When most people think of snowshoeing, they imagine an oversized clumsy tennis racket and freezing to death in sub-zero temperatures. But snowshoeing is actually an easy, fun, family friendly activity for both the outdoor lovers and those who prefer to wait by the fireplace with a hot chocolate in hand.

Nabekura Kogen in Northern Nagano is a fantastic place to try snowshoeing for the first time. Deep in the snow country with charming forests, wide open spaces and rolling hills, there is plenty of terrain for those who want to challenge themselves or take it easy.

Strap on some snowshoes, venture into Nagano's beautiful snow country, and enjoy all that it has to offer.

Two Days of Snowshoeing in Nabekura Kogen

In the highlands of Nabekura is Mori no Ie, an accommodation and outdoor activity center. Here, you can stay in a cozy, self-contained cottage—your base for snowshoeing and winter adventure. Sleeping up to 6, they are equipped with a toilet, shower, full kitchen, wifi and a wood stove that will keep you delightfully warm even if the weather outside is frightful.

Before your journey begins, make sure to prepare accordingly. Nabakura Kogen is one of the snowiest areas in Japan, so bring the right clothing for the job (see below for more information on what to bring). It is also quite remote; You won’t find any convenience stores nearby! Don’t forget to bring all the food you’ll need for your stay.

Day 1

Plan to arrive at Nabekura Kogen Mori no Ie just before lunchtime. It is north of Iiyama City, about 15 minutes by car from Togari Nozawa Onsen Station on the JR Iiyama line. Depending on how you choose to travel, you may drive yourself or take a shuttle bus from the station (see below for more information on access).

After arrival, get fitted with rental snowshoes and poles. Other small items, such as gloves and boots, are available to rent as well, but you’ll need to bring everything else yourself. See the list of what to bring for more detailed information.

Mori no Ie also has coffee and light food service in the main lodge, so those not joining the snowshoe tour can relax here until check in time.

Snowshoeing through Snow Country

It is finally time to start snowshoeing! First up is learning the ropes and a guided snowshoeing tour of the forest and village around Nabekura Kogen. At the end of this 1.5-hour expedition, visit a traditional snow country house and try making a Nagano delicacy called oyaki for lunch. This vegetarian dumpling is made around a traditional sunken in fireplace called an irori. Getting to eat your creation at the end is the best part! Listening to stories about the snow country and how people survived the long winters only adds to the experience.

After this, return to Mori no Ie for check in and some free time. There are free rental sleds and a hill right behind the property for the kids (or adults) and plenty of snow for a quick snowball fight or snowman contest. Or you can take the snowshoes out for another spin around the rolling snow-covered farmland.

Take a Dip in Togari Onsen

In the evening, drive into Togari Onsen and visit Akatsuki no Yu for a scrub and a piping hot bath. If arriving before sunset, the bath offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.

Dinner Time

By now it's time to eat. You have the option of cooking at the cottage or going out somewhere in Togari Onsen.

If you’d like to eat out, have Mori no Ie make a reservation in advance. Recommended restaurants for dinner include Hashiba (Mom and pop Izakaya style restaurant specializing in Yakitori), Penticton (Curry restaurant) or Kua Thai.

For more information, see Pentiction's website (Japanese) and Kua Thai's website (Japanese).

Return to Mori no Ie by car or taxi and enjoy a relaxing night in the cabins.

Day 2

Good morning! There is an optional small breakfast at the Mori no Ie main lodge with coffee, bread, cheese and other light fare. Make sure to tell them beforehand if using this option. Bringing provisions and making your own breakfast is also highly recommended as each cabin does have a full kitchen.

Snowshoe Hiking around Habiroyama

After checking out, it's time for another guided snowshoeing expedition, either another easy jaunt around the forest and surrounding countryside or summiting nearby Mt. Habiroyama. This is a tough climb but on a clear day you will be rewarded with truly spectacular views of the Zenkoji Daira Valley all the way to Nagano City. If climbing the mountain, lunches need to be ordered with Mori no Ie beforehand.

There is always the option of having a relaxing morning and playing in the snow with the kids or snowshoeing closer to the cottages as well.

Whichever the activity level, return to the cabins, have a last coffee and proceed onto your next destination.

Conclusion

Dive into one of Japan's snowiest regions and enjoy idyllic, winter landscapes of mountains, forests and small villages. Trek around on snowshoes, take a dip in steamy hot springs, and laze about by the fireplace of a cozy log cabin.

To learn more about the cabins and snowshoeing around Nabekura Kogen, see Mori no Ie's official English website.

See more of Nagano's most popular areas for snowshoeing.

How to Get There

Mori no Ie is located in the highlands of Nabekura Kogen to the north of Iiyama City. There is almost no public transportation connecting the accommodation and nearby train stations, so make sure to arrange taxis in advance, or preferrably, rent a car for the duration of your visit.

By Train

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Kanazawa Station to Iiyama Station. Rent a car at Iiyama Station (reserving prior to arrival is recommended) or take the Iiyama Line to Togari-Nozawa Onsen Station. From there, Mori no Ie will pick you up and take you to Nabekura Kogen.

By Car

Mori no Ie is about 4+ hours from Tokyo, 4+ hours from Nagoya or 6+ hours from Osaka. 20 Minutes from Nozawa Onsen, 30 minutes from Madarao, 1 hour from Myoko and 2 hours from Hakuba.

When traveling by car during winter, four-wheel drive and snow tires are essential. If you don't have four-wheel drive, you can easily get stuck in the snow. If you don't have snow tires, you may not even be allowed to drive on the highway during particularly snowy days.

What to Bring for Snowshoeing

1. Snowshoes

Rentals are available at Nabekura Kogen Mori no Ie and many other locations.

2. Warm Waterproof Boots

Ski boots cannot be used for snowshoeing. It is possible to snowshoe with snowboarding boots but it is better to wear waterproof hiking boots or winter boots.

3. Waterproof Jacket and Pants

Make sure your jacket and pants are waterproof. Even if it is not snowing, you will get wet and cold if you fall .

4. Layers

Wear lots of layers to adjust as you walk. Even in cold conditions, you will start sweating when climbing and get cold when descending so make sure to keep adjusting layers before you get too hot or cold.

5. Adjustable Poles with Snow Baskets

Snow baskets are placed on the end of hiking poles to increase the surface area so the pole does not sink into the snow. Purchase snow baskets before your trip and test them out to make sure they fit.

6. Gaiters

If your boots are low cut, snow will come inside and your feet will be cold. Make sure to wear gaiters to keep out the snow.

7. Hat, Gloves, Face Warmer, Hand Warmers and Warm Socks

Just because you have a warm jacket, it doesn't mean that you can forget your extremities. You won't have a good time snowshoeing if your head, hands or feet are cold. It's always a good idea to bring two sets of gloves and socks in case one pair gets wet during your outing.

8. Sun Protection

It seems like sun protection would not be necessary in the snow but the sunlight reflecting off of the snow actually inflicts more harmful rays. Make sure to bring sun protection including goggles or sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.

9. Plenty of Water, Food and a First Aid Kit if Going without a Guide

Snowshoeing can be a good workout, so you need plenty of fuel and hydration along the way. If you're going alone, it's also a good idea to bring a first aid kit with you.