Hakuba

What to know before visiting Hakuba

Things to Do in Hakuba

1. Hakuba Village

As the top base for skiers and snowboarders in Hakuba Valley, this winter paradise is located in the 3,000-meter Northern Alps in Nagano Prefecture, just 300 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. It welcomes visitors of all ages and skill levels. You can choose from a variety of runs and ski jump or backcountry skiing---whether you prefer calm groomed slopes, an 8-kilometer cruising course, or thrilling black runs for the adventurous at heart.

2. Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple since the 8th century, is believed to hold Japan's first Buddhist relic. Visiting this temple gives you a fascinating insight into Japanese culture, history, and society, as Buddhism has influenced Japan for over a thousand years.

3. Matsumoto Castle

Known as the "Crows Castle," this black structure is a standout among Japan's white castles. You can easily walk to the castle from the nearest train station and enter the grounds for free! As Japan's oldest standing castle, it's a designated National Treasure by the Japanese government.

4. Jigokudani Monkey Park

Watch and observe the only group of monkeys known to naturally enjoy hot springs in the world. A must-visit spot in Nagano, the park also known the Snow Monkey Park, captivates visitors year-round as the monkeys soak in the hot springs regardless of the season. Whether you're exploring Hakuba in winter, spring, summer, or autumn, a visit to the park is always worthwhile.

5.Onsen

Discover Japan's essence through onsens: deep in the Japanese culture, these natural hot springs give you a serene escape. In Hakuba, a variety of onsen options await, with hotels providing access for guests and visitors alike (for a fee).

Tips for Your Hakuba Visit

What is the best time to visit Hakuba?

For a budget-friendly, crowd-free visit with ideal weather to admire stunning views, April is perfect for exploring Hakuba. While a day trip from Tokyo is possible, it's best to do an overnight or multi-night stay to enjoy different Hakuba ski resorts, including Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort, One Ski Resort, and Happo One Ski Resort. Other than skiing and snowboarding, Hakuba also offers relaxing hot springs (onsen) where you can see all over town.

How to go to Hakuba City?

The quickest way to reach Hakuba is by the famous Shinkansen, or "Bullet Train," with the journey from the airport taking less than 4 hours. Since there are a few connections involved, if you're travelling with young children or you have plenty of luggage, you can go for a direct transfer for convenience.

How to get around Hakuba?

The popular route to Hakuba involves taking a free shuttle bus from the Tokyo airports or catching the bullet train from Tokyo or Kyoto to Nagano city, then a one-hour bus or pre-booked taxi to reach the Hakuba Valley ski resort.