About Hakuba

The Hakuba valley is located deep within the Japanese Alps inside the Nagano prefecture. The valley incorporates 6 ski resorts, over 200 runs, and 139 lifts. The village has traditional and western style dining and bars, plenty of ski and snowboarding shops and is surrounded by towering peaks. The region is the heart and soul of snow sports in Japan, and played host to many of the 1998 Winter Olympic events, including downhill skiing, ski jumping, and super G.

Skiing Hakuba Japan

The Japanese ski season runs from mid/late December to mid/late March. Weather systems from Siberia travel south across the Sea of Japan, picking up moisture on the way. Once over Japan, these weather systems meet the warm systems travelling north from the equator and the result is an epic release of snow, virtually unparalleled anywhere else in the world. The Hakuba valley receives an astonishing average of 14m of snow each year, which combined with regular blue bird days make for an amazing ski environment.

From the southern end of the valley Sun Alpina incorporates the three linked resorts of Hakuba 47, Goryu and the Olympic ski resort of Happo-One which is situated in the heart of the valley. The northern end of the valley holds the Iwatake, Tsugaike and Cortina resorts, which all rate highly among skiers and boarders. There is a huge range of accommodation options available in Hakuba, including: western style log cabins and condominiums, Japanese pensions, budget and boutique ski lodges and 5-star hotels. The valley also has an abundance of restaurant choices ranging from traditional Japanese restaurants to a range of international fare. There are also numerous onsens (Japanese natural hot spring baths) available to help soothe tired muscles and invigorate you before hitting one of Hakuba’s many pubs or nightclubs. The Hakuba valley and ski resorts are becoming increasingly popular with International travellers.

Getting to Hakuba from Tokyo

Liquid Snow Tours Chartered Coach Transfer - 5.5 Hours

The easiest way to get to Hakuba from the Airport, and is 5.5 Hours in duration. This charter meets most Jet Star & Qantas flights that arrive at Narita Between 5:30pm and 6:45pm.

Shinkansen Bullet Train 4.5 hours

Regular Bullet trains depart from Tokyo station. From Narita take the Airport Express to Tokyo station (1 Hour) then the Asama Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Nagano (1 hr 45 mins). On arrival at Nagano you will need to catch a connecting Highland express coach to Hakuba Station (1 hr). With time allowed for connections between trains and buses, this route will take approximately 4.5 hrs.

Hakuba Ski Resort Webcams & Trail maps

Japan’s webcams and trail maps in one place!

Hakuba Ski Resort Webcams
Hakuba Ski Resort Trail Maps