Snowshoeing in Hakuba.
Footsteps are deliberate. Your breath hangs in the air before disappearing. The forest is serene and calm. It doesn’t ask for technique or speed. It simply opens up, one step at a time.
For travelers visiting Hakuba, snowshoeing is an alternative activity for a day without skis or snowboards. It’s a way for non-skiers to experience the mountains without lessons, lift lines, or technical barriers.
Families, mixed-ability groups, and experienced skiers alike often find that it becomes one of the most memorable parts of their winter trip.
This guide covers the best snowshoe tours in Hakuba, what each operator offers, and how to choose the right experience for your travel style.
Snowshoeing in Hakuba: What the Experience Is Like
Snowshoeing is about what unfolds along the way.
You move through snow-laden forests. The branches bend under the weight of freshly fallen snow as light filters through the canopy above. The trails meander through the quiet forest as the only sound is the steady rhythm of walking, sometimes broken by a bird or soft collapse of snow from a branch overhead.
With a guide and the right terrain, the experience is intuitive. You pause when something catches your attention. Frosted needles. A gap in the trees reveals distant mountains. Tracks crossing the trail, hinting at movement long after it’s passed.
The Best Snowshoe Tours in Hakuba Valley
Here is our list of the best snowshoe tours in Hakuba
Hakuba SnowshoeHakuba Snowshoe Tours
Best Overall Snowshoe Experience in Hakuba
Hakuba Snowshoe Tours focuses exclusively on snowshoeing—and it shows. Their tours are built around calm routes, small or private groups, and an unhurried pace that lets you absorb the landscape rather than rush through it.
They offer a carefully designed winter experience.
Tours are suitable for families, couples, and travelers of all ages who want to enjoy Hakuba’s winter scenery without pressure or crowds. Everything is set up to make the experience smooth, from gear to transport, allowing guests to focus on the walk itself.
Why choose Hakuba Snowshoe Tours:
- Private and small-group options
- Quiet trail selection
- Relaxed pacing suitable for all experience levels
- Strong focus on atmosphere and scenery
Best for:
Families, couples, non-skiers, and skiers looking for a calm non-ski day.
Hakuba Lion Adventure
Best Short, Beginner-Friendly Private Snowshoe Tour
Hakuba Lion Adventure offers a straightforward, accessible snowshoe experience designed for people who want a simple introduction to winter walking in the mountains.
Tours run for about two hours and are always private, making them a good option for families with children or travelers who prefer a clearly structured schedule. Starting from Hakuba Goryu, these tours focus on forest environments and are gentle enough for first-time snowshoers.
Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but they’re possible—adding an element of surprise to the walk.
Why choose Hakuba Lion Adventure:
- Short, manageable tour length
- Private groups only
- Beginner-friendly terrain
- Convenient meeting point at Goryu
Best for:
First-time snowshoers, families with kids (6+), and travelers who want a light, half-day winter activity.
Woody Rentals
Best for Group Snowshoe Hiking and Hotel Pickup
Woody Rentals offers a more hiking-style snowshoe tour, ideal for groups and travelers who value logistics and convenience. Their half-day tours run at a relaxed pace and can accommodate up to 10 people, making them well-suited for larger parties.
One standout feature is hotel pickup in Hakuba and Otari, eliminating the need to arrange transport. Depending on the route, additional fees, such as lifts, may apply, so it’s worth confirming the details in advance.
Why choose Woody Rentals:
- Larger group capacity
- Hotel pickup available
- Flexible starting locations
- Suitable for casual walkers
Best for:
Groups, travelers without a car, and those looking for a social, easygoing snowshoe outing.
How to Choose the Right Snowshoe Tour in Hakuba
Choosing a snowshoe tour isn’t about difficulty levels so much as alignment.
Think about how you want the day to unfold. Do you want privacy or company? A short window of time, or a half-day spent moving steadily through the landscape? Do you prefer door-to-door logistics, or are you happy meeting at a fixed point?
Key factors to consider:
- Private vs group tours
- Tour length and pacing
- Who you’re traveling with
- Transport and meeting locations
- Whether sightseeing lifts are involved
The best tour is the one that fits naturally into your trip, rather than reshaping it.
What to Expect on a Snowshoe Tour
Most snowshoe tours in Hakuba follow a similar rhythm:
- Meet your guide and get fitted with gear
- Brief explanation of walking technique and safety
- Guided walk with regular pauses for rest and photos
- Return to the starting point and gear drop-off
What to wear (Winter Clothing)
- Warm winter jacket and pants
- Waterproof boots
- Gloves and a hat
- A small backpack for water or personal items
Guides adjust the pace to the group, keeping the experience comfortable rather than demanding.
Who Are Hakuba Snowshoe Tours For
Snowshoeing fits easily into many Hakuba itineraries:
- Skiers and snowboarders planning a non-ski day
- Travelers visiting Hakuba who don’t ski or snowboard
- Families wanting a shared winter experience
- Groups with mixed interests and abilities
- Travelers drawn to scenery rather than speed
Final Thoughts
Snowshoeing in Hakuba doesn’t compete with the resort experience.
It offers a way to move through winter without hurrying, to notice details that disappear when everything revolves around the next run or the next lift. For many travelers, that contrast is exactly what makes it memorable.
Choose the tour that fits your travel style—and let the landscape do the rest.
FAQ
Is snowshoeing in Hakuba suitable for beginners?
Yes. Most tours are designed for beginners and include a short introduction before starting.
Do I need a lift pass for snowshoeing?
Some tours may use sightseeing lift tickets, depending on the route. These are different from ski lift passes and should be confirmed with the operator.
Is snowshoeing good for kids?
Many tours accept children aged 6 and up, especially private tours. Always check age requirements in advance.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours may be adjusted or canceled for safety reasons. Operators will usually contact you if conditions require changes.
Do I need to be very fit?
You should be comfortable walking for 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace. Snowshoe tours are generally manageable for most active travelers.
Can I do Backcountry Tours?
Yes, some operators offer backcountry snowshoe tours of the Japanese Alps
Hi, welcome to Events Hakuba. I started this site about eight years ago with a friend (who’s since moved away) to help travelers get more out of their time in Hakuba. What began as an event calendar has grown into a resource for everything from logistics to local insights.
It’s a one-person operation, and while I do my best to keep things current, it’s not a full-time gig—so thanks for your patience if anything’s slightly out of date.
If you’re curious about my main work, I run The Fifth Business — helping independent hotels scale guest revenue, retention, and operations without adding complexity.
