SHOWER CLIMBING
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Shower climbing, a Japanese twist on canyoning, gives you the chance to immerse yourself in pristine natural surroundings and fresh forest air as you swim, slide, float, and dive into the cool, crystal-clear waters filtering down from the mountains above. A range of courses are available for elementary school-age children to adults, and experienced guides will select an area that suits your experience and ability level.
Inquiries & Reservations:
Otari Outdoor Club
website (Japanese only)Otari Paraglider School
Facebook (Japanese only) 
PARAGLIDING
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Soar like a bird on currents of air while gazing at the magnificent Northern Alps from your bird’s-eye perch. Paragliding gives you the chance to discover the exhilarating and extraordinary feeling of flight, something that nothing else can offer! Skilled instructors will guide you through a safe and fascinating journey high above the ground on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Inquiries & Reservations:
Otari Paraglider School
website (Japanese only) 
CYCLING
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Join a cycling tour at the foot of the Northern Alps with a local guide who loves scenic detours and knows all the best off-the-beaten-path backroads. These laid-back tours of the Otari and Hakuba areas are designed to maximize your enjoyment. Choose from a variety of courses and bicycle types, such as fatbikes, road bikes, e-bikes, and more!
Inquiries & Reservations:
Otari Fatbike Center
website (Japanese only)Cycling Information:
Otari Hill Climb Course Website
website (Japanese) website (English) 
CAMPING
Everyone from complete beginners to seasoned campers will enjoy spending time relaxing, camping, and barbecuing amongst the rich natural landscapes of Otari. The village offers a wide variety of camping options to suit a range of styles: from high-end glamping sites to family-friendly spots with spectacular views of the Northern Alps. Camping is available in Otari from spring to fall and is sure to be an experience to remember in any season!
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Tsugaike Outdoor Village
This new campground is located right on the wide-open, green grassy slopes of Tsugaike during the green season. In addition to the fresh air and excellent views, the venue boasts easy access to many nearby activities. This is an ideal basecamp from which to explore the incredible nature and exciting attractions in and around Tsugaike.
Inquiries & Reservations:
Tent Camping
website (Japanese only)Camper Glamping
website (Japanese only) -
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Amakazari Campground
Located at the foot of Mt. Amakazari, this full-service camping site offers plenty of comfort and convenience and is the ideal place to spend the night for hikers looking to get an early start on a climb up to the famous summit.
Inquiries & Reservations:
website (Japanese only) -
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Chobo-no-Sato Campsite
Superb views of the Northern Alps, the valley, and the village below spread out in front of you from the well-crafted wooden decks that serve as tent platforms at this popular camping site.
Inquiries & Reservations:
website (Japanese only) -
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Cortina Auto Camp Field
This family-friendly camping area operated by Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba comes with a fantastic benefit; visitors have access to the hotel’s onsen (hot spring baths) and other facilities during their stay.
Inquiries & Reservations:
website (Japanese only) -
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Hakuba Alps Hotel Campsite & Auto Campsite
This plush plot of land is situated next to the Hakuba Alps Hotel, with several onsen and restaurants conveniently located close at hand.
Inquiries & Reservations:
website (Japanese only) -
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Ishizaka Shinrin Tanken Mura Campsite
This quiet, isolated campsite in a beautiful forested area gives visitors the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of life and dive deep into the heart of nature.
Inquiries & Reservations:
website (Japanese only) -
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
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Hakuba Tsugaike WOW!
Hakuba Tsugaike WOW! is a first of its kind adventure park for Japan. Here adults and children alike can enjoy a number thrilling activities, including a harrowing bike ride through the air on a wire suspended over water, or navigating obstacles and bouncing sky-high on a large netted structure surrounded by pristine nature! Tsugaike WOW is located around the Tsugaike gondola’s mid-station.
Inquiries & Reservations:
website (Japanese only) 
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Tree Adventure Parks
Tree adventure is a general term to describe a set of adrenaline-pumping experiences that test your balance, coordination, and courage. Otari has two of these high-flying ropes courses, with one each in the Hakuba Norikura and Cortina areas. With both locations situated near hotels and campgrounds, you can easily spice up your stay with a dose of unforgettable adventure!
Inquiries & Reservations:
Cortina Adventure Land
website (Japanese only)Hakuba Alps Hotel Tree Adventure
website (Japanese only) 
INDOOR CLIMBING
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Enjoy rock climbing rain or shine at these indoor climbing facilities! This challenging and rewarding activity tests the mind and the body, requiring them to work together in harmony to solve the puzzle of hand and footholds before you. The Chanmero Wall in Hakuba Norikura is a large, full-scale facility equipped with bouldering areas and an automatic belay device for self-climbing, while the Tsugaike Nature Park Visitor Center’s wall is a smaller space just right for giving climbing a try.
Inquiries & Reservations:
Chanmero Wall
website (Japanese only)Tsugaike Nature Park Visitor Center
website (Japanese only) 
NATURE EXPERIENCES
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An astounding variety of outdoor and nature experiences are available in Otari, such as rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, traditional handicrafts, mushroom and wild vegetable picking (and cooking), and so much more! Most programs are hands-on and family-friendly, and are a great way to make the most of your visit to our beautiful village.
Inquiries & Reservations:
Otari Nature School
website (Japanese only)Outward Bound Japan
website (Japanese only) 
GOLF
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The Tsugaike Golf Center is located on the Oya-no-hara ski slope during the green season. This 300-yard-long driving range sits at an elevation of 1,000 m and plays slightly downhill, so it’s perfect for practicing your swing in the cool air and outstanding scenery here in the Northern Alps.
Inquiries:
Tsugaike Golf Center / Tsugaike Tourism Development Co., Ltd.
website (Japanese only) 
OTHER SHOPS &
POINTS OF INTEREST
In addition to the stunning landscapes, rich nature, and outdoor activities that abound in Otari, you can also find a number of quiet, local shops and restaurants, as well as more laidback sightseeing alternatives that compliment any itinerary. These are ideal places to relax, search for traditional crafts and souvenirs, or indulge in tasty foods made by locals using locally-sourced ingredients.
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Cortina English Garden
Enjoy an authentic English garden designed by a renowned British gardener. Stroll the grounds and relax on the benches while taking in the fragrant air and colorful blossoms.
website (Japanese only) 
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Firefly Park ‘Hotaru-no-Sato’
From mid-June to early August, hundreds of fireflies perform their nightly dance, drawing golden lines in the air as they flutter silently, and magically through the firefly park.
Facebook (Japanese only)N/A
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Roadside Station ‘Michi-no-Eki Otari’
Whether you come in search of local products, produce and souvenirs, or to relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the natural onsen (hot spring) bath located here, this is one of Otari’s must-visit destinations. While you’re there, be sure to stop in at the popular restaurant inside that serves tasty Japanese fare, with rice that is cooked in traditional stone pots.
website (Japanese only) 
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Local Cuisine ‘Otari Meisankan’
This small restaurant on Otari’s main strip serves food made with wild game hunted and prepared by the owner, such as the shop standard kuma (bear) curry. Their famous soba noodles are another fabulous choice.
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Antique Shop ‘Minatoya Shoten’
Minatoya is the only antique shop in the village, and a treasure chest of old furniture, tools, plateware and a hodgepodge of anything and everything else you can imagine. Rummaging through the densely-packed shop and uncovering rare and unique gems hidden amongst the hoards is a big part of the fun.
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Gelato Shop ‘Otarian Gelato’
This relatively recent addition to the food scene in Otari is already proving very popular. The high-quality gelato comes in unique and flavorful varieties that are made with local ingredients such as soba (buckwheat) ,and seasonal fruits and vegetables to name a few.
Instagram (Japanese only) 
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Bakery ‘Ichirin-no-Hana’
Enjoy the freshly baked bread, fruit danishes, muffins, and more local favorites at this family-run bakery that has been providing bread to the village children for school lunch for many years.
TRADITIONAL LOCAL CRAFTS
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Otari is home to a number of traditional handicrafts that have been passed down from generation to generation. Most can be found on sale at the Michi-no-Eki Otari and other locations throughout the village, and some can be enjoyed as activities during your stay. Below are a few representative examples of what you can find.
- ‘Boro-Ori’ (Rag weaving)
- ‘Wara-Zaiku’ (Woven natural straw crafts)
- ‘Tsume-kanjiki’ (Handmade wooden snowshoes)
DELICIOUS LOCAL SAKE
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Otari has a proud history of producing master sake brewers, known as *Otari Toji. *Deep snow kept Otari isolated from the outside world during the harsh winter months, and severely limited the agricultural season. However, during the Edo Period (1603 to 1867), the men of Otari began to leave the village to support their families by working at breweries between the first snows and the beginning of the rice planting season. Over time they honed their craft, built their reputations, and assumed roles as the heads of breweries throughout Nagano. The knowledge, skills, and expertise of these Otari Toji have been handed down over generations, and are still being tapped to create exquisite spirits today. A wide variety of local sake is available at Michi-no-Eki Otari and other souvenir shops in the village.
- ‘Otari Nishiki’ (Junmai Ginjo Sake)
- ‘Manten’ (Sweet Potato Shochu)
- ‘Kazemaru’ (Pumpkin Shochu)
- ‘Amakazariyama’ (Junmai Ginjo Sake)
FASCINATING LOCAL FESTIVALS
Festivals are an important way to showcase and pass down the unique history, culture and traditions of an area, and Otari’s annual calendar is packed with wonderful opportunities to experience ancient music, dance, ceremonies, and processions in this modern age.
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The Historic Salt Road Festival (‘Shionomichi Matsuri’)
Early May
This annual festival is a celebration of the history and culture of the “Shio-no-Michi”, or Salt Road: a once bustling trade route that stretched some 120 km from the Sea of Japan coast to the landlocked castle town of Matsumoto. The festival coincides with the coming of spring and is perfectly timed around the blooming of the cherry trees. Participants walk in procession with costumed locals along the 9 km Chikuni-goe course, traveling in forests, along rice fields, and through small countryside settlements. 
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Nakaya Omiya Suwa Shrine Festival
Late August
This local summer festival, held annually on the grounds of an ancient and important shrine, features several traditional dances recognized for their historical and cultural significance as “Intangible Cultural Folk Assets” by the prefectural government of Nagano. Come and experience the unique atmosphere and energy of this authentic village festival. 
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Fukahara Flower Lantern Festival (‘Hana-toro Matsuri’)
Early September
In this simple, but visually impressive festival, local residents proceed in formation to the Fukahara Suwa Shrine while hoisting towering 5-meter poles adorned with rectangular paper lanterns and large, dangling strings of “flowers.” The dedication of the lanterns at the shrine is followed by a whimsical performance of a traditional lion dance, known as Shishi-mai. The slow and steady sway of the flowers hanging from the dimly-lit lanterns creates an dream-like atmosphere. 
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Chikuni Suwa Shrine Festival
Mid-September
This unique local festival in Otari Village borders on the bizarre. Male participants in colorful traditional clothing and clownish masks dance about while wielding bamboo sticks (sasara) in one hand and long red phallus symbols in the other. The males repeatedly strike the bamboo and phallus together while chasing after females and playfully probing them with the phallus. Tradition has it that women who are touched in this manner will be blessed with healthy children. 
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Buckwheat Harvest Festival (‘Shin-soba Matsuri’)
October to November
Fresh handmade soba noodles, along with deserts and other culinary creations made with newly-harvested buckwheat, are available at multiple locations throughout the village of Otari during this extended festival period. Visit a variety of shops to indulge in this specialty food of Nagnao, and receive stamps that can be redeemed for a chance to win prizes, such as accommodation vouchers, village-branded items, and – you guessed it – freshly made soba. 
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Oami Fire Ceremony (‘Oami Hi-matsuri’)
The Second Saturday of February
As the long, harsh winter reaches its peak and the promise of spring begins to bring light and hope back to the dark, cold days, the small settlement of Oami holds a spectacular ceremony dedicated to the god of Mt. Amakazari. With the landscape still covered in a deep blanket of snow, villagers dressed in loincloths and wearing otherworldly masks dance and shout around a raging bonfire in a carefully choreographed ceremony to appease the mountain god and usher in a rich harvest in the year to come. 