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Hello Hakuba travelers! Are you searching for exciting outdoor activities in Hakuba? You’ve come to the right place! Hakuba is a popular destination in Japan for adventure enthusiasts, offering a wide array of options for thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers. With so many things to do in Hakuba, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s explore the best adventure activities that Hakuba has to offer!
Winter Activities
Let’s talk about skiing and snowboarding! These are definitely the most popular adventure sports in Hakuba and attract a lot of international and domestic tourists. Hakuba Valley is famous for having 10 amazing ski resorts throughout the valley that cater to different skill levels. Each resort has its own unique strengths, so be sure to check out our comprehensive list of ski resorts in Hakuba on our post “Powder, Peaks, and Perfect Runs.”
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing in Hakuba is an excellent way to experience the winter air and take a break from snowboarding or skiing. It’s the perfect winter activity for hiking enthusiasts who find themselves snowed in. With hiking trails buried under feet of snow, snowshoeing allows you to explore and create your own trails or rediscover your favorite trails in a whole new way.
Hakuba has numerous stunning trails waiting to be discovered, and Evergreen Backcountry Guides offer great and affordable snowshoe tours to get you started.
The Hakuba Lion Adventures Snowmobile Tour is one of the most popular winter activities in Hakuba. After a quick introduction, you can enjoy their tour running through the foothills of the Japanese Alps. Each tour is tailored to your riding experience by their knowledgeable staff. They use safe, comfortable, and perfectly maintained equipment to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
The tour offers amazing views and lots of fun, so don’t be afraid of the speed! Get ready to experience the thrill of riding a snowmobile and explore the winter wonderland of Hakuba.
Experience the longest snow tubing course in Japan at Hakuba’s Kashimayari Resort! The course stretches 500m and is open to both children and adults, providing endless fun for the whole family. Kashimayari Resort is a hidden gem among the Hakuba resorts and is located down the valley in Omachi. It’s easily accessible by shuttle bus or car, making it a convenient and exciting option for those looking to try something new. Don’t miss the chance to try snow tubing on this incredible course in Hakuba!
Winter is the perfect time to visit the world-famous Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, home to 200 monkeys who spend their days soaking in nature’s hot springs. These monkeys are the only ones in the world known to enjoy hot spring baths. Snow Japan Holidays offers a fantastic snow monkey tour that takes you directly to the park to witness these adorable creatures in action.
Afterwards, head over to Zenkoji Temple, a 7th-century Buddhist temple that houses the first Buddha statue brought to Japan. Stroll through the temple grounds and immerse yourself in the details of Zenkoji’s wooden design. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese history and culture while surrounded by the stunning beauty of Hakuba’s winter wonderland.
Summer Activities
Mountain Biking
Are you an adventure enthusiast looking for a thrill beyond skiing or snowboarding? Look no further than mountain biking in Hakuba. With stunning scenery and a variety of trails for all levels, it’s the perfect way to explore the area’s natural beauty.
For the best mountain biking trails, head to Tsugaike Nature Park or Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort. Both locations offer a range of trails, from easy rides for beginners to more challenging terrain for experienced riders. Be sure to check out the Tsugaike Nature Park’s Asama 2000 Downhill Course, known for its thrilling drops and twists.
Are you ready for a bird’s eye view of Hakuba? Look no further than Sky Blue Happo One Paraglider School. While the school only offers tandem flights, it’s the perfect opportunity for those who want to experience the thrill of paragliding without having to worry about any prior experience or training.
The cost for a tandem flight at Sky Blue Happo One Paraglider School is 14,000 yen per person, which includes the gondola ride to the launch site. You’ll soar above the beautiful landscapes of Hakuba Valley and be able to take in the stunning views from above. Your experienced instructor will guide you through the flight, and you can even choose to take photos or videos to remember the experience.
Looking for a break from the snow and cold? Check out Hakubounce, the newest and biggest trampoline park in Nagano prefecture. With trampolines covering the floor and walls of the gym, you’re in for an amazing bouncing experience. And if you’re feeling adventurous, test out new flips and tricks by jumping into their large foam pit. It’s a fun and exciting way to spend a day off the slopes in Hakuba.
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the beauty of Hakuba, look no further than the Hakuba Lion Adventure hot air balloon rides. These 20-minute rides offer stunning panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below, making it an unforgettable experience.
The hot air balloon rides are operated by Hakuba Lion Adventure and run from April 29 to November 3rd. The cost for an adult is 2800 yen, and reservations can be made in advance.
During the ride, you’ll soar high above the treetops and take in the picturesque landscape below. It’s the perfect activity for couples, families, or anyone looking to add some excitement to their Hakuba adventure.
The Himekawa River rafting tour offered by Hakuba Lion Adventure. Take in the beautiful scenery of the Himekawa River while enjoying the thrill of white water rafting. The tour lasts approximately three hours and is perfect for families with children aged six and up.
The cost for adults (13 years old and over) is ￥8,300 and for children (6 to 12 years old) it’s ￥6,300. This is a great way to spend a fun and adventurous day with your loved ones in the great outdoors. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience during your visit to Hakuba!
Hiking and Walking
Hakuba is a hiker’s paradise with stunning mountain scenery and trails suitable for all levels of experience. The hiking season runs from late April to early November, and safety is key when hitting the trails. Check the weather forecast, be aware of potential hazards, and always hike with a partner if venturing into the backcountry.
One of our favorite hikes is the Iwatake Mountain Trail, offering breathtaking views of the Hakuba Valley and Northern Alps. For a beautiful view of the Happo Pond, the Hakuba Happo Onsen-Happo Ike Pond Trail is a great option. And for experienced hikers, the challenging yet rewarding Hakuba Daisekkei Trail takes you through alpine scenery with waterfalls and hot springs, and panoramic mountain views.
Don’t miss out on all the summer fun, book your stay with us today and experience the best of Hakuba!
