Located in Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba is a scenic alpine village known for its ski resorts, hiking trails, and panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps. While most visitors access the area via train or bus, a self-drive road trip allows more flexibility, off-the-beaten-path stops, and a deeper connection with the countryside.
We took a 2-day, 1-night road trip from Tokyo to Hakuba, with stops along the way that included waterfalls, rivers, and panoramic mountain resorts. Here’s a full breakdown of our route, experience, and what you can expect if you’re planning the same journey.
Departure Time: 4:30 AM
Estimated Drive Time: 3–3.5 hours
Route: Tokyo → Nagano Prefecture (Hakuba)
We left Tokyo early in the morning to avoid traffic and make the most of our day. Breakfast was packed to eat during the drive, and we took occasional rest stops for fresh air and bathroom breaks.
1. Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: 12056 Hokujo, Hakuba, Nagano 399-9301
Gondola Round-Trip Ticket
Adults: ¥2,400
Children: ¥1,300
Pets: ¥700
One of the most scenic viewpoints in the Hakuba Valley, Iwatake Mountain Resort offers stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped Alps. The gondola lift takes you up to the summit where you’ll find walking trails, cafes, and the popular YOO-HOO Swing—a favorite Instagram photo spot.
We picked up lunch from a Lawson and enjoyed it at the top, surrounded by mountain air and expansive views. It’s a refreshing place to stretch your legs after a long drive.
Spicy rentals (Mountain Bike rentals)
💡 Tip: The resort also offers mountain biking trails in summer. You can rent bikes and gear at Spicy Rentals, conveniently located near the gondola station.
MTB Rental Options
| Item | 2h | 4h | 1 Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-suspension MTB | ¥7,000 | ¥9,000 | ¥11,000 |
| Kids’ MTB (8–12 years) | ¥4,000 | ¥5,000 | ¥6,000 |
| Helmet | – | – | ¥1,500–¥2,500 |
| Protective Pads | – | – | ¥1,500 |
| Gloves | – | – | ¥500 |
Booking & Season Info
No prior reservations for bikes—rent at Spicy’s desk at the base of the mountain.
2. Matsukawa River
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Hakuba Bridge
After descending from the mountain, we headed to the Matsukawa River, where the crystal-clear stream flows directly from the Northern Alps. This peaceful spot offers scenic photo opportunities with a backdrop of the majestic peaks and a picturesque bridge crossing the water.
3. Oide Bridge and Oide Park
Next, we visited Oide Bridge, a lesser-known wooden suspension bridge surrounded by nature and flanked by traditional countryside houses. The area was quiet, with very few tourists, which made it a perfect place for slow moments and photography. We felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
Price per night: ¥15,779 for 4 people
location:
Before checking in, we stopped by a nearby supermarket to grab ingredients for dinner. Our stay at Hakuba ISM was one of the highlights—it’s a spacious, fully-equipped guesthouse ideal for families or groups.
We cooked dinner, then took a relaxing walk in the quiet neighborhood. Most shops were closed since it’s off-season, but we still found a Lawson convenience store open and treated ourselves to some ice cream. Hakuba at night is calm and peaceful, a nice contrast to the busy city life in Tokyo.
Day 2: Scenic Detours on the Way Back
Before returning to Tokyo, we planned a few side trips to make the most of our drive.
5. Kagami-ike Pond (Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park)
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Kagami ike pond Togakushi, Nagano, 381-4101
Admission: Free
Note: Best accessed by car
Located deep within Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Kagami-ike (Mirror Pond) lives up to its name. On calm days, the surrounding mountains reflect perfectly on the still water. The area is serene and photogenic—though a bit remote, it’s absolutely worth the detour if you have a car.
6. Lunch: Naena Taki En Restaurant
This restaurant near Naena Falls specializes in seasonal fare. We tried their fun twist on cold somen noodles—served via a slide—and enjoyed vegetable tempura made from local produce. They also offer grilled or fried fish, with complimentary tea and small side dishes. It was a refreshing and satisfying stop.
7. Naena Waterfall
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Suginosawa, Myoko, Niigata 949-2113
Entrance Fee: Free
Walk from Parking: ~15–20 minutes
Ranked among Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, Naena Falls is a dramatic sight surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush forest. The trail to the falls is easy but keep an eye out for wildlife—we saw a snake during our visit, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
The view at the end of the trail made the short hike worthwhile. The sound of the powerful waterfall and the misty air offered a cool break from the sun.
8. Ryuo Mountain Resort – SORA Terrace
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: 11700 Yomase, Yamanouchi, Nagano 381-0405
Gondola Round-Trip Ticket:
Adults: ¥2,400
Children: ¥1,200
Our final stop before heading home was SORA Terrace at Ryuo Mountain Resort. Though it’s best known for its “sea of clouds” view, the scenery is beautiful all year round. Even without the clouds, we were greeted with wide views, fresh mountain air, and a quiet café atmosphere.
We relaxed here with a pizza and coffee while enjoying one last moment of mountain tranquility before the drive back to Tokyo.
Final Thoughts
This Hakuba self-drive itinerary is ideal for travelers who prefer flexibility, scenic detours, and a slower pace. From alpine views to peaceful rivers and cascading waterfalls, every stop offered something different—and being on the road gave us the freedom to discover spots we’d otherwise miss.
If you’re planning a trip from Tokyo, consider renting a car and exploring Hakuba beyond the ski slopes. Whether it’s for adventure or relaxation, this journey is well worth the drive.
