Winter Journey to Hakuba Nagano | Snowboarding at Tsugaike Kogen, Onsen Ryokan Hoshino KAI Alps
We started our 5-day winter trip from Tokyo Station Took earliest train to Nagano For Nagano trip, we’ll be joined with our couple friends We’ll meet them inside Excited to kickoff the trip together Time for breakfast: we each grabbed an ekiben We had chicken nanban This one is classic salmon bento Outside, the sky began to glow. A golden sunrise washed over the landscape. And there it was—Mount Fuji, clear and majestic. Soon arriving in Nagano Arrived in Nagano Heading to car rental We rented the car in Nagano It’s difficult to use public transport in Hakuba to get around The drive was unreal… ….snow-draped villages, empty roads, and blue skies. Every turn felt like a postcard. We found a little café tucked in the snow. We ordered Kafe Ore (Cafe Au Lait) Warm coffee in hand, cold air outside. Just what we needed The break we needed before snowboard Beginner-friendly, they said—so we gave snowboarding a shot Getting on the board was already a challenge. Fell once. Then again. And again. But the slope was kind… …gentle enough to keep trying And the view? It made every fall worth it. Getting darker at 4PM, decided to finish It was so fun! Not pros—but definitely proud beginners. We drove back as the sun dipped behind snowy peaks Heading to hotel with such mesmerizing view First stop: the onsen Located in another building from our room… …so had to walk steaming warmth surrounded by snow Very, very nice after snowboard After soaking, we chilled a bit in relaxing room Post-onsen drinks provided here There’s soba tea and shisu apple vinegar here Let’s give it a try Simple comforts that felt like a ritual. The ryokan was traditional beauty wrapped in white With such beauty, we’re headed to get breakfast Breakfast of the day (Shio no Michi) This breakfast is inspired by the ancient Salt Road of Japan. Every dish reflects the flavors of mountain and sea. Natto (fermented soybean) mixed with turnip on tofu Tamagoyaki, grilled salmon, chawanmushi Chicken meatball, fried tofu Miso was made with three types of local mushrooms, tender chicken, and scallions. Each bite subtle, seasonal—meant to be savored slowly A quiet tribute to regional tradition, plated with intention. Finished with free-flow coffee from the lounge. Traditional Japanese style combined with modern minimalist look Wrapped in wood and shoji (Japanese door) The lounge was quiet and comforting We sat by the window with coffee in hand no words needed Still in awe with the beautiful interior There’s a souvenir shop next to the concierge Unique and traditional souvenirs from Nagano here We’re collecting pins So this is what we looked first Before departing, we made sure we spend last moment here to the fullest Heading back to our room in the second floor Hung out in the tatami area here Just enjoying the view, overlooking the snow outside The room is quite spacious for 4 people Final check before checking out Really enjoyed our stay here Driving back to Nagano within 1 hour Recording breathtaking view in our memories After arriving in Nagano Station, we wanted to get coffee first Just 3 minutes walk from Nagano Station Specialty coffee, special for manual brew Cozy little cafe We could try their brewed beans Great selection of beans Great selection of beans It was quite fragrant with fruity notes But not too bold to my liking But not too bold to my liking That’s a wrap of our Hakuba Trip Matsumoto awaits. See you next!
A quiet winter escape through the Japanese Alps — from boarding the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station to snowboarding in Tsugaike Kogen, and ending the day in the warmth of Hoshino KAI Alps Ryokan.
In this cinematic vlog, I document slow mornings, soft snow, and simple joys:
☁️ Riding the Shinkansen while watching Mount Fuji at sunrise
🎿 Learning to snowboard (and falling… a lot) in Hakuba
🛏️ Staying at a traditional wooden onsen ryokan wrapped in snow
🍵 Savoring “Salt Road” breakfast, soba tea, and local coffee
This is not a fast-paced travel vlog—this is curated stillness in motion.
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#JapanWinter #CinematicVlog #Hakuba #OnsenRyokan #Snowtrip
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