Program Overview
Hakuba is a stunning village nestled in the Japanese Alps, just outside the city of Nagano. Famous for its winter sports, Hakuba also transforms into a breathtaking summer getaway, offering vibrant outdoor activities amidst picturesque mountain landscapes. Originally a host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, the area now offers the perfect setting for hiking, cycling, and exploring lush nature.
During the Summer Session of 2025, you can experience Hakuba’s beauty in a whole new way. The village offers opportunities to go hiking on scenic mountain trails, try mountain biking, and even take part in traditional cultural experiences. You’ll have the chance to interact with local Japanese students, learning about the culture while immersing yourself in the natural surroundings.
Dates: 12 – 15 July 2025
Price: A$699
Highlights
- Sky Athletic (tree top challenge) and rafting at Iwatake Mountain Resort
- Sightseeing at Zenkoji Temple and Matsumoto Castle
- Comfortable accommodation at Oberlin Hakuba Sports Campus (OHSC)
- Daily bus transfers to/from Iwatake Mountain Resort
- Shared room accommodation with ensuite facilities
- Experienced on-site support from Oberlin University staff
Sample Itinerary
Start of the Program – Day 1
- 7:00 AM: Depart from Tokyo
- 10:30 AM: Arrive at Matsumoto Castle and explore the area
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Zenkoji Temple and explore the area
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at Accommodation (OHSC) with a quick stop at a convenience store
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
- Evening: Free time
* The bus for the trip has ample and secure storage space underneath. This means you can leave your luggage on the bus while you enjoy sightseeing on the first day.
Day 2
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 8:30 AM: Depart for Iwatake Mountain Resort*
- 8:45 PM: Sky Athletic (tree top challenge)
- 1:30 PM: Rafting
- 4:30 PM: Return to accommodation (OHSC)
- 5:00 PM: Arrive at OHSC
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
- Evening: Free time
Day 3
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 8:30 AM: Depart for Iwatake Mountain Resort*
- 8:45 AM – 4:00 PM: Free time at Iwatake Mountain Resort for hiking, mountain biking and additional activities (at student’s own expense)
- 4:30 PM: Return to accommodation (OHSC)
- 5:00 PM: Arrive at OHSC
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
- Evening: Free time
End of the Program – Day 4
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Check out
- 9:30 AM: Depart accommodation (OHSC) to return to Tokyo
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at Tokyo Station (arrival time may vary depending on traffic)
- Students are required to find their own way to the airport or make onward travel plans.
Location
白馬村 – HAKUBA
Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Hakuba is a premier winter destination renowned for its world-class ski resorts but in summer it transforms into a breathtaking summer retreat known for its lush landscapes and endless outdoor adventures. The quaint mountain town is located approx. 5 hours away from Tokyo by car, but the scenery makes up for the travel time! Famous for hosting events during the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba offers an array of winter activities, from skiing and snowboarding. In the warmer months, Hakuba transforms into a paradise for nature lovers, offering activities such as hiking through scenic trails, rafting on crystal-clear water, and unwinding in traditional hot springs (onsen).
白馬岩岳リゾート IWATAKE
Iwatake Mountain Resort offers stunning views, lush greenery, and a range of outdoor activities. In the warmer months, the resort transforms into a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers, with scenic hiking and mountain biking trails winding through the Japanese Alps. The resort’s peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to escape the crowds and soak in the stunning surroundings.
Adjacent to the Olympic Happo One Resort, Iwatake stands out for its elevated vantage points at 1,289 meters, offering some of the most spectacular views in Hakuba on clear summer days.
Accommodation
Oberlin Hakuba Sports Campus (OHSC)
- Shared rooms (2-3 students per room) with ensuite (subject to availability)
- Allocated by gender
- Amenities: Sheets, towels, pillows, blankets, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi
- Common areas: Laundry facilities, common space, meeting room, and cafeteria
- Laundry: Two washing machines and two clothes dryers available
- Common space: TV, table, chairs, microwave and fridge with water and juice (available for students to enjoy at anytime)
- Cafeteria: Only open for Breakfast and Dinner (there is no lunch option available).*
- Distance between your accommodation (OHSC) and Iwatake Mountain Resort is approximately 10 minutes by bus.
*Students who require halal food are recommended to arrange their own food before leaving Tokyo (there is a halal shop near the campus in Tokyo).
What’s included?
- Bus transfers between Tokyo and Hakuba
- Bus daily transport between the Iwatake Mountain Resort and accommodation
- 3 nights of shared accommodation
- 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner) per the sample itinerary
- On-site support from Oberlin staff
What’s not included?
- Resort admission tickets (purchased at Iwatake Mountain Resort – Approx A$25 per day)
- Lunch and additional snacks
Additional Information
Excursions
Accessible near the mountain resort is the peaceful Onsen Hot Springs! Relax and recharge after a day of adventure in the hot springs for a small fee.
Extending your Stay
All students must check out from OHSC on the final day of your trip. If students decide to extend their stay, they must arrange their own accommodation and transport at their own expense. CISaustralia and Oberlin University will not be involved in these arrangements.
Insurance Cover for Adventure Activity
All students must provide CISaustralia with their insurance policy and ensure it covers any specified adventure activity (including mountain biking and rafting) prior to departure.
Securing Your Spot for the Adventure Getaway
After paying your program deposit, please email your CISaustralia Program Advisor to confirm your place on the summer getaway.
Please note, group sizes are limited to ensure a quality experience, with a minimum of 14 and a maximum of 20 students. Early booking is advised as places fill up fast. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact your CISaustralia Program Advisor. Apply now.
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