Hakuba

Resort Overview

Founded in 1928, the Hakuba ski area comprises nine world class ski resorts and was a major venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

Rising from the beautiful Hakuba Valley, the Northern Alps of Japan reach an elevation of 3,000 metres. The resort boasts some of the highest snowfalls in the country, with annual average snow levels exceeding 10 metres, making it one of the best skiing and snowboarding holiday destinations in the world.

Overlooking the central ski villages of Eco Land, Happo and Wadano, the three biggest resorts are Happo-One, Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47. With the highest runs in the area there are superb views across the valley and amazing snow conditions to match.

Iwatake, Cortina and the region’s smaller resorts are not to be forgotten offering intimate local experiences and great skiing with a uniquely Japanese flavour.

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Activities and Attractions

Hakuba is renowned for its steep runs which offer the longest vertical skiing in Japan and more expert terrain than other resort in the country. However, with over 200 ski trails serviced by over 150 lifts, Hakuba has great on-piste skiing and snowboarding suitable to suit all abilities.

There are also plenty of off-piste options, terrain parks, moguls, Olympic-sized ski jumps and heli-skiing for the truly adventurous. If downhill skiing is not for you, Hakuba also offers Nordic skiing, snow rafting, snowmobiling and snowshoeing programs.

Winter in Hakuba is also a time for nature, relaxation and rejuvenation. The local hot springs are renowned for their healing properties and can help sooth sore aching muscles and recharge at the end of the day in the mountains. Soaking in an open-air bath gazing at the stars is sure to be one of the highlights of your Japanese winter vacation.

Hakuba has an extensive calendar of festivals and events which provide a taste of traditional Japanese life, arts, culture and history. February is a great time to visit with the spectacular Fire Festival at Happo-One while Japan’s famous cherry blossoms and spring flowers bring the resorts to life in March and April.

Resort Services

Whether you are in the mood for a gourmet Japanese banquet, a casual night at one of the izakaya (traditional Japanese pubs), a live music performance or an evening of dancing, Hakuba’s après ski will keep you entertained.

Don’t forget to sample some of the regional delights, including hand-made buckwheat soba noodles and locally produced sake (rice wine).

A free shuttle bus service helps you get around and explore all that Hakuba has to offer however many of the resorts and villages offer ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There is a great range of luxury apartments, boutique hotels and private chalets providing plenty of choice.

Getting to Hakuba is also super easy with regular buses servicing Nagano city and the bullet train station. From here, you can easily connect to/from Tokyo, Nagoya and other major tourist cities where you can experience all the highlights of a Japanese holiday.