Five Ways to Enrich Your Ski Trip in Japan's Alps

©︎Hoshino Resorts

Nagano is Japan's fourth largest prefecture that is often referred to as the “roof of Japan” thanks to having some of the highest mountain ranges in the country. Its scenic, natural landscapes and abundant wildlife have made it a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly for snowsport lovers.

Just outside of Nagano City is Hakuba Village, the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics that is continuously frequented for its lively après-ski scene and relaxing hot spring accommodation.

KAI Alps is a hot spring ryokan situated in Omachi Onsen, the gateway to the Tateyame Kurobe Alpine Route, and where you can find respite after a long day on the slopes. Its guest rooms are lined up on both sides of a gangi, a traditional veranda or arcade-like construction typically found in snowy regions.

For those planning a ski trip to the Japanese Alps this winter, here are five cultural experiences that will enrich your stay:

1) Enjoy the snowy scenery whilst soaking in an outdoor hot spring

KAI Alps features baths that are fed by the pristine hot spring waters that flow from the foot of the Japanese Alps. Not only can guests appreciate the rich natural benefits of the water but enjoy the majestic snowy landscape of the Alps from an open-air bath.

2) Taste oyaki and sake around a traditional Japanese hearth

In rural areas, traditional Japanese homes featured a doma, an area with a floor compacted with dirt and an irori, a sunken fireplace used to heat the home and cook food. KAI Alps continues the nostalgia of the irori where you can take in the warmth of the crackling fire and taste oyaki, a Shinshu-style dumpling wrapped in buckwheat dough that is roasted, together with warmed sake.

3) Indulge in kaiseki-ryōri, a traditional multi-course meal

Described as Japanese haute cuisine, kaiseki-ryōri is a traditional multi-course meal served at ryokan. Incorporating seasonal ingredients and local specialties, the immaculate presentation of plated dishes with attentive service makes for a multisensory experience that can't be missed when visiting Japan. In winter, KAI Alps serves “Yukinabe Kaiseki” a specialty hot pot dish served with fluffy cotton candy. When the stock is added, the cotton candy gently dissolves, resembling melting snow in the Alps.

4) Relax in Japanese-style rooms inspired by the local culture

Following a soak in the hot spring and a memorable kaiseki dinner, there's no better place to relax than the comfort of your own room. KAI Signature Rooms offer a deeper dive into the local culture and at KAI Alps, the rooms are furnished with artwork crafted by a local kiri-e papercutting artist and floor lanterns made from local Matsusaki washi paper.

5) Learn how to make pickles from a local

Nagano is known for its long and harsh winters where Shinshu locals pickle autumn crops as preserved foods. Pickles differ in flavour depending on the household and are served in a variety of ways, such as with tea, alcohol, or to accompany meals. KAI Alps offers an opportunity to experience the rural Shinshu food culture by learning about pickles and how to make them from the local pickle shop owner. You can even take the leftovers home as a souvenir!

Free direct bus service from JR Nagano Station

A free round-trip bus runs between JR Nagano Station, JR Shinano-Omachi Station and KAI Alps, allowing peace of mind for guests during the snowy season. The bus runs according to check-in and check-out times, so you can relax at the inn.

Convenient round-trip buses to Hakuba ski resorts

©︎Hoshino Resorts

“HAKUBA VALLEY” is an area of Hakuba where there are about 10 ski resorts located at the foot of the Northern Alps where you can enjoy winter sports amidst magnificent scenery. It attracted attention during the 1998 Nagano Olympics, and today people from all over the world visit to enjoy its high-quality powder snow. There is easy access with the free round-trip shuttle bus between KAI Alps and Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort. KAI Alps also sell plans that include lift tickets for added convenience.

Ski resort collaboration

Guests staying at KAI Alps can also use the lounge at Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort for free, with coffee and other drinks available to keep you warm after skiing
* Hoshino Resorts (doq Pty Ltd) https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/
* Maki Watabe at m.watabe@thedoq.com