Japan’s first flying restaurant experience, “Breakfast in the Sky” started at Hakunori on 7/13 (Sat.) and utilizes the No. 11 Pair Lift (pictured, about 1,200 meters above sea level). Visitors can enjoy a delicious breakfast and a drink during the 18-minute one-way ride to the top. (*This service is currently available only for hotel guests). My first order of business before boarding hte lift was to choose a drink, with the options being coffee, tea, or apple juice.
[Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort・No. 11 Pair Lift]
The staff placed my breakfast box and chosen drink on the table as I got on the lift. The menu for the day consisted of a croissant sandwich, salad, eggplant stewed in tomato sauce, and assorted fruit (pictured). It was just the right amount of food for a one-way trip, but there was no need to rush, because it’s possible to continue eating any leftover food at the summit plaza after arriving. The lift was almost vibration-free, and I really enjoyed each part of my meal amidst the fresh early morning air and the wonderful view.
[Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort・Summit Plaza]
The 1,598m elevation of the lift landing, which doubles as an observation platform during your stay at the summit, is almost the same heighst as the top of neighboring Tsugaike, and more than 300m higher than the top of Lotte Arai (1,280m). I stayed at the top for around 20 minutes, and as I started my descent, I couldn’t help but smile at the wonderful sea of clouds to the east. “Breakfast in the Sky” can be requested at the front desk one day in advance. (*Fees are listed below).
[Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort・No. 11 Pair Lift]
Hakunori’s big renovation projects are steadily progressing as we approach the 2025 winter season. Hakuba Alps Hotel, located at the foot of the mountain, will open the Hakuba Norikura Aqua Oasis, which features an outdoor heated swimming pool (pictured), an open-air jet bath, a ball pool, and more, on 8/10 (Sat). Designed to be less susceptible to outside temperatures than ordinary pools, the pool will be able to be enjoyed throughout the four seasons: the fresh green of spring, the deep green of summer, the changing leaves of fall, and the snowy landscape of winter.
[Hakuba Norikura Aqua Oasis]
* The opening of an Earthbag Sauna within the Hakuba Norikura Aqua Oasis area is scheduled for the fall of 2024.
* Hakunori also offers a Tree Adventure course and a river fish catching experience.
[Breakfast in the sky]
*Open period … 2024/7/13(Sat)~11/30(Sat)
*Operating time … 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.
*Lift Fees … Adults JPY2,000, elementary school students JPY1,500, preschool children free
*Breakfast fee … Breakfast box JPY2,200 per person, free for elementary school students and younger(*Not required if breakfast is included in the room rate)
*Reservation Method … Apply at the front desk of Hakuba Alps Hotel the day before you wish to board
[Hakuba Norikura Aqua Oasis]
*Open period … Year round(*2024/8/10~)
*Operating time … 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.(*Last admission for visitors 7:00 p.m.)
*Entrance fee … Guests Free, Visitor Adults JPY4,000, Elementary school students JPY2,000, Public bath only Adults JPY1,000, Elementary school students JPY700