NORIKURA KOGEN 💙🌿 + Private Outdoor ONSEN Experience in Japan!
Vložit
- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- Today we’re exploring Norikura Kogen, or the Norikura Highlands in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture. This destination wasn’t initially on our radar, but then we found a beautiful guesthouse in the forest with a private outdoor onsen, and we booked it! The theme of the trip quickly turned to relaxation, and I don’t think it could have worked out any better. So we invite you to join us for a bit of hiking and plenty of pampering in the Northern Japanese Alps.
Our Trip to Norikura Kogen in Nagano Prefecture, Japan:
00:29 - Getting to Norikura Kogen
03:49 - Checking in at Raicho Guesthouse
06:06 - Hiking to Zengoronotaki Falls
09:36 - Dinner at Primavera
10:44 - Japanese Tea and Desserts
11:13 - Private Outdoor Onsen Experience
13:55 - Lunch at Okamisan Dining
16:20 - Hiking Ichinose Meadow Trail
20:31 - Guesthouse Tour and Final Thoughts
#norikura #norikurakogen #ruraljapan
NORIKURA KOGEN 💙🌿 + Private Outdoor ONSEN Experience in Japan!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
🙏 Patreon: / samuelandaudrey
🧱 Buy us a Brick: www.buymeacoffee.com/samuelan...
❤️ Like, share, subscribe and comment so the videos can reach more people.
SOCIAL MEDIA & TRAVEL BLOGS
AUDREY:
blog: thatbackpacker.com/
instagram: / thatbackpacker
facebook: / thatbackpacker
twitter: / thatbackpacker
SAMUEL:
blog: nomadicsamuel.com/ and pictureperfectportfolios.com
facebook: / nomadicsamuel
twitter: / nomadicsamuel
Nestled within the heart of Nagano Prefecture lies the hidden gem of Norikura Kogen, a serene retreat within the Northern Japanese Alps that calls to those seeking solace and adventure in equal measure. Initially unbeknownst to us, this enchanting destination beckoned with the promise of untold natural beauty and tranquility. Our discovery of a quaint guesthouse, shrouded within the forest's embrace and boasting a private outdoor onsen, was the serendipitous beginning of an unforgettable journey focused on relaxation and reconnection with nature.
Embarking on the Journey to Norikura Kogen
Our adventure commenced with the journey to Norikura Kogen, a scenic voyage that gradually peeled away the layers of urban bustle to reveal the pristine landscapes of Nagano. The anticipation built with each passing mile, culminating in our arrival at the charming Raicho Guesthouse. Nestled amidst the verdant forest, this haven of peace immediately enveloped us in its warm embrace, setting the tone for a trip centered around leisure and the simple pleasures of life.
Immersive Experiences and Natural Wonders
Eager to explore the surrounding wilderness, we embarked on a hike to the majestic Zengoronotaki Falls. The path wound through the lush alpine flora, with the cascading waters serving as a mesmerizing backdrop to our exploration. The falls' thunderous roar and the cool mist that kissed our skin were invigorating, reminding us of nature's raw power and beauty.
As evening approached, we indulged in a culinary delight at Primavera, where the fusion of local ingredients and traditional techniques resulted in a feast that tantalized our taste buds. The meal was a celebration of the region's bounty, each dish a testament to the chef's artistry.
The highlight of our stay, however, was the private outdoor onsen experience. Under a canopy of stars, we soaked in the steaming waters, the tensions of the world melting away in the embrace of geothermal warmth. It was a moment of profound peace, a communion with the elements that grounded us in the present.
Exploring and Reflecting
Our days were filled with further explorations, including a leisurely hike along the Ichinose Meadow Trail, where the panoramic vistas of the Northern Alps unfolded before us in a breathtaking tapestry of nature's splendor. Each step revealed new wonders, from the delicate wildflowers at our feet to the soaring peaks above.
Returning to the guesthouse, we were afforded a moment of reflection. The Raicho Guesthouse, with its rustic charm and heartfelt hospitality, had become more than just a place to stay; it was a sanctuary that had nurtured our spirits and provided a respite from the chaos of everyday life.
Final Thoughts
As our journey in Norikura Kogen drew to a close, we were left with a profound sense of gratitude for the unexpected beauty and serenity we had discovered. This hidden corner of Nagano Prefecture, with its majestic landscapes, soothing onsen waters, and the simple joy of connection with nature, had offered us a rare gift - the chance to pause, breathe, and simply be. Our trip to Norikura Kogen was a vivid reminder of the restorative power of nature and the enduring allure of Japan's lesser-known destinations.
Music We Use: bit.ly/SamAudreyMusic
나가노를 너무나 행복하게 즐기시는 두분에게 박수를 보냅니다..나가노는 산의 숲 최고의 힐링 에리어...인거 같아요...
Hermoso las tomas los paisajes parecen sacados de un cuento Japón mágico bello ❤😊gracias chicos guapos excelente vídeo las caminatas y Onsen esos platillos deliciosos ❤😊
Zen gardens, bullet trains, onsens. Nagano is where ancient traditions meet modern marvels, all with a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. Just wow!
Once again you guys are knocking it out of the park with this series of Japan vids. Looking forward to more! God I miss the onsens.
I bloody love this series !! Fantastic content and alway genuine not forgetting helpful x
Thanks 🇬🇧 ✌
Thank you! Glad you're enjoying it, Helen.
Hola chicos me encanta viajar con ustedes.
Absolutely breathtaking! Great footage.. good job guys😊
Guys! what beautiful scenery! love the way you frame your shots, you have a great eye...both of you! thank you for sharing!!
Your videos show so many parts of Japan I never knew existed, and now I look forward to visiting myself.
Great video. Norikura Kogen added to my next Japan trip.
Good choice! I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Sam and Audrey I was watching again you Japan videos because we will be there in March 2024 and now i just saw a new video YEH thank you for all the videos they are excellent.........Effie from Montreal
That's an exciting trip and it's coming up very soon!! 😊
@@samuelandaudrey Yes a few weeks and we will be there for 3 months
Are you retired Or taking a long break from work ?
If your travel day was few weeks later, the nature trail would be gorgeous of autumn foliage.
Thank you , Japan is a country I would love to visit , it’s a beautiful looking country and I love the culture 😊
Just what was missing from my life...naked Sam!🤣 My eyes!! I'm away to the pub to calm down ! Brilliant vid as ever guys ❤
Haha! We had to crop some of the shots because there was no amount of blur to shield everyone's eyes. 😅
@@samuelandaudrey haha...too funny!!
There is nothing better in the world in our opinion than the Onsen Experience in Japan. The Nagano Prefecture Series has been so good. We want so much to get back to Nagano and have our own experience. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Hope you guys are doing ok. Sending you Hugs🫂and Kisses💋 from Richmond, Va. Harriet, Jim and Yuki
Thank you! I think we found our new favourite prefecture in Nagano. It had the magic element of mountains. We always end up enjoying the quieter places that are closer to nature. 😊🌲 Wishing you guys a lovely and relaxing weekend!
Maan... just another outstanding japanese national park with great hiking, plus the ryokan with the _rotenburo_ under the trees... kind of (very) jealous. Again. Thanks for the post, Audrey & Sam 😉🙏
Audrey, I realize that you're probably outside Japan now, but I thought it was funny how you'd somehow misplaced your rain-jacket by this stage of the trip, while here I am waiting for my next trip there to get my hands on a particular Montbell model with hard-to-believe specs for breathability and water resistance... Did you find it or did you have to buy another one?
こんにちは！日本人でも中々行けない秘湯温泉！羨ましい限り！
Love the hiking in the rain and the nature in this area. Sam is right in that nature does recharge you... glad that you could finally use your hiking boots. We went to Rila Monastery yesterday and had a wonderful time there. Afterwards we went for a hike up to Ivan Rilski's hermit cave. Really cool place in Bulgaria.
That sounds like a fun day trip! We've heard of both places, but we never made it there when we visited Sofia. I bet nearby Pirin National Park is wonderful as well! 🌲
@@samuelandaudrey We can see Mount Pirin from our apartment. It's really magical.
Great video as usual... I like the details you go into...that helps with some of our future travels to Japan this year. Cheers from TO
Hola familia joven !
Veo que os gusta mucho a Asia !!!
Superbe imagines !!!
Gracias por el video maravilloso !!! ❤❤❤
Hello to you both-
Nice walking trails thanks for sharing close to nature is the best way.
Beautiful relaxing place! Gorgeous views and sceneries! Enjoy guys!
Hola Audrey y Samuel, que hermoso lugar, me gusta ese bosque y la pizza que comio Samuel, se la ve muy apetecible debe haber estado riquísima.
Hasta el próximo video.
Saludos desde Córdoba Edgardo 🍷.
You two are such an inspiration!
Thank you! We appreciate the kind words. 😊
What fantastic scenery
Love Japanese culture
We do as well. We hope you enjoyed the video!
Seeing Audrey with a bun on her head makes me think she has decided to get into full Samurai mode. Waiting to see if she'll wield a katana by the end of the video :)
Haha, you're not that far off! We did learn to throw stars at a ninja house. But that's another video for another day. 🥷
Ooh yes!!!! Let’s watch ❤🎉
Sabrina 🇫🇷🇬🇧
I hope you enjoy this episode, Sabrina! 😊
@@samuelandaudrey yes I have I was calculating as i was excited about this new/ latest serie of yours and was thinking you have been trickeling the episodes for almost 4 months now 👌🏼🫶🏼and you’ve done such a great job I’m loving it! One question How long did you stay in Japan as I’m assuming you have left for quite a while? You certainly made the most of it with all these videos!
🤞🏼We can go to Japan this year 🤞🏼 That’s the plan anyway 🙏🏼
Sabrina 😘😘
Ahh, yes, we've been back in Canada for a bit now! We travelled across Japan for 6 weeks, but we only release 1 new video per week. Otherwise, it would be overwhelming for us to edit, and for you guys to watch! But we're more than halfway through the series now. Just a handful of destinations left to edit.
@@samuelandaudrey Oh no i didn’t mean like that I’m perfectly happy looking forward to one a week I meant you are very well organised… you’ve done great job from planning the trip , searches travels filming a hell of a lot for 6 weeks … enough to be able to realise a constant serie for months 👏🏼and then carry on editing whilst back. It’s great to be able to do it like this as it means you don’t have to be on the go continuously hoping from one country to another and get burnt out. It has a nice flow showing the Japan that most people have never seen!
There were severe fires in the Leningrad region of Russia in the summer. We drove by car and watched the bears roam in droves along the road to escape the fire.
That's so sad to hear. 😥 We also dealt with wild fires in Canada this past summer. It seems to be more and more common every year...
Great travel and food videos!!!..... Just curious what do you use to shoot your videos?
Thank you! We brought 2 cameras on this trip: Panasonic Lumix GH5 and the Sony ZV-1F.
Brilliant!! You guys always inspire me!
Clothes off in onsen, you and nature could have become one.
hot Springs ?
TE DISTE UN BAÑITO EN TIERRAS CHINAS CON SOMBRERITO CHINO