Hakuba's year-round attractions
Hakuba is one of Japan's snow resorts, where skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed. However, Hakuba's attractions are not limited to the winter season. We would like to introduce you to some of the most attractive places in and around Hakuba, which you should definitely visit during the green season as well.
Area MAP
Iwatake Mountainresort
Hakuba Sanzan (Mt. Hakuba, Mt. Shakushidake, and Mt. Hakuba Yari) can be seen from the most beautiful spots, and you can enjoy trekking and winter sports. The famous trapeze (Yachoo Swing) will make you feel as if you are jumping into the majestic Alps.
10 min by car
Happoike
Happoike is a spectacular spot at an altitude of 2,060 meters. When the weather is favorable, the three mountains of Hakuba (nearly 3,000 m) are reflected beautifully on the mirror-like surface of the water. Since you can take the gondola and lift, even beginners and children can easily access this spot.
3 min by walk to Gondola
Tsugaike Nature Park
Tsugaike Nature Park is a vast walking trail with wooden plank paths on a pond at an altitude of approximately 2000m. The gondola and ropeway offer spectacular views of the Northern Alps. It is also a haven of alpine flora where you can enjoy easy trekking, skunk cabbages in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
15 min by car
kurobe Dam
Kurobe Dam, commonly known as "Kuroyon." is famous for being the tallest dam in Japan, where you can enjoy a powerful sightseeing water discharge and an Alpine cruise with a view of the Northern Alps. When the weather is favorable, a rainbow can be seen along with the water discharge. The view from the embankment is so beautiful and spectacular that you may feel as if you are being sucked into it.
45 min by car
Oide Suspension Bridge
The Oide Suspension Bridge in Oide Park is a where visitors can enjoy the four seasons of Hakuba, each with a different expression depending on the season: in spring, the three peaks of Hakuba with lingering snow and cherry blossoms in full bloom; in summer, fresh green of the Northern Alps; in autumn, the sunset-colored Himekawa River and autumn leaves; in winter, the silvery landscape covered with deep snow.
15 min by car
Hakuba Ski Jump Stadium
The jump stadium, which was the stage for ski jumping at the Nagano Olympics, is a recommended sightseeing spot where visitors can take the lift to the top to enjoy its height and the best view at the same time. Inside the observation tower, there is a booth where you can learn about the Nagano Olympics and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
5 min by car
Kamaike
The pond, called Kamaike (Sickle Pond) because of its resemblance to the shape of a sickle used to cut grass, is a place of abundant nature and not too many people, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. There is a walking trail that circles the pond, which is surrounded by a primeval beech forest about 2 km around, and it is especially famous for its autumn leaves during the fall season.
45 min by car
Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji Temple, famous for the phrase "once in a lifetime visit to Zenkoji Temple," is a place where visitors can feel the history of the temple. In the basement of the main hall, visitors can experience the "O-kaidan-Meguri (tour around the Buddhist altar)," in which they can touch the "Gokuraku no Ojomae" in the darkness.
60 min by car
Daio Wasabi Farm
The Daio Wasabi Farm is a popular tourist spot where visitors can stroll through a vast wasabi farm. Visitors can enjoy strolling and light trekking with a view of the nature-rich park and the Northern Alps. There are also restaurants and cafes in the park, so visitors can spend the whole day relaxing.
60 min by car
Togakushi Shrine
Togakushi Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Togakushi, a sacred mountain, and consists of five shrines: Okusha, Naka-sha, Hogo-sha, Kutouryu-sha, and Hinomiko-sha, with a history spanning more than 2,000 years since its foundation. The approach to the Okusha Shrine is lined with more than 300 giant Kumasugi cedar trees over 400 years old, making it one of the most famous power spots in Japan.
90 min by car
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle, one of the five castles designated as national treasures in Japan, was built during the Warring States period (1504-1520) and is the oldest surviving five-story, six-story castle tower in Japan. The contrast between black and white looks attractive against the mountains of the Alps. At night, the castle is illuminated by lights.
90 min by car
Himekawa River
The Himekawa River is a first-class river with a total length of 58 km, a basin area of 742 square meters, and a maximum river width of 450 meters near its mouth. The source of the river can be seen here. Normally, the headwaters are deep in the mountains and cannot be easily seen, but here is a rare place in Japan where you can see it within a few minutes' walk from the parking lot.
16 min by car