Hakuba 7th November 2009

Posted on November 10, 2009 by Hakuba Blog

Although most peoople live here for the winter months and the world class skiing and snowboarding there are many options for other activities in the warmer months. Saturday I woke at dawn to a crisp blue sky morning. A good friend of mine picked me up at 6 and we drove to a trusted little fishing spot where the water is so clear you can actually see the fish swimming around. Hakuba has a great selection of fishing choices in lakes, streams and rivers and the Japan sea is just 45 minutes away. After a few bites myself, today turned out to be Bens’ day with this nice little trout which was cooked up with some lemon, cracked pepper and chopped shallots wrapped in foil and cooked over an open fire.  A delicious breakfast along with some freshly cooked bread and an espresso coffee back at the Arctic White Horse Hotel. This is the life.

Bens fish

Bens fish

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Hakuba 6th November 2009

Posted on November 7, 2009 by Hakuba Blog

Some times we can all get caught up with work and end up sitting at our desks all day. Another beautiful autumn day here in Hakuba and I was determined to drag myself away from my computer to find time to take a walk by the river.  It is a great lifestyle here. Originally my intention was to just stay in Hakuba during the winter and manage the hotels however I found the living here to be much to my liking for the whole year. There is a number of westerners from around the globe now living in Hakuba who have also found this balance of lifestyle and work. Clean air, big mountains, great snow in the winter and for all you office workers, fibre optic internet.  Come and live the dream.

flower

Autumn in Hakuba

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Hakuba – 5th November, 2009

Posted on November 5, 2009 by Hakuba Blog
The Nagano Shinkansen

Bullet train

Another trip into Tokyo – just for the day. This time to source some produce for the White Horse restaurants and bars this coming winter. Tokyo is a gourmets delight and actually has the most restaurants per capita in the world. I love to try new places each time I go and I have been fortunate to have eaten at where I would consider to be the best restaurant going.  (contact me if you want the details however you have to take me with you:)

The quickest and most comfortable way to get to Hakuba is to take the bullet train from Tokyo to Nagano and then the bus from there. We help organise transfers for those that come in late after the buses finish. When at Tokyo Station make sure you grab a gourmet bento box (Japanese fast food) from the Gransta Food area for the ride to Nagano. You won’t be disappointed. You could even get yourself a bottle of fine wine for the ride. Cheers

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Hakuba 4th November, 2009

Posted on November 3, 2009 by Hakuba Blog
Hakuba, Japan

The moon setting over the Japanese Alps

A crisp clear morning here in Hakuba and we had a full moon setting over the Japanese Alps. In the middle of winter we enjoy taking our guests out pre dawn for them to take advantage of the beautiful sunrises we get on the clear mornings. It is a great opportunity to watch the pink reflection of the sun flow down the mountains as the sun rises from your back. Please inquire about our free dawn trips while you are here.

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Hakuba 3rd November, 2009

Posted on November 3, 2009 by Hakuba Blog
Happo One

Hakuba 3rd November 2009

The snow has arrived in Hakuba. This is midway up the resort of Happo One which was the resort where the majority of the events were held for the 1998 Winter Olympics

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Hakuba – 2 November, 2009

Posted on November 2, 2009 by Hakuba Blog

Snow.

Thats all that really needs to be said. It is the first snowfall in the valley for this season and although it is not expected to stay on the ground too long it will start filling in some of the gullies and crevasses up higher. This will mean an earlier start to those who head out into the magnificent backcounrty here. When the snow starts falling it adds a great level of anticipation throughout the valley for the beginning of another legendary snow season in Hakuba.

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Hakuba 1 November, 2009 and Tokyo

Posted on November 2, 2009 by Hakuba Blog

Recovery day today after a big night in Tokyo. Back early from a great day and Evening. Tokyo holds many world sporting events and have a long history of big name sportspeople coming out to compete in their chosen fields. The Bledisloe Cup is a rugby game held between Australia and New Zealand with many nationalities coming from around the globe to watch the game. It was a perfect evening and a well run event.  New Zealand came out on top this time. Congratulations.

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Hakuba – 31st October, 2009

Posted on October 30, 2009 by Hakuba Blog

Living in Hakuba gives me a great lifestyle here in Japan. My backyard is the magnificent Japanese Alps which has some of the best winter sports action in the world. Summer time, the weather is perfect and the rivers and lakes offer a vast array of activities. Fresh air and mountian life friendly locals along with a varied group of international expats creates a very good environment and a great place to live. Along with country living I am only 2.5 hours from the biggest and most exciting city in the world – Tokyo. Today I am off to Tokyo to watch the Bledisloe Rugby Cup and check out some nightlife afterwards. Being a city boy I certainly enjoy my trips back to hustle and bustle. Blue and calm for the sunrise today with a glistening frost on the grass.

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Hakuba 30 October, 2009

Posted on October 30, 2009 by Hakuba Blog

Another magnificent autumn day today here in Hakuba, Japan. Early bird season ski pass purchased for Hakuba47 . Last day tomorrow for the special deal so if you want one you better get in quick. Looking into the river around the Hakuba47 resort I was able to fish with my bare hands. A nice little trout snatched from it’s pool. Catch and release today. I have heard of others doing similar but I must say I was a little sceptical until now.  There is some great fishing in the area and we are also only 50 minutes from the Japan Sea.

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Hakuba – 29 October, 2009

Posted on October 29, 2009 by Hakuba Blog

A magnificent blue sky autumn day here in Hakuba. A lecture for all food venue operators was held today with hundreds turning out. The restaurant business is wide and varied here in Hakuba. There is approximately 200 restaurants, izakayas and bars in the valley. I am working my way around to try out as many as possible. I will never list my favourites but if I am asked personally I am happy to pass on the good ones.

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