1. HAKUBA HIGHLAND HOTEL

Perhaps the singular best view in Hakuba with both the village itself and the mountain range laid out in front of you. It is a 10 minute walk from JR Hakuba, so a short drive from anywhere in Hakuba. There are great views on the road up to the hotel after you cross the bridge, and for the energetic you can hike up the slope behind the hotel.

5. IWATAKE CITY BAKERY SKYDECK

The skydeck is located at the top of Iwatake ski Resort but it is included in this list as many non skiers will enjoy a visit to the bakery cafe. Sip on a hot cappucino whilst munching down a freshly baked scone all whilst taking in the amazing views from the skydeck. It is undoubtedly the best view of Happo Ski Resort in the valley. You need to buy a return gondola pass at the bottom.

2. OHASHI BRIDGE

This viewpoint takes in the Matsukawa River (usually mostly frozen over in winter) as well as the 3 highest peaks of Hakuba; Hakuba Yari, Hakubua Shakushi, Hakuba Dake. It is probably the most photographed view in Hakuba.From the Happo Bus Terminal it is a 10-15 minute walk or a couple of mins by car (car park on right after crossing the bridge).

3.OIDE PARK

Many features combine to make this a very photogenic point. First you have the clear blue running water of the Himegawa River. Then you have the picturesque footbridge and a couple of traditional grassed thatched houses. Finally the backdrop is of course the mountain range in the distance.

TAKE TIME TO GET THE BROADER PICTURE

All of these viewpoints can be visited without a car, although of course having a car will make it easier. Best time to go is absolutely the morning around 9-11 am. Too early and the light contrast is too great, and afternoon shots result in over exposure of the sky due to the position of the sun.
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BEST PANORAMIC VIEWPOINTS IN HAKUBA

4.NODAIRA VILLAGE

This one is a 15 min drive so you will definitely need a car to get here. The quaint little agricultural village sits high up in the mountains on the other side of the valley. Being further away from the mountain range of Hakuba than the other viewpoints it is a fantastic spot for getting panoramic views. It is not well known so you will probably be the only tourists here as well. Take time to have a walk through the village.

6.OGAWA OBSERVATORY

Another one you will need a car for. High up on the steep and winding route 36 (turn off on the way to Nagano) are several wonderful vantage points to view the entirety of the Northern Alps. What makes these views unique is that you can see the series of forested ridges and valleys in the foreground of the alps which complete the landscape. About a 30-40 min drive 1 way. Photo: Manu from Manu’s Massages
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  SkiHakuba.com   SkiHakuba.com   SkiHakuba.com

BEST PANORAMIC VIEWPOINTS IN HAKUBA

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Japan
Specialists in Hakuba Ski Holidays
©2013 SkiHakuba G.K. (Godo Kaisha company), Hakuba Mura, Japan.

TAKE TIME TO GET THE BROADER PICTURE

All of these viewpoints can be visited without a car, although of course having a car will make it easier. Best time to go is absolutely the morning around 9-11 am. Too early and the light contrast is too great, and afternoon shots result in over exposure of the sky due to the position of the sun.

1. HAKUBA HIGHLAND HOTEL

Perhaps the singular best view in Hakuba with both the village itself and the mountain range laid out in front of you. It is a 10 minute walk from JR Hakuba, so a short drive from anywhere in Hakuba. There are great views on the road up to the hotel after you cross the bridge, and for the energetic you can hike up the slope behind the hotel.

2. OHASHI BRIDGE

This viewpoint takes in the Matsukawa River (usually mostly frozen over in winter) as well as the 3 highest peaks of Hakuba; Hakuba Yari, Hakubua Shakushi, Hakuba Dake. It is probably the most photographed view in Hakuba.From the Happo Bus Terminal it is a 10-15 minute walk or a couple of mins by car (car park on right after crossing the bridge).

3.OIDE PARK

Many features combine to make this a very photogenic point. First you have the clear blue running water of the Himegawa River. Then you have the picturesque footbridge and a couple of traditional grassed thatched houses. Finally the backdrop is of course the mountain range in the distance.

5. IWATAKE CITY BAKERY SKYDECK

The skydeck is located at the top of Iwatake ski Resort but it is included in this list as many non skiers will enjoy a visit to the bakery cafe. Sip on a hot cappucino whilst munching down a freshly baked scone all whilst taking in the amazing views from the skydeck. It is undoubtedly the best view of Happo Ski Resort in the valley. You need to buy a return gondola pass at the bottom.

4.NODAIRA VILLAGE

This one is a 15 min drive so you will definitely need a car to get here. The quaint little agricultural village sits high up in the mountains on the other side of the valley. Being further away from the mountain range of Hakuba than the other viewpoints it is a fantastic spot for getting panoramic views. It is not well known so you will probably be the only tourists here as well. Take time to have a walk through the village.
  SkiHakuba.com   SkiHakuba.com   SkiHakuba.com

6.OGAWA OBSERVATORY

Another one you will need a car for. High up on the steep and winding route 36 (turn off on the way to Nagano) are several wonderful vantage points to view the entirety of the Northern Alps. What makes these views unique is that you can see the series of forested ridges and valleys in the foreground of the alps which complete the landscape. About a 30-40 min drive 1 way. Photo: Manu from Manu’s Massages
Japan
Specialists in Hakuba Ski Holidays
SkiHakuba.com