5 Must Do Things in Hakuba When You are Not Skiing
Asia is truly blessed by the Mother Nature when it comes to natural beauty and scenic landscapes. Though many such places have been explored to their full potential, there are still many destinations that are still covered in the shroud of mystery to some extent. One such mesmerizing destination is Hakuba Valley in Japan. Slowly becoming one of the most popular winter holiday spot thanks to its skiing slopes, Hakuba Valley looks like a scene directly out of some fairy movie. Winters are definitely breathtaking here, but when the snow melts in the summer, the true, lush beauty of the valley simply takes the breath away. If you aren’t much fan of snow and winters, then also Hakuba has numerous things to offer during the sultry summers. Welcome to Hakuba summer: your new favorite destination!
1. Hike across the beautiful valley: When it comes to the natural trails, walkways and unexplored paths, Hakuba Valley is simply filled with them. You can go for a hiking trip or rent a bike and ride through the beautiful trails, soaking in some of the most picturesque landscapes, incredible flora and fauna in their lush. Get yourself a mountain bike and ride through the little, quaint Japanese villages, shimmering lakes and small hillocks.
2. Paraglide with the birds: Want to fly with birds and make them your best buddies? Then, Hakuba Valley is the destination where you need to head. There are several paragliding services in the valley that cater to the adventurous requirements of the brave hearts. You can opt to fly with an instructor or take the handle in your hand. This is one of those activities that give you a pure adrenaline rush and a wonderful bird’s eye view of majestic Japanese Alps.
3. Water sports at Lake Aoki: Any list about the best places to visit in Hakuba Valley is incomplete without the mention of Lake Aoki. Fed by the melted waters of Japanese Alps snow, this lake is a popular destination for various water sports including rafting, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, stand up paddle, to name a few. Apart from the water sports, the banks of Lake Aoki offer a perfect place for laid back noon picnics.
4. Onsen: After a long day hiking through the most beautiful landscapes, you would want to relax and enjoy the serenity. For this, the best way is to try one of the many onsens in Hakuba Valley. Onsen or hot springs are a perfect way to enjoy the evening after a long outdoor day. Every onsen has its own healing qualities and you can opt for one. Feeling your muscles relaxing in hot water with snow falling in front would be one of the unforgettable experiences of your life.
5. Visit Mastumoto Castle & Zenkoji Temple: Japan is one of those countries where the cultural heritage has slowly evolved into tourist’s attraction. And that’s why, any trip to Japan would be incomplete without visiting the beautiful, traditional castles and temples. While you are in Hakuba Valley, don’t forget to add Mastumoto Castle and Zenkoji Temple in your itinerary.
With that being said, these are a few activities that you can enjoy while visiting Hakuba Valley in summers. Want more details about the resorts in Hakuba Valley? Stay tuned with us.
