THINGS TO DO
There is plenty to do in Hakuba!
Skiing & Snowboarding
We knowww, we knowww…ofcourse you’re here for the snow!!
And with good reason…
Hakuba boasts some of the most entertaining slopes in the country for all experience levels and styles.
Snowboarding, Skiing, bum-sliding, tobogganing, drinking…? Whatever you’re into, you’ll find a place for it here. We promise!
Rental Gear
There are lots of ski and snow board rental shops in Hakuba providing you the option of advance, intermediate and or novice level skis and snow boards. Rental equipment is well priced, typically less expensive than what is available in other counties.
Haven Lodge can help all guest with ski hire as we work close with Rhythm ski and snow board rental Well regarded, they provide a pick up and drop off service to Haven Lodge.
Rhythm ski and snow board rental can arrange fittings for large groups
Large Foot Caution– for those with big feet, do not stress, sizes rise to size 13. Let us know and we will ask them to source boots for you if your feet are larger than that.
Or you can plan ahead and contact them on the following link so they can have all your gear ready.
There are some fantastic bargains to be had in Japan!! All the most recent gear, commonly not yet offered in the Southern Hemisphere, at unbelievably inexpensive rates.
If you were pleased with last seasons devices, you will discover some fantastic offers. As the ski season advances, the offers get much better.
The best offers are later on in the season, late February and March.
Hakuba has a great variety of shops offering everything you would want/need. Prices are good, though not as good as Tokyo.
Snow Lessons
There are a number of ski schools that particularly cater for Western/English speaking skiers and boarders. Lessons remain in English, with native level English speakers.
Lessons are readily available as a personal lesson or group lesson and can be half day or full day. Children lessons are readily available in addition to a Children’s Club. Child minding is also readily available.
Dining + Drinking
Hakuba valley has a diverse range of entertainment for people and groups of all ages!
The closest entertainment hub to Haven Lodge is Echoland. Echoland has a range of foods and cuisines to suit all palettes.
You can find out more about restaurants in echoland here.
A little further into the main township of Happo, you’ll find more bars, clubs and restaurants scattered throughout its streets. Many tourism hubs will have brochures containing the most up to date information on whats around.
We keep heaps of information in the lodge aswell so be sure to check out our information wall for advice and food inspiration!
Onsens
Onsens are mineral-rich thermal baths found throughout Japans volcanic landscapes. Hakuba is home to many onsens within the valley. Onsens can be run by a municipality, or privately, such as in resorts or inns.
A few publicly accessible Onsens in Hakuba are:
– Mimizuku no yu.
– Hakuba Happo Onsen.
– Obinata no yu.
There are a few rules and etiquettes to be mindful of in an onsen so be sure to read up about it here, or ask any of our staff!
JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK
The Jigokudani Yaen-koen (altitude 850 meters) is located in the Valley of Yokoyu River sourced from Shiga-Kogen of the
Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park in northern part of Nagano prefecture.
Because of the very steep cliffs and the steam coming off the springs in everywhere, ancient people called this valley ‘Jigokudani (Hell valley)’ .
Also it is buried in snow almost one third of the year. Even that kind of severe environment here is a paradise on earth for monkeys to live in.
The troops of wild Japanese macaque (they are popularly known as snow monkeys) inhabit here naturally through the ages.
Since the establishment of Jigokudani Yaen-koen in 1964, it has been a worldwide popular place for watching the bathing
monkeys in a hot spring and for ecological observation of researchers or photographers.
