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Destinations... Japan Travel Guide The Yamasa Institute |
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Destinations... Japan Travel Guide The Yamasa Institute |
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Edited by: Declan Murphy Recommended: Suggested Itineraries Favorite Nagano moments... Best ways to get there Nagano Photogallery Newsgroups: fj.rec.travel.japan, Alt-FAQ Bulletin Boards: Fun/Clubs/Nightlife  Accommodation/Discounts
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Located in the north-west region of Nagano prefecture, at the foot of the Hakuba range (part of the Japan Alps), these two villages - particularly Hakuba - are probably known to most for the superb winter sports conditions. Hakuba became better known internationally after hosting some of the events of the 1998 Winter Olympics. It is very popular among tourists as an excellent place for skiing and snowboarding, as well as mountain climbing, hiking and sightseeing. With a population of only around 9,500 people, Hakuba may not seem like a very busy place, but the approximately 850 ryokan (japanese inns), minshuku (private homes providing lodging for travelers), pensions and such explains how this small village easily accommodates over 3.7 million visitors annually.
Hakuba, literally meaning 'white horse', derived its name from Mt. Shiroumadake, the main peak of the Hakuba Range with a height of 2,932 meters, as when the snow begins to melt in spring the outline of Mt. Shiroumadake resembles a white horse. The river Himegawa, a collection of the streams flowing down from the mountains, runs through Hakuba.
Skiing, Snowboarding and other winter sports
Sightseeing
Local specialties & Souvenirs
By train:
From Okazaki/Nagoya: Take the Tokaido line to Nagoya Station, change to the JR Chuo Saisen line bound for Matsumoto City. Change to the JR Oito line at Matsumoto, and catch a train to Hakuba.
By car:
From Okazaki/Nagoya: Take the Tomei expressway to Komaki junction and then the Chuo expressway to Suwa. At Suwa change to the Nagano Expressway and get off at Toyoshina Interchange (Toll from Okazaki is 5,700 yen). Follow route 147 north. Total distance to Tsugaike Kohgen is 320 kilometers of which 260 kilometers is expressway. In winter, snow chains are absolutely essential.
Tours - Japan Discovery visits Hakuba.
Click here for more information regarding when Discovery visits this
destination.
Photographs and contributions
Do you have good photographs or a story to share about this destination? Please share it with us.
Bulletin Boards & Newsgroups
Fun/Clubs/nightlife
Accommodation/Discounts
fj.rec.travel.japan, Alt-FAQ
Disclaimer and Request:
Opening hours, prices, booking procedures, schedules etc are subject to changes beyond our control. This site is just a guide, and we advise that you always check and confirm in advance. Suggestions, additions and correction of errors are always welcome. Please contact us.
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www.yamasa.org content is created and maintained by
Declan Murphy and the students and
staff of the
Yamasa Institute's Multimedia Studio. This site is Yamasa - All rights reserved.
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