of Australians on the bus who raved about the snow quality for skiing, the variety of slopes catering to all skill levels, and the surprisingly affordable ski lift prices compared to Western countries. They were on their fourth visit!
Important Notes for Your Journey:
- Bus Capacity: Buses traveling to and from Hakuba are consistently full.
- Return Tickets: While I could purchase my return bus ticket from Nagano Station on the day of travel, returning from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal proved more challenging. The staff explained that online booking via the Alpico website is mandatory, and you need a confirmed ticket to board. The last bus back to Nagano departs at 6:00 PM.
- Online Booking Issues: The Alpico website proved quite troublesome during my booking attempts on my phone, repeatedly showing errors. Even with the help of a Japanese staff member who attempted booking through the Japanese version of the site, we encountered difficulties. After several tries, we finally managed to secure our tickets. It was a close call, and we were relieved not to have to resort to a taxi.
I highly recommend researching and booking your return bus tickets in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
