Information for touring Hakuba Village.

Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture is famous as a mecca for winter sports, with a collection of unique ski resorts, but once winter is over, dazzling new greenery and colorful, pretty flowers herald the arrival of spring. In addition to spring skiing, which is warm enough to ski in short sleeves, there are also plenty of diverse tourist spots and outdoor activities! Here are some recommended tourist spots and outdoor experiences in Hakuba in the spring.

Oide Park

Oide Park, which was created through cooperation between local residents and Hakuba Village, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hakuba Village. The view from the observation deck in the park is amazing, and you can get a panoramic view of the snow-capped Hakuba Sanzan mountains, the clear Hime River, the Oide Suspension Bridge, and the cherry blossoms in the park.
Address: Oide, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture

Nodaira's single cherry tree

This is a cherry blossom spot that is just as popular as Oide Park. You can enjoy the large, round, beautiful tree shape, its quiet appearance among the gently sloping fields, and the majestic scenery of the Northern Alps behind it. It is famous as a photo spot, and many photographers visit around Golden Week when it is in full bloom.

Address: Hokujo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture

Aooni Rice Terraces

Aoni village, located in the northeast of Hakuba village, is home to beautiful scenery such as forests and rice terraces, as well as historic buildings such as houses, storehouses, Aoni Shrine, and stone Buddha statues. In 1999, it was recognized as one of the "100 Best Rice Terraces of Japan" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and in 2000, it was selected as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It is a hidden gem that is only known to those in the know.

Additionally, the "purple rice" grown in the Aooni Rice Terraces is sold as a local specialty in restaurants and roadside station kiosks, so be sure to give it a try.

Address: Hokujo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture

Ochikura Nature Park

Ochikura Nature Park, located close to Sierra Resort Hakuba, is famous for its large colonies of skunk cabbage. In addition to the skunk cabbage, which blooms as the snow melts and is at its best from mid-April to early May, you can enjoy a variety of wildflowers here.

Address: Ochikura, Kitajo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture

Himekawa River Rafting

You can enjoy exhilarating rafting on the Himekawa River, which is fed by meltwater and spring water from the mountains of Hakuba. Participants range from elementary school students to adults, and the event runs from late April to late October, making it one of the most popular activities during the green season.

More information: Hakuba Lion Adventure

Hot air balloon tether experience

For those who aren't big fans of the outdoors but want to enjoy the scenery of the Hakuba mountains and get a good breath of natural air, we recommend the tethered hot air balloon experience. You can casually try it out in your everyday clothes, and you'll be able to see the spectacular view from an altitude of 30m at bird's-eye level, which is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

More information: Hakuba Lion Adventure