Here are some reasons from us based on what we know from living in Hakuba.
- Visit quiet hot springs: After skiing, you can drive to a peaceful hot spring away from the crowds, possibly being the only non-Japanese people there. It’s less than 30 minutes each way. Many of Hakuba’s best hot springs are right in the valley.
- Fun shopping and dining experiences: If you’re with kids or looking for souvenirs, visit a full-sized ¥100 shop. You’ll find unique Japanese items like chopsticks, bowls, paper, and folding fans. For a fun meal, go to a sushi train restaurant, where food is delivered by a mini bullet train. Kids love it, and the touchscreen menu is in English!
- Fresh seafood on the coast: Take a trip to the coast to enjoy incredibly fresh seafood, including crab. You can combine this with a visit to nearby ski resorts that often get more snow than Hakuba. While some coastal areas are lined with concrete defences, you’ll also find scenic beaches and cliffs.
- Explore Nagano’s cultural sites: While staying in Hakuba, you can visit historical sites in old communities far from the ski resorts. Unlike touristy areas such as Tokyo or Kyoto, you won’t find entry fees or crowds. With fresh snow, these spots are especially photogenic. We’d be happy to point you in the right direction.
- See rustic Japanese countryside: If you want to experience more traditional, rural Japan, it’s just a short drive from Hakuba. Snow permitting, you’ll find peaceful villages with no traffic lights, no convenience stores, and plenty of old houses.
- Convenience is key: The main reason to rent a car is convenience. Every adult in Hakuba has one because there’s no regular public transport. Shuttle buses only run to and from ski resorts during high season. If you want to explore Hakuba beyond skiing, a car is essential. Outside of winter, it’s the best way to see the area properly.
If you’re still on the fence, here are some reasons our clients have shared for renting a car in Hakuba:
- Dissatisfaction with shuttle bus services: This is a frequent complaint, even from those staying in areas with plenty of buses. Despite an increase in the number of buses in 2019, many still find the service lacking. Taxis, on the other hand, are expensive and can take up to 40 minutes to arrive. Rideshare options like Uber don’t exist in Japan.
- Access to less crowded ski resorts: Some of the best resorts outside of Hakuba offer more snow and fewer crowds. While these resorts aren’t exactly a secret, out of respect for skier etiquette, we don’t name them here. Rent a car from us, and we’ll happily share the details.
- Visit the Snow Monkey Park: Want to see the famous snow monkeys in Yamanouchi without the expense of an organized tour? A rental car offers the flexibility to visit on your schedule.
- Nordic (cross-country) skiing convenience: If you’re into cross-country skiing, Hakuba’s Olympic-level trails at the Nordic stadium are fantastic. However, getting there by taxi can cost around 4,000 yen each way, and there’s no public transportation available.
- Sightseeing in Matsumoto or Nagano City: A rental car is perfect for sightseeing, especially during the early or late ski season when snow conditions might not be ideal.
- Freedom and adventure: Renting a car offers complete freedom to explore Hakuba and beyond on your own terms. You won’t need to rely on hotel staff or crowded shuttle buses to plan your day.