Your Winter Guide to Hakuba

Hakuba Valley gained global recognition as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics and today stands as Asia’s largest interconnected ski area, with 10 resorts accessible under one convenient lift pass. The region offers authentic mountain experiences beyond the slopes too – think relaxing natural hot springs, traditional local flavors, and deep-rooted mountain culture. With an easy commute from Tokyo, it’s become the go-to destination for serious powder enthusiasts. From must see sights to unforgettable experiences, this guide will help you uncover the best of Hakuba.

Table of Contents

• The Resorts
  • Happo-One
  • Iwatake
  • Tsugaike Kogen
  • Hakuba 47
  • Goryu
  • Cortina
• Lift Passes
• Rentals
• Lessons
• Where to Stay
  • Hotels
  • Chalets and Apartments
  • Luxury
• Restaurants
  • Casual
  • Fine Dining
• Après Ski
• Bars
• Onsen
• Transportation
• Day Trips & Winter Activities
• Best Time to Visit Hakuba
• Local Tips

The Resorts

Hakuba Valley is home to 10 world-class ski resorts, each with its own distinct characteristics and terrain suited for every level of skier and snowboarder. Below, you’ll find an overview of some of the top resorts that define the Hakuba Valley experience.

Happo-One

Home to the 1998 Winter Olympics downhill alpine speed and slalom skiing events, Happo-One features iconic steep runs and wide-ranging powder zones that tested the world’s best athletes. This legendary resort offers the most runs across 1,831 meters of vertical, making it a premier destination for high-level skiers.

• Perfect for: Advanced skiers and powder enthusiasts
• Stats: 53 runs | Peak elevation: 1,831m | 22 lifts

Happo-One      

Iwatake

Iwatake sits on its own peak, offering rare 360-degree views of the Hakuba Valley and Northern Alps. Its wide range of trails spreads in all directions, giving skiers and snowboarders a good mix of mellow runs and steeper slopes. Off the hill, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, a scenic mountain-top swing, and fresh pastries at Hakuba Mountain Harbor’s café.

• Perfect for: Families and intermediate skiers
• Stats: 26 runs | Peak elevation: 1,289m | 13 lifts

 Iwatake  

Tsugaike Kogen

Tsugaike Kogen offers 385-acres of skiable terrain, making it one of Hakuba’s top large-scale resorts. The lower slopes are very wide, giving beginners plenty of room to learn without feeling crowded. Want more excitement? Head up top for the Instagram-worthy Snow Wall as well as the TG Park where advanced riders can really push themselves.

• Perfect for: Beginners and backcountry access (with guides)
• Stats: 14 runs | Peak elevation: 1,704m | 18 lifts

Tsugaike Kogen      

Hakuba 47

Hakuba 47 is a hotspot for freestyle enthusiasts, boasting a terrain park equipped with a half-pipe, kickers up to 12 meters, tabletops, and various rails and boxes. Beyond the park, the resort offers some of Hakuba’s best lift-accessible tree skiing, with designated areas that require registration for those seeking longer and more challenging runs.

• Perfect for: Freestyle riders and advanced skiers
• Stats: 8 runs | Peak elevation: 1,614m | 6 lifts

 Hakuba 47  

Goryu

Linked directly to Hakuba 47, Goryu spans three distinct mountain areas offering varied terrain that is ideal for mixed-ability groups. As one of Hakuba’s few night skiing destinations, this resort extends your mountain adventures with 15 illuminated runs under the stars and night sky.

• Perfect For: Beginners and families
• Stats: 15 runs | Peak elevation: 1,676m | 17 lifts

Goryu      

Cortina

Cortina is famous for having some of the deepest powder and best tree skiing in Hakuba, which is why advanced skiers love it here. Since it’s less crowded than other resorts, you’ll find fresh tracks and untouched snow that lasts much longer. The slopes are steep and exciting, giving even experienced skiers a real challenge.

• Perfect For: Backcountry and advanced skiers
• Stats: 16 runs | Peak elevation: 1,402m | 7 lifts

 Cortina  

Lift Passes

The Hakuba Valley lift pass gives you access to 10 resorts across the Hakuba Valley, ideal for skiers and riders of every level who would like to explore each mountains unique features. If you are an Epic Pass holder, you can enjoy up to 5 complimentary days at any of the resorts.

Purchase online below and simply scan your QR code at on-site kiosks for instant pickup.

Buy Your Pass Here  

Rentals

Hakuba’s rental shops offer high quality gear and friendly, English-speaking staff, making them a great choice for skiers and snowboarders alike.

We recommend the following shops for your rental needs:

• Rhythm Japan
• Central Snowsports Hakuba
• Spicy Rentals

Lessons

Multiple international ski/snowboard schools offer english instruction for all ages and abilities, with private lessons, group sessions, and kids’ programs available across several resorts.

We recommend the following ski/snowboard schools:

• Hakuba Ski Concierge
• Hakuba Snow Sports School
• Evergreen Ski School

Where to Stay

Most visitors planning on travelling to Hakuba stay in one of these three areas:

• Happo Village is Hakuba’s central hub featuring walkable streets with shops, easy access to Happo-One lifts and gondola, and diverse dining options from Japanese to international cuisine.
• Wadano offers peaceful ski-in/ski-out accommodations with premium spacious lodgings and quieter forest seclusion, making it the perfect spot for families and large groups.
• Echoland is a vibrant entertainment district which features a main street lined with restaurants, izakayas, and bars, providing both accessible and lively nightlife.

Hotels

Hakuba offers various full-service stays, ranging from modern lodges to traditional inns at various price points – with breakfast, concierge, shuttle service, ski/snowboard storage, washing/drying machines and often an onsen included. Below are a few of Hakuba’s more popular hotel choices.

• THE HAPPO
• evo Hotel
• Hotel La Neige
• Phoenix Hotel

Chalets and Apartments

There are various chalets and apartments across Hakuba that provide spacious layouts with private kitchens, ideal for families and groups. These accommodations feature exclusive amenities and personalized services, including complimentary transportation throughout Hakuba that’s easily arranged through virtual concierge.

• Wadano Woods
• Villa Rochalie
• Mizuho Chalets 3 Bedroom
• Mizuho Chalets 4 Bedroom

Luxury

Exclusive chalets and boutique hotels feature chef service, private onsen, and upscale amenities for a truly refined alpine experience. Select properties elevate the stay further with game rooms for family entertainment, panoramic balcony mountain views, ski in/ski out locations, and fully equipped fitness facilities to maintain wellness routines during your retreat.

• One Happo
• Phoenix One
• The Castle
• Amo 54

Restaurants

Hakuba has a wide culinary range from traditional Japanese cuisine to Western favorites. Options include izakayas, sushi counters, ramen shops, French and Italian bistros, and fine dining establishments. Each restaurant listed below includes a TableCheck link so you can easily secure a reservation—highly recommended, as tables can be hard to come by during the winter season.

Casual

• gio’s
• Rabbit Hole
• Tori Co.

Fine Dining

• VIVE Restaurant & Bar Hakuba
• Mimi’s

Après Ski

Hakuba boasts an impressive après-ski scene, through unique offerings that range from relaxed alpine lunches to vibrant nightlife shared with fellow skiers and snowboarders. Whether you’re winding down after a powder-filled day or looking to keep the energy going well into the night, there’s something for everyone.

• Hakuba Après
• The Marillen
• Oakley Terrace
• Norikura Aqua Oasis

Bars

With over 200 bars and restaurants to choose from, Hakuba’s vibrant nightlife scene offers something for everyone, from lively party spots to relaxed casual venues. Whether you’re craving craft cocktails, live music, or simply a quiet drink to unwind after a day on the slopes, there’s a perfect spot to match every mood and preference.

• Blizzard
• The Clubhouse
• Calico
• No. 898

Onsen

Onsen are traditional Japanese hot springs widely regarded for their recovery benefits after a long day on the slopes and cultural significance. Hakuba is home to many onsens both open to the public and in many hotels across the village.

Mimizuku Onsen

Mimizuku Onsen is an indoor/outdoor traditional facility popular with Hakuba locals. It’s located next to the brand new Snow Peak facility which offers shopping, dining, and the only Starbucks in Hakuba.

Price: Adult: ¥650 | Children: ¥300

Hours: 10:00 – 21:30

Learn More

Happo no-yu Onsen

A popular onsen directly across the street from the Happo Information Center, Happo Onsen has indoor/outdoor baths and a free foot bath outside the facility. They also have an udon restaurant open from 10:00 – 19:30 just outside the facility.

Price:  Adults: ¥800 | Children: ¥400

Hours: 10:00 – 21:30

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Teijin Onsen in the Highland Hotel

Perhaps the best onsen view in all of Hakuba, Tenjin Onsen is located within the Highland Hotel, perched on the base of the valley opposite the resorts. Bathers have spectacular unobstructed views of Happo-One and Hakuba 47. The facility has a sauna, indoor and outdoor baths, and a lounge area to unwind after your soak.

Price: Adult ¥600 | Children ¥300

Hours: 11:00 – 20:00

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Transportation

Day Trips & Winter Activities

Snow Monkey Park

Visit Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park to observe over 200 wild monkeys soaking, playing, and eating in natural hot springs – known to be the only place in the world where monkeys enjoy natural hot spring baths.

Tours operate December through March with advance booking recommended and include transportation from pickup location, English-speaking guide, Monkey Park entry fee, and your choice of beef, fish, or vegetarian set lunch.

Tour Admission: Adults: ¥16,500 | Children: ¥10,500

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Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, Japan’s oldest original castle, earns its “Crow Castle” nickname from striking black walls that have stood for centuries. Step inside this National Treasure to walk through authentic samurai history, then climb to the upper floors for breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape. It’s a rare chance to experience genuine feudal architecture while surrounded by stunning seasonal scenery.

Admission: ¥700

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Snowmobile Tours

Speed through the Japanese Alps with guided snowmobile tours, running along beautiful rivers and mountain forests near Hakuba 47. Available December-March (weather permitting) with five daily time slots, tours include free pickup from Happo, Echoland, or Wadano accommodations.

Approximate Price:

Single Adult Ride (16+): ¥18,000

Snow Tubing

Enjoy Japan’s longest snow tubing course at Hakuba’s Kashimayari Resort. The course is 500m and is open to both children and adults. Located down the Hakuba Valley in Omachi, this fun family friendly activity is accessible by both shuttle bus and car.

Approximate Price:

Adult Ticket (16+): One Ride: ¥1,900 | Three Rides: ¥3,400 | Unlimited Rides: ¥4,400

Fat Bikes Tsugaike

Get the chance to ride a Fat Bike, off-road bicycles with oversized tires, which have exploded in popularity in recent years. Tsugaike in Hakuba offers the unique experience where you are able to ride them on the ski slopes. Otari Fatbike Center offers half-day and full-day tours with included bike, helmet and basic insurance.

Approximate Price:

Full Day Tour: Adult: ¥8,000 | Children: ¥5,000

Half Day Tour: Adult ¥5,000 | Children: ¥3,500

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Sake Tour and Tasting

*NEEDS HIGH QUALITY PHOTO*

Visit the historic Ichinoya Sake Brewery, established in 1865, and witness firsthand the production of high quality sake. The toji (chief sake brewers) and their kurabito (brewery workers) continue to practice traditional brewing methods largely using their own hands.

The trip includes:

• Round trip transportation
• Locally sourced lunch featuring seasonal ingredients
• Sake tasting

Approximate Price: ¥20,000 per group (up to 6 people) and must be booked at least 2 days in advance.

Learn More

Best Time to Visit Hakuba, Japan

December offers early-season snow with fewer crowds and lower prices before the Christmas rush, making it perfect for budget-conscious skiers seeking a more relaxed mountain experience.

January through February delivers Hakuba’s best powder conditions during the coldest months, though expect peak crowds and premium pricing as this represents the prime skiing season for powder enthusiasts.

March brings frequent sunny “bluebird” days with excellent snow conditions, fewer crowds, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for families and intermediate skiers as the peak season winds down.

Early April through May extends the season with spring skiing at higher resorts, featuring warmer weather, minimal crowds, and the unique experience of skiing while cherry blossoms bloom in the valleys below.

Local Tips

• Convenience stores are great for snacks and essentials.
  • Hakuba has a Lawsons in the heart of Happo Village as well as 7-11 just over a kilometer down the road towards Echoland. Both are open 24 hours, 7 days week.

• A few Japanese phrases go a long way in shops and restaurants:
  • Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you (polite)
  • Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello/Good afternoon
  • Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます)- Good morning (polite)
  • Sumimasen (すみません) – I am sorry/Excuse me
  • Wakarimasen (わかりません) – I do not understand

• Please be respectful to the locals and Hakuba! Whether it’s picking up after yourself, refraining from screaming or yelling in the streets, or just being mindful of cultural norms—like removing your shoes before entering homes or certain accommodations—your courtesy helps preserve the peaceful atmosphere that makes Hakuba so special.