Category: Hakuba

Top 3 Hiking Routes to enjoy Autumn Foliage you should never miss in Hakuba

Japan possesses magnificent geographical and natural resources for nature lovers. Mountains, beautiful seas, national parks, thermal baths (onsen) offer a great opportunity for travellers to see the country from a richer perspective.   Located in Nagano Prefecture, in the Northern Alps of Japan, Hakuba is known as one of the popular and frequently visited ski [...]
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Interview with a local craftsman in Niseko – Damian “Hippy” Keyte

Damian “Hippy” Keyte is a local craftsman, metalworker, custom furniture builder, and designer living in the Hanazono area of Niseko.   Damian “Hippy” Keyte has created numerous custom pieces for private collections throughout the area. One of his most recent commissioned projects was for Intuition Niseko, Niseko’s newest luxury onsen estate. He custom built two [...]
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Where to eat in Hakuba? Top restaurants to try

There are a wide range of Hakuba restaurants and bars in Happo and Wadano. No doubt you may have heard good things about the food scene in Japan. The country is home to some of the pickiest eaters in the world. Our favorite destination in the Japanese Alps Hakuba produces an impressive array of cuisines [...]
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Dreaming of a white winter? Book your next Japow Holiday & Save

With an epic season of endless snowfall coming to a close, now is the time to book your next JAPOW winter vacation.   True powderhounds know that early birds get first tracks. Right now Zekkei Collection members can enjoy up to 30% off Early Bird specials toward an unforgettable luxury stay in powder paradise. Book your [...]
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MATSUMOTO: CITY OF HISTORY & CULTURE

Less than two hours from Hakuba is Matsumoto City, a prominent castle town with rich history dating back to the 16th century.  Here are some of our recommended sights and experiences to make the most of your day in the city. Matsumoto Castle (AKA Matsumoto-jo or Crow Castle) Considered one of Japan’s National Treasures, Matsumoto [...]
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The Ultimate Guide to Hakuba Backcountry

Hakuba area (Ushiro-Tateyama mountain range) is one of the most famous backcountry destinations in Japan. Located on the western end of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Hakuba is a picturesque valley in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Its close proximity to the Sea of Japan means the area is blessed with plenty of fresh [...]
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The Ski Project Presents: Winter Edits

The Ski Project embodies style, chic and comfort throughout their ski-set lifestyle brand which transitions seamlessly on and off the slopes. Their most popular ski-suits, the Cordova and Goldbergh, are slim fit and figure-flattering while providing warmth and comfort for you whole body. No worries of snow getting trapped under your jumper or inside your [...]
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Nozawaonsen is the up-and-coming Japan destination you should check out soon

On our ever-growing list of must-visit travel destinations, Niseko and Koh Samui are among the tried and true gems, while there are always new, lesser-known hotspots emerging. 21 years since the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano has secured its reputation as a premier winter sports destination. While Hakuba is already firmly on our radar for a [...]
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The ultimate Hakuba summer bucket list

Step outside the city and a different world unfolds. Cheers to Japan’s great outdoors. A morning’s commute (a 100-minute bullet train ride and another hour’s drive) leaves behind Tokyo’s overpacked humanity to the scenic resort town of Hakuba. It was the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano that put Hakuba Valley on the map as a [...]
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Niseko summer: a family fun checklist

See how many you can cross out before school year begins. Sunny days, grilling out, s’mores bonfire at dusk... We want each summer with the kids to be more memorable than the last, and with that comes the need for a few new ideas every season. The kids helped us brainstorm (not before suggesting a [...]
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4 things we learned planning summer trips as a family

Come together once in a while and get to know each other. A memorable family vacation is many things. There is experience, always the best teacher that brings school lessons to life. There is fun. There are tantrums. You chat, you laugh, you share things and you bond on a family adventure. Well versed in [...]
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4 winter resorts that come to life in summer

POSTCARD-WORTHY SCENERY GUARANTEED. Yes, summer is the new boom season for ski towns! These destinations are best known as ski resorts, but they shine just as brightly through summer. Not only ideal for lazy retreats, they are also packed with more adventurous ways to unwind! So choose your mountain playground for that upcoming vacation you [...]
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Take that last minute trip this winter

Some of the best memories are made on impulse. Haven’t got plans for the holidays yet? Trust your spontaneous side and book a quick getaway with loved ones. As few private rentals are still available for the New Year holidays, meaning it is still very possible to ring in 2018 on a sun-drenched island where [...]
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10 amazing Instagram accounts that give you serious #TravelGoals

In need of destination inspiration? Instagram is a fantastic resource for travelers, and these passionate wanderlusters know how to make good eye candy. Jake and Dannie @jakeanddannie New parents and photographer duo Jake and Dannie are creating the ultimate family album with their daughter Lisa. All of their photos are mini works of art, and [...]
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Best time to view fall red leaves in Japan

Japan’s autumn begins when momiji begins to show, first on the northern island of Hokkaido in September, slowly meandering down the length of the nation. Depending on where (and the altitude) you are, the foliage can last from September through late November. As fall colors adorn temples and shrines, and mountains and gorges across the [...]
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10 of the most over-the-top vacation homes

Sometimes more is more. All-inclusive holidays can take many forms. Whether their own clifftop playgrounds, protected game reserves, private beaches, or exclusive part of larger resorts, these unique retreats share certain things: sublime privacy, top-notch staff and big-ticket amenities. Be sure to pack your designer luggage for these over-the-top (and some of the most expensive) [...]
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5 Last-minute Easter holiday ideas

With only a month to go, there is still time to plan an Easter holiday getaway. Fancy a snow-sure destination for some goggle tan, or a picturesque island where the freshest fish is always on the grill? Here are 5 that will fill your holiday with adventure and some much needed unplugging. THAILAND'S CLASSIC GULF [...]
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