Located at the edge of the Japanese Northern Alps, Hakuba is a growing destination for ski and winter sports—most famous for having hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, the area is well-known for the quality of its ski slopes. Beyond the slopes, Hakuba is also loved for its village that is full of Japanese charm, beautiful mountain scenery, English language support, and a lively night life scene! Not only famous for its winter season, the green season is also full of activities and home to some of the best hiking that Japan has to offer.
With Snow Monkey Resorts, you can experience the pristine slopes of Hakuba through our custom ski packages, which include hotel and transportation services. You can also join our guided group tours from Hakuba, enjoy chartered day trips to nearby sightseeing locations, or even resort-hop to another ski area! Let this page be your guide to everything Hakuba has to offer.
Hakuba Private Ski Packages
Skiing in Hakuba is a great way to spend your vacation—but if you have never been to the area, or if it's your first time in Japan, it can be a daunting task to figure out which resort to visit, where to stay, and how to acquire ski rental gear, lift passes, and lessons. That is where we come in—we are a registered travel agent and can create a custom ski package for you and your group!
As we partner with several hotels in the area, we are able to offer accommodation and ski packages. You can find a list of all our hotel partners in Hakuba on our website! Our "Where to Stay in Hakuba" page also has detailed information on several of our recommended hotels, so that you can compare your options and find the perfect choice for your group.
We can also include private transportation into your package, making your trip as seamless and stress-free as possible! Many travelers will come to Hakuba through Nagano Station, as it is a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train line) and is directly accessible from Tokyo. Then, most people will get on a 1.5-hour public bus headed towards Hakuba. We can take your group from Nagano Station directly to Hakuba, removing the need to carry all of your luggage on a crowded bus. Or, we can even pick you up from Tokyo or the airport! Check out our list of all of charters going to/from Hakuba to see your options. For more information on how to get to Hakuba, see our "How to Get to Hakuba" page.
We can also arrange ski lift passes, rental gear, and ski/snowboard lessons for your group. Please contact us for a personalized quote!
Tours & Charters from Hakuba
Once you’ve arrived in Hakuba, you might be wondering what your options are for day trips in the area—and you’re in luck! Nagano Prefecture has so much to offer, including amazing historic sites, temples and shrines, castles, and the famous Snow Monkey Park!
Group Tours
Our guided group tours are the easiest way to explore the best sightseeing spots near Hakuba. Traveling with a small group and an English-speaking guide, you’ll discover the history and culture of the region, enjoy local delicacies, and relax with private transportation and direct pick-up from Hakuba included!
Zenko-ji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Tour / all year round
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Including what is perhaps Nagano's biggest international attraction, the snow loving primates of Jigokudani, this tour ranks amongst our most popular for good reason. Starting with a morning visit to the Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples not only in Nagano but in all of Japan, you will be treated to lovely architecture and informative talks about the history of Japanese Buddhism. After the temple trip, your guide will lead to you a well-respected Sake brewery just outside of the temple grounds, with numerous types of sake to try as well as non alcoholic drinks and even miso soup on the menu. With a taste of the finer side of life still on your tongue, the next stop will be lunch, where tour guests will be treated to fine Japanese cuisine utilizing local ingredients. And last but certainly not least, you will be taken to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park! With ample time in the park to watch these silly creatures bathe, play, eat and engage in their daily antics, there is little more you could ask for in a single day.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21, Hakuba (multiple locations, winter only)
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival / February
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Experience the magic of Nagano’s winter with a visit to the world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park followed by the enchanting Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival, held annually during the second week of February. This beautiful festival features the Zenkoji Dream Night-lights, where temple buildings are illuminated in five colors dedicated to peace, along with numerous smaller lights known as Tomyo, a sacred offering of light to the gods. The festival sends a powerful message of world peace from Nagano, the proud host of the 1998 Winter Olympics. As you explore the historic temple precinct glowing with thousands of colorful lanterns, you’ll be immersed in a breathtaking celebration of tradition, light, and hope. This unique winter event promises an unforgettable experience you’re sure to cherish.
(Special Event) Nagano's Hidden Samurai Town & Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour / February
(Special Event) Nagano's Hidden Samurai Town & Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Discover Nagano’s hidden samurai town of Matsushiro, once the stronghold of the Sanada clan, on this special event tour. Try your hand at katana sword practice at the historic Bunbu Gakko Military Arts School, explore the mysterious WWII-era Zozan Imperial Tunnels beneath the town, and warm up with a guided sake tasting followed by an early dinner. The day culminates in a guided evening visit to Nagano’s near 1,400 year old Zenkoji Temple during its breathtaking Tomyo Lantern Festival, held annually in mid-February. This festival, celebrating Nagano’s role as host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, fills the temple precinct with thousands of glowing paper lanterns and vibrant light installations dedicated to peace and harmony. The Tomyo Festival’s beautiful illumination creates a magical atmosphere, making this tour a unique blend of samurai history, wartime mystery, and seasonal cultural celebration.
Private Tours
Our private tours from Hakuba are perfect for travelers who want a more personal experience with the flexibility to move at their own pace. With a dedicated guide and vehicle, you can enjoy your day without the constraints of a group itinerary, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups.
Private Snow Monkey Tour from Hakuba / all year round
Recommended
[START FROM HAKUBA] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Hakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's top ski resorts, Hakuba. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch a train to your next destination. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private 1-Day Tour of Winter Togakushi: Snow, Shrine & Cedar Trees / December – March
High in the mountains just outside Nagano City lies Togakushi, a timeless village where snow-covered forests, sacred shrines, and winter adventures await. Surrounded by legends and towering cedars, Togakushi is one of Japan’s most spiritual destinations—and in winter, it transforms into a serene snowy wonderland. This private tour offers family-friendly snow fun or optional skiing at the quiet and scenic Togakushi Ski Resort, followed by a peaceful journey into the forest trails and shrines that define the area's spiritual legacy. Enjoy an easy-to-access winter escape with pickup from popular areas including Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, and more.
* Please note that skiing or snowboarding is not included in the tour price. Lift passes, equipment rental, and skiing activities are at the guest’s own expense and risk.
Charter Services
Private transportation is the easiest way to travel around the Nagano region, especially if you are with a large group or a family with small children. Our private charter service can take you directly from Hakuba to your day-trip destination, or even to other ski resorts in Nagano so you can enjoy resort-hopping!
Visit the Snow Monkey Park
HAKUBA → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ HAKUBA
- Duration:
- 7-8 Hours
- Spots:
- Snow Monkey, Hakuba
If you wish to visit the Snow Monkey Park but don't need a tour guide, we offer private transportation that can take you there and back from Hakuba! This is a great option, considering that public transportation would take you around 3-4 hours, making the trip longer and more complicated than necessary.
Visit Matsumoto Castle
HAKUBA → MATSUMOTO CASTLE(3HR) → HAKUBA
- Duration:
- 6-7 Hours
- Spots:
- Matsumoto, Hakuba
Matsumoto Castle is located south of Hakuba, about a 1.5 hour drive (57km) away, and is a must-see when you are visiting Nagano. It is one of only 12 remaining original castles in all of Japan, and one of only 5 that are considered national treasures. Built in the 1590s, just before the start of the Edo period, this castle was built for war, but luckily was never attacked nor burned down, leaving it in great condition. Venturing inside the castle walls will give you a firsthand experience of what it was like to live in the time of the Shogunate. If you're into Japanese history, or just interested in unique historical places, this iconic castle should definitely be on your list of day-trips from the ski resorts.
Visit Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
North of Hakuba by 90km and about a 2-hour drive, Nozawa Onsen ski resort has a different atmosphere from Hakuba and is definitely worth visiting. Nozawa Onsen is famous not only as a ski resort, but also for its traditional Japanese village with public “onsen” hot spring baths that have been around for over 100 years! If you want to resort-hop and try a different Nagano ski resort, Nozawa is a great option.
Visit Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
HAKUBA → ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN)
- Duration:
- 2-3 Hours
- Spots:
- Hakuba, Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is another of Nagano's well-known ski resorts, and boasts being the largest interconnected ski resort in the country! With a wide variety of ski slopes of varying levels of difficulty, this ski area rivals Hakuba and is worth a visit while you are skiing here in Nagano.
Visit Other Nagano Ski Resorts
For resort-hopping to other ski areas like Myoko Kogen and Madarao, we can provide transportation to those areas as well! Our charter services make the trip between ski resorts easy and comfortable, especially for large groups. You can put all of your luggage on our vehicle, and even make stops along the way (for example, to the Snow Monkey Park) if you wish.
Check out our list of all charters going to/from Hakuba to see all of your options!
Transfers Between Hakuba and Major Cities
Most travelers will arrive to Hakuba from one of the major metropolitan areas of Japan, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka—or one of the large airports like Narita Airport or Haneda Airport. Public transportation connects these major hubs to the Nagano area, mainly through Nagano Station as it is a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) line. However, depending on where you are coming from, the routes can be confusing and complicated, especially if you are traveling with a large group and/or luggage. In these cases, private transportation is a great option that will make your trip to Hakuba smoother.
Nagano Station → Hakuba
For example, if you arrive to Nagano Station on the bullet train, the only way to get to Hakuba by public transportation is to take the ALPICO Express Bus, which only runs about once an hour and does not have reserved seating, so it can get quite crowded during the winter season. Our charter services are a great alternative if you are looking for a simpler, faster, and more comfortable route to Hakuba.
Tokyo / Airports → Hakuba
If you would rather skip the train ride altogether and come straight to Hakuba from Tokyo, we offer direct transfers from anywhere in Tokyo, such as hotels or train stations.
We also offer direct transportation to and from the major airports such as Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. This is the fastest and easiest way to get to Hakuba once you've arrived in Japan!
★Please note that our instantly-bookable charter services (like the ones above) will be the same price in either direction, so please feel free to book the service either coming from or going to Hakuba.
You can also check our Charters From/To Hakuba page here to find more options for traveling to and from Hakuba. For detailed instructions on how to get to Hakuba from Tokyo using public transportation, please see our "How to Get to Hakuba from Tokyo" page.
Day Trip Charters to Hakuba
If you and your group are staying in a nearby area, such as Nagano City, Matsumoto, or Kanazawa, you may be tempted to visit Hakuba for a day trip of skiing—and we fully recommend it! Hakuba is accessible from most of central Japan and is a must-visit especially if you are traveling in winter. For a day trip (or multiple-day trip!) to Hakuba, we can provide fast and comfortable private transportation that will take you directly to the Hakuba ski resorts, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the pristine snow and phenomenal alpine views.
Nagano City → Hakuba
As mentioned above, we offer transportation from Nagano Station (or your hotel in Nagano City) directly to the ski resorts of Hakuba.
Matsumoto → Hakuba
If you and your group are staying in Matsumoto, Hakuba is actually not far away (only 57km), but public transportation can make the route longer than necessary. Our private charters offer fast and direct transportation to Hakuba and back.
Kanazawa → Hakuba
The Kanazawa area is also within close reach of Hakuba, so if you have an extra day during your trip in Japan, this a great option for a day of skiing! Or, you can stop by Hakuba on your way to your next destination, such as Nagano or even Tokyo.
Other Nagano Ski Resorts → Hakuba
If you are staying at another Nagano ski resort, such as Nozawa Onsen or Shiga Kogen, we also offer transportation between these ski resorts, so that you can enjoy resort-hopping!
★Please note that our instantly-bookable charter services (like the ones above) will be the same price in either direction, so please feel free to book the service either coming from or going to Hakuba.
You can also check our Charters From/To Hakuba page here to find more options for traveling to and from Hakuba. If your preferred destination is not on the list, please contact us for a personalized quote!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s included in the Hakuba Private Ski Package?
A: Our ski/snowboard packages include accommodation, rental gear, lift passes, and lessons! We will adjust the package to match your individual preferences.
Q: Do you offer packages for beginners or families with children?
A: Yes, we can customize ski packages for any level of ability, including private lessons for your group only—making it the perfect option for families!
Q: When is the best time of year to visit Hakuba?
A: The main ski season in Hakuba is from December to March, though some choose to come as early as November or stay later until April and May to avoid crowds. Hakuba is not only famous for winter sports, but also highly regarded as some of the best hiking in the country, so visiting in summer is recommended as well!
Q: I’m staying in Nagano City (or another ski resort). Can I still book a day trip charter to Hakuba?
A: Yes, we offer direct transportation to Hakuba from Nagano City or another ski resort (Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, etc.) for a day trip! Please see our list of all charters to/from Hakuba for more options.
Q: Is there luggage space on the charter for skis and snowboards?
A: Yes, our vehicles have plenty of space for luggage! We will choose the right vehicle to accommodate your group size.
We hope to see you here in Nagano this winter season! Please feel free to contact us here if you have any questions.