photo (C) Yuhei Horibe
Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture is one of Japan’s leading snow resorts. Famous for being the site of the 1998 Nagano Olympics, it attracts ski and snowboard enthusiasts from all over the world.
[Hakuba Snow Resorts Complete Guide]
・5 Best Ski Resorts in Hakuba
・Things to do in Hakuba
・Where to Stay in Hakuba
・How to get to Hakuba
・Summary
<5 Best Ski Resorts in Hakuba>
There are more than 10 ski resorts in Hakuba area, boasting superb snow quality (powder snow) and snowfall, making it one of the best ski resorts in Japan! Here are our Five top recommendations.
1. Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort
Happo-one is the most popular ski resort in Hakuba and was used as the competition venue for the high speed Alpine skiing events at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. With a maximum run distance of 8,000 meters and long runs from an elevation of 1,831 meters, the slopes with powder snow are one of the largest in Japan. The views are also spectacular, with the Northern Alps peaking at 3,000 meters above sea level.
Official Web Site
2. HAKUBA47 and Hakuba Goryu
HAKUBA47 and Hakuba Goryu ski resorts are popular ski resorts that boast abundant powder snow and are divided into two areas utilizing the natural terrain of a single mountain. These ski resorts offer a wide variety of slopes for beginners and advanced skiers alike, as well as tree runs and freeride parks. A variety of items are available for snowboarders as well, including a full-fledged half pipe that incorporates the latest trends.
Official Web Site
3. Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort is one of the biggest slopes in Hakuba area! The vast slopes are spectacular, with wide gentle slopes perfect for beginners and families, a kids’ park, and intermediate and advanced slopes.
The long forest course, where you can enjoy long runs through the forest, is also very popular.
Official Web Site
4. Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field offers an overwhelmingly beautiful 360-degree panoramic view. A wide variety of slopes are available, taking advantage of the natural terrain. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, snow hiking for beginners is also very popular. The view from the top of Mt. Iwatake is one of Hakuba ‘s most famous viewpoints. Even if you have no experience in winter mountaineering, why don’t you join a snowshoe tour and enjoy the ice on the beech and oak trees?
Official Web Site
5. Hakuba Sanosaka White Resort
Sanosaka White Resort is a secluded ski resort overlooking the beautiful and spectacular view of Lake Aoki, the deepest lake in Nagano Prefecture. On a clear day, you can enjoy the contrast between the emerald green Lake Aoki and pure white powder snow.
Although the slopes are small, there is a full range of courses, including the Lake Down Slope for beginners, the Paradise Course with its 2,100-meter long run, and the Mogul Course for advanced skiers.
Official Web Site
<Things to do in Hakuba>
There are plenty of things to do in Hakuba other than skiing and snowboarding. It is a great place for families to enjoy shopping and buying souvenirs!
1. Snowshoe Experience
Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity that does not require skiing skills and you can enjoy strolling through snow-covered beech and oak forests. If you are lucky, you may even see antelope or hares! Bring a cup of coffee and a thermos of hot water to enjoy a warm cup of coffee in the powdery snow. Enjoy the beautiful winter forest to the fullest.
Hakuba Iwatake Snowshoe Course Application Site
2. Hot spring hopping
Hakuba has many hot springs where you can relax after a day of skiing. We especially recommend Kurashita-no-yu, where you can enjoy the brownish water from the hot spring source. The spring water, pumped up from 1,050 meters underground from seawater trapped in the active fault Fossa Magna, contains salt and iron, which warms the body from inside.
Kurashitano-yu hot spring Official Web Site
3. Local Cuisine
There are many delicious restaurants in Hakuba, such as Shinshu Soba and local gibier dishes. Oyaki is a must-try. Oyaki is made of wheat or buckwheat flour and stuffed with a filling of nozawana or other vegetables. At Jomon Oyaki Ogawanosho, you can sit by the sunken hearth and enjoy the delicious Oyaki. There are many varieties available, and if you make a reservation, you can even try your hand making oyaki in the sunken hearth!
Jomon Oyaki Ogawanosho Official Website
4. Craft Beer
HAKUBA BEER GARAGE is a taproom attached to a brewery, located right in front of the “Bell Ringing Hill Slope” at Tsugaike Kogen ski resort. It is a draft beer store made in Hakuba, directly accessible from the slopes. Pizza and pasta are also delicious and of course family friendly. The Hazy IPA here is a great brew that won a bronze award at Japan Great Beer Award 2024!
HAKUBA CRAFT Official Web Site
5. Souvenirs and Gourmet
Michi-no Eki Hakuba offers many local specialties such as nozawana, miso, gohei-mochi (rice cakes), and locally brewed sake. There is also a restaurant, so just walking around and find your favorite flavor.
Michi-no Eki Hakuba Official Web Site
6. Shopping
Outdoor store Snow Peak’s LAND STATION HAKUBA in Hakuba is one of the largest directly managed Snow Peak stores in Japan.
The stylish building designed by architect Kengo Kuma is well worth a visit! With a store featuring a variety of outdoor goods, a restaurant, Starbucks, and a camp site where you can enjoy camping with nothing at all, you can enjoy a comprehensive outdoor experience in addition to shopping.
snow peak LAND STATION HAKUBA Official Web Site
<Where to Stay in Hakuba>
A day trip or overnight stay should not be enough to enjoy the powder snow.
There are many hotels and inns in Hakuba, but we recommend renting a villa or cottage with a kitchen and enjoying it as if you were living there.
4 recommended cottages in Hakuba
Conveniently located near Hakuba Village Station and the main street of Hakuba Village. 5-6 minutes drive to ski resorts such as Happo One Ski Resort, known as Hakuba Valley. Highly recommended for the convenient location for skiing and snowboarding, and the rooms are clean.
Vacation Rentals in Hakuba
47 recommended cottages in Nagano
If you go a little further from Hakuba, you will find a wide variety of cottages in Nagano Prefecture, including those where you can stay stay with your dog and enjoy BBQ. Not only in winter, but also in the green season from spring through fall, you can enjoy many activities such as visiting sightseeing spots in Nagano Prefecture. Please be sure to find your favorite one!
Vacation Rentals in Nagano
<How to get to Hakuba>
Public transportation and car access from Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
1. From Tokyo to Hakuba
– From Tokyo Station, take Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (approx. 1 hr. 30 min.). From Nagano Station, take an express bus to Hakuba Station in about 1 hour.
– From Shinjuku Station, take Azusa limited express train to Matsumoto Station (approx. 2 hr. 30 min.). From Matsumoto Station, take JR Oito Line to Hakuba Station (approx. 1 hr. 30 min.).
– Highway bus: Approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Hakuba Station.
– By car: From Tokyo, take the Chuo Expressway and exit at the Azumino IC of the Nagano Expressway. Take Route 147 and Route 148 to Hakuba. It takes about 4 hours.
2. From Osaka to Hakuba
– From Shin-Osaka Station, take Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (approx. 50 min.). From Nagoya Station, take the limited express train “Shinano” to Matsumoto Station (approx. 2 hours). From Matsumoto Station, take JR Oito Line to Hakuba Station (approx. 1 hr. 30 min.).
– From Shin-Osaka Station, take Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo Station (approx. 2 hrs. 30 min.). From Tokyo Station, take Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (approx. 1 hr. 30 min.). From Nagano Station, take an express bus to Hakuba Station (approx. 1 hour).
– By car: From Osaka, take the Chuo Expressway via the Meishin Expressway, and exit at the Azumino IC of the Nagano Expressway. Take Route 147 and Route 148 to Hakuba. It takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
3. From Nagoya to Hakuba
– From Nagoya Station, take the limited express train “Shinano” to Matsumoto Station in about 2 hours. From Matsumoto Station, take the JR Oito Line to Hakuba Station (approx. 1 hr. 30 min.).
– Highway bus: Approximately 5 hours from Nagoya Station to Hakuba Station by highway bus.
– By car: From Nagoya, take the Chuo Expressway and exit at the Azumino IC of the Nagano Expressway. Drive to Hakuba via Route 147 and Route 148. It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Summary
Hakuba is an attractive snow resort that offers not only skiing and snowboarding, but also hot springs, gourmet cuisine, and a wide range of non-skiing activities. It is an ideal winter destination with an environment that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike.
One of the best snow resorts in Japan, the ski slopes open in December, with spring skiing from March onward, and advanced skiers can enjoy skiing as long as early May. Why don’t you enjoy Japan powder = JAPOW and activities in Hakuba?
*List of vacation rentals in Hakuba
*List of vacation rentals in Nagano
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