--- title: Escape the Heat with a cool mountain retreat. date: 2013-07-09T11:24:55+09:00 canonical_url: "https://www.morinolodge.com/blog/escape-the-heat-with-a-cool-mountain-retreat" section: Blog --- # Escape the Heat with a cool mountain retreat. 9 Jul 2013 · [Summer](https://www.morinolodge.com/blog/summer) · [Activities](https://www.morinolodge.com/blog/activities) ![Hakuba Lake Aokiko Panorama](https://d5pb8f5oxpnel.cloudfront.net/general/legacy/2013/07/Hakuba-Lake-Aokiko-Panorama.jpg) Rainy season is “officially” over & the long hot Tokyo summer has set in. Temperatures in the mid to upper-30s & lots & lots of concrete = not much fun at all. The good news is that **Morino Lodge** & all our **Deluxe Chalets** are open for the summer & **Hakuba** is full of fun & relaxing ways to cool off. Here` a list of Morino`s top 10 things to do in the Hakuba summer; - **10** –**Take a drive down the** [**Azumino Art Line**](http://www.azumino-e-tabi.net/en/) – With stunning views of the alpine landscape, & a dizzying array of cultural attractions, this picturesque piece of countryside is one of Japan`s best kept secrets.![img49479d04206a9](https://d5pb8f5oxpnel.cloudfront.net/general/legacy/2013/07/img49479d04206a9.jpg "Azumino Art Line") - **9 –** [**Wakeboard**](http://hakuba.lion-adventure.com/wakeboard/ "Wakeboard Japan") **in Lake Kizakiko –** Wakeboarding is not as difficult as you think & Kizakiko`s smooth waters is the perfect place to do it. - ***8 –*** **Visit Miasa –** Miasa is a charming little farming community about 20 minutes-drive from Hakuba**.** “Miasa” means “beautiful hemp” which is what they used to farm here. Nowadays it`s mostly soba & rice. Naturally, you`ll find some of the best soba restaurants in Japan here. But you should also check out [Miasa Coffee](http://www.miasacoffee.blog.ocn.ne.jp/) **–** a charming straw-bale coffee house on beautiful grounds*….a fantastic place for a walk.* - **7 – Tandem** [**Paraglide** ](http://www.paratopia.jp/)– with a qualified instructor, sore amongst the majestic peaks of Hakuba.![paraglider](https://d5pb8f5oxpnel.cloudfront.net/general/legacy/2013/07/paraglider.jpg) - **6 -BBQ** – whether you do it at the edge of the Matsukawa river, on the shores of Aokiko or on the deck of one of our chalets, this is what summer`s all about. We`ve got the bbqs & we`ll take you to the local butcher with cheap “inaka” prices. - **5 – Take a Mountain Bike Clinic at** [**Sweetriders**](http://www.sweetriders.com/ "mountainbike hakuba") **–** or if you already know what you`re doing, rent a bike & we`ll show you some fantastic trails. ![Mountainbiking Hakuba](https://d5pb8f5oxpnel.cloudfront.net/general/legacy/2013/07/601097_10151834181615463_1937512458_n2.jpg "Mountainbike Japan") - **4 – Take a walk** – From short strolls in the valley to serious multi-day treks, the Northern Alps offer some of the most stunning scenery in Japan. There`s something for everyone. ![1465345746_750_happo-ridge-070929-2-happo-pond](https://d5pb8f5oxpnel.cloudfront.net/general/legacy/2013/07/1465345746_750_happo-ridge-070929-2-happo-pond1.jpg) - **3 – Take a nighttime** [**Firefly Canoe Tour**](http://www.evergreen-hakuba.com/tours/hotaru.html) – A magical experience for folks of any age, this has quickly become one of Hakuba`s most popular summertime activities. ![night-hotaru-canoe-2](https://d5pb8f5oxpnel.cloudfront.net/general/legacy/2013/07/night-hotaru-canoe-2.jpg) - **2 –** **Go** [**Canyoning with Evergreen**](http://www.evergreen-hakuba.com/tours/hotaru.html) **–** Rappel, jump, slide, swim, down a cool mountain canyon equipped with 15m waterfalls & deep fresh swimming pools. The ultimate refreshment! ![523604_10151202923596041_321468196_n](https://d5pb8f5oxpnel.cloudfront.net/general/legacy/2013/07/523604_10151202923596041_321468196_n.jpg) - **1 –** **Spend the day at** [**Lake Aokiko**](http://hakuba.monster/summer/) – There is nothing better than this & if it`s the only thing you do here, you`ll leave refreshed & satisfied. The mountain fed lake is as pristine as it gets, the views are tranquil & the pace is slow. Swim, bbq, read a book, then swim some more. We`ll provide the lawn chairs, hammocks & other toys. **Honorable mention** – Take a soba making class, Do the [Ex-Adventure Course](http://www.hakubaconnect.com/green-season/ex-adventure.html), Take the Gondola to the top of Happo, Play a round of mallet golf, Take an [Evergreen one day Combo Tour](http://www.evergreen-hakuba.com/tours/combo-packages.html), Ride a bike through the valley rice fields, Relax in an [Onsen](http://hakuba.monster/about-hakuba/hakuba-onsens/), Get the latest tricks dialed for next winter at the Water Jump, Cruise the mountain hills on a long board.