Top 12 Things To Do In Hakuba, Japan

1. Oide Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Visitors to Oide Park can take a leisurely walk along the park’s well-maintained trails, admiring the breathtaking scenery, and enjoying the fresh mountain air. During the autumn season, the park is known for its vibrant fall foliage, making it a popular spot for leaf peeping.

In addition to admiring the park’s natural beauty, visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as fishing (you can catch rainbow trout and carp), boating (rent pedal boats or rowboats), picnicking, and hiking. Whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll around the lake or enjoying a picnic by the water, there’s something for everyone in Oide Park.

Oide Park

Address: 大出, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, 〒399-9301 Nagano, Japan

Website: Oide Park

Opening hours: 24 hours

2. Snow Peak LAND STATION

Snow Peak LAND STATION is an outdoor facility, located at the base of the Happo One Ski Resort, features a variety of activities and amenities.

Visitors to Snow Peak LAND STATION can enjoy a range of activities, including outdoor BBQs, hot springs, and various outdoor sports such as bouldering, cycling, and archery. The facility also features a lounge area where visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning mountain views.

Glamping is one of the main attractions of Snow Peak LAND STATION. The luxurious tents are equipped with all the amenities one would expect from a high-end hotel, including comfortable beds, heating, and private bathrooms.

Snow Peak LAND STATION

Address: 5497 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan

Website: Snow Peak LAND STATION

Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)

3. Take an alpine trek along the Happo One Nature Trail

If you are looking for some things to do in Hakuba that are not skiing, head to the enchanting alpine region of Hakuba and go on a trek along the Happo One Nature Trail. This 3-km (1.86 miles) long nature trail runs from Happo Pond Mountain Retreat to Happo Pond and can be easily completed in 4 hours. The trail takes you along alpine passes, providing fantastic views of the Shirouma Mountains reflected in the Happo Pond. This trek is suitable even for beginners and provides opportunities to observe local wildlife and rare alpine plants en route.

Happo One Nature Trail

Address: Kakutaro, Hakuba-mura, Kita-azumi-gun, Nagano

Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 10.59 USD onwards

4. Enjoy panoramic mountain views atop the Usagidaira Terrace

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located 1,400m (4593.2ft) above sea level, Usagidaira Terrace is a restaurant at the Usagidaira Station on the Happo gondola lift. From this height, the restaurant provides 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains like Mt. Asama, Togakushi, Yatsugatake, etc. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape of Hakuba-mura. At the Usagidaira Terrace, feel the cool mountain breeze, relax in the sunshine and enjoy yummy food as you take in the mesmerising views.

Usagidaira Terrace

Address: 399-9301 Happo, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture

Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)

5. Hike the Hakuba Sanzan

Hakuba’s three famous mountains, Shirouma-dake, Shakushi-dake and Hakuba Yarigatake, collectively called ‘Hakuba Sanzan’ are connected by a trail that is very popular with hikers across the world. The hike takes approximately 9.8 hours, and an overnight stay at a local onsen is recommended. The hike begins at Sarukura passing through snow-covered valleys before reaching Mt. Shirouma. Suitable for both beginners and experts, this is a must-do hike in the Hakuba area.

Hakuba Sanzan

Address: Sarukura Parking Lot, Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan

6. Soak up the healing warmth of Hakuba Happo Onsen

On your visit to Hakuba, take some time off to enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs of Hakuba Happo Onsen. Offering many healing benefits like relief from fatigue, nerve damage, and muscular pain along with keeping the skin smooth and supple, the advantages of a soak in the mineral-rich waters of Hakuba Happo Onsen are many. The onsen directs thermal spring water into four different public baths that guests can enjoy relaxing in. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with the healing warmth of the Hakuba Happo Onsen while admiring the views of the surrounding mountains.

Hakuba Happo Onsen

Address: 5701-2 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan

Website: Hakuba Happo Onsen

Opening hours: 10am - 9:30pm (daily)

Price: 5.67 USD

7. Admire the autumnal bloom of buckwheat flowers at Hakuba Village

In the autumn, between September and October, Hakuba Village comes alive with the beautiful bloom of buckwheat flowers. The Red Soba Flower Festival is also held at this time and presents the ideal opportunity to click photographs of the stunning fields of buckwheat blooms. These buckwheat flowers turn into buckwheat berries which are milled into buckwheat flour which are in turn transformed into buckwheat (soba) noodles. One of the best places to visit in Hakuba, this village is spectacular in autumn. Admire these pretty buckwheat blooms and also sample some yummy soba noodles made right in front of you!

Hakuba Village

Address: 399-9301, 7025 Hokujo, Hakuba Village, Kita-Azumigun, Nagano, Japan

Website: Hakuba Village

8. Explore the peaceful area of Wadano no Mori

The beautiful wooded area of Wadano no Mori in Hakuba Happo-one is a peaceful area where you can enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Besides the lovely brick chapel, visitors can also enjoy exploring the pathways of this area and take in the scenic settings of colourful flowers, rustling leaves, lush greenery and call of the birds. Wadano no Mori area is also a popular wedding destination and makes for a cosy and romantic backdrop for your escapades in Hakuba.

Wadano no Mori

Address: 4787-1 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

9. Ring the The Bell of Happiness at Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort

Located just outside the Escal Plaza at Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort is The Bell of Happiness. The ski resort offers visitors access to the highest quality powder snow in the region and breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps. The bell at Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort is popular with people of all ages. Couples flock to it too because of the belief that whoever rings the bell will be blessed by the dragon of love. The quaint bell structure is easily accessible and also provides great photo opportunities.

Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort

Address: 22184-10 Kamishiro, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9211, Japan

Website: Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort

Opening hours: 8am - 4:50pm, 6pm - 9:30pm (daily)

10. Check out the ski jump pros at the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium

One of the sites of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium is a fabulous competitive ski jumping facility in Hakuba. The facility is open year-round and visitors can experience 90 metres (295.3 feet) and 120 metres (393.7 feet) jumps from up close. Looking for some things to do in Hakuba during winter? The Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium regularly holds ski jumping competitions where visitors can watch professionals face dizzying drops on the slope. The views from the top of the jumping point are also amazing.

Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium

Address: Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan

Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 4.35 USD

11. Tour the rustic village of Aoni

While in Hakuba, do not miss out on visiting the pretty village of Aoni that has well-preserved houses from the Edo and Meiji periods. The village also has picturesque rice terraces against a stunning backdrop of Hakuba’s many mountains. Take a walk back in time as you wander through the ancient streets of Aoni admiring the traditional Japanese-style houses and a walk up to the rice terraces is also recommended. Take in the simplicity and peace of the surroundings as you tour the rustic village of Aoni in Hakuba.

Aoni

Address: Hokujyo, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun 399-9301, Nagano Prefecture

12. Take a scenic drive along the Shirasawa Tunnel

Situated on the Japan National Route 406 is the Shirasawa Tunnel, the exit to which reveals spectacular vistas of snowy mountains, green valleys and blue skies. On the scenic drive along the tunnel, roll down your windows, breathe in the fresh mountain air, stop at the scenic points and take in the amazing views. The road is beautiful and scenic, and the Shirasawa Tunnel adds another level of charm with its superb mountain views all around.

Shirasawa Tunnel

Address: Kamishiro, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun 399-9211, Nagano Prefecture

Alpine adventures in Hakuba!

The mountain village of Hakuba offers so much more to visitors than just ski slopes; there are alpine hiking trails, scenic drives, onsens and majestic views all around! To truly experience the beauty of Hakuba, equip yourself with our list of all the things to do here and make sure you have enough time to take in the alpine beauty of this charming village.