We took a one night family trip to Hakuba. I had an urge to be at this place called Hakuba Mountain Harbor , which I've seen a beautiful picture of autumn colored mountains posted by The City Bakery. Thanks to my wonderful friend Hiroka & Alex, we could find a place to stay, took a shinkansen ride from Tokyo, which was a birthday gift to my twin boys btw, and rented a car to Hakuba. It was not an easy trip with two 4-year-olds plus a teenager and a preteen, but we made it! And Renfield brought some goodies for my birthday all the way. Thank you very much! Hakuba was beautiful, not quite changing the color yet, but it was refreshing. My photos don't quite capture the scenery... They have mountain bike ride down the hill, big swings, buggy ride tours, etc. there so we need to come back for more next time. Thinking about taking another gondola ride up and down the mountain gives me a shiver though...;-) Photos here . Videos of Gondola ride from Hakuba Iwatake station , gondol...