Private Hakuba Customizable Full Day Tour

Nagano , Japan

Private Hakuba Customizable Full Day Tour

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About this experience

This private and customizable tour for Hakuba is ideal for guests who want their trip tailored to their interests and preferences, ensuring they can explore the city at their own speed. With our personalized approach, guests can delve into Hakuba's charm, discovering its unique sights and experiences curated just for them. Whether it's seeking adventure or embracing serenity, our tour caters to every preference, promising an unforgettable journey through Hakuba's wonders.

Available options

Public Transport

Bus, Trains or other: This tour includes public transportation costs with your tour expert (1 tour guide only). All transportation costs included.

Private: 1 Driver + 1 Guide

Private Car: This tour includes private chartered vehicle (1 driver) with a tour expert (1 tour guide). All transportation costs included.

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

English-speaking professional tour guide

8-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf

Transportation within the city only

Detailed itinerary

The largest and most popular ski resort in Hakuba Valley, Japan. It boasts a 1701 meter vertical drop and steeps slopes, making it ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers

A haven for families and beginners in Hakuba Valley. Its gentle slopes and wide open terrain make learning to ski or snowboard a breeze, while its lift-accessed tree runs and backcountry challenge more adventurous skiers.

A scenic spot nestled amidst the Japanese Alps, reachable by a moderately difficult hike. It's a perfect destination for a day trip to combine some exercise with incredible scenery.

A mid-sized ski resort in Hakuba Valley known for its incredible 360-degree panoramas. While the slopes cater more to intermediate skiers and snowboarders, the resort also offers fun activities like a giant swing and a tubing hill, making it a great choice for families.

A legacy of the 1998 Winter Olympics, is where Japan took home gold medals in ski jumping. Visitors can take a chairlift to the top for panoramic views and experience the exhilarating feeling of ski jumpers.

A fun-filled outdoor complex ideal for all ages in Hakuba Valley. It offers a variety of activities year-round, from swimming and cycling in summer to a forest adventure course perfect for families

What's not included

Gratuities (optional)

Entrance fees for guests and tour guide

Meals, food, and drinks (At your own expense)

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

100% refund for cancellations made up to 4 days before the start time of the experience. Cancellations made after that time period will receive no refund

8-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf (restaurant or other venue reservations must fall within tour hours)

Children that are age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult that is age 18 or older

English-speaking professional tour guide

Preparing a customized tour requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. For Custom Tour bookings that are requested with less than 7 days before the travel date, we may not be able to arrange your custom tour in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.

Guests are provided with the tour guides’ phone number before the tour and you can call the tour guide if you need help.

Hotel pickup and drop-off (if the hotel is within city center)

If your cancellation falls within the fees applied to the Standard Cancellation Policy, the service fee of 15% will no longer take effect. You will only be responsible for the cancellation fee specified in the Standard Cancellation Policy. Please carefully review the terms and conditions specified on the checkout page.

If you cancel the tour any time after we have sent you the custom Itinerary Sheet, the service fee of 15% of your total tour cost will be nonrefundable.

How far in advance should I book?

Why am I charged a service fee if I make a cancellation after you started planning the trip?

As for mode of transportation, you’ll have the option to choose public transportation option (utilizing the excellent train and bus systems) or the private vehicle option (with a meticulously clean and comfortable chartered vehicle with personal driver) to take you around the city for your own comfort. The choice is yours. We are just here to make the planning and arranging process easy for you.

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

Organizing and planning a trip requires a lot of time and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be very challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and your answers from the Custom Tour form, we will begin putting together your Itinerary Sheet and will start arranging your tour guide, buying tickets, making reservations at venues for your tour, etc.

Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour.

Price: Select number of people under Booking Request for pricing

Although this is a private tour, the tour guide will only wait for you for up to 45 minutes of start time before the tour is cancelled

Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)

PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM: After your booking, you will receive a link to the Hakuba Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Hakuba Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date.

We ask that all guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time

Included:

Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions

The remaining hours will be allotted on the travel/walking time and free time

Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today.

Meeting point

We meet all travelers at a starting point.

About Nagano

Nagano, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. Known for its role in the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture, stunning mountain landscapes, and world-class ski resorts. The city is a gateway to some of Japan's most famous hot springs and ancient temples.

Top Attractions

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji is one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, dating back to the 7th century. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a symbol of Nagano's spiritual heritage.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are a famous attraction, known for their unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.

Nature Half day to full day ¥800 (adults) or ¥400 (children)

Nagano Olympic Museum

This museum commemorates the 1998 Winter Olympics held in Nagano. It features exhibits on the history of the Olympics, the events held in Nagano, and the athletes who participated.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥500 (adults) or ¥200 (children)

Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi Shrine is a complex of three shrines dedicated to the Shinto goddess of archery. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

Religious Half day Free (donations appreciated)

Shiga Kogen

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, known for its extensive ski runs, modern facilities, and beautiful mountain scenery.

Adventure Full day or overnight ¥4,000 - ¥6,000 (lift tickets)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and are a staple of Nagano's cuisine. They can be served hot or cold, with various toppings and dipping sauces.

Dish Vegetarian (if no meat or fish toppings are added)

Oyaki

Oyaki are dumplings filled with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or cheese. They are a popular snack in Nagano and are often served with meals.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Sake

Nagano is known for its high-quality sake, made from locally grown rice. The region has numerous sake breweries, offering a variety of flavors and styles.

Drink Contains alcohol

Onsen Ryori

Onsen Ryori is a type of cuisine served in hot spring resorts. It typically consists of dishes made with local ingredients, such as vegetables, fish, and tofu, cooked in the hot spring water.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Skiing Snowboarding Hiking Mountain biking Hot air ballooning Hot spring bathing Temple visiting Shopping

Best Time to Visit

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the peak season for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The city hosts numerous winter festivals and events. Expect heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.

-2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) 28°F to 41°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Nagano is a generally safe destination for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is uncommon. However, travelers should still take precautions to protect their belongings and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Use reputable taxis and tour services.

Getting there

By air

Nagano Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center
Chubu Centrair International Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from the city center

By train

Nagano Station

By bus

Nagano Station Bus Terminal, Zenko-ji Temple Bus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The city bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Nagano, covering most areas of the city and connecting to major attractions. Buses are frequent and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Nagano Togakushi Shiga Kogen

Day trips

Shiga Kogen

50 km (31 miles) from Nagano • Full day or overnight

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, offering a wide range of winter and summer activities. It is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Togakushi

20 km (12 miles) from Nagano • Half day

Togakushi is a rural area known for its ancient shrines, soba noodles, and hiking trails. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

60 km (37 miles) from Nagano • Half day to full day

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular destination for observing wild Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys, in their natural habitat. The park is especially famous for the monkeys' unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.

Festivals

Nagano Winter Festival • February Nagano Summer Festival • August Togakushi Fire Festival • February 3rd

Pro tips

Visit Zenko-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple's serene atmosphere.
Try Togakushi's famous soba noodles at a local restaurant, such as Soba Koenji or Soba Nagano.
Take a day trip to Shiga Kogen for skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, depending on the season.
Experience the Nagano Winter Festival in February for a unique and memorable cultural event.
Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani in winter to see the monkeys bathing in the hot springs.