A long-time favourite for Australian skiers and snowboarders, Japan’s Nagano region, about 250km north-west of Tokyo, is campaigning to spread that love to other outdoor activities – all year round.
In a prefecture that boasts mountains as high as 3000 metres, local tourism officials want visitors to focus on the alps, the rugged cliffs, forests and the summer ground cover of flowers through hiking, cycling, e-biking, scenic drives or mere sightseeing.
And one highlight to visiting “The Roof of Japan” is to take on star gazing where the air is clear and crisp and uninterrupted by artificial lighting.
“It’s one of those experiences worth treasuring for life,” said Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organization.
“There are several hotspots for guests to look into the night’s sky with a telescope, Star Village Achi and the famous Senjojiki Cirque among the best,” she said.
“Nagano is known for its breathtakingly beautiful nature trails, fresh air and clear skies and is open to anyone wanting to lace up the boots for an adventure.
“Australians will soon realise there’s much more to holidaying in Nagano than challenging the slopes on skis or snowboards.”
Tourism statistics indicate Australia remains Nagano’s number one long haul market.
Star Village Achi is said to be the best spot for stargazing in Japan as endorsed by the Ministry of the Environment in 2006.
Here, visitors board a gondola from the base of Heavens Sonohara Snow World to Star Village Achi, where there is a café, telescopes and an open field that is perfect for stargazing.
At over 1400 metres, the village is surrounded by the Japanese Alps and light pollution is minimal. There’s the feeling of being amongst the stars.
At 2600 metres above sea level, Komagatake’s Senjojiki Cirque is also a popular destination for anyone wanting to view starry skies. Here, guests can check into Japan’s highest altitude hotel, Hotel Senjojiki.
At the northern end of the Japanese Alps lies the village of Hakuba, known for its plentiful snow and ski resorts that served as the venues for the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.
Visitors can take in the scenery of the Japanese Alps from almost anywhere in Hakuba, from riverside parks to mountaintop terraces.
One of the most impressive views of the mountains is from Happo Pond on top of 2000-metre high Hakuba Happo One where hiking goes hand-in-hand with sightseeing.
