Omachi/Hakuba (Nagano)
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[2026 Edition] Recommended Winter Activities to Experience in Omachi and Hakuba

Shinano-Omachi, which spreads out at the foot of the Northern Alps, and the neighboring village of Hakuba are covered in snow from late November through March. Why not enjoy unique winter activities at ski resorts with high-quality powder snow, on plateaus, or at nature-rich lakes? From snowmobiling to smelt fishing, there are plenty of exciting experiences for both adults and children.

Try riding a snowmobile across the snowy mountains of Hakuba

Even beginners are welcome. Enjoy powder runs in the magnificent nature of Hakuba
Beginners are welcome. Enjoy a powder run in the magnificent nature of Hakuba

This club is popular with international visitors for its wide variety of activities. A recommended winter experience is snowmobiling, which allows you to dash across snowfields inaccessible by car. No license is required, and children aged 6 to 11 can ride tandem (two-seater), making it fun for the whole family. After meeting at the Lion Cafe, which is attached to the office, you will be taken by bus to the site for a lesson. Afterward, you will ride through mountains and forests of powder snow. Even on the beginner's course, the sense of speed and exhilaration of riding on snow at 20-30 km/h is irresistible. Participants can rent items like ski boots for 500 yen each, so you can come empty-handed.

Relax at a cafe before or after your activity

"Burrito Healthy Chicken" with Hakuba's specialty purple rice 1,200 yen, Cafe Latte 600 yen
Burrito Healthy Chicken with Hakuba's specialty purple rice for 1,200 yen, and a cafe latte for 600 yen

Before or after your activity, take a break at the meeting point, Lion Cafe. They offer easy-to-eat vegetable-packed burritos and hamburgers, coffee made with locally roasted beans, and weekend-only soups.

Hakuba Lion Adventure
  • Address5746-3 Hokujo, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 5 minutes by car from JR Hakuba Station
  • Business hours9:00–17:00
    Lion Cafe 8:30–16:00
  • ClosedOpen every day
    Lion Cafe: Tuesdays
  • Admission FeeHakuba Snowmobile (Duration: 60 minutes)
    Single (1 person, adult 16+) 18,500 JPY
    Tandem (adult 16+, 2 people) 24,500 JPY/vehicle (2 adults)
    Tandem (1 adult and 1 child 120cm+ tall) 20,500 JPY/vehicle

    *12/27 (Sat) - 1/12 (Holiday/Mon)
    Single (1 person, adult 16+) 21,000 JPY
    Tandem (adult 16+, 2 people) 27,000 JPY
    Tandem (1 adult and 1 child 120cm+ tall) 23,000 JPY
  • TEL0261-72-5061
  • ParkingFree
  • Age limitHakuba Snowmobile
    Single: 16+, Tandem: 6+ and 120cm+ tall
  • NotesPlease check here for details on "Hakuba Snowmobile"

A night trek walking through snowfields under a mysterious starry sky

Walking through snowfields illuminated by moonlight. The ease of walking with snowshoes, a necessity in snow country, is moving
Trek across snowfields illuminated by moonlight. The ease of walking in snowshoes, a winter country essential, is impressive

Go trekking across snowfields wearing snowshoes or "kanjiki," traditional Japanese tools used for walking on snow. Tours held at night offer a different charm from the daytime. While the winters in Omachi and Hakuba are freezing once the sun goes down, on clear days, the giant Orion constellation sparkles overhead, and the clear, beautiful starry sky is truly cleansing for the soul. On moonlit nights, the pure white world and the majestic silhouette of the Northern Alps are illuminated by the moon, creating a romantic atmosphere. A snowy night offers a special experience as you walk while treading through the deep, freshly fallen powder snow.

Coffee time in the heart of nature is a blissful experience

Enchanted by the magnificent snowy landscape that can only be enjoyed on a winter night
Be enchanted by the magnificent snowfield scenery that can only be enjoyed on a winter night

The location is Nakayama Kogen in Omachi City or Otani-hara at Kashimayari Sports Village (Kashimayari Ski Resort). On this approximately 2-hour trekking tour, you can try out both traditional kanjiki snowshoes and modern snowshoes to see which you prefer for walking. The hot coffee break during the walk is a moment that will surely make you feel happy. You can also order an oden hot pot (1,500 yen) as an option.
In addition, the club offers other activities such as the "1-hour Kanjiki Course" for trekking through the winter mountains during the day, and the "Snow Game Experience" where you can enjoy sled relays and snowball throwing.

Omachi, Lake Aoki & Adventure Club

Smelt fishing on a warm dome boat where you can go empty-handed

Even if you are a beginner at fishing, you can rest assured as the guide will provide advice.
Guides are there to offer advice, so you can feel at ease even if it's your first time fishing

Lake Kizaki, located at the foot of the Northern Alps, has a circumference of 6.5 km. Because of its high transparency and good water quality, it is well-regarded among fishing enthusiasts, who say that "Lake Kizaki smelt is delicious." Since there is no closed season, smelt fishing is available year-round, but the high season is from autumn to winter. From November to March, an activity where you can enjoy fishing comfortably in a warm dome boat equipped with a stove is popular. For beginners, a 3-hour guided experience is recommended. A full set of equipment can be rented. Try your hand at fishing at your own pace while learning how to attach bait and reel in the line.

Make tempura yourself with the smelt you catch

You might even catch several smelt at once. Their clear, beautiful bodies are proof of the clean water.
You might even catch several smelt at once. Their beautiful, translucent bodies are proof of the clean water

Smelt fishing uses a 5-hook rig. You will need to reel in the line quickly and carefully while gauging the state of the rig as it twitches. Since they are wild fish, there are days when it is difficult to catch them depending on the weather, but the thrill of the moment you catch one is special. After fishing, you will return to the shore by motorboat and enjoy tempura made from the smelt you caught yourself. Freshly fried smelt is light and fluffy, and so delicious you could eat it forever.
At Lake Kizaki POW WOW, you can also enjoy camping and SUP experiences during the green season.

Kizakiko POW WOW Campground & Outdoor
  • Address19004-1 Taira, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 15 minutes by car from JR Shinano-Omachi Station
  • Business hoursWinter 7:00–17:00, Summer 8:30–18:00
    Smelt fishing experience (3-hour pack)
    November 1, 2025 (Sat) – end of March 2026: 9:30– or 13:00–
  • ClosedIrregular holidays
  • Admission FeeSmelt fishing experience (3-hour pack) Adults 5,700 yen, Junior high school students and younger 5,200 yen
    (Includes dome boat boarding + guide fee + full set of fishing gear + cushion + cooking utensil set)
    *High school students and older require a separate fishing permit (fishing license) for 1,000 yen
  • TEL0261-85-2494
  • ParkingFree
  • Age limitSmelt fishing experience: 2nd grade of elementary school and older
  • NotesMinimum of 2 participants. Please check here for details.

Experience the view from the ski jump from an athlete's perspective

The normal hill is on the left, and the large hill ski jump is on the right. There is an observation elevator in between.
The normal hill is on the left, and the large hill is on the right. Between them is an observation elevator.

This stadium was used as the venue for the ski jumping and Nordic combined events at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. The Japanese ski jumping team won gold medals here, creating many moving moments. The vast site, roughly 2.5 times the size of the Tokyo Dome, features two side-by-side ski jumps: the 107m-high normal hill and the 138m-high large hill. Take the lift and the observation elevator to the viewing stages at each starting point. The view from the same perspective as the athletes is dizzyingly high and steeply sloped, offering a truly spectacular sight.

Check out items inspired by the achievements of medalists

The Hakuba Olympic Gallery located in the start tower.
Hakuba Olympic Gallery in the start tower

After taking in the breathtaking view from a height equivalent to the 28th floor of a building, be sure to stop by the Olympic Gallery. It displays numerous videos and photographs, including precious gold medals. Of particular note are the hidden lucky items. One is the golden No. 1 lift that connects the ground to the observation elevator. The other is the footprints of the four medalists from the team ski jumping event, where Japan won its 100th Olympic gold medal in total. It is said that many athletes and students visit in search of these lucky items to pray for victory.

Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium
  • AddressHokujo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 5 minutes by car from JR Hakuba Station
  • Business hoursLift operating hours
    Mid-April to end of November: 8:30–16:10 (last ascent), 16:30 closing
    Late December to end of March: 9:00–15:10 (last ascent), 15:30 closing
  • ClosedLift suspension period: Early to mid-April, early to late December, and during competitions
  • Admission FeeAdmission ticket (round-trip lift ticket): Adults 740 yen, elementary/junior high students 440 yen
  • TEL0261-72-7611
  • ParkingFree
  • Age limitNone
  • NotesPlease check the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium official Twitter for the day's lift operation information.

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
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*The information provided is current as of the date of the article's update. Please check in advance as it may be subject to change.