Northstar Alpine Lodge

We stayed here in October and found it a relaxed, unusual place that was much brighter and roomier than the booking site photos suggest. The floor-to-ceiling windows look out over lovely grounds and woods, and the kitchen is well equipped, including coffee. There are useful amenities, and the lodge keeps food in the freezer that you can cook. That came in handy, though it's best to plan ahead for meals. We went mountain biking with the host, whose name I unfortunately forgot. He took lots of good photos and never commented on how I could barely manage an incline over 5 degrees, despite having a top-tier electric bike. I ignored all advice and kept it on full turbo, otherwise I wouldn't have moved. Watching my partner and the host glide over obstacles while I had a near-death experience on the same ones was humbling and exhilarating. I hope he enjoyed my unfit, slightly fat British-man style of outdoor sports. One tip: ChatGPT image recognition can help figure out Japanese appliances, from toilets and the American-style washing machine to the gas hob. I spent a shameful half hour defeated by its basic child lock before ChatGPT rescued my primitive brain from asking the desk how to do everyday things like use the toilet and feed myself. 😂 And don't worry too much about the dramatic things you read about Norikura and the area, as though you need to be a triathlon athlete to enjoy it. We were lazy and played right into our own parody, doing most of it in jeans, a T-shirt, with an iPhone and a panic-bought keyring bear bell. We didn't get eaten.

The apartment had everything we needed, and it was comfortable and cozy for our three nights. All the staff were very kind, and its location made it easy to get around. We took a full-day beginner snowboarding class with them; our instructor Spancer was lovely, and the equipment was new and well prepared. We had so much fun in Norikura and wished we could have stayed longer. We really loved NorthStar loft and would highly recommend the accommodation and outdoor activities with NORTHSTAR. Thank you, NorthStar loft.

After the busy cities, this was just the kind of place I wanted: a big, clean loft that still felt cozy. We drove from Matsumoto, about an hour away, and the scenic route was enjoyable. The bus stop is only a two-minute walk, making Kamikochi convenient to reach. There are lovely waterfalls within walking distance, and you can even hear one from the room. Restaurants close early, so bring food or snacks if you arrive late, as they warn you. We tried the Japanese curry from the little 24/hr kiosk and enjoyed it. We loved our stay at NORTHSTAR Loft. :)

Spanser can tailor the tours to what you'd like to see and experience.