Pickleball, Hot Springs, and Hidden Corners of Japan
Japan has long been a favorite destination for Hawaii travelers—whether for the food, the culture, the shopping, or a quick escape to Tokyo. But what happens when you mix that spirit of adventure with a paddle in hand? This month, pickleball coach and tour operator Daniel Moore takes us deep into the mountains of Nagano, where onsens steam beside cedar forests, monkeys roam near ancient villages, and pickleball becomes part of the journey—not just the destination.
THE ONSEN PICKLEBALL EXPERIENCE
A CULTURAL DEEP DIVE WITH A PADDLE IN HAND
By Daniel Moore
Imagine sitting outdoors in a natural hot spring, surrounded by layers of misty, mountainous Japanese scenery straight out of a woodblock print. The charming village lies beneath, the glistening city far in the distance. Puffy white clouds roll past at eye level, blue sky peeks through above, and vibrant, spring green emerges all around.
Close your eyes and enjoy the moment. You’re doing as the Romans do. This is immersion by submersion. After playing pickleball and bathing, the only other concern left is what Japanese feast awaits next.
Yes, this is a pickleball camp, not a luxury retreat. We do camps a little differently, though. Of course, you will improve. But it’s a sin to travel across the world and see only the inside of a pickleball court. I’ve made that mistake too many times at tournaments and camps, focused on the outcome rather than the journey. I want you to discover and fall in love with the part of Japan I love—the Japan most tourists never visit, the Japan you might never find or explore on your own.
Nagano is a rural part of the country, but it boasts a rich history, a wide range of outdoor activities, a vibrant, healthy culinary scene, diverse cultural experiences, and, of course, hundreds of hot springs. Although known for its winter sports and snow monkeys, Nagano is quickly becoming a pickleball destination.
The Onsen Pickleball Camp is not the place for a strictly pickleball experience. This camp uniquely combines high-quality instruction with exciting cultural activities. I want people to walk away gaining more than just a pickleball experience.
Instead, we do it all: a healthy serving of pickleball with a dash of food, outdoors, and culture—blended into a perfectly mixed active vacation. Here’s what that looked like during our most recent Onsen Camp:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
From Tokyo, it’s just a 1.5-hour bullet train ride on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station. We begin our drive from the Nagano Station to Five Peaks Jigokudani, the accommodation for the trip. After a long day of travel, we enjoy BBQ at the accommodation.
DAY 2: PICKLEBALL CLINIC & SOBA
After breakfast, we head to the gym to begin the first pickleball clinic. Lessons are tailored to the group’s requests and skill levels. Outdoor pickleball courts are being built in town soon, so camps may soon take place outdoors. In the hottest summer months, Shiga Kogen ski resort also has outdoor tennis courts. At 5,000 feet above sea level, it is much cooler than Japan’s muggy cities—and a better lung workout.
After working up an appetite, it’s time to work a little more for lunch. In Nagano prefecture’s mountainous areas, soba (buckwheat) thrived where rice could not. The food initially consumed out of necessity became a delicacy; today, Nagano is renowned for its delicious soba.
We learn about the process from a mother-daughter team that has been making noodles for 50 years. The soba here is unique, though, utilizing a foraged vegetable found nowhere else.
After making the noodles and enjoying the homegrown course in the traditional farmhouse setting, it’s time to relax. We head to the bath, washing our sore muscles, aches, and worries away.
Japanese hot springs are gender-separated, but do not permit bathing suits or clothing. Entering the changing room, there are lockers where bathers leave their clothes. Take just a small towel into the bath. Shower off first (shampoo and soap are provided) before going into the tub. Though intimidating at first, the Japanese on sens are a quintessential part of Japanese culture. When everyone around you is naked, it’s not a big deal.
Dinner is in the village at a local izakaya-style restaurant.
DAY 3: PICKLEBALL CLINIC & SNOW MONKEYS
After breakfast and another morning of pickleball, lunch is at a local Japanese diner. Think katsu curry, rice bowls, udon, yakiniku, and teishoku-style set meals.
Then it’s time to visit the world-famous snow monkeys. Although pickleball camps take place during the warmer seasons after the snow melts, the monkeys often stay around the park to feed. Reaching the Snow Monkey Park requires a one-mile walk through beautiful cedar forest, which can be muddy after rain, so bring sturdy walking shoes. Dinner is a seasonal, omakase-style mom-and-pop restaurant sourcing everything from within a few kilometers.
DAY 4: PICKLEBALL CLINIC & WASHI PAPER
After our final pickleball clinic, we head to a farmer’s market that operates a farm-to-table restaurant, sourcing the ingredients from nearby farmers. There are numerous souvenirs available for those looking to take an omiyage (souvenir) home.
Next up, washi paper making. During the long winter months in Nagano, making Japanese-style washi paper from mulberry trees was an activity that generated revenue for families. We learn about the process, then try our hand at making and designing washi paper postcards.
After the requisite onsen, we walk around the traditional hot spring village of Shibu Onsen, try a footbath or some sake tasting. Dinner is served at another unique izakaya-style restaurant that offers a mix of Japanese and Western menu items.
DAY 5: DEPARTURE
The trip goes by quickly, and it’s already departure day. Hopefully, you soaked in the culture, food, pickleball, and hot springs to your heart’s content. We’ll head to Nagano Station, where you can purchase your tickets to your onward destination.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Daniel Moore is the founder of Onsen Pickleball Camp, Pickleball Trips, and Active TravelJapan. Apioneerof pickleball in Japan, Daniel has coached around the world, played professionally, andis passionate about connecting international players with the heart of rural Japan. He currently manages Airbnbs in Nagano, leads cultural tours, and offers private pickleball instruction. Want to Join? Get a group of 7–9 friends together and email info@activetraveljapan.biz to discuss availability and pricing.
