Hakuba is well-known as a winter sports haven, but it’s also a fantastic spot for exploring Japan’s cultural and natural highlights. Whether you’re craving a private day trip to see snow monkeys and historic temples or a relaxing onsen experience with local food, Hakuba offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests. We particularly love the Hakuba onsen and izakaya night tour for its authentic foodie experience, and the Tokyo Nagano: Snow Monkey & Zenkoji Temple Private Tour for a full day of culture. These tours provide a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Japan’s spiritual and natural side, beyond just hitting the ski slopes.
Hakuba isn’t just about powder skiing; it’s a great base for cultural excursions, scenic drives, and relaxing soakings. Many of these tours include private transport, personalized guides, and insider experiences that turn a simple sightseeing day into a memorable adventure. So, whether you’re into history, food, or nature, you’ll find something to suit your travel style here.
1. Tokyo Nagano: Snow Monkey & Zenkoji Temple Private Tour
At number 1, this private tour combines the best of Nagano’s cultural and natural highlights with the comfort of dedicated transport from Tokyo or Nagano. The tour kicks off with a trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the famous snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs—a truly unique wildlife experience. Then, you’ll visit Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites, with its peaceful atmosphere and fascinating history.
What makes this tour stand out is its customizable itinerary and the private guide who can tailor the experience based on your interests. You also get to explore the Togakushi-Jinja Chusha Shrine, hidden deep in a cedar forest, and walk through Kawanakajima’s old battlefield, where samurai once fought epic battles. The highlight is the chance to enjoy Nagano’s serene landscapes without the rush of a large group. The vehicle is comfortable, and the tour’s flexibility means you can spend extra time at your favorite spots or skip what doesn’t interest you.
This full-day trip is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, immersive experience and don’t mind a longer day of sightseeing. It’s a good value considering the private transport and curated itinerary. As one reviewer says, “This tour made Nagano come alive for us, blending wildlife with history perfectly.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs, wildlife lovers, and anyone wanting a private, flexible day in Nagano.
2. Hakuba: Onsen and Izakaya Night Tour with Dinner
Number 2 on our list is the Hakuba Onsen and Izakaya Night Tour — a fantastic way to unwind after a day on the slopes or explore local night-life. The tour begins with a relaxing soak in a traditional hot spring (onsen) with mountain views, a true Japanese experience. Afterward, you’ll visit a cozy izakaya, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks — think sake, beer, or soft drinks, depending on your preference.
The tour is designed for small groups, limited to four participants, which means personalized guidance. The highlight here is not just the food but the chance to learn about Japanese dining customs and izakaya culture from your guide. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at either Hakuba Station or Mimizuku Onsen, making logistics easy.
Expect a two-hour dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy regional specialties. The onsen experience is a perfect way to relax your muscles after skiing or hiking, and the small group size allows for casual, genuine conversation. Guests appreciate the informative explanations about food and the peaceful setting in the mountains.
Drawbacks? No photography inside the onsen, and some might prefer a more extensive food tour, but for pure relaxation and cultural insight, this tour hits the spot.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a relaxing night combining hot springs and authentic Japanese dining in a small, friendly group.
3. Tokyo: Snow Monkey Park & Nagano Highlights Private Tour
Number 3 offers a luxurious, fully private day exploring Nagano’s top sights from Tokyo. This tour is perfect if you’re after personalized service, flexibility, and comfort. With a dedicated English-speaking driver, you can customize your itinerary, deciding how much time to spend at each location, or skip ones that don’t excite you.
The tour begins with a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the snow monkeys soaking in hot springs, a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. Next, you’ll visit Zenkoji Temple, a revered religious site with centuries of history. Later, you might stop in Obuse, a charming town famous for its chestnut treats and art galleries, or relax in Shibu Onsen with its historic bathhouses.
What makes this tour stand out is its private, customizable nature. You can spend more time exploring Zenkoji or enjoying the scenic drive. The vehicle is comfortable and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it seamless. Reviewers praise the expert driver and the flexibility to tailor the trip.
This option suits travelers who want a luxurious, private experience with a focus on comfort and customization. It’s particularly good for those wanting to maximize their time or avoid large tour groups.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a personalized, stress-free day with flexible stops and private transport, this tour delivers.
4. Nagano: Zenko-ji Temple Guided Tour with Rituals
Closing out our list is a guided experience of Zenko-ji Temple, emphasizing spiritual and culture. This full-day tour includes participation in the O-asa-giyo morning ritual, giving you a rare glimpse into Japanese Buddhist practices. You’ll explore the Kaidan Meguri, a pitch-black underground passage that symbolizes the journey toward enlightenment, and stay overnight in a shukubo, or temple lodging, for an authentic pilgrim experience.
The tour also features visits to Shibu Onsen and Obuse, with ample opportunity for free time and sightseeing. The guide explains the temple’s history and rituals, making it more than just a sightseeing trip—they’re about experiencing the spiritual life of Zenko-ji firsthand. Guests often comment on the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to participate in rituals that deepen their understanding of Japanese Buddhism.
The experience is perfect for travelers interested in spiritual practices, traditional cuisine, and authentic lodging. The overnight stay is a unique highlight but requires more time and interest in a deeper cultural experience. Pricing includes hotel pickup and a chance to audibly participate in rituals.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a spiritual, immersive experience and willing to spend a full day soaking in Japan’s religious culture.
How to Choose Your Perfect Hakuba Tour
When selecting your ideal Hakuba tour, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after a full culture, the Zenko-ji Temple guided tour with rituals offers a deep dive into Japanese spirituality. For wildlife lovers, the Snow Monkey & Zenkoji private tour combines nature with history in a private setting.
If relaxation is your goal, the onsen and izakaya night provides a laid-back, authentic evening with local food and hot springs. For travelers wanting luxury, flexibility, and personalized service, the private Nagano highlights tour from Tokyo is hard to beat.
Book early, especially in peak seasons, and plan your trip around your interests, budget, and schedule. Consider combining tours—perhaps a cultural day with the snow monkeys or a relaxing evening after your sightseeing.
Final Thoughts
Hakuba offers a wealth of options beyond skiing, with tours that explore history, wildlife, spirituality, and food. The private nature of many experiences makes them especially appealing for travelers seeking authentic, personalized adventures. Whether you choose a full-day private tour from Tokyo or an intimate onsen and food night in Hakuba, you’ll leave with memories that go beyond the slopes.
For a well-rounded trip, consider mixing a cultural tour with some leisure time in a hot spring or a walk through historic towns. Just remember to book early, as these experiences can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whatever your interests, Hakuba’s diverse tours ensure you’ll find a way to enjoy Japan’s rich tapestry of culture and nature.