If you are looking to explore rural Japanese mountain life, while also hitting the slopes at some of the world's best ski areas, head for the Japan Alps National Park in Central Honshu. In the Japan Alps high alpine adventure meets old world living and the result is a travel tour that pleases the young and the old, the history buff, and the ski bum. Most recently, Nagano (near Matsumoto) played host to the XVIII Winter Olympics in 1998. Besides hiking and skiing, a tour through the region will take you to the town of Ogimachi and a series of old farmhouses that have been converted into authentic Japanese lodgings. Also on your tour you can explore the imposing Matsumoto Castle, or take part in the puppetry and pageantry during the colorful Takayama festival.
