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Asia's Alpine Playground

Sitting only 3 hours west of Tokyo, the Hakuba Valley is a bucket list destination for skiers all across the globe. Home to 10 resorts and over 200 runs, skiers of all levels will find excitement in Hakuba.

The area first gained international attention as host of the 1998 Olympics. Hakuba played host to several of the events including alpine skiing downhill, super giant slalom, combined slalom events, ski jumping, and Nordic combined.

From 1998, Hakuba has grown into an international ski destination with a vibrant collection of villages and a mix of Japanese and Western influences. In recent years, The Hakuba Valley has played host to several International events including the Free Ride World Tour and Snowmachine Music Festival.

In the green season, the Hakuba Valley transforms into an oasis for both sport enthusiasts and Japan’s urbanites looking to recharge and relax in the mountain paradise of Hakuba.

Why Hakuba

10 Resorts

to choose from in Hakuba
100+ Lifts

transporting you to the action
200+ Runs

from Beginner to Advanced
30+ Onsen

bubbling in The Hakuba Valley
200+ Accommodation

from Backpackers to Luxury
200+ Restaurants

Japanese, Western, Fine Dining & More

Hakuba Terrain

Resorts

Happo-One is the largest and most popular resort in the Hakuba Valley having served as the host for the 1998 Olympics and the Free Ride World Tour. Happo boasts 1701 meters of vertical drop and has a steep pitch making it best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Iwatake has great views, consistent snow, good tree skiing as well as some nice beginner runs and is more protected on those stormy days. Iwatake is less crowded and is a fantastic resort for intermediate skiers and boarders. When people flock to Cortina for tree skiing on those powder days it leaves Iwatake quiet with comparable tree lines available.

Tsugaike Kogen is a beginners paradise with wide cruisey greens on the lower level and a a green course that runs from the top of the resort to the base. Several multilingual ski schools operate out of Tsugaike and there are play areas and a day care for the children. More advanced riders can enjoy the lift accessed tree runs, the TG Park, and the Tsugaike backcountry.

Hakuba 47 is a popular option for the entire family with a great mix of terrain for every level ability. The resort is connected to neighboring Goryu Resort at the top via the gondola and shares a common lift ticket.

Goryu offers a variety of terrain options (especially considering the connection with Hakuba 47) and Goryu itself is especially well suited for beginners and intermediates. The lower level of Goryu (The Toomi Zone) is very gentle and likewise the Iimori section is perfect for finding your ski legs. Intermediates will enjoy the Alps-Diara Zone.

Cortina is famous among Japan snow lovers as Hakuba’s powder capital. The resort receives up to twice as much snow as other resorts and has some of Japan’s premiere tree skiing.

Norikura Ski Resort is located to the north of Hakuba Village and is conntected with Cortina and can be accessed with a common lift ticket. Many people head to Cortina and overlook Norikura which makes it a great place to get away from the crowds.

Sanosaka Resort offers stunning views of Lake Aoki and is perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers and riders. The resort is generally less crowded than more centrally located ski areas and is thus a great place to improve your skills. This resort is dog friendly and you can even bring our furry friend on the slopes with you.

Jiigatake is a small resort on the southern end of The Hakuba Valley resorts. The 7 runs here are gentle and wide and perfect for beginners and young children alike. This resort does not draw the crowds seen at other resorts in the valley so you can practice your turns in peace.

Kashimayari Resort is the second southern most resort on the Hakuba Valley Lift Ticket and is an excellent choice for avoiding the crowds at larger resorts such as Happo One. The resort has a distinctly Japanese feel and caters primarily to the Japanese ski community.

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How to Get To Hakuba

Transportation Options for Getting to Hakuba.

Hakuba sits 250k west of Tokyo in the heart of Japanese Alps making Haneda and Narita airports in Tokyo the easiest entry points into Japan for Hakuba visitors. Those interested in reaching Hakuba have a several different options ranging in price and total time. Here are the most popular way for getting to Hakuba.

Fastest way to get to Hakuba

Airport Train + Shinkansen + Bus 4 Hours

Catching the bullet train is the fastest way to get to Hakuba from Tokyo. The total trip to Hakuba takes approximately 3-4 hours and involves 3 steps from the airport

From Narita Airport

total time: aprox. 4 hours

total: ¥14,000

Narita Airport

Take the Airport Train to Tokyo Station: ¥3,000 / 90min

Tokyo Station

Take the Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano Station:
¥8,400 / 90mi

Nagano Station

Take the Alpico Bus from Nagano Station to Hakuba:
¥2,200 / 70 min

Happo Bus Terminal

Those staying near Happo One Resort should exit the bus at Happo Bus Terminal

From Haneda

total time: aprox. 4 Hours

total: ¥10,630

Haneda Airport

Take the Keikyu Airport Limited Express to Shinagawa Station:

¥300/10 minutes

Shinagawa

Transfer to the Green Yamanote Line going to Tokyo Station:

¥180/15 minutes

Tokyo Station

Take the Shinkansen Bullet Train to Nagano City:

¥8,340/90 minutes

Nagano Station

Take the Alpico Bus to Hakuba: ¥2,200/70 minutes

Happo Bus Terminal

Those staying near Happo One Resort should exit the bus at Happo Bus Terminal

Convenient Travel to Hakuba

Nagano Snow Shuttle

The Nagano Snow Shuttle Coach Bus leaves directly from Haneda and Narita Airports and takes passengers directly to Happo Bus Terminal in Hakuba's main village. This option is perfect for those who prefer to avoid the hassle of transferring several times on public transportation

Narita Airport to Hakuba

total time: aprox. 5 Hours

total: ¥12,000

Narita Airport

This route is currently suspended until international travel resumes.

Happo Bus Terminal

Haneda Airport to Hakuba

total time: aprox. 4 Hours

total: ¥12,000

Haneda Airport

This route is currently suspended until international travel resumes.

Happo Bus Terminal

Best Option for Those Who Prefer Door to Door Service

Taxi

Taxi Vans fits up to 7 people and is the best option for those who prefer the convenience of door to door service. The Taxi Transport depends on location and timing but you should budget approximately ¥160,000 for a private transfer.

Narita Airport to Hakuba

total time: aprox.

total: ¥122,000

Narita Airport

Your Hakuba Accommodation

Haneda Airport To Hakuba

total time: aprox.

total: ¥

Haneda Airport

Your Hakuba Accommodation

The Most Direct Route for Those Coming From Tokyo

JR Azusa Train from Tokyo to Hakuba

For those coming from Tokyo, The JR Azusa is perhaps the most convenient transportation option as there are no transfers. The train leaves only once a day from Shinjuku Station at 8am and arrives in Hakuba at 11:37.

Tokyo to Hakuba

total time: aprox. 4 Hours

total: ¥8,050

Shinjuku Station

Leaves Shinjuku Station every morning at 8am.

Hakuba Station

Hakuba Station to Shinjuku Station

total time: aprox. 4 Hours

total: ¥8,050

Hakuba Station

The train departs Hakuba Station daily at 3:16.

Shinjuku Station

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