The winter skiing season in Hakuba this year is from December 2025 to April 2026. If you find yourself spending a few days in Hakuba, there are plenty of activities to enjoy from beautiful sceneries, cozy restaurants, hot springs, and the newly established Pokemon Hakuba Park that opened early 2025 in honor of the game Pokemon Sleep at Hakuba Valley.
1. Pokemon Sleep at Hakuba Park
2. Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field, Lake Aoki
3. Echoland
4. Local Hot Springs
1. Visit Pikachu and Friends at Hakuba Valley
Are you a Pokemon fan? For those with children or fans of Hakuba, you can visit Pikachu and friends around several play parks and photo spots scattered around Kashimayari Ski Resort! From taking pictures in an igloo with Slowpoke, to hanging out with Psyduck and friends in a Pokeball Igloo, there are plenty of cute sleepy Pokemon to be seen around the slopes! Most of the Pokemon attractions are located in beginner friendly children areas, but there are also more advance ski slopes for adults at the resort.
There are also limited edition Pokemon rental gear for children, ranging from Pikachu snowboards, skis, and even snow wear. Unfortunately there are no Pokemon rentals for adults…but that doesn’t have to stop you from looking at the attractions in the area!
Children ski gear (Japanese only): https://www.nippon-ski.jp/kids/rental/
The Kashimayri Ski Resort is located south of central Hakuba, and be accessed via the shuttle bus at Happo Bus Terminal that runs through the area. If you hold the Hakuba shuttle bus pass, you can ride this and other buses between the Hakuba area and several ski resorts an unlimited amount of times. The Pokemon area includes a thrilling snow tube area and playland area where children can sled and play in the snow.
Address: 398-0001 Nagano, Omachi, Taira, 20490-4
Official Website: https://www.kashimayari.net/
2. Visit the Local Nature
■ HAKUBA IWATAKE MOUNTAIN RESORT TERRACE
Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field is part of the Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort in Kitaazumi District. From the resort, you can take an 8 minute gondola to the summit (at 1289m) where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Northern Alps at the 360 degree terrace! There is also a stylish cafe where you can get hot food and overlook the mountains at the seating areas or the YOOHOO! Swing!
There is an admission fee included which is cheaper online than buying it in person. A free shuttle bus to the resort runs from JR Hakuba Station or Happo Bus Terminal.
Official website: https://iwatake-mountain-resort.com/
Free shuttle timetable: here
Resort entrance reservation: here
■LAKE AOKI
Lake Aoki is the third largest lake in Nagano Prefecture located roughly 20 minutes south of Hakuba by car. It is one of the Three Lakes of Nishima and is well known for its serene beauty and clear waters which reflect views of the Northern Alps. Adjacent to the lake is also a stylish cafe, ao LAKESIDE CAFE and a sauna where you can overlook the lake.
Address: 398-0001 Nagano, Omachi, Taira, Kagura
Cafe Instagram: here
3. Unwind at Echoland
Echoland is a vibrant village located next to the Happo One ski resort and is scattered with trendy shops, cafes, bars, and onsen (hot springs). The central district includes a vibrant nightlife and most of the eateries in the area can be found here. You can find a variety of foods from not only Japanese but also Mexican, Italian, French, Italian food!
Echoland can be accessed using the Hakuba shuttle pass.
Address: Google maps
4. Take a Dip in the Hot Springs
A perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes is at one of Hakubas many hot springs. Natural water is sourced from the local rivers with several health benefits, so its definitely worth the trip for some extra relaxation after a long day. All of the hot springs listed below are one-day hot springs, meaning you can enter them even without staying at the facilities they may be connected to.
Official Hakuba hot spring website: here
Hot Spring Map:
How to get to Hakuba from Tokyo
Highway buses depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku), located directly across Shinjuku Station’s South Exit on the 4th floor. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket window or online in advance. However, we highly recommend buying the tickets in advance online.
Address: 5 Chome 24-55 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan
Opening hours: 6:30 AM ~ 11PM
Waiting room opening hours: 3:30 AM ~ 1 AM (the next day)
Official Website
