Exquisite 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom duplex apartment, perfect for the sophisticated investor or homebuyer. The only ski-in/ski-out penthouse apartment in Hakuba and truly one-of-a-kind.
Award-winning 5-bedroom Canadian timber chalet with double garage on a huge corner block just a view minutes walk from Echoland’s main street.
Completed in 2019, the property comprises seven modern 1 to 3 bedrooms apartments. Located right by Mominoki Hotel and the upcoming Banyan Tree Resort in Wadano.
Penthouse unit at Kawamotoya in the iconic ski and onsen town Nozawa Onsen. Property includes an onsen, gym, kid’s play area, café and full concierge services.
Three storey building on the main street of Akakura, Myoko’s main ski village. Ground floor is leased to a convenience store. Top two floors can be repositioned for commercial or lodging use.
UPPER ECHOLAND CANADIAN CHALET ECHOLAND HAPPO SLOPESIDE LOT HAPPO
Imprint
MANAGING EDITOR
John Blagys
CONTENT MANAGER
Isabel Graf Studio Graf
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Lisa Herljevic Design Studio Anomali
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Inagaki Yasuto (Cover), Henry Brant, Kristin Kita, Atsushi Nakatera
TRANSLATORS
Kanata Kondo, Akemi Brant
Explore. Enjoy. Live up.
Dear Readers,
The Hakuba Valley has gained international renown as a premier winter sports destination. However, when the snow melts and the flowers bloom, Hakuba reveals a new dimension of beauty. In our pages, we introduce the lesser-known yet equally captivating green season, highlighting must-visit attractions, enticing eateries, and remarkable individuals who inspire a uniquely Hakuba experience.
5090-1, Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
John Blagys
john@hhgjapan.com
+81 50 4560 1086
Live Up Hakuba is published by Hakuba Hospitality Group and is released twice a year. Unauthorized reproduction or storage of any portion of this publication, without the prior written permission of the publisher, is strictly prohibited. While utmost effort and care have been invested to maintain the accuracy of the information in this publication, neither the publisher nor its employees can be held responsible for errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from reliance on this publication.
“Live Up” encourages you to seize life as an adventure and as an expression of individual style. It embodies the thrill of a sunrise hike and the cozy indulgence of fireside dining at dusk. It is a plea to fully embrace the beauty and sophistication of the Hakuba Valley. Enjoy life at high altitudes with unmistakable style. Live Up.
本書「 Live Up」は、人生を冒険と して捉え、個人がそれぞれのス タイルを表現する事を応援して います。朝日を浴びながらする ハイキングのワクワクや、夕暮れ 時、暖炉の傍でとる食事の心地 よさをここでは象徴しています。
白馬の美しさと優雅さを体感し てほしい、そのひとときを確かな スタイルで楽しんでほしいとい う願いを込めて。Live Up
JOHN BLAGYS & THE HAKUBA HOSPITALITY GROUP TEAM
Footprints
For generations, the mountains of the Hakuba Valley have called to adventure seekers. However, their allure remained largely undiscovered by the wider world until the late 1860s as local inhabitants rarely ventured into the mountains, considering them sacred ground.
As the Edo Period (1603 – 1868) drew to a close, Japan’s national government, driven by a desire for Westernstyle modernization and national defense, embarked on an ambitious mapping project.
The Japanese military enlisted locals and laborers to conduct surveys, and in 1893 a pivotal triangulation point was established on Mt. Hakuba marking a significant milestone in the exploration of the region.
Soon after botanists, geologists, adventures, and other prominent figures began visiting the region to explore the mountain range. One such individual was Walter Weston who summited Mt. Hakuba in 1894 and published his exploits in the book Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japanese Alps (1896). His publication significantly contributed to the proliferation of hiking in the area, eventually earning him the title “Father of Japanese Mountaineering.”
In 1890, the Matsuzawa family, led by Matsuzawa Naojiro, established the Yamaki Ryokan, the first commercial lodging facility in Hakuba. The ryokan, which still stands opposite Hakuba Station, catered to the initial wave of visitors drawn to the mountains predominately for research purposes. With no trained guides in Hakuba at this time, the Matsuzawa family hired local residents to guide the climbers, marking the beginning of the guiding business in Hakuba.
TEIITSU DRIVING HIS FORD MODEL T IN FRONT OF THE YAMAKI RYOKAN.
山木旅館の前でフォ ード・モデルTを運転 する松沢貞逸。
MOUNTAIN LODGING
In 1906, 17 year old Matsuzawa Teiitsu, built a mountain accommodation near the summit of Mt. Hakuba. He used the stone foundation left by a Japanese military survey unit and named the hut Hakuba Sanso.
Hakuba Sanso became the first commercial mountain hut in Japan and laid the foundation for the future of Hakuba’s tourism industry. Today Hakuba Sanso is the largest mountain hut in Japan.
HIKING CONTINUES TO GROW Hakuba Sanso became a major attraction and commercial success, prompting Matsuzawa Teiitsu to add two more mountain huts to the Hakuba Sanso facility by 1915 in order to meet the growing demand. In 1916, the opening of the Shinano Railway to nearby Omachi provided direct access from Tokyo, further accelerating the mountaineering boom in Hakuba.
As Omachi lies approximately 20 km from Hakuba, Matsuzawa Teiitsu bought two Ford Model T’s and began a taxi service to transport hikers between Omachi and his Hakuba accommodations. This service quickly set the stage for a burgeoning local economy, as numerous other businesses sprang up to cater to the influx of mountain visitors.
Every year, tens of thousands of guests visit the Hakuba Valley to hike the majestic peaks. Now, over a century later, the Hakuba Mountain Guide Association continues to lead visitors safely through the mountains of the Hakuba Valley, proudly standing as one of Japan’s largest guiding associations. To book your guide with the Hakuba Mountain Guide Association, simply call 0261-72-7132
Although guides had been operating out of Yamaki Ryokan since 1890, the Hakuba Mountain Guide Association was officially formed by Matsuzawa Teiitsu in 1925. The association catered to adventure seekers, offering essential expertise for navigating the still largely unexplored mountain ranges of the Hakuba Valley.
MINPAKU (SHOWA ERA AIRBNB)
To accommodate the increasing number of adventurers, local guides often offered visitors the opportunity to spend
the night at their own homes, where they would procure provisions and discuss the itinerary together before beginning the journey the next morning.
In 1937, 16 houses of local guides in Hakuba gained permission to provide lodging for travelers, marking the beginning of the minpaku business—the first of its kind in Japan.
Address 3020-45 Kitajo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture
@FromP_hakuba en.glamping-nagano.com
Enjoy an extraordinary experience surrounded by the scenery of the majestic Japanese Alps.
雄大な日本アルプスの山岳の風景に包まれる 非日常の体験をお楽しみください。
SCENIC VIEWS ON TOP OF MT. HAKUBA 白馬岳山頂に広がる風光明媚な眺望
Teiitsu Mountain Festival
貞逸祭・白馬連峰開山祭
In July 1967, the first Teiitsu Mountain Festival was held, marking the start of the hiking season. Named in honor of Matsuzawa Teiitsu, who dedicated his life to promoting mountain tourism in Hakuba, the festival has become a cherished tradition. This year, we celebrated the 58th annual Teiitsu Mountain Festival, paying homage to the mountains and the pioneers who paved the way for us.
To book your stay at Hakuba Yari Onsen Hut, visit www.hakuba-sanso.co.jp
白馬鑓温泉小屋での宿泊をご希望の方 は、こちらからwww.hakuba-sanso.co.jp
Hakuba Yari Onsen Mountain Hike
白馬鑓温泉登山
Among the most popular hikes in Hakuba is the ascent to Mt. Hakuba Yari. This trek is best enjoyed between late July and late September, with an overnight stay at the Hakuba Yari Onsen Hut. Here, hikers are treated to breathtaking views and starry night skies. The highlight, however, is the open air mountain onsen bath which is available to guests.
Hakuba’s Autumn Equinox Festival, known as the Retaisai, is a cherished annual tradition in Happo Village. During this festival, local residents gather to carry two massive omikoshi (portable shrines) through the village, stopping along the way for rest, prayer, celebration, and plenty of sake. After a journey of nearly two hours, they arrive at their final destination: the Hosono Suwa Shrine. Here, they are welcomed with applause and a festival.
Another tradition within the festival is the Yukake Matsuri, or Water Splashing Festival. Participants engage in the symbolic act of purification by splashing or pouring onsen water onto one another. This ritual is performed to pray for good health and fortune, cleansing away impurities and inviting blessings for the year ahead.
Approximately 40 men march several kilometers while bearing the weight of a nearly 400-kilogram stone housed within a wooden shrine. They vigorously shake the thick wooden beams of the shrine on their shoulders, chanting while they march. The green serpentine stone is believed to embody the spirit of the mountain gods and originates from the source of the village’s onsen water. The procession symbolizes gratitude for the mountain’s gifts,
especially the water that nourishes local crops, powers Hakuba’s onsens and blankets the mountains in powder snow.
Accompanying the men’s procession is a smaller, yet equally vibrant, shrine carried by the women of the village.
The culminating event takes place at the Hosono Suwa Shrine, where the Omikoshi are brought for a grand celebration. Here amidst the festive atmosphere, attendees connect over sake, delicious food, and musical performances. The shrine itself is guarded by a majestic 1,000-year-old cedar tree, a revered symbol of longevity and resilience, believed to be one of the oldest in Nagano Prefecture.
The Hakuba Valley abounds with activities for the whole family. Discover the most exciting attractions in the Hakuba Valley this green season with this curated guide.
There are hundreds of hikes across the Hakuba Valley, but none is more popular than the trek to Happo Pond. Its popularity stems in part from the fact that the trail head is lift accessible and suitable for all skill levels. Plus, the scenery is incredible.
MTB Park & Rental
Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort features one of Japan’s largest MTB facilities with both downhill and cross country courses. Rentals are available online or in Hakuba with Rhythm Japan.
岩岳 MTB
白馬岩岳マウンテンリゾートには、ダウンヒル とクロスカントリー両方のコースを備えた日
本最大級の MTB 施設があります。レンタルは オンラインまたは白馬 Rhythm Japan 店舗にて ご利用いただけます。
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a popular attraction in the Japanese Alps. Highlights include the Kurobe Dam, the highest dam in Japan at 186 meters, and
Japan’s longest one-span ropeway, which traverses 1,700 meters in seven minutes. The journey to the top elevation of 2,400 meters, known as the “Roof of Japan,”
involves various modes of transportation including cable cars, trolley buses, ropeways, and a funicular railway.
Between mid-April and mid-June, guests can witness towering snow walls reaching up to 20 meters in height. In autumn, visitors are treated to vibrant fall foliage.
Soar above the Japanese Alps and enjoy a one of a kind aerial view with the help of a fully certified guide. Book a tandem flight with Sky Blue Happo-One Paragliding School for an unforgettable adventure.
Lion Adventure operates excellent half-day rafting tours on both the Saikawa River and the Himekawa River. The Saikawa River tour is a more gentle deep river cruise, while the Himekawa River tour features fast rapids and shallow waters.
Oide Park is set opposite the Japanese Alps along the Himekawa River. Its popularity stems from the majestic alpine views and the historic buildings surrounding the park. The park is especially popular in spring when the cherry blossom trees lining the riverbanks bloom.
Refresh your body and mind with a sauna, cold bath, and scenic mountain views.
From P Hakuba サウナ×水風呂×素晴らしい山 の景色で心身ともにリフレッシュ しましょう。
Go Out and Explore
更なる探検には
SUP & KAYAKING AT LAKE AOKI
There is no better way to cool off this summer than with a day on Lake Aoki.
この夏を涼しく乗り切るには、青木湖がお すすめ。
ONSEN
Soak in one of dozens of naturally occurring hot springs in the Hakuba Valley.
白馬に10近く存在する天然温泉を楽しもう。
MOUNTAIN CARTS
Race down the slopes of Iwatake Mountain Resort on three wheels.
岩岳マウンテンリゾートの斜面を３輪の マウンテンカートで駆け下りよう。
HAKUBA GIANT SWING
Swing 10 meters above the ground, while soaking in the mountain views from Iwatake Mountain Resort.
岩岳マウンテンリゾートで山の景色を眺め ながら、地上10メートルでのスイングを楽 しもう。
HAKUBA MINI TRAIN PARK
At the Hakuba Mini Train Park, children and adults can ride miniature trains, learn about locomotives through interactive exhibits, and enjoy hands-on activities like model train building.
白馬ミニトレインパークでミニ鉄道に乗ったり、 体験型の展示物を通して機関車について学ぼう。
Move
HAKUBOUNCE
Visit Nagano Prefecture’s largest trampoline park and Hakuba’s premiere indoor attraction.
長野県最大のトランポリンパークで屋 内アトラクションを楽しもう。
Explore the full suite of Hyperice technology, including Hypervolt percussion massage, Normatec dynamic air compression, and Venom heated wearables.
Hakuba Through the Seasons
INAGAKI YASUTO
Inagaki Yasuto, a popular photographer from Toyama, is among the most talented photographers in Japan and frequently uses Hakuba’s natural landscapes as his subject.
In addition to his popularity on social media, Mr. Inagaki often appears on television programs such as NHK’s “Inagaki Yasuto no Honki Tabi” and KNB’s “Nagame no Ii Jikan.” He also serves as a photo ambassador for the Toyama Prefectural Police, the official photo ambassador for Imizu City, and the official ambassador for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
As part of his diverse activities, he was honored to be selected as a member of the “Top 10 Tokyo Camera Club 2021.” Furthermore, his photo book “Our Precious Time” was published by KADOKAWA and has been warmly received by the public.
Craving caffeine with a view? Then you’re in luck in Hakuba. Here, cafés serve up more than just great coffee—they often come with unbeatable alpine vistas. Explore this guide for the perfect blend of coffee and scenery.
Kuma designed Land Station Hakuba, which opened in 2020 as a multipurpose gathering space for locals and tourists alike. The building’s design reflects the graceful flow of the Japanese Alps, while its interior ceiling and
outdoor installation mimic the intricate geometric structure of snowflakes. Land Station Hakuba hosts frequent weekend markets where many of the area’s top coffee shops sell their brews. Inside, you’ll also find a Starbucks open daily throughout the year.
Located within THE HAPPO Hotel, The Clubhouse is a charming café offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Guests can relax on the shaded terrace in THE HAPPO Arcade while taking in the picturesque views of Happo-One Resort. This dog-friendly café is the perfect summer hangout, combining comfort, scenic beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
The Clubhouse
絶景とコーヒー、贅沢時間
THE HAPPOホテル内に併設する house は、屋内席とテラス席を設けた魅力的な カフェです。テラス席で八方尾根スキー場の美 しい景色を眺めながら過ごすリラックス時間 は格別です。愛犬の同伴もOKなこのカフェは、 快適さ、景色の美しさ、そしてすべての人を歓 迎する空気を兼ね備えた、この夏おすすめのス ポットです。
Coffee tastes better at altitude, especially when enjoyed with freshly baked bread. The team at The City Bakery understands this, offering a location atop Iwatake Mountain Resort at 1,289 meters. While the coffee and treats are delicious, it’s the stunning panoramic views of the Northern Alps that make the experience unforgettable.
The City Bakery
標高の高い山で味わうコーヒーは格別です。
The City Bakery はこれを叶えてくれる場所で す。標高1,289メートルの岩岳マウンテンリゾー トの頂上に店を構えるここでは、コーヒーやサ ンドウィッチと共に北アルプスの素晴らしいパ ノラマビューを堪能できます。
Land Station Hakuba
ao LAKESIDE Café
ao LAKESIDE Café
Hot brews and lake views 湖畔でくつろぎのコーヒータイム
Newly opened on the shores of Lake Aoki, ao LAKESIDE adds a fresh and exciting flair to the Hakuba culinary scene. The 100-seat café not only provides breathtaking views of Hakuba’s largest alpine lake, but also boasts an on-site restaurant and sauna for guests to enjoy.
The venue is produced by Tysons & Company which operates several excellent eateries around Japan, including the popular T.Y. Harbor in Tokyo.
Henry Brant is a local artist and multi-media professional who owns Late2wenty.com. Henry enjoys snowboarding and making videos.
HENRY BRANT は、地元のアーティスト であり、マルチメディアのプロフェッショ ナルとして、LATE2WENTY.COM を運営 しています。ヘンリーはスノーボードを 楽しんだりと白馬の自然を愛する一人 でもあります。
Goryu: Alpine Gardens & Trekking Trails
Goryu is where vibrant alpine flora, scenic trekking routes, and rich local heritage merge.
五竜は、鮮やかな高山植物、美しいトレッ キングコース、豊かな地域遺産が共存す る場所です。
Mt. Goryu, the prominent backdrop of the resort, is distinctively shaped like a diamond, a feature that has attracted significant historical attention. The area’s greatest samurai clan, the Takeda Clan, adopted this diamond shape as their family crest, underscoring the mountain’s cultural significance. The name “Goryu” translates to “five dragons,” alluding to mythical dragon spirits that are said to dwell within the mountains.
GORYU ALPINE BOTANICAL GARDEN: A HAVEN FOR ALPINE FLORA
The Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden attracts thousands of visitors thanks to panoramic mountain views, rich biodiversity, and easy access. Despite being located at an elevation of 1,515 meters, the garden is accessible in just 8 minutes via a gondola.
From June to October, the garden plays host to more than 300 distinct plant species and approximately two million individual alpine plants. Visitors can join guided tours in Japanese where experts share in-depth insights into rare plant species like the Himalayan Blue Poppy or the Dicentra Peregrina.
The Kotomi Trekking Trail is among Hakuba’s most popular routes, accessible to hikers of all levels.
The hike begins with a ride on the Goryu Telecabin (gondola) to Alps-daira Station and then takes approximately two hours to ascend to the summit of Mt. Kotomi, reaching an altitude of 2,007 meters. From the summit of Mt. Kotomi, hikers can view the KakuneSato Glacier on Mt. Kashima Yarigatake. Officially recognized as one of Japan’s seven glaciers in 2018, this natural wonder is a rare sight to behold.
As autumn arrives, so does a tapestry of red, orange, and yellow foliage. Along the journey, if you’re fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of the okojo (stoat) or the timid kamoshika (Japanese serow).
Adventure seekers can extend the hike from Kotomi to Mt. Goryu, a challenging six-hour trek to the Goryu Mountain Hut for an overnight stay. At this altitude, you may encounter the sacred raichō (rock ptarmigan ), meaning “thunderbird” in Japanese.
In late summer, the trail bursts with colorful wildflowers, attracting bees and butterflies, perfect for photography. 小遠見トレッキングコース 小遠見トレッキングコースは白馬でも人気の ハイキングコースの一つで、あらゆるレベルの ハイカーが登山を楽しみながら素晴らしい景 色を堪能できます。五竜テレキャビン（ゴンド ラ）に乗ってアルプス平駅まで行き、そこから約
8:15 AM Begin your journey with an 8-minute gondola ride, setting the stage for an exciting day ahead.
8:25 AM Explore the Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden. Wander through the vibrant flora, capture photos, and discover new and fascinating wildlife at every turn.
9:00 AM Choose your path: hike up to Jizo Cairn or take the pair lift to the nature trail for a more relaxed ascent.
9:30 AM Relax at the Jizo Cairn viewpoint, soaking in the sights and snapping photos from a strategic vantage point.
10:00 AM Set off on the next segment: a hike up to Mt. Kotomi.
12:00 PM Reach the summit of Mt. Kotomi and take a rest and reward yourself with snacks and coffee.
12:45 PM Begin your descent back to the Alpine Botanical Garden.
2:00 PM Recharge with a delicious meal and a Nagato Farm soft serve ice cream at the Alps 360 restaurant terrace, while enjoying the fresh mountain air.
3:00 PM Take the gondola down to the base, and conclude your alpine adventure with a relaxing hot spring bath in Escal Plaza, followed by a refreshing Goryu beer, toasting to an unforgettable day.
In August, Goryu operates the gondola at night, offering stargazers, romantics, and astrology enthusiasts a fantastic opportunity to view the stars.
The Clubhouse is Hakuba’s hottest spot to hang out and have a great time. Open from sunrise until the late hours of the night, this dog-friendly venue is the ideal place to spend time with friends and family alike. During the day, you can expect delicious barista-made coffee, tea specialties, and homemade snacks and pastries. When the sun sets, the vibe shifts to a lively bar scene. The outdoor patio with fire pits becomes the go-to hangout spot. The Clubhouse hosts a range of fun events, from live Hakuba Elvis shows to karaoke and stand-up comedy. There are also free games for all who visit including table tennis, foosball, Pac-Man, giant Jenga, and board games.
白馬を訪れた際はクラブ ハウスをお見逃しなく。 A VISIT TO HAKUBA IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT EXPERIENCING THE CLUBHOUSE.
The Clubhouse は白馬の人気スポットです。朝 から夜まで営業しているここは、ドッグフレンドリ ーでもあり、友人や家族と楽しい時間を過ごすの に最適です。日中はフレンドリーなバリスタが丁 寧に淹れる本格的なコーヒーや、シェフこだわり の料理、自家製ペイストリーを味わえます。日が 沈むと、雰囲気は活気のあるバーシーンへと移り 変わります。屋外パティオにはファイヤーピット
Tori Co. is a newly opened, modern izakaya specializing in yakitori. Popular among both tourists and locals, the venue offers a relaxed atmosphere and an extensive menu featuring skewers, fried foods, salads, noodles, and more. The drink menu is equally impressive, with draft beer, a selection of international wines, and a wide range of
sake options available, including Iwa Sake and Hakuba’s own Kurobishi Sake. For added convenience, guests who make online reservations can enjoy complimentary roundtrip transportation for dinner.
Embracing the philosophy of “Enjoying the unique charms of Hakuba available here and now,” Le Verdure serves Italian cuisine crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from their own Hakuba Farm. Delight in handmade pasta, meat and fish dishes, and order the chef’s special course for a truly memorable dining experience.
Enjoy all-day dining at Gio’s at THE HAPPO Hotel, where every dish is elevated with meticulous attention to detail and locally sourced ingredients. Begin your day with barista-made coffees and breakfast featuring timeless favorites like avocado toast and eggs Benedict. For lunch and dinner, enjoy homemade fresh pasta and Italian classics like Venison Tagliata and Roasted Swordfish, accompanied by a wide selection of international wines. Guests who book online can take advantage of complimentary roundtrip transportation for dinner.
MEET THE CHEF: GIOVANNI DE TRANA
Giovanni De Trana is the creative mind behind Gio’s. Giovanni has been a chef since his youth and worked in some
of the world’s finest hotels, like the Bulgari Hotel in Milan and Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo.
At the core of Giovanni’s culinary ethos lies an unwavering commitment to quality. From sourcing the freshest local ingredients to meticulously crafting artistic plates, Giovanni’s dedication to excellence shines through in every aspect of his work.
THE HAPPOホテル「 Gio’s 」では、地元産の食材 を使い一品一品を丁寧に作り上げるオールデ イダイニングをお楽しみいただけます。バリス タが淹れる本格コーヒーや、アボカドトースト やエッグベネディクトなどの時代を超えて愛さ れる朝食で一日をスタートしましょう。ランチと ディナーには、本場イタリアンシェフが手掛け
Discover Lion Café in Hakuba, just a one-minute walk from the Happo Bus Terminal. Perfect for a morning coffee or a leisurely lunch, the menu features favorites like burgers and burritos. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and free WiFi, ideal for teleworking or unwinding. After your meal, rent an e-bike to explore the area.
