● Aokiko is the headwater of Japan’s longest river, the Shinano Kawa that flows over 400km before reaching the Sea of Japan. ● There are no powerboats allowed on the lake, which is a prime reason for the pure water and serine ambiance. ● To attest to the lakes purity swarms of fireflies can be seen along the edges of the lake during the warm summer evenings. ● No rivers enter the lake, Aokiko is spring fed. ● The lake is said to be one of the clearest lakes in all of Japan. ● Is Aokiko haunted? Many Japanese believe Aokiko to be frequented by spirits, including a cow’s ghost. ● Aokiko is encompassed by the blue green forests that are the lakes namesake Blue Tree Lake in English ● Activites to be enjoyed on Aokiko include canoeing, kayaking, rafting picnic, fishing, swimming and last but not least skimming stones!
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LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS
SUSHI AND SASHIMI
Nagano’s contribution to the enjoyment of raw fish comes in the production of wasabi, the green radish that graces every plate of sashimi and many forms of sushi, though it can be omitted on request. Most Japanese parents do so for their children.
GALETTE (CREPE)
In a recent development, Hakuba has embraced an alternative buckwheat dish, galettes. Galettes are basically French-style pancakes where the nutty flavor of buckwheat adds a savory dimension compared with normal crepes. Chefs at many restaurants and hotels around the town have developed their own interpretations of galettes. Make sure you pick up a leaflet from the Tourism Commission and see which one takes your fancy.
www.hakubaconnect.com
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