Hakuba

One of Japan’s best ski resorts
•••Recommended
★★★★★
3.7 (246)
#53 of 209 most visited in Japan

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.

On the slopes of Hakuba 47

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 in an overnight or multi-night visit. 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 10,400 yen. Longer validities and other combination tickets are also available, while some local hotels offer further discounts to staying guests.

Happoone
Happoone is the largest and most famous resort in Hakuba. In 1998 it hosted the downhill, super g, and combination ski events of the Nagano Winter Olympics. It is also the resort located closest to the village center and Hakuba Station. Lift tickets are cheaper in the shoulder seasons.
Season*
Early December to early May
(December 1, 2025 to May 6, 2026)
Lifts
19 lifts
Tickets
Full day 8700 yen
Half day 7200 yen
Nighter n/a
Access
Bus/Train 6 minutes by bus from Hakuba Station.
Car 2.5 kilometers west of Hakuba village center.
* Season dates may be adjusted due to lack of snow. Check before going.

Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 group

A ticket bought at either Hakuba Goryu or Hakuba 47 can be used at both resorts.

Hakuba Goryu
Hakuba Goryu is located relatively close to central Hakuba village and is located on the same mountain as and connected to Hakuba 47. Lift tickets cost less if purchased online.
Season*
Late November to early May
Lifts
12 lifts
Tickets
Full day 9500 yen
Half day 8000 yen
Nighter 6500 yen
Access
Bus/Train 5 minutes by shuttle bus from Kamishiro Station.
Car 4.5 kilometers southwest of Hakuba village center.
* Season dates may be adjusted due to lack of snow. Check before going.
Hakuba 47
Together with its larger brother Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba 47 makes up the second most popular resorts in the area. Lift tickets cost less if purchased online.
Season*
Late November to early May
Lifts
5 lifts
Tickets
Full day 9500 yen
Half day 8000 yen
Access
Bus/Train 10 minutes by shuttle bus from Hakuba Station.
Car 4.5 kilometers southwest of Hakuba village center.
* Season dates may be adjusted due to lack of snow. Check before going.

Hakuba Norikura and Hakuba Cortina Group

Located just outside of the Hakuba village limits. Tickets cover both resorts, which are located adjacent to and connected to each other.

Hakuba Norikura
Hakuba Norikura is located just outside of the Hakuba village limits next to Tsugaike Koen.
Season*
Mid December to early April
(December 13, 2025 to April 5, 2026)
Lifts
9 lifts
Tickets
Full day 6200 yen
Half day 5400 yen
Nighter N/A
Access
Bus/Train 20 minutes by bus from Minami-Otari Station.
Car 10 kilometers north of Hakuba village center.
* Season dates may be adjusted due to lack of snow. Check before going.
Hakuba Cortina
Hakuba Cortina is the furthest major resort from central Hakuba. It is just next to and partnered with Hakuba Norikura.
Season*
Mid December to late March
(December 13, 2025 to March 30, 2026)
Lifts
6 lifts
Tickets
Full day 6200 yen
Half day 5400 yen
Nighter 2500 yen
Access
Bus/Train 20 minutes by bus from Minami-Otari Station.
Car 12 kilometers north of Hakuba village center.
* Season dates may be adjusted due to lack of snow. Check before going.

Other Resorts

Hakuba Iwatake
Hakuba Iwatake is located close to central Hakuba and not as high as the neighboring resorts.
Season*
Mid December to late March
(December 19, 2025 to March 29, 2026)
Lifts
9 lifts
Tickets
Full day 7000 yen
Half day 6500 yen
Access
Bus/Train 15-20 minutes by bus or shuttle bus from Hakuba Station.
Served by express buses from/to Nagano.
Car 3 kilometers north of Hakuba village center.
* Season dates may be adjusted due to lack of snow. Check before going.
Tsugaike Kogen
Tsugaike Kogen is the second largest resort in the area. It is located next to Hakuba Iwatake, just outside the Hakuba village limits. Lift tickets cost less in the shoulder seasons and if purchased online.
Season*
Late November to early May
(until May 6, 2026)
Lifts
14 lifts
Tickets
Full day 8200 yen
Half day 6500 yen
Nighter no nighter in 2025/2026
Access
Bus/Train 30 minutes by bus or shuttle bus from Hakuba Station.
Served by express buses from/to Nagano.
Car 7 kilometers north of Hakuba village center.
* Season dates may be adjusted due to lack of snow. Check before going.

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, 3500-3800 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 8270 yen. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Pass.

By highway bus from Tokyo

Several bus companies operate buses between Tokyo (Busta Shinjuku or Tokyo Station) and Hakuba, where the buses stop in the village center and at the bases of selected ski resorts (in summer they stop at the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal). The one way journey takes around 5 hours and costs about 5,000 to 10,000 yen depending on the company and day of travel. Online reservations for some of the buses can be made on the Willer website.

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

Hotels around Hakuba

Top rated in Hakuba
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    •
      The Guest House Japan Hakuba
      Mid-range
      Boasting a garden, terrace, shared lounge and free WiFi, The Guest House Japan Hakuba is situated in Hakuba, 2.8 km from Hakuba Iwatake Ski Area and 16 km from Hakuba Cortina Ski Area. The property is around 700 metres from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal and 1.2 km from Happo One Ski Resort. A continental breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Guests at the resort will be able to enjoy activities in and around Hakuba, like skiing. Hakuba Jump Arena is 2.2 km from The Guest House Japan Hakuba, while Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort is 8 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 70 km from the property, and the property offers a free shuttle service.
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      10.0Booking.com
    •
      Hotel Soyokaze
      Budget-friendly
      Hotel 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
      9.9Booking.com
    •
      Eternal Flame
      Mid-range
      Eternal Flame features a restaurant, bar and free WiFi. Free parking is available on site. The main street of Hakuba Echoland is a 6-minute walk away, and features many restaurants/bars. Hakuba Happoone Winter Resort and Hakuba 47 & Goryu Winter Sports Park can be reached within 7 minutes by free shuttle bus. There is free shuttle service at the property. The shuttle provides access to all ski resorts in the area, and the shuttle is parked right outside the property. Rental skis, snowboards and lift passes are available, all of which are offered at a discounted price. The property also provides pick-up services at times of arrival and departure. A flat-screen TV , DVD player and Nintendo Wii, as well as a computer are featured in guestrooms. Some rooms do not have a bathroom, while shared bathrooms are available. Extras include slippers and free toiletries. Guests will also find 2 kashikiri (private use) baths at the property. In addition, dry cleaning and laundry services are provided free of charge. You can engage in various activities, such as skiing and hiking in the area. Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal is 1.2 km from Eternal Flame, while Hakuba Jump Arena is 1.2 km away. The breakfast menu changes everyday, and the property is open to special requests, such as allergies.
      View on Booking.com
      9.8Booking.com
    •
      Hakuba Skala Inn
      Budget-friendly
      Just 10 minutes from JR Hakuba Train Station on the free shuttle(14:30-21:00), Hakuba Skala Inn features a cosy lounge with a library, a bar and a wood-burning stove. Hakuba Skala Inn has both Western rooms and Japanese rooms, which have traditional futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. All rooms are heated. With a toiletries, a bathtub and LCD TV (excluding basement room). Free Wifi is available in the builing. Happo-One Ski Resort is 2 km away, and Hakuba Goryu & 47 Ski Resort is about 5 km away. Parking is free at Hakuba Skala Inn. In the lounge, guests can relax on the sofa. Massage chairs and a piano are available. Breakfast is served at the dining room. Beer and snacks are served at the bar.
      View on Booking.com
      9.7Booking.com
    •
      Pension Razteca
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Pension Razteca in Hakuba offers a 2-star guest house experience with air-conditioning, free toiletries, slippers, and TV. Each room includes a private bathroom with a bidet, hairdryer, and shower.

      Amenities and Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a garden, lounge, minimarket, indoor play area, games room, bicycle parking, and ski storage. Free WiFi is available in public areas. Additional features include a buffet breakfast, free on-site private parking, and a host highly rated for hospitality.

      Local Attractions

      Located 10 km from Tsugaike Kogen Ski Area and 2.3 km from Happo-One Ski Resort, the property is also close to Nagano Station (42 km) and Zenkoji Temple (44 km). Matsumoto Airport is 65 km away.
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      9.7Booking.com
    •
      Happokan
      Mid-range
      Happokan is only a 3-minute drive from Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, and brings its guests cosy Western and Japanese-style rooms, a hot spring bath and free Wi-Fi at the lobby. Free tea/coffee is poured in the morning, and a launderette is on-site. Western rooms come with twin beds and a seating area, while Japanese-style rooms have a tatami (woven-straw) floor and traditional futon bedding. All rooms are fitted with a TV, heating and an attached bathroom. Yukata robes and green tea are provided. Guests can relax at tables and chairs at the lobby, which features a TV, a piano and a fireplace. They can unwind in a spacious public hot spring bath, which is separate for men and women, and accessible 24 hours. Happo Kan has a souvenir shop and free parking. If needed, it refers its guests to ski gear or bicycle rental shops. The Happo Kan is a 5-minute drive from Hakuba Iwatake Ski Area, and a 10-minute drive from Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort. Itfs a 5-minute drive from the La Foret Hakuba Art Museum, as well as from Hakuba Train Station. The Hakuba Happo Onsen hot springs are a 10-minute drive. A Japanese breakfast is served daily at the dining room. Drinks can be purchased throughout the day at vending machines.
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      9.7Booking.com
    •
      Bergtour Marukita
      Mid-range
      Featuring an indoor and an open-air hot spring bath, Bergtour Marukita offers Japanese-style rooms, free wired internet and Japanese multi-course (kaiseki) dinners. It provides a free shuttle from Hakuba Station. Rooms have tatami-mat flooring, Japanese futon bedding and a seating area. They come with an LCD TV, a safe and an en suite bathroom. A fridge and a tea/coffee maker are provided. Guests can soak in a public hot spring, relax in the sauna, or unwind with a massage. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, and it offers luggage storage. Japanese meals are served in the dining room, upon advance request. Drinks are also available in vending machines. Marukita Bergtour is just a 6-minute drive from Hakuba Saegusa Museum, and a 12-minute walk from Hakuba Happo One Ski Resort. The Hakuba Botanical Garden is a 20-minute drive away.
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      9.7Booking.com
    •
      Il Bosco
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodation

      Il Bosco in Hakuba offers a 3-star lodge experience with a sun terrace, garden, and free WiFi. Guests can relax in the lounge or hot tub and enjoy free use of bicycles.

      Modern Amenities

      The property features a shared kitchen, laundry service, and ski storage. Private bathrooms include baths and free toiletries, while balconies and parquet floors enhance the stay.

      Breakfast and Dining

      A continental breakfast with juice and fruits is served daily. Dinner options are available through the on-site restaurant, providing additional dining choices.

      Activities and Location

      Located a 13-minute walk from Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort, Il Bosco is also close to Tsugaike Kogen Ski Area (13 km) and Happo-One Ski Resort (6 km). Matsumoto Airport is 63 km away. Highly rated for its breakfast and ski trip convenience.
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      9.6Booking.com
    •
      Hotel Sejour Mint in Hakuba
      Budget-friendly
      Hotel Sejour Mint in Hakuba is a stylish and comfortable accommodation conveniently located within a 5-minute walk or 500 meters from Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort. Kamishiro Station is a 12-minute walk away and the property offers a free shuttle service from the station to the property upon prior request. Free parking is available on site and free office-grade WiFi is provided throughout the property. Guest rooms come with a TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, sofa and a safety deposit box large enough for typical laptops. Every guest room, except the Japanese Style Group Room, has a bathroom with a bath, shower, toilet and other amenities. The hotel also has a Japanese style bath (ofuro) for all guests. There is a restaurant, bar, lounge and drinks vending machine on site. A washing machine and dryer are provided for guest's convenience. After a long day of excursion, guests can unwind in the 24-hour hot springs bath at Hotel Sejour Mint in Hakuba. Property staff can advise guests on renting discounted ski gear nearby. The hotel is a non-smoking property. A Western breakfast is served in the dining room. A vegetarian or vegan meal can be prepared upon prior request. The hotel offers multiple dinner choices and a drinks menu at the bar. There are also plenty of other restaurants and bars within walking distance.
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      9.5Booking.com
    •
      Hakuba Kaze no Ko
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodation

      Hakuba Kaze no Ko in Hakuba offers a 1-star guest house experience with a garden and terrace. Free WiFi is available in public areas, ensuring connectivity for all guests.

      Convenient Facilities

      The property features a shuttle service, lounge, and bicycle parking. Free on-site private parking is provided, along with air-conditioning, a quiet street view, and a TV.

      Prime Location

      Located 65 km from Matsumoto Airport, the guest house is near Tsugaike Kogen Ski Area (10 km), Happo-One Ski Resort (2.7 km), and Nagano Station (42 km). Guests appreciate the host, convenient location, and nearby public transport options.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com
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