Explore the Heart of Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are hotel bookings in English possible?

A. Apart from those listed in our accommodation pages, Stay in the Heart of Japan, generally no. There are an increasing number of foreign lodge owners in Nozawa Onsen and Hakuba where direct booking is possible. Otherwise, if you can't find anything you like via our hotel pages it's best to ask a Japanese speaker to make a booking for you.

Q. Can you make bookings for us?

A. Not directly. However, bookings should be quite easy via one of the many links, as mentioned above, on our Acccommodation page.

Q. Can I make a booking after I arrive?

A. Yes. If you arrive during office hours go to one of the tourist centres. They have all the information you need and can help you book a place to stay. Don't forget to bring your phrase book/dictionary though!

Q. What kind of accommodation is available?

A. All the way from budget inns and youth hostels up to prestige resort hotels such as the Nojiriko El Bosco Hotel or Akakura Kanko Hotel.

Q. When is the best time to come?

A. It really depends on your interests. There is a distinct attractiveness to every season. Most foreign visitors come in the winter for skiing.

Q. How can I check on the weather there?

A. Click here for the latest forecasts or try our ski resort pages for three day resort conditions and snow depth. We also have regular snow reports from Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen or you can get Snow Alerts straight to your inbox.

Q. How can I get there and get around?

A. See our updated Access pages for all the information you need.

Q. Where can I get maps and information?

A. At our Myoko maps page, Hakuba Maps page or Nozawa Onsen Maps page - or at one of the tourist centres listed. English maps may sometimes be available from some of the souvenir shops in the area. A Myoko resort map in English can be downloaded here. Our interactive area guide is here.

Q. Is there an internet cafe available?

A. Not many, but a lot of hotels are now providing in-house services. Check this wireless freespot map in Nagano and this wireless access map in Myoko. Free internet use can also be accessed at the following:

(1) At 'Myoko Messe' - the local community hall in Myokokogen. Walk straight up the main road from the station, past the bus depot on your right. About 200 metres up you will see a large hall which contains a library and computer terminals on the ground floor. Sign up at the desk to receive access. No wifi is available.

(2) At the City Library in Arai. It's about a ten minute walk from Arai station.

See also the discussion about internet access in our forum

Q. Can I find casual work in the resorts there?

A: Until very recently it was generally unlikely on any kind of transit visa. However, foreign workers began appearing in resorts during the 2008/09 season. If you can get a valid work permit, have some solid experience as an instructor or in hospitality, plus reasonable Japanese skills there is a much better chance. Also check out the job links listed on our forum.

Q. I am a journalist, reporter or blogger. Can I use information and/or photos off this site?

A. Usually, but permission must be sought re photos first and a link to our site included with the article. We are also available for interviews.

Q. I work for a tour company. Can we rip off all the information on your site and post it on ours?

A. No! We are sick of commercial vultures looting our content. Please write your own original content or at least spend some money advertising or sponsoring us. Remember, we are the number one ranked site for the area. Operators who do steal content are reported to Google and asked to have their site(s) removed from their search index.

Q. Can we donate money for getting all the great info off this site?

A. Yes please (see right ;) ), or buy a book. A simple 'thank you' in reply for any help we provide is also nice.

If you have other questions please contact us and we will try to post the answers here. Please try not to inundate - we do have day jobs. You can also post questions on our travel and ski forum.

Some sample forum discussions

Snow Parks in Myoko
School group info
Getting from Akakura to Seki Onsen
Myoko Lift Passes
Restaurants in the area
Myoko Kogen to Shiga Kogen
Thredbo v Suginohara