Hakuba-Otari Map (PDF file) is...  |
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 Hakuba's history as a mountain resort began around 1900. The Hakuba and Otari area had just been documented by the "father" of Mountaineering in Japan, the Rev. Walter Weston, in his book "Mountaineering and Exploring in the Japanese Alps", soon after, skiing was introduced to Japan and Hakuba gradually became a popular destination for mountaineers and alpine skiing pioneers alike. By the middle of the 20th century skiing had become a very popular leisure activity, and 11 ski resorts sprung up in the valley to cater to the growing population of Japanese Skiers. Although the Japanese Alps had stayed relatively unnoticed internationally, the Winter Olympics hosted in Nagano prefecture in 1998 brought the incredible amounts of snow, and the magnificent mountain scenery to the attention of winter enthusiasts all over the world. Mountaineering and Hiking remain popular in Summer. The multitude of hiking trails from the bottom of the valley, right up to the well maintained route running along the crown of the Northern Alps continue to attract hikers of every ability for the magnificent views and the treasure trove of Alpine Flora.As well as being a world class mountain destination, Hakuba has a history that runs much deeper than that of a simple leisure center. The main road running through the valley (Route 148) closely follows the path of an ancient trade route known as the "Shio no michi" or "Salt road". First documented as being used to transport Jade over a thousand years ago, the Salt road was a lifeline carrying salt and other products from the Japan sea in the north through deep forests and over mountainous terrain to Matsumoto city, almost 100 kilometers to the south. Evidence of this history can still be found close to Route 148 in the form of ancient Temples, Shrines, Statues and Farmhouses. There are innumerable Onsens (Japanese Hot Spring Baths) in the Hakuba and Otari area. Some have histories running back to Japan's feudal period, others are fed by ocean waters trapped by tectonic movements over 20,000 years ago. With over a dozen completely different Hot Springs sources supplying different waters to onsens all over the valley, a trip a little further afield can be well rewarded. We are even blessed with several free foot onsens just to relax those tired feet. Be sure to check our "Onsens Explained" section for a description of how to use Onsens properly. |
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 New Year's Eve & NewYears (31st Dec) New years eve is traditionally important in Japan as the start to the new year is thought to influence the fate of the year ahead. Head to one of the temples just before midnight for quiet contemplation, and an opportunity to strike the bell once to help dispel one of humanity's 108 worldly desires. Otari-Oami community Higashi-Amidagahara (second Saturday on Feb.) A traditional fire festival held in a small community deep in the mountains. Young men from the village will play drums and perform traditional rites clad only in loincloths. (Approximately 1 hour taxi ride from Hakuba station) "Shio-no-michi" Salt-Road Festival Oomachi-Hakuba-Otari- (3rd-5thMay) The "Shio-no-michi" or Salt-Road, is a historically important trade route, originally used for transporting salt and other products from the Japan sea down to Matsumoto city and beyond. There will be a parade on the Salt-Road of people in traditional dress for the festival. |
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 After skiing or boarding, an Onsen is the best way to soothe sore muscles and relieve fatigue. Over winter, most people will go to the onsens after skiing or boarding after about 4:00pm, so if you go before 4:00pm, you will have a better chance to take your time and relax at your leisure. Onsen etiquette Keeping the Onsen clean is everyone's responsibility. It is a bath, so swimming trunks are not acceptable. Why not invest in a small towel (generally about ￥150 at the reception desk)to maintain your modesty. How to use the Onsen 1.First things first, before getting into the bathtub, you should wash your body, primarily to get clean, but also to get your cold body used to the hot water.The bathtub itself is just for soaking in, not washing. There will be a separate washing area, so DON'T use soap in the bathtub. 2.Watch your step while moving around, the floor and steps can be very slippery. Your small towel should never go into the tub (you could put it on your head like a pro though), and it might be a big tub, but it's not a swimming-pool. Don't jump into, or swim in the bathtub. 3.Relax and let the Onsen do its magic.. If the bath is very hot, feel free to get out to cool down and get back in again (staying too long in a hot bath can have serious health risks). 4.When you are finished in the bath, dry off as much as you can before returning to the changing room to dry off completely. After your Onsen, don't forget to drink some water or treat yourself to bottle of milk like the veterans do. Do not go to Onsens after drinking. Some Onsens will tarnish your silver accessories, so you should remove your watch etc. and put them with your valuables in a locker before entering the Onsen. |
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 ■おはようございます(Ohayo Gozaimasu)→Good morning. ■こんにちわ(Kon-nichiwa)→Hello ■こんばんわ(Kon-banwa)→Good Evening ■美味しい(Oishii)→Delicious! Yummy! ■すみません(Sumimasen) →I'm sorry/Excuse me. ■ありがとう（ございます）(Arigato(gozaimasu))→Thank you(very much) ■どうも(Doumo) →Thanks. *Informal ■いくらですか?(Ikura desuka?)→How much is it? ■これをください(Kore o kudasai)→This one please. ■[郵便局]はどこですか？（[Yubin kyoku] wa doko desuka?)→Where is the [post office]? ■英語メニューはありますか？（Eigo Menu wa arimasuka?)→Do you have an English menu? ■このバスは[〜]に行きますか？（Kono Bus wa [〜] ni ikimasuka?)→Does this bus go to [〜]? ■あんじゃねぇ(Anjane)→No problem *Hakuba dialect ■うめぇずら(Ume- zura)Yummy *Hakuba dialect |
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 Japan is still very much a cash society, and there are places where both credit cards or travellers cheques are not accepted so it is a very good idea to carry yen. ATMs Cash advances can be made with most Major credit cards at the ATMs at the Post Office and the 7-Elevens.(subject to conditions) Credit cards issued outside Japan cannot be used at the ATMs at the banks in Hakuba. Money Exchange. 82 Bank and Nagano Bank can exchange USD, AUD, CAD, EUR cash and travellers cheques to Yen. A passport is required as ID and Nagano bank also needs the address of your place of stay. |
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