OUR MUST-DO NAGANO ROAD TRIPS
Whether you’re having a rest day or simply taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of Japan, these destinations are within easy driving distance to Hakuba and are well worth a visit on your ski or snowboard holiday.
Zenkoji temple
In Nagano city, you’ll find Zenkō-ji (善光寺, the Temple of the Benevolent Light), a Buddhist temple built in the 7th century and one of the few remaining pilgrimage temples in Japan. The road leading up to the temple compounds is beautiful, featuring restaurants, oyaki (おやき) stalls (they are local style buckwheat dumplings with various delicious fillings) and so many more sights and sounds.
Walking through the Niōmon gate you’ll see the two impressive Niō guardians statues, who protect the temple from enemies of Buddhism. Once inside, explore the various buildings including the main hall, various residences, the Rokujizō (statues of the six Bodhisattvas, the Sanmon Gate, and so much more.
What: Zenkō-ji (善光寺)
How far: 44.4kms or approximately 1hr from Hakuba Station
Tip: Use Google Maps in your Hakucar. Carry some cash in case of tolls and parking near the temple.
Matsumoto castle
Some Hakuba visitors will no doubt whizz through Matsumoto on their way to Hakuba from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station on the Azusa Express. After all, this is a snow trip and powder fever is real. But what you might not know is that Matsumoto is an incredible destination itself.
Not only is it full of cute laneways and narrow streets, packed with cute cafes, wine bars and restaurants, as well as arts and crafts, Matsumoto (松本城, Matsumoto-jō) is a certified National Treasure and one of Japan’s iconic remaining castles.
What: Matsumoto Castle 松本城
How far: 60kms or approximately 1hr and 20 minutes south of Hakuba Station.
Tip: Use Google Maps in your Hakucar.
Snow monkeys
Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑) is one of the best locations in the world to see snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs while snow flakes float down from the sky. The hot springs are home to playful and cheeky Japanese macaques in winter, who come down from the forests and cliffs above to bath in the warm waters before returning to the forest at night.
What: Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑)
How far: 83.3kms or approximately 1 hr and 40minutes from Hakuba Station.
Tip: Use Google Maps in your Hakucar. Carry cash for toll roads.
Onsen visits across Omachi, Nozawa and Yudanaka/Shibu
It’s not a trip to the Japanese mountains without regular visits to the many onsens.
After a hard days riding
Or a tour of onsens