Hakuba (n), located in the Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan's most popular ski areas, offering good snow and several large ski resorts to choose from.
During the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Hakuba gained world wide recognition as it hosted several olympic competitions, including alpine (downhill, super g, and combination) and nordic (ski jump and cross country) events. Today some of the olympic facilities remain in use, such as the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium. There is also the Hakuba Olympic Village Memorial Hall, a small but interesting museum, located within walking distance of the ski jump.
Hakuba can be reached relatively easily not only from Tokyo, but also from the Nagoya and Kansai regions. While it is possible to do a day trip from Tokyo, Hakuba is best enjoyed overnight. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are hot springs (onsen) available around town.
Ten of the major resorts (including all of those listed on this page) have teamed up to offer the "Hakuba Valley Ticket" to be used at any of the participating resorts. A one-day ticket costs 6600 yen. Longer validities and other combination tickets are also available, while some locals hotels offer further discounts to staying guests.
(arrival of snow to May 5, 2021)
Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 group
A ticket bought at either Hakuba Goryu or Hakuba 47 can be used at both resorts.
(arrival of snow to May 5, 2021)
(arrival of snow to May 5, 2021)
Hakuba Norikura and Hakuba Cortina Kokusai Group
Located just outside of the Hakuba village limits. A combination ticket to both resorts costs 5000 yen.
(December 19, 2020 to March 31, 2021)
(December 19, 2020 to April 4, 2021)
Other Resorts
(From December 18, 2020)
Served by express buses from/to Nagano.
Served by express buses from/to Nagano.
Getting there and around
From Tokyo
By shinkansen and bus via Nagano
Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano (100 minutes, 8000 yen) and then an express bus from Nagano to Hakuba (60-90 minutes, 2000-2200 yen), where the bus stops at Hakuba Station and directly at the base of several ski resorts. The Japan Rail Pass covers the shinkansen trip but not the bus journey.
By train via Matsumoto
Take the JR Azusa limited express train from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto and transfer to a local train on the JR Oito Line to Hakuba. Some Azusa limited express trains run all the way to Hakuba. The one way journey takes about 4 to 4.5 hours and costs around 8000 yen. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
By highway bus from Tokyo
Alpico operates several buses per day between Tokyo (Busta Shinjuku) and Hakuba, where the buses stop in the village center and at the bases of the Goryu and Happoone resorts (in summer they stop at the Hakuba Happo Bus Treminal). The one way journey takes around 5 hours and costs 5200 yen. A set of two tickets is available for 9400 yen and must be used within three months.
By direct highway bus from Narita Airport (not operating in 2020/2021)
During regular winters, Alpico operates one round trip per day between Narita Airport and Hakuba (Goryu, town center and Happo-one). The one way trip takes about six hours and costs 9800 yen. However, in the 2020/2021 season, the bus is not operating.
From Nagoya/Kyoto/Osaka
Take the JR Shinano limited express train from Nagoya to Matsumoto and transfer to a train along the Oito Line to Hakuba. From Nagoya, the one way journey takes about 3.5 hours and costs around 7000 yen. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
How to get from Kyoto to Nagoya
How to get from Osaka to Nagoya
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Japanese
Hakuba Valley
Official website of the ski resort collective.Hakuba Village
Official website.Happoone
Official website.Hakuba Goryu
Official website.Hakuba 47
Official website.Hakuba Norikura
Official website.Hakuba Cortina
Official website.Hakuba Iwatake
Official website.Tsugaike Kogen
Official website.Alpico Bus
Official website of the local bus operator.Hotels around Hakuba
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Backcountry Lodge HakubaSituated in Hakuba, 7 km from Happo-One Ski Resort and 7 km from Hakuba Jump Arena, Backcountry Lodge Hakuba features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a bar and a shared lounge. There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. A continental breakfast is available each morning at the lodge. Hiking and skiing can be enjoyed nearby. Hakuba Cortina Ski Area is 8 km from Backcountry Lodge Hakuba, while Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort is 12 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 64 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel SoyokazeHotel Soyokaze is a 5-minute ride from the Hakuba Valley and 2.6 km from JR Hakuba Station. A free 2-way shuttle to Hakuba Station is provided. The hotel offers a public bath, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi access. Guest rooms offer both air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is equipped with a fridge, an electric kettle and a flat-screen TV. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub. Guests can reserve the public bath for private use. Laundry services are available. Bicycle rental is provided for those who wish to explore the area. The on site restaurant serves a selection of French and Italian cuisine. Soyokaze Hotel is a 5-minute ride from Kurashitano-Yu Public Hot Spring. The Kurobe Dam is a 90-minute ride away.View on Booking.com -
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Pension Ringo-no KiPension Ringo-no Ki is a completely non-smoking property located in Hakuba. Free WiFi access is available in this lodge. There is a hairdryer, free toiletries and slippers on site. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, ski storage and ski pass vendor. The property offers free parking and an open-air bath. Check out Hakuba Koruchina Ski Area located 16 km away. Hiking can be enjoyed in the surroundings during summer season. Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal is 1.2 km away from the property. JR Hakuba Station is 1.4 km away from the Pension.View on Booking.com -
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Pension BelninaA 5-minute drive from Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort, Pension Belnia offers cosy accommodations and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The air conditioned rooms have carpeted floors, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a refrigerator. Each comes with slippers and free toiletries. At Belnia Pension, guests can purchase ski passes, rent ski equipment and use the luggage storage service. A garden and vending machines can also be found on site. A breakfast featuring home baked bread is served at the dining room. JR Hakuba Train Station is a 10-minute drive from the property, while Hakuba Iwatake Ski Area is a 12-minute drive away. Tsugaike Kogen Station on the Tsugaike Gondola Lift is located within a 21-minute drive.View on Booking.com -
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Pension TomatoA 10-minute drive from Hakuba Happo-One Winter Ski Resort, Pension Tomato offers spacious Western-style rooms with a loft area. Free WiFi is available at the entire property and guests can reserve a private open-air bath overlooking the forest. A free shuttle is available from JR Hakuba Train Station, which is a 5-minute drive away and must be reserved at time of booking. Forest views are available from the 2nd floor of the accommodation. Pension Tomato is located within the popular Hakuba Echoland, and several bars and restaurants are within a 5-minute walk from the property. The air-conditioned rooms feature carpeted floors, a sofa and a TV. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Ski equipment and bicycle rentals are available on-site, while ski storage is offered as well. Western dishes are served for breakfast and dinner at the dining room. Tomato Pension is a 25-minute drive from Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park and a 1-hour drive from JR Nagano Train Station.View on Booking.com -
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Le Bocage - Hakuba Echoland ChaletsLe Bocage ? Hakuba Echoland Chalets are situated in Echoland, a popular nightlife site where more than 30 bars and restaurants can be found. The property offers free in-room WiFi and on-site parking. Featuring a patio, each charming chalet with wooden furnishings is equipped with a full kitchen and a seating area with a flat-screen TV. Private bathroom is fitted with both a bath and a shower and free toiletries are provided. Extras include a dishwasher and a washing machine. At Le Bocage ? Hakuba Echoland Chalets, free shuttle services are provided to and from local supermarkets and Hakuba Station during the winter season. Ski storage is available at the reception house. From the property, Hakuba Happo bus terminal is 1.1 km away, and the major ski resorts are a 10-15 minute bus ride or drive away.View on Booking.com -
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Nomad HakubaSet in Hakuba, 1.7 km from Happo-One Ski Resort and 2 km from Hakuba Jump Arena, Nomad Hakuba offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a bar and a shared lounge. Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy an American breakfast. Guests at Nomad Hakuba can enjoy skiing nearby, or make the most of the garden. Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort is 6 km from the accommodation, while Hakuba Cortina Ski Area is 14 km away. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 59 km from Nomad Hakuba.View on Booking.com -
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HakubaGoryu Pension&LogCottage ArumuOffering a ski pass sales point and ski storage space, HakubaGoryu Pension&LogCottage Arumu is situated in Hakuba, only 100 metres away from the Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort lifts. Free private parking is available on site. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath. HakubaGoryu Pension&LogCottage Arumu features free WiFi . You will find luggage storage space at the property. Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort is 200 metres from HakubaGoryu Pension&LogCottage Arumu, while Hakuba Jump Arena is 3.7 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Hakuba Ski-KanSituated a 2-minute walk from the Happo Bus Terminal, the completely non-smoking Ski-Kan features a hot-spring bath and hotel-wide free WiFi. The compact Japanese rooms have futon bedding and an LCD TV. Each room at Hakuba Ski-Kan combines a tatami (woven-straw) floor with a gkotatsuh leg-warmer. Air conditioning and heating facilities are included. Some rooms have a private bathroom. The hotel is a 5-minute drive from JR Hakuba Train Station and 800 metres from Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort. The shuttle stop for free transfers to/from Happo One Ski Resort is only a 1-minute walk. On-site parking is free. The Ski-Kan provides a complimentary costume photo service for each guest, offering them to dress as a samurai or a Japanese princess. Guests can also make a Japanese calligraphy of their own name free of charge. The hotel provides ski storage and sells ski passes. A coin launderette is on site.View on Booking.com -
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Reposer HakubaLocated just a 10-minute drive from Happo One ski slopes, Reposer Hakuba offers cosy and rustic private rooms in a large log cabin. Free private parking is available on site, and free WiFi is provided in all areas. Featuring mountain views, each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV and a working desk. Private bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries. At Reposer Hakuba, guests can enjoy hand-made cake and Italian coffee at the on-site dining area. There also are a shared lounge with a fireplace, a garden and a terrace where guests can relax while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains. The property offers ski rental and storage services as well as ski school.View on Booking.com
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