Snow Monkeys
The famous snow monkeys are wild monkeys who love to soak in the natural hot springs at the Jigokudani Monkey Hotsprings. It is claimed to be the only place in the world where you will see the monkeys bathing in the hot springs in the wild. You can go on an organized tour from Hakuba where you can visit the monkey onsen as well as visit the Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City and have a Japanese set menu lunch at a historic sake brewery on the same day tour.

Matsumoto Castle and Daio Wasabi Farm Tours
Matsumoto Castle is one of the oldest castle structures in Japan with building of the castle having commenced in the 16th century. It is listed as one of the National Treasures of Japan. You can go on an organized tour from Hakuba which includes Matsumoto Castle and a visit to the Daio Wasabi farm or you could visit the castle independently. The castle is a 15 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride from the JR Matsumoto rail station.

Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji Temple is located in Nagano City and dates back 1400 years. It is also considered to be a national treasure and is well worth a visit. You can visit the temple independently or as part of the combined Snow Monkeys/Zenkoji Temple tour.

Masuichi Sake Brewery, Nagano
The Masuichi Sake Brewery is 240 years old and includes a restaurant where you can partake of a Japanese set menu lunch. You can sample the different types of sake produced by the brewery and purchase your favourite sake onsite.

Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival
The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, also known as the Dosojin Fire Festival, is a must see event if you are staying in Hakuba on January 15. This traditional festival is held every year in the evening of January 15 and has been the local tradition since 1863. It involves a challenge between younger men aged 25 and the older men aged 42 where a large wooden shrine is guarded and attacked and is eventually burned down by the end of the battle. Sake is freely shared throughout the evening and the atmosphere is like a huge street party and lots of fun.