Early afternoon is the perfect time to hit an onsen when they're at their quietest. You'll have space to properly relax without the crowds, and the mid-day timing means you can soak as long as you like without worrying about dinner reservations. Round out your day with some shopping or window shopping at Hakuba's flagship outdoor stores. The valley is home to impressive outposts of Snow Peak, The North Face, and Patagonia, each offering Japan-exclusive items you won't find elsewhere. Snow Peak in particular showcases beautiful camping and lifestyle gear with Japanese design sensibilities. Even if you're not buying, these stores are destinations in themselves, often featuring special displays and limited edition collaborations.

SNOW MONKEY TOUR
The famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park have become one of Japan's most iconic wildlife experiences, and they're accessible as a day trip from Hakuba. These Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs, particularly with snow on their heads, create those quintessential photos you've probably seen in nature documentaries. Fair warning: calling this a "rest day" activity is a bit misleading. The tour is actually quite demanding, with buses departing around 8am and not returning until 5:30pm. The journey includes a 30-minute hike each way to reach the monkey park, which can be slippery and challenging in winter conditions. The monkeys are wild animals, so sightings aren't guaranteed, though they're usually reliably present in winter when they come for the warm pools.

The tour typically includes lunch in the charming town of Obuse, known for its chestnuts and traditional architecture, plus a guided visit to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Zenkoji is one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, housing what's believed to be the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan, though it's permanently hidden from view. Tours cost around ¥18,000 per person and bookings are essential, though you can usually arrange them the day before if spaces are available. For more information and bookings, visit snowmonkeytour.com. Bring warm clothes, good walking shoes, and a camera with a zoom lens for the best monkey photos.

For shopping and souvenirs, head to Nawate Street, better known as "Frog Street" due to the frog statues lining the road. This pedestrian shopping street maintains an old-town atmosphere with traditional shops selling everything from local crafts to unique Japanese sweets. It's the perfect place to find gifts and souvenirs that go beyond the typical tourist fare.

The train schedule means you'll need to plan your day carefully. Check departure times before you go, as missing a train could mean a two-hour wait for the next one. Consider grabbing a bento box from the convenience store for the train ride, turning travel time into a cultural experience.