When the snow melts, Hakuba transforms. The same mountains that draw skiers all winter become a green-season playground of alpine lakes, rushing rivers, forest trails, and wide-open valley views — and from late spring through autumn, there’s an outdoor adventure here for every kind of traveller.

Whether you’re chasing whitewater rapids on the Himekawa River, paddling the crystal-clear waters of Lake Aoki, riding mountain-bike trails, drifting over the valley in a hot air balloon, or simply unwinding in an onsen after a day outside, this guide covers the best green season activities in Hakuba — all run by trusted, English-friendly local operators you can book directly.

Every experience below is convenient for Hakuba visitors staying with The Bears Japan and Yume Properties. Here’s everything you need to plan an unforgettable Hakuba summer.

1. Rhythm Rental Bikes

2. Guided Mountain Bike Tours

Prefer a guided ride to heading out on your own? Evergreen Outdoor Center runs guided mountain biking for every level, from mellow forest and rice-field loops and pump-track practice for beginners, to lift-accessed downhill runs at Iwatake MTB Park for those chasing a thrill. Tours run spring through autumn and include an English-speaking guide, a quality bike, and full safety gear, with group, private, and skill-building sessions to choose from — a great way to see the valley on two wheels whether you’re riding with family or pushing your limits.

Evergreen Outdoor Center — Hakuba’s established outdoor school — certified English-speaking guides, quality bikes, and routes to match any level. Book here.

3. Kayaking

Slip out onto the crystal-clear water of Lake Aoki by kayak. Framed by the Northern Alps, this pristine alpine lake is one of the most peaceful spots in the valley, and guided kayaking suits every level with all equipment, life jackets, and safety briefing provided. Go at your own pace on a private tour, or make it social in a group — either way it’s a calm, scenic way to spend a morning on the water.

Evergreen Outdoor Center — A relaxed, professionally guided paddle with all gear and private or group options. Book here.

Lion Adventure — Famous for its clear-bottom kayaks that let you see straight down into the lake. Book here.

4. Canadian Canoeing

Glide across Lake Aoki in a classic Canadian-style canoe — roomy, stable, and perfect for sharing with family or a partner. Guided tours run at an easy, leisurely pace and suit all levels, with canoes, paddles, life jackets, and safety gear provided, so you can simply take in the mirror-still water and the surrounding peaks.

Evergreen Outdoor Center — Calm guided canoe trips with English-speaking guides and all equipment included. Book here.

Lion Adventure — Scenic, laid-back Canadian-canoe tours with a family-friendly feel. Book here.

5. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Find your balance on the glassy morning water of Lake Aoki. Stand-up paddleboarding is easy to pick up and endlessly relaxing, and the calm, windless early hours make ideal conditions for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Guides provide boards, paddles, and instruction, so you can focus on the view — clear water below and the Northern Alps all around.

Evergreen Outdoor Center — Expert instruction and calm early-morning sessions that are perfect for first-timers. Book here.

Lion Adventure — Offers clear SUPs for a striking see-through view of the lake beneath you. Book here.

Mauka Outdoor — Relaxed, family-friendly sessions in a naturally cool valley setting. Book here.

6. Rafting

Chase the whitewater of the Himekawa River, set against the backdrop of the Northern Alps. Depending on the operator and the day, rafting here ranges from calm, family-friendly floats to heart-racing rapids, and expert guides plus full safety gear make it welcoming for first-timers while still delivering plenty of splash for thrill-seekers. It’s one of the most fun ways to cool off on a warm summer day.

Evergreen Outdoor Center — Seasoned guides and a lively Himekawa run that scales from fun to full-on adrenaline. Book here.

Lion Adventure — Options from gentle family floats to a picnic river cruise with a snack in hand. Book here.

EX Adventure — A 3-hour Himekawa trip (April–October) ideal for families and beginners, all safety gear included. Book here.

7. Canyoning

For the adventurous, canyoning is Hakuba’s ultimate summer rush — rappelling down waterfalls, sliding natural rock chutes, and leaping into cold, emerald pools deep in the mountains. Every trip runs under expert guidance with top-tier gear and safety instruction, so both first-timers and experienced adventurers can dive in with confidence.

Evergreen Outdoor Center — Explores pristine Kamoshika Canyon — 15-metre waterfall rappels, natural slides, and a canyon zipline. Book here.

EX Adventure — Wild river canyons, waterfalls, and emerald pools for first-timers and seasoned explorers. Book here.

Mauka Outdoor — Runs private canyoning tours in a cool natural valley of slides and pools. Book here.

8. Hiking

Lace up and explore Hakuba on foot. Evergreen Outdoor Center’s guided hikes are tailored to every level, from gentle nature walks through alpine forest and past clear lakes, to more challenging summit routes with sweeping valley views. English-speaking guides handle the navigation and share local knowledge along the way, so you can simply soak up the scenery of the Japanese Alps.

Evergreen Outdoor Center — Guided routes for all abilities, from easy nature walks to demanding summit climbs. Book here.

9. Rock Climbing

Test yourself on Hakuba’s scenic outdoor crags. Evergreen Outdoor Center’s certified guides tailor each session to your ability — from first-time bouldering to more technical routes — with all equipment, safety instruction, and personal coaching included. It’s an exhilarating way to see the mountains from a completely different angle.

Evergreen Outdoor Center — Certified guides, all gear provided, and climbs matched to every level. Book here.

10. Hot Air Ballooning

Start your day with something extraordinary. Lion Adventure’s hot air balloon experience lifts you gently to around 30 metres as the sun rises, unfolding panoramic views of the Northern Alps in the soft morning light. It’s short, serene, and unforgettable — a perfect highlight for families, couples, or anyone after a truly memorable moment. Offered spring through autumn, with daily flights during the summer holidays.

Lion Adventure — Sunrise flights timed for the stillest air and the most beautiful light. Book here.

11. Dog-Friendly Adventures

Don’t leave your best friend behind. Lion Adventure runs a range of dog-friendly experiences so you and your pet can explore Hakuba’s outdoors together — from gentle balloon rides to canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and easy river rafting complete with a riverside picnic. Each activity is designed to be safe, relaxed, and full of shared moments.

Lion Adventure — Specially designed experiences that welcome you and your dog side by side. Book here.

12. Firefly Tour & Night Lake Cruise

Experience Lake Aoki after dark. Lion Adventure’s evening cruise glides across still water beneath the Northern Alps and a canopy of stars, while fireflies flicker to life along the shoreline. It’s a tranquil, romantic way to see a completely different side of the lake — one of the most magical experiences of Hakuba’s summer.

Lion Adventure — A seasonal evening cruise combining stargazing with the glow of fireflies. Book here.

13. Sky Athletic – Aerial Adventure Park

Get your heart racing at EX Adventure’s Sky Athletic park, at the base of Iwatake Mountain. Two high-rope obstacle courses suspended 8 to 12 metres above the forest floor — wobbling bridges, rope swings, and balance beams — offer a secure, harnessed challenge for both adults and kids. Set among serene woodland and open from late April to early November, it’s a thrilling day out for families and adventure lovers.

EX Adventure — Two harnessed high-rope courses set 8–12 metres up in the forest canopy. Book here.

Other Sight-seeing Options

In Hakuba, there are more for our guest to enjoy!

Athletics areas such as Tsugaike WOW, parks such as Hakuba 47 Asobi Okoku and Hakuba Green Sports, beautiful view points such as HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, Kita-One Kogen and Hakuba mountain beach, areas where you can enjoy trekking such as Happo Pond and Tsugaike Shizen-en, and much more…

On rainy days, you can enjoy indoor activities such as soba making, glass art making, and wool needle felt making. We also have a big trampoline park Hakubaounce and a skate board park TRUE PLAYERS for you to enjoy.
Shopping and going to the onsens (hot spring baths) may also be an option for you.

For more details, please visit the website of “Tourism Commission of Hakuba Village”.