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Overview

Hakuba is found on the main island of Honshu in Nagano Prefecture, located just over 200 kilometres from Tokyo and Nagoya and situated at the foot of Japan’s beautiful Northern Alps. Hakuba is easily accessible from all three major cities via Shinkansen, express train or highway bus.

 

Hakuba Valley Ski Resort is Japan’s largest integrated ski resort, the valley offers great ski and snowboard terrains for the whole family. With 10 resorts to choose from boasting over 200 runs, 150 lifts and gondolas the runs cater to all levels of skiers and boarders from beginners to experts, it truly has to be skied to be believed. All the resorts are accessible with the Hakuba Valley All Mountain Pass which also includes the Hakuba Valley bus network to get you to and from the ski resorts each day.

 

Due to the size and scale you will often find yourself on beautiful undisturbed runs with minimal lift lines allowing you enjoy more of what the valley resorts have to offer. Hakuba also has Japan's most vast backcountry ski area which gives you access to the magnificent Northern Alps terrain, steep, deep and a Powder heaven.

 

Hakuba caters well to English speaking guests whilst still providing an authentic Japanese experience with a great village vibe in the main areas of Goryu, Happo/Wadano, Echoland and Tsuigaike.

 

Hakuba also offers a large range of non-skiing activities. Visitors can soak in an onsen, dress in a kimono, go to a ninja village, explore Japanese temples and castles, drink sake, taste fresh wasabi or visit the world famous snow monkeys.

 

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Japan’s Northern Alp, Hakuba offers everything you need to relax and re-charge. With so many ski resorts to choose from, the slopes are relatively empty during the week and fresh tracks can be found for days. You’ll never be short of new areas to explore, whilst visiting Hakuba!

Adventures & Attractions

Our recommended resort highlights.

Hakuba Tokyu Hotel
Hakuba Restaurants and Bars

Hakuba offers over 50 bars and restaurants for après-ski fun. Enjoy a vibrant nightlife with plenty of dining and drink options.  

Goryu New Year's Event
Hakuba Events

Christmas dinners, New Years celebrations, Freeride World Tour, snow machine, music, night skiing, sake tasting, fire festivals, and ski championships.

Snowmobile Tour
Hakuba Snowmobile Tour

Join a Hakuba snowmobile tour through scenic foothills, tailored to your skill level. Enjoy stunning views and exciting snow rides.

Snow Monkey
Hakuba Snow Monkey Hot Spring Tour

Join a daily winter tour from Hakuba to see snow monkeys in Jigokudani, visit Zenkoji Temple, explore Obuse, and enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch.

Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium
Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium

The Hakuba Olympic Ski Jumping Stadium, home to the 1998 Winter Olympics, offers chairlift access to the top of its 90m and 120m jumps, with stunning v

Matsumoto castle in the winter
Matsumoto City

About 1.5 hours from Hakuba, Matsumoto offers historic charm, lively markets, and local culture in a picturesque setting.

Zenkoji Temple filled with people
Zenkoji Temple

Situated in Nagano, about 1.5 hours from Hakuba, this grand temple is a key pilgrimage site with impressive architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

Trampolines at hakuba bounce
Hakuba Bounce

A fun indoor trampoline park in Hakuba, offering a perfect après-ski activity for families, friends, or groups seeking energetic, year-round fun.

People taking a guided snowshoe tour
Hakuba Snowshoe Tours

Explore beautiful winter landscapes on guided snowshoe tours or self-guided hikes.

Hakuba Backcountry Tours
Hakuba Backcountry Tours

Discover Hakuba's epic backcountry with certified avalanche pros! Single or multi-day tours offer world-class powder skiing in Japan's stunning alps.

  • How to Reach Hakuba Valley
  • Resorts & City Guide

By Air

The nearest airport is about 1.5 hours by train, but many international visitors fly into Tokyo airport for easy access.

By Train

There is one direct train daily, but most visitors take the bullet train to a nearby station, followed by a bus or transfer.

By Car

A car isn’t necessary for getting around the main resort, but can be helpful if you want to explore nearby ski areas.

By Bus

Direct buses, including the Nagano Snow Shuttle, connect major cities, airports, and nearby resorts.

By Private Transfer

Private transfers are available from Nagano and directly from Narita or Haneda Airports to Hakuba for added convenience.

Below are some PDF tourist maps to help you navigate and enjoy your time in the Hakuba Valley.

Hakuba 47 Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Iwatake Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Jiigakoka Trail Map in Japanese Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Iwatake Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Kashimayari Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Tsugaike Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Norikura Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Cortina Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Sanosaka Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere

Happo Trail Map Free. Work Offline. Share Anywhere