AZUMINO HOTAKA VIEW HOTEL
The Azumino Hotaka View Hotel is located in the center of Nagano Prefecture, which spreads out to the North and South, making it the ideal base for sightseeing within the prefecture. Even distant places can be reached in two hours by car. Nature has crafted an abundance of scenic spots in the mountains of Japan’s foremost ranges, the Northern, Central, and Southern Alps.
Kamikochi 90 minutes from the hotel, by car.
Kamikochi is known for the most famous highland walking courses in Japan. Located in the sub alpine belt, it attracts many tourists from early summer to fall, drawn by the abundance of natural wonders including alpine plants and butterflies. A convenient direct travel service is available, picking up guests at the hotel entrance and taking them directly to Kamikochi. Bookings should be made at the hotel reception by 6pm on the preceding day. A return trip costs \5,500.
Narai Post Town 120 minutes from the hotel, by car.
This post town prospered as the 34th station on the Nakasendo Road, one of five ancient highways that once connected Edo (modern day Tokyo) to surrounding and distant regions. Various shops and cafes are situated in buildings of the period.
Zenkoji (temple) 80 minutes from the hotel, by car.
Guided tours in English and Chinese are available on Saturdays and Sundays. From the main hall, visitors can descend to a pitch-dark corridor where they try to find a key representing enlightenment. About 25 minutes on foot from Nagano station, it is also accessible to visitors travelling by train.
Daio Wasabi Farm 20 minutes from the hotel, by car.
Covering an area equivalent to 11 Tokyo Domes, this is the largest wasabi (green horseradish) farm in Japan. The three water mills installed on the riverbank were a backdrop for the movie “Dreams” by famed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. Spread amongst the original natural scenery of Azumino, you can spend a relaxing time here. Popular wasabi soft-serve ice cream and wasabi croquettes are also available. Experience the subtle color and pungent flavor of Daio Wasabi Farm’s fresh grown wasabi.
Kurobe Dam 90 minutes from the hotel, by car.
At 186m high, this massive dams has a storage capacity of about 200million tons. Many tourists visit to see the excess water discharged from the dam from late-June to mid-October. Because it is a stop on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, it is convenient to combine a visit with a trip to Murodo etc.
Matsumoto Castle 40 minutes from the hotel, by car.
Constructed about 400 years ago, this is one of the finest examples of Japanese castle architecture. The main tower has been preserved intact since the Warring States Period and, together with the surround area, is maintained as the Matsumoto Castle Park. Standing dignified against the Northern Alps and expressing different aspects of its beauty across the four seasons, it has become the widely known symbol of Matsumoto City.
Hakuba 60 minutes from the hotel, by car.
Endless blue skies and verdant green meadows filled with brilliant alpine flowers, the Hakuba area is full of spots to enjoy nature, such as Tsugaike Nature Park and the Happo Alpen Line! On Happo-one, you can see the magnificent Hakuba mountain range spread right before your eyes, and experience the beauty of Happo Pond. At Tsugaike Nature Park, visitors can enjoy precious alpine plants such as Daylily and Asian Skunk Cabbage in addition to the nearby great snow gorge on Mt. Hakuba.
Togakushi 100 minutes from the hotel, by car.
There are many sightseeing spots in the Togakushi area, including the Togakushi Shrine, famed for its avenue of towering cedar trees, and the view of Mt. Togakushi reflected in the Kagami Pond. Togakushi soba (buckwheat noodles) are also famous. The giant cedar trees lining the path to the main shrine building are a renowned power spot. Located close to the Kagami Pond, we recommend visiting them together.
Senjojiki Cirque 90 minutes from the hotel, by car.
Ride the ropeway to enjoy the feeling of hiking in the mountains without the strenuous climb. The Senjojiki Cirque spreads out before you at the top of the ropeway, and Mt. Kisokomagatake, the highest peak in the Central Alps can be reached in just 2 hours.
The ropeway runs throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the sight of the Senjojiki Cirque through the changing seasons, from spring snows, through the fresh greens of summer, to the autumn leaves, and the starlit winter sky.
Utsukushigahara & Kirigamine (highlands) 100 minutes from the hotel, by car.
Cattle pasture covers the entire area allowing visitors to enjoy the natural environment. You can enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of famous mountains such as Mt. Fuji, the Northern, Central, & Southern Alps, and Mt. Yatsugatake. As night falls, the starry sky spreads across the heavens and you can see stars not just overhead, but all around.
Takato 100 minutes from the hotel, by car.
A famous cherry blossom viewing spot since ancient times, the Takato Castle Ruins Park is home to around 1,500 cherry trees. The hill is painted pink during the cherry blossom season. Since long ago it has been known as “Japan’s best cherry blossom” and is famous throughout the country.
Tsumago Post Town 150 minutes from the hotel, by car.
The 42nd post town on the ancient Nakasendo Road connecting Edo and Kyoto, Tsumago Post Town was a bustling transport hub on the busy road. A number of Edo period streets are preserved to this day.
Magome Post Town 150 minutes from the hotel, by car.
This town was the 43rd post town along the Nakasendo Road. Here, the north-south road climbs the steep slope of a mountain ridge, leading the settlement to become commonly known as “the post town on the slope”.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route 90 minutes from the hotel, by car.
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of the world’s premier mountain sightseeing routes, penetrating the Northern Alps and reaching altitudes of 3,000 m. A total of 37.2 km in length, the route features an elevation change of 1,975 m. Riding a ropeway, cable car, and trolley bus, visitors can easily travel to several scenic spots, enjoying majestic natural landscapes above the clouds.
Ueda Castle Ruins 100 minutes from the hotel, by car.
Home to Yukimura Sanada, known to be the strongest samurai in the country, Ueda Castle was popularly considered impregnable. Spring sees the Senbon Sakura (thousand cherry blossom) Festival held at the castle, while the fall brings the Ueda Castle Keyaki Tree Autumnal Color Festival.
Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park (“Snow Monkeys”) 100 minutes from the hotel, by car.
Visitors are able to get up close and watch wild monkeys bathing in the hot springs making this a popular tourist attraction. Renowned as a place where you can observe the behavior of the Japanese Macaque monkeys, it is loved by people from all over the world.
