About Northstar

Real Adventure, Real Life

NORTHSTAR is an international lodge & outdoor school located
at the foot of the Northern Alps in Norikura Kogen, Nagano Prefecture.
Relaxed lodge and varieties of outdoor activities, educational training, team building, company training, etc operated by professional guide and instructors.
Our vision is to guide others in pursuing a life-changing experience… Real Adventure, Real Life – JN1010

Staff

Ken Yamaguchi

Ken Yamaguchi

Director・CEO
From: Chiba
Certifications:
JMGA Hiking guide stage 2 / Ski guide stage 1
Japan Avalanche Network Avalanche Operation Level 1 (Active Member)
Shinshu (Nagno Pref. Certified) Hiking Guide
PMBIA Level1 Mountain Bike Guide / Instructor
CASI Level1 Snowboard Instructor
Wilderness First Aid(WAFA Advancec Level)
On my off days: Cleaning up my house and mountain biking in summer and backcountry snowboarding as much as I can.

Kayo Nakajima

Kayo Nakajima

Food Service Director
From: Tokyo
Certifications: Licenced Cook
On my off days: Cooking something tasty for myself.

Michie Waters

Michie Waters

Office Manager
From: Nagano
Certifications: Registered Nurse
On my off days: Spending time with my family and friends.

Spencer Turner

Spencer Turner

Instructor
From: Tokyo
Certifications:
CASI Level1 Snowboard Instructor
On my off days: Snowboarding. Car camping in my van. Surf trips. Backpacking in northern alps.

SDGs

NORTHSTAR Co., Ltd. is registered in the second phase of the Nagano SDGs Promotion Company Registration System
The following key initiatives are being taken to achieve sustainable development goals as a company.

Environmental Goals: Reduce disposable plastics as an accommodation facility and make efforts to raise awareness

→ Reduction of disposable plastic products, particularly disposable toothbrushes and water cups

Social and Economic Goals: Create, assist, and/or manage tourist-based projects, boosting the local tourist economy and local employment rates

→ Norikura BASE Management Co-op. Norikura BASE is an outdoor adventure center, attracting tourists to Norikura and employees a few dozen Norikura locals

Local Road Revitalization Goals: Recycle old, unused roads for tourism

→ Maintenance of mountain bike trails which were once logging roads

Access

By Car

From Tokyo area (Google Maps Driving Directions Here)
From Chuo-do highway Okaya JKT to Nagano-do highway, Matsumoto IC. Take R158 toward to Kamikochi. Pass Nagawado-dam and turn left at Maekawado intersection. In about 10 minutes, turn left at the intersection of the sign of #20 lodge, Yukemuri-kan and Kanko-center(visitor center). About 100m on the left side.
From Tokyo, Kansai and Hokuriku area (Google Maps Driving Directions Here)
From Tokai-Hokuriku-do highway, Hida-Kiyomi IC, Take R158 toward to Kamikochi/Matsumoto through Takayama city. After Abo-tunnel, pass Kamikochi, turn left at Maekawado intersection (you cannot turn right at Maekawado from Takayama but you need to pass the intersection once and go through the tunnel them make u-turn. Come back through the tunnel and them make a left at the intersection). After about 10 minutes, turn left at the intersection where you see a sign with #20, Yukemuri-kan and Kanko-center(visitor centre). About 100m ahead on the left side.

Train & Bus

If you use Matsumoto Dentetsu’s trains and buses, take the train or bus from Matsumoto Station to Shin-shimashima station. Then transfer to the bus at Shin-Shimashima station towards Norikura Kogen. Get off at “Kanko-center-mae”.
It will take about 80 minutes from Matsumoto station.
Highway Bus
We have highway bus access from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka/Kyoto to Matsumoto Station. From Matsumoto, take the train or bus from to Shin-shimashima station. Then transfer to the bus at Shin-Shimashima station towards Norikura Kogen. Get off at “Kanko-center-mae”.
It will take about 80 minutes from Matsumoto station.
Taxi Service
Alpico Taxi
Public Transportation Links
Alpico Bus
Nohi Bus

Contact Us

Phone: 0263.93.1688
We are waiting for you call during the following times:
Tuesdays – Sundays :  10:00 – 18:00
Mondays – Closed *If there is a holiday on Monday we will be closed the following day.
Fax: 0263.93.1699
Address: 4306 Azumi, Matsumoto-Shi Nagano-Ken 390-1513
e-mail: info@ridenorthstar.com
*No snowshoe trekking tour is available between mid November to mid December due to bad weather and no snow.