Golden Week in Japan is famously busy—think shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in Tokyo parks and booked-out bullet trains. But while the rest of the country flocks to the usual hotspots, travelers in the know head to the Japanese Alps.
Nestled in Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba offers an unexpected Golden Week escape: peaceful trails, empty ski lifts, blooming cherry blossoms, and room to breathe.
What makes Hakuba Valley special during this holiday? It’s one of the few places in Japan where you can ski in the morning and picnic under sakura trees in the afternoon. The snow clings to the high alpine slopes, while wildflowers and greenery return to the valley below. Whether you’re chasing adventure or craving a quiet retreat, Hakuba gives you both.
Read to find out why this mountain village should be your go-to spring destination—and how to make the most of your Hakuba Golden Week getaway.
1. Dual-Season Adventures: Ski in the Morning, Hike in the Afternoon
Golden Week sits at the intersection of Hakuba’s winter and green seasons. Ski resorts like Happo One, Tsugaike, Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 often remain open into early May, offering sunny skies, soft snow, and discounted lift tickets, making for a relaxed spring skiing experience.
Meanwhile, the valley below starts to bloom. Try hiking the Himekawa River Headwaters Nature Park (Himekawa Genryu) to spot wildflowers, wild wasabi, and spring wildlife. Or hit the trails around Iwatake and enjoy early-season mountain biking or a run through the Ex Adventure ropes course.
2. Stunning Sakura With a Snowy Backdrop
Unlike Tokyo or Kyoto, Hakuba’s cherry blossoms peak later—right around Golden Week. That means you can enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) with snow-covered mountains in the background.
Top spots include Oide Park, with its picnic-perfect riverside blooms, the Hase-ji weeping cherry tree, and Hakuba’s traditional Shinden area.
3. Fewer Crowds, Lower Prices
With winter wrapped up and summer not yet in full swing, Golden Week marks Hakuba’s shoulder season, so accommodations are cheaper than during peak season. Many hotels and ryokans offer direct booking discounts, and you’ll find plenty of availability at local restaurants and onsens.
- Try this: Grab a sunny outdoor brunch at Sounds Like Café or Penguin Café, then unwind with a soak at Highland Hotel Onsen, which boasts the best views in the valley.
4. Unique Events You Won’t Find in the City
Golden Week brings a few can’t-miss seasonal happenings:
- Salt Road Festival: Walk a scenic 10km section of the historic Salt Road with free registration and shuttle from Hakuba Station.
- Azumino Sakura Century Ride: A scenic long-distance cycling competition with a backdrop of the Northern Alps.
- Hot Air Ballooning: Short early-morning rides from the Olympic Jump Arena offer unbeatable views of the Alps.
5. Easy Access to Culture & Iconic Sights
Hakuba is an excellent launchpad for cultural day trips:
- Zenkoji Temple in Nagano (1.5 hrs)
- Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful feudal-era castles (1 hr)
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, famous for 20m-high snow walls (day trip)
6. Onsen & Relaxation
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to one of Hakuba Village’s many hot springs. Whether you want open-air baths with mountain views or private indoor options, you’ll find something to soothe every sore muscle.
Popular picks include:
- Hakuba Highland Hotel Onsen for sunset views
- Mimizuku Onsen for traditional Japanese ambiance
Plan Smart: Tips for a Golden Week Escape
- Book accommodations early, but look for shoulder-season deals.
- Layer: Valley temperatures are mild (~20°C), but mountain air is brisk.
- Check bloom forecasts: Hakuba’s cherry blossoms vary year to year—watch the Cherry Blossom forecasts in April.
- Rent a car if you’re planning multiple-day trips or early-morning activities, such as ballooning.
Whether you’re chasing the last ski runs of the season, soaking in a hot spring with sakura overhead, or biking beneath snowcapped peaks, Hakuba offers an unforgettable Golden Week experience with something for every kind of traveler.
Hi there! I’m Mike, I love the mountains and the outdoors. I’m lucky enough to live in Hakuba, Japan where, in the winter you will find me out skiing or snowboarding and in the summer hiking the local mountain peaks.
