Not every day in Hakuba has to be about skiing.
Maybe your legs are sore after a big day on the mountain. Maybe the kids need a break from lessons, or some family members never planned to ski in the first place. Whatever the reason, the question comes up for almost every group:
What to do in Hakuba when not skiing?
The good news? Hakuba is more than just a ski town—it’s a full winter destination with experiences for every age and energy level.
From peaceful snowshoe walks and cultural activities to lively indoor play parks and indulgent dining, Hakuba makes sure nobody feels left out of the adventure.
Here are the best things to do in Hakuba when you—or your kids—need a break from the slopes.
What to Do in Hakuba When You’re Not Skiing
Here is our curated list of non-skiing activities in Hakuba.
1. Dine & Unwind at VIVE
If your ideal winter day includes warmth, fine food, and spa vibes, look no further than VIVE in Echoland. This hidden gem blends Japanese precision with Italian soul in a multi-course dining experience led by Chef Shingo Suzuki, who cut his teeth in Michelin-starred kitchens. Each dish is artfully prepared, from seasonal seafood crudos to perfectly balanced pastas.
What makes VIVE extra special is its attention to detail.
Not interested in a meal? take a massage or soak in a private stone bath as snow gently falls outside.
Pure bliss.
2. Bounce at Hakubounce
For high-energy fun, head to Hakubounce, Nagano’s largest indoor trampoline park. Kids can bounce, climb, and flip their way through interconnected trampolines and obstacle zones. It’s safe, spacious, and seriously fun. Parents can join in or sit back with a coffee while the kids burn off energy in a supervised environment. Rain, snow, or shine—Hakubounce guarantees smiles.
3. Play a Round at Hakuba Mini Golf
Hakuba Mini Golf offers a totally different indoor experience. It’s lighthearted, family-friendly entertainment at its best. With karaoke, food, and drinks on-site, it’s a great option for an afternoon of laughter that keeps everyone entertained long after the scorecards are tallied.
4. Snowshoe Through Silent Forests
For a quieter kind of adventure, strap on some snowshoes and follow a guide into Hakuba’s dreamy winter forests.
Snowshoeing is perfect for all ages and doesn’t require any prior experience. Walk across frozen streams, to the sound of fresh snow underfoot.
Popular trails include routes near Iwatake and Tsugaike, where snow-covered trees, wildlife tracks, and frozen waterfalls create a Narnia-like backdrop for exploration, all set against the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
In the warmer months, these same trails are popular for hiking, giving visitors the chance to experience Hakuba’s natural beauty and mountain scenery year-round.
5. Discover Iwatake’s Winter Playground
Hakuba Iwatake isn’t just for skiers. At Iwatake, you can ride the gondola up for unbeatable views, sip hot chocolate at City Bakery, and swing (literally) into the clouds on the iconic Yahoo Swing. There are hammocks buried in snowbanks, snow domes for kids to explore, and picture-perfect photo spots that make Instagram jealous.
This is where snow becomes more than sport—it becomes scenery. It’s peaceful, playful, and surprisingly chic.
6. Climb Indoors at Koujitsu Sansou
Looking for an indoor challenge that doesn’t involve skis? Check out the climbing wall at Koujitsu Sansou. Located by the station, they have a modest but well-maintained bouldering space where kids and adults alike can test their grip and balance. It’s a fun way to stay active when the weather’s wild or you’re craving variety.
7. Build a Snowman & Make Memories
Sometimes the most magical activities are the simplest. Whether it’s right outside your luxury chalet or at a local snow park, gathering the crew to build a snowman is a winter classic that never gets old. Roll up your sleeves, grab a carrot, and create a frosty friend together.
This kind of moment—snowflakes swirling, cheeks flushed from the cold, laughter echoing—is what makes family trips unforgettable.
8. Cross-Country Ski at Snow Harp
If you want a skiing experience that’s more meditative than thrilling, try cross-country skiing at Snow Harp.
This venue, originally built for the Nagano Olympics, features smooth, scenic trails that wind through gentle forest and open snowfields. The courses at Snow Harp were designed to Olympic standards, making it one of the renowned ski racing venues in Hakuba.
Gear rentals are available on-site, and the vibe is refreshingly unhurried.
9. Warm Up in a Private Onsen
A day in the snow isn’t complete without an evening in a steaming onsen.
Hakuba has no shortage of options, from traditional bathhouses like Mimizuku Onsen to private onsen experiences arranged through your luxury lodge.
The region is famous for its natural hot springs, and soaking in a hot spring is a quintessential Japanese winter experience. The soothing mineral water is believed to ease muscle aches and improve circulation—but mostly, it just feels amazing.
10. Visit a Snow Park Built for Play
Not skiing? Not a problem. Hakuba’s snow parks in Hakuba Valley offer tubing, sledding and snow rafting. These designated zones are built for fun without the lift ticket, and they’re often less crowded than the main resorts.
Top picks include the Happo Snow Park and Iimori Kids Park, both of which have areas for toddlers to teens, plus rental gear on-site. Kashimayari is another family-friendly area within Hakuba Valley, offering a variety of activities for children.
Final Thoughts: Your Winter, Your Way
A ski trip doesn’t have to revolve just around skiing. With so much to do, see, taste, and feel, your holiday can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you want it to be. So whether you’re building snowmen, swinging above the valley, soaking in an onsen, or sipping mulled wine after mini golf, you’re experiencing the true magic of the Japanese Alps.
No skis required.
FAQ
Is Hakuba worth visiting if I don’t ski?
Absolutely. With snowshoeing, onsens, fine dining, snow parks, and cultural experiences, Hakuba offers plenty for non-skiers. The Hakuba area is not just a ski resort; it is a destination rich in Japanese culture and year-round activities.
Can I book private activities for my group?
Yes. Many lodges and tour operators offer private snowshoeing tours, onsen bookings, and cultural workshops. You can also arrange a private tour for your group to explore Hakuba’s attractions, making your ski holiday even more memorable. Ask your accommodation to arrange in advance.
What’s the best activity for families with young kids?
Building snowmen, visiting snow parks, and indoor play at Hakubounce or Mini Golf are all great options.
Is transportation easy without skiing?
There is a a local shuttle, taxis as well as private transfers available.
Are onsen baths family-friendly?
Yes, onsen are family friendly. Be aware, onsen are a bathing experience and public onsen do no allow bathing suits.