A short getaway in Mudgee, NSW

For our anniversary in November, we decided to take a few days off for a quick city escape. We were keen to visit a new location, and decided to check out the charms of the beautiful country town of Mudgee, NSW. With a two-night stay, we had one full day to explore the area, which gave us a brief introduction to the town.  But we felt that our time there was too short, and we will most definitely arrange a longer stay next time!

Perry St Hotel, Mudgee

We stayed at the Perry St hotel in Mudgee. Starting life as a Mechanics Institute in 1862, the building has been converted into a beautiful boutique hotel. It was our kind of place – we love to see beautiful buildings being restored and used in new creative ways. And it is a very short walk into town if you are interested in eating locally.

Common outdoor area at Perry St Hotel, Mudgee

Perry St Hotel, Mudgee

Anglican Church, Mudgee

Take the opportunity to stroll around the town... enjoy a few of the many cafe's along the main streets (cool or quaint, take your pick) and admire the beautiful buildings (Anglican Church shown above). And if you love homewares or vintage shopping (like me!), then you might like visiting Cedar Cicada and Mrs Skinners Stable.

Fermentation tanks at Mudgee Brewing Company

If you want a change from all the wine tasting... try beer tasting instead, at the Mudgee Brewing Company. We enjoyed lunch here, with a beer tasting paddle.

Take a scenic drive to enjoy the country landscape

Take one of the tourist drives out of town, and take in the pretty countryside along the way. You will also find numerous wineries just out of town, with cellar doors for tastings.

The Cellar by Gilbert

We enjoyed a sample of wines at The Cellar by Gilbert, and couldn't resist buying a few bottles to take home.

The Cellar by Gilbert

Easy day trips from Hakuba, Japan

A snow monkey exploring the steamy hot springs at the Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan

During our recent two-week family holiday in Japan, we arranged to hire a car in Hakuba for the intervening weekend. We were keen to experience more of Japan, and to see the local attractions on this second visit. And it turned out to be perfect timing, as we were all a little sore and ready for a break after 4 days of snowboarding.

My sister and her husband have visited Hakuba many times over the years, and were happy to be our tour guides. So, using the 'alternative route' on Google maps, we drove through the labyrinth of  backstreets and squeezed down the narrow lanes of Nagano and the surrounding suburbs.

We were travelling with two kids and a baby, so we kept the itinerary relaxed with lots of time for meal stops and rest breaks, but you could potentially fit in a few more things each day.

Day One: Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Park) and Zenkoji Temple

Snow Monkey Park

It was magical to see these furry friends up close, to see firsthand the way they climb, wander and interact with each other. On the day that we visited, it was a little too balmy (at a mere 3 degrees Celsius!) for them to be in the hot springs, but they walked along the edges of the pools and provided lots of photo opportunities for the tourist paparazzi.

Entrance to the Snow Monkey Park

A snow monkey drinking from the hot spring.

With a visit to the Snow Monkey Park, we also experienced the Japanese practice of forest bathing. Don’t worry, no clothing was removed, we just enjoyed the fresh air and tranquil surrounds of the forest during the 30-minute walk between the car park and the main entrance.

A building at the entrance to the Snow Monkey Park

Forest bathing on the trail to the Snow Monkey park

Zenkoji Temple

I was amazed by the beautiful architecture and history of Zenkoji temple, built in the 7th century. It was a gorgeous location, and I was captivated by the bustling promenade leading down to the temple gates, and the quiet details as visitors said their prayers and asked for blessings. We arrived late in the afternoon, but you could easily spend many hours wandering amongst the stores in that main street, and exploring the grounds of the temple. I believe that this is a glimpse of the surrounding city of Nagano and I am keen to include a longer visit next time.

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Japan

The busy main street in front of the Zenkoji temple.

Straw sandals (and a pair of ballet shoes) tied up at the guardian statues at the entrance to the Zenkoji temple.

The smoke wafting from the lion incense burner in the Zenkoji temple courtyard.

Slippers for sale on the main street as you walk towards Zenkoji temple.

The prayers on paper and tied to the branches of the trees at the Zenkoji temple

Day Two: Matsumoto Castle

A contrasting red bridge spans the moat to Matsumoto castle.

A grand building with landscaped grounds, Matsumoto Castle is another architectural and historical gem. We took the opportunity to explore the interior of the building with the kids. It was easy to imagine the battles that were fought in defence of the castle. There are narrow and steep staircases, small openings for archers, and floors with views that extend across the grounds and the moat. With our imaginations already on fire, the fierce Samurai that we bumped into as we left the castle made us all gape for a split second. Then he asked the kids if they would like a photo, and we all giggled and said, 'Yes, please!'.

A few swans enjoying the moat of Matsumoto Castle with imposing mountains as a backdrop

We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the surrounding gardens before visiting the ice-sculpture exhibition around the exterior of the castle. Of course, we couldn’t do that before going past the picnic ground vending machines for ice-cream first.

Front entrance to Matsumoto castle

One of eight vending machines in a row near the picnic tables.

Roof details of Matsumoto castle

The amazing ice sculptures surrounding Matsumoto Castle

Have you explored the Hakuba region? I’d love to know your recommendations on places to visit or stories about your favourite experiences. Head over to Instagram to leave me a comment with your suggestions and stories at @sam.gilchrist_

Need a place to stay in Hakuba? We stayed in Echoland at Yuki Ita Lodge, which you can find on Airbnb. New to Airbnb? Use this referral link to get a $55 credit* towards your booking. Yay!

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