20 Of The Best Things To Do In Hakuba

From monkey viewing and waterfall walking to sake brewery tours and even a samurai training camp, there's activities aplenty, all year round. That said, here are 20 of the best things to do in Hakuba. 

Captain Obvious here letting you know that one of the best things to do in Hakuba is to of course visit the snow. Combining 10 (yes, 10!) separate ski resorts in one incredible location, along with 135 lifts and more than 200 runs—plus 11 metres of snowfall annually—there's nowhere else like this in Japan. And for those without the skiing/snowboarding gene, there's sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobile tours to get amongst. Snow season falls between late November and March, with cheaper accommodation and quieter slopes during the latter half of February. 

Another attraction you'll go bananas for here in Hakuba is the iconic 'snow monkeys', the only monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs. You can actually see this troupe of Japanese macaques warming themselves in the onsen at Jigokudani Yaen-koen year-round, but there's something especially magical about watching them in the winter, heads bobbing above the surface, covered in snow. 

Monkeys aren't the only species who can enjoy a little onsen action, however. Hakuba is also home to an abundance of human-friendly hot springs, including those at the popular Hakuba Happo Onsen resort. Here you can take a dip in the purest onsen water in Japan, pumped full of alkaline-rich goodness that'll make your body very happy indeed, especially when said water comes in an open-air bath with mountain views. 

Take a short trip out of town to the Ichinoya sake brewery, which has been in business since 1865. This historic spot offers private tours led by an English-speaking guide, giving you an inside look at its brewing process which uses traditional methods recognised by the UNESCO Intangible Heritage Committee. You'll then be treated to a sake tasting (of course!), and a locally sourced restaurant lunch. 

Not the metaphorical kind, but the kind that involves wandering through Hakuba's stunning natural landscape. Choose from leisurely strolls through fields and forests a la Oide Park, or challenging full-day expeditions offering spectacular mountain vistas (seasoned walkers will love the Mt. Goryu Hike, a popular trail traversing one of Japan's hundred famous mountains and the second-highest mountain in Hakuba).

History buffs will want to check out Japan's oldest-standing castle, which can be found about 60km away in Matsumoto. Nicknamed the Crows Castle (likely because of its unusual black exterior—most castles in Japan are white), this bonafide National Treasure boasts a cherry tree-lined moat and other unique features, like openings once used for dropping stones on enemies (emphasis on the 'once'). 

Matsumoto is also home to one hella impressive art gallery, headlined by a permanent collection of works by the Queen of Polka Dots, Yayoi Kusama (who was in fact born here). Behold an assortment of her wildly colourful, spotty creations, which are famous all over the world and the subject of continually sold-out exhibitions, as well as works by other Japanese artists. 

Hakuba's rivers and lakes come alive in the warmer months, offering a plethora of aquatic activities including fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing/kayaking, wakeboarding, rafting, and even shower (waterfall) walking, whereby you climb up streams and through pools. There's also a special venue—the Hakuba Sanosaka Water Jump—designed for practicing skiing and snowboarding skills in the off-season. 

The hills are most certainly alive at the Habuka Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden, which boasts around two million plants across more than 300 species at a breathtaking site 1,515 metres above sea level. Amongst these are a number of rare flower varieties including the breathtaking Himalayan blue poppy, along with alpine essentials like the edelweiss (we'll spare you another Sound of Music pun). This spot, which is actually one of the country's most famous alpine gardens, is made all the more enchanting by the fact it can only be reached by gondola. For the best flower viewing, visit between June and October. 

Ranging from cosy izakaya and humble ramen shops to mountain-top Italian and French dining in the forest, there's no shortage of top Hakuba eateries to whet your appetite (check out a full list of our favourites). And things are equally promising on the liquid-refreshment front, with a tonne of great bars to wet your whistle at, including one hidden behind a cigarette vending machine (we have a list for that too, of course).

Get your fix of all things cute, cuddly, and downright adorable at Chausuyama Zoo, which is about a half-day trip from Hakuba. This lush property is home to 78 animal species, including wombats, lions, badgers, tigers and a beloved clan of red pandas (in fact, it's the largest breeding ground for red pandas in the country). Kids will also love the interactive zone, where they can pet rabbits and other critters. 

Cycling is a popular green season activity here in Hakuba and a wonderful way to take in the area's natural beauty. Whether you choose a low-key cruise over flat roads or a more challenging route with hills (or even a mountain biking trail!), you'll be treated to the same snowcapped mountains, flower-covered fields and crystal-clear lakes that dominate the area's landscape. We like to rent our bikes from Rhythm Japan.  

If you've never experienced a Japanese tea ceremony before, now's the time. The Hakuba Tea Ceremony Experience invites you to sit back, relax, and watch as your host, dressed in beautiful ceremonial attire, meticulously prepares green tea (matcha) using traditional equipment. You'll then get the chance to make your own tea, but not before scoffing back a healthy portion of wagashi (authentic Japanese sweets). Other tea ceremony experiences can be found here and here. 

It might not be 10 million fireflies you see, like in that annoying-as-heck song from the mid-2000s, but it could be close on this Firefly Tour. Venture onto Lake Aoki by kayak to where an enchanting light show, barely visible from the shore, is put on by Genji and Heike fireflies as they dance above the water. Tours run for a strictly limited season, from July through August. 

Now for arguably THE coolest activity on this list—a samurai training camp, found in nearby Ogawa. Across three days and two nights you'll be taught the fundamentals of samurai by the incredible Master Kiyoshi Doi (who, FYI, has been studying the art of Kobudo—a type of weapons-based martial arts—since he was just six-years-old). Learn sword techniques, meditation and other important samurai skills. 

Seeing Hakuba from the sky is an unrivalled and indeed, heavenly, experience. Hot air balloon rides run daily throughout the summer, starting bright and early so you can witness the magic of the sunrise, from the air (and P.S., you can even take your dog onboard). Paragliding is another option for those who want to up the adrenaline factor (no dogs allowed!), and operates throughout the seasons.

There's something incredibly magical (and extremely Ghibli-esque) about visiting a shrine tucked away inside an ancient forest. Better yet, five of them, as is the case with the Togakushi Shrine—actually a collection of Shinto shrines connected by paths, just a short drive from Hakuba.  The “okusha” or upper shrine is particularly famous, and can be found at the end of a two-kilometre pathway bordered by ginormous, 400-year-old cedars.  

For a magical and truly memorable summertime activity, head on over to Goryu and Happo-One, where you can take an evening gondola ride up the mountains. Once you reach the top, you'll be treated to a crystal-clear view of Hakuba's night sky and its countless stars. Sometimes there are even astronomical talks for you to listen in on; while in some cases you may even be able to camp, and enjoy the stars literally all night long. 

If you really wanna immerse yourself in the culture of a place (while also immersing yourself up to your eyeballs in food), there's no better place to go than at a local farmer's market. Sample delicacies unique to Hakuba, straight from the source, including fresh fruit and veg, baked goods, and even coffee at the following spots: Snow Peak Weekend Marche, Hakuba Organic Market, and Hakuba Organic Farmers. 

And finally, this wouldn't be a complete list of things to do without throwing in a festival or two. Winter sees the arrival of Snow Machine (basically one big on-slope dance party), while spring is synonymous with the Hakuba Yoo Hoo Festival. The famous Happo-One Fire Festival comes to town in summer, bringing with it an intoxicating mix of culture, flames, and hot sake, while autumn is celebrated with the Hakuba Mountain Festival. 

Love what you see? Buy your own, permanent slice of Hakuba paradise with a little help from Uchi’s latest real estate listings for the area.