Osaka Day Trip to Mt. Hakodate: Snow Play, Hot Springs and the Winter Metasequoia Avenue

A Day Trip from Osaka to Snow Play and Hot Springs at Mt. Hakodate

This day tour takes you from Osaka to Takashima in Shiga Prefecture, combining snow play at Mt. Hakodate, the Metasequoia Avenue and a hot spring. Head up to a snowy mountain, admire the tree-lined scenery and soak in a bath.

The tour is operated by Bishinka Co., Ltd. Round-trip transport from Osaka is included, and your driver speaks both Chinese and Japanese.

With no snowy-road driving or public transport transfers to worry about, you can spend one day of your Osaka stay exploring winter in Shiga. Bath fees, admission fees and the cost of snow-play equipment are not included and must be paid separately.

Meet in Nipponbashi, Osaka, and Head for Mt. Hakodate

Departure is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. The meeting point is Harimaya, near Exit 2 of Nippombashi Station. Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure and check in by following the instructions you receive after booking.

Once you are on board, you will head to Mt. Hakodate in Shiga. Keep your warm clothing, gloves and other items you will need on site within easy reach, so you can get ready quickly when you arrive.

First Stop: Snow Play at Mt. Hakodate

You will spend about 2 hours at Mt. Hakodate. Touch the snow, take photos against the snowy backdrop and enjoy the time at your own pace. If the snow-play area is open, you can also try sledding.

You do not have to ski to join. Many guests come for the snow play and the views. If you would like to ski or snowboard as well, plan your time on site with the time needed to arrange equipment and tickets in mind.

Rentals for sleds, ski equipment, clothing and more are charged separately. In addition to warm clothing, bring waterproof shoes and gloves to make playing on the snow more comfortable.

Finally: The Metasequoia Avenue and a Hot Spring Area

After the snow play, you will head to the Metasequoia Avenue and a hot spring area. You will spend about 3 hours here in total.

Along the avenue, tall trees line both sides of the road. In winter, you can clearly see the shapes of the bare branches, and when snow settles, the surroundings turn white. Stroll along the footpath, or step back a little to photograph the rows of trees.

If you would like to take a bath, you will pay the fee on site. If you want to warm up in a hot spring after playing in the snow, bring a towel and a change of clothes.

After your free time, you will board the vehicle again and return to Osaka. Arrival back in Osaka is scheduled for around 6:00 p.m.

*The itinerary and times are approximate and may change depending on the weather, snow conditions, road conditions and other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

■ Can I join if I don't ski? Yes. You can spend your time on snow play, sledding and photography. Rentals such as sleds are charged separately.

■ What is included in the tour price? Round-trip transport and guidance from a Chinese- and Japanese-speaking driver are included. Admission fees, bath fees, meals, ski-related costs, equipment and clothing, insurance and similar items are not included. Please also check at the time of booking whether tickets for facilities such as gondolas and lifts are needed.

■ Where is the meeting point, and how long is the tour? You will meet at Harimaya, near Exit 2 of Nippombashi Station. Plan for about 10 hours, with departure at 8:00 a.m. and return at around 6:00 p.m. Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure, and check the instructions you receive after booking for the exact meeting spot.

■ Can I bring children? There is no age limit, but children pay the same price as adults. Child seats are not provided and strollers are not accommodated, so if you are travelling with young children, please check the participation conditions before booking.

■ How many people join the tour? It is a group tour of up to 20 people. For the minimum number of participants, please check the latest conditions for the plan you book. If the minimum is not reached, you will be offered a date change or a refund.

■ Will the tour go ahead as planned in bad weather? The itinerary and times may change depending on snowfall, weather and road conditions. For whether the tour will run and the cancellation and refund terms, please check the latest information for the plan you book.

Before You Book

• Date and time, meeting point, and arriving 10 minutes before departure
• Extra costs such as bath fees, lift tickets and rentals
• Warm clothing, waterproof shoes, gloves and a towel
• Participation conditions, minimum number of participants and cancellation terms

This tour is described as unsuitable for people who have difficulty walking or who are pregnant, so please check the conditions carefully in advance.

Summary

Touch the snow at Mt. Hakodate, walk along the Metasequoia Avenue, then relax in a hot spring. Venture a little way out of Osaka and you can spend a winter day unlike any city stroll.

Playing in the snow, slopes with views of Lake Biwa, and a long, straight avenue of trees. Why not take photos with family or friends as you explore winter in Shiga? It is an ideal day trip for anyone who wants to add snowy scenery to a trip to Osaka.

For details and availability, see Osaka Winter Snow Play & Hot Spring Small-Group Day Tour.