Hakuba is a ski valley, but it sits close to some of Nagano Prefecture’s best sights. On a rest day or in a storm, you can reach a famous temple, a historic castle and the world’s only snow monkeys that bathe in hot springs. Journeys are longer than they look on a map, since the valley is tucked in the mountains, so we list realistic times. For the airport and shinkansen routes, see getting to and around Hakuba, and for on-mountain options read things to do in Hakuba.
At a Glance
| Destination | Time from Hakuba | Best way | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagano city and Zenkoji | 70-100 minutes | Alpico bus | Temple, food, rail hub |
| Jigokudani snow monkeys | about 2.5 hours | Bus via Nagano, then walk | Wildlife in winter |
| Matsumoto Castle | about 1.5 hours by car | Car or limited transit | Original castle, old town |
| Togakushi | about 1.5 hours | Car or Nagano bus | Shrines, soba, snowshoe walks |
Times are approximate and winter conditions add to them.
Nagano City and Zenkoji
Nagano is the easiest trip and the one that connects to everything else. Alpico buses run from the Hakuba bus terminals to Nagano Station, and the fare was approximately ¥3,500 each way for winter 2026. The main sight is Zenkoji, a large temple that has drawn pilgrims for more than 1,000 years. The approach street, Nakamise-dori, has shops selling oyaki dumplings, soba and sweets. Stay for lunch, then explore Nagano’s laid-back streets.
Our Nagano city guide and things to do in Nagano have the full plan, and our Nagano food guide covers soba and regional dishes. For half-day guided options, see Nagano tours.
Jigokudani Snow Monkeys
The Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park near Yudanaka Onsen is one of the best winter wildlife experiences in Japan, with macaques soaking in a hot spring pool surrounded by snow. From Hakuba you reach it via Nagano: take the bus to Nagano Station, then a bus or the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka. Reported fares are around ¥1,800 each way for the direct bus from Nagano and about ¥1,600 or more for the train, and from the bus stop it is a 30 to 35 minute walk to the park on an icy trail. Admission was approximately ¥800 for adults as of 2026, though the park has announced plans for online booking and visitor caps, so check the official guide before you go.
It is a full day. Many visitors stay a night in Nagano or Yudanaka, and some bathe at the onsen town. Read our full snow monkeys at Jigokudani guide for the route and etiquette, and the Go Nagano guide for current details. A guided snow monkey tour from Nagano removes the transfer planning.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s original surviving castles, with a black-and-white keep from the late 1500s. In winter, snow dusts the roofs and the moat, and the Japan Alps frame the view on clear days. The old town has craft shops, cafes and soba restaurants. Public transport from Hakuba is limited, so most visitors go by car or plan a longer journey with transfers. Check timetables carefully before you commit. Matsumoto castle tours are an option if you prefer not to arrange transport yourself.
Togakushi
Togakushi is a mountain area north-west of Nagano with five shrines, a cedar-lined avenue and a strong soba tradition. In winter, the shrines are quiet and snowy, and snowshoe walks are popular. Access is by bus from Nagano or by car, and the final road can be affected by snow. It is a good half-day trip combined with Nagano, but check local conditions before you go.
What Not to Plan in Winter
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is closed in winter and typically reopens in mid-April, so it belongs on a spring or summer trip. Kamikochi is also shut. If a guidebook suggests a high mountain excursion, confirm it is open first.
Planning Notes
- Winter days are short. Aim to leave early and be back before dark.
- Check weather and road reports the night before, and have a plan B in case buses are delayed.
- Wear boots with grip. Pavements and trails ice up quickly.
- Pair day trips with a rest day, since long journeys on tired legs are no fun.
Nagano’s food scene is worth a stop in itself, and our Hakuba travel guide and Hakuba Booking.com stays help you plan. Compare options on Hakuba tours and activities, or hire a vehicle with car hire in Japan. If you are weighing up resorts, see Niseko vs Hakuba.