Hakuba Essentials - Hakuba
September 30, 2025

Hakuba Essentials

You’ve booked your Hakuba accommodation. Now, what’s next?

With your accommodation secured, the next step is to book the essentials that will make your Hakuba holiday truly seamless. Sorting out these key items early will help avoid lost-in-translation moments and eliminate the risk of missing out.

Here’s what to lock in now to make your Hakuba getaway as smooth and stress free as possible.

Lift Passes

The Hakuba Valley Lift Pass is a single ticket that grants users access to all 10 resorts across the Hakuba Valley, including over 90 lifts and 200 runs. Pass holders also receive complimentary use of the inter resort shuttle service, making it easy to explore the entire valley.

How it Works?

Two weeks before your arrival, you’ll receive a PDF with a QR code. Simply scan the digital or printed QR code at any resort ticket window or SKIOSK vending machine to collect your physical pass. The pass is not date specific. Instead, it will activate the first time you use it at the lift gates.

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Rentals

 

There are several great international options throughout town for your rental needs that offer a variety of high-quality hardware and snow attire for all ages and skill levels. Book in advance to secure ultimate convenience, with many shops providing complimentary services like shuttle transport from your accommodation to the store for a proper fitting, as well as hassle free gear pickup and drop off at your hotel or chalet.

Some great options include:

  • Rhythm
    • Rhythm offers the largest and latest selection of premium gear in Hakuba, complemented by a seamless, full-service concierge model that handles pickup, fitting, drop-off, and gear collection at your accommodation.

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  • セントラルスノースポーツ
    • Central Snow Sports is the go to choice for advanced riders, stocking the largest and widest range of high performance demo skis and boards for powder, park, and backcountry exploration. They offer three convenient resort side locations, throughout the valley and run a guest shuttle service.

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  • NBS Japan
    • NBS Japan features a modern selection of new, high quality gear from top brands, providing expert technicians who specialize in matching equipment to your ability and offering in-house hot waxing to ensure your skis or board are perfectly tuned.

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Please Note: Gloves, Goggles, and Socks are not available to rent, but are for purchase.

 

Lessons

Hakuba offers a wide range of international lesson options, including group sessions, private instruction, and guided backcountry adventures. Lessons are available for every level, from absolute beginners to seasoned skiers, and provide a safe, fun way to build confidence while exploring the mountain.

We partner with the valley’s leading international ski schools to ensure the best possible experience, with certified, bilingual instructors who tailor lessons to your needs. To speak with a Hakuba expert to help plan your lessons, enquire below.

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Please Note: Lessons book out quickly, especially during peak season, so securing your spot in advance is essential.

 

レストラン

What to eat?

Hakuba is a food lovers paradise, with everything from ramen, sushi, and yakitori to plenty of Western comfort food and international fine dining.

Where are the best restaurants located?

The best restaurants are primarily concentrated in the below villages:

  • Echoland: This area is the most vibrant hub for international and casual dining. Here you’ll find everything from izakayas, to burger bars, Mexican, and Italian spots.
  • Happo & Wadano: These areas offer a mix of high-end experiences, traditional Japanese cuisine, and convenient slope side pubs.

Do I need a reservation and can I book at the last minute?

In short, YES. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak winter season. Walk-ins and last minute bookings are sometimes possible, but be warned availability is very limited at during peak periods.

白馬へのアクセス

Most visitors to Hakuba arrive through one of Tokyo’s airports before continuing their journey to the mountains. Japan’s train network is an option for many. However, if navigating trains isn’t your style, here are two seamless alternatives for getting here.

Nagano Snow Shuttle

The Nagano Snow Shuttle Coach Bus leaves from Haneda and Narita Airports and takes passengers directly to your Hakuba accommodation for a stress free, door to door experience. This option is perfect for those who prefer to avoid the hassle of transferring several times on public transportation and for a quicker commute at 5 hours 30 mins.

料金: Base Fair ¥11,500

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TokudAw Private Shuttle

For a seamless and luxurious journey from Tokyo to Hakuba, TokudAw Inc. offers private, fully customized transfers with comfort and style. Their English speaking drivers and high end vehicles ensure a stress-free ride through Japan’s scenic landscapes. Ideal for families, groups, or travelers seeking direct service with a personal, premium touch.

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Plan Your Off Mountain Activities

While Hakuba is best known for its powder snow and alpine terrain, there are plenty of memorable experiences beyond the slopes. Below are three of the most popular tours to enjoy on your rest day.

Snow Monkeys

 

The Hakuba Snow Monkey Tour is a full day guided trip that takes you from Hakuba to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous snow monkeys who bathe in natural hot springs. The tour also includes a visit to the historic Zenkoji Temple and a traditional lunch in the charming town of Obuse. With round-trip transport, an English-speaking guide, and all entry fees included, it’s a must-do activity for anyone who wants to see these curious creatures in their natural habitat. The tour leaves starting at 8:00 AM, with a second bus scheduled one hour later, and returns to Hakuba at 5:30 PM.

料金:

  • Adult tickets cost ¥18,000
  • Children (ages 3-11) are ¥12,000

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Snow Mobile Tours

 

Race through the foothills of the Japanese Alps with Hakuba’s Snowmobiling tour by Lion Adventure. Riders age six and up (with adult accompaniment for kids under 15) can hit riverbeds and forest trails around Hakuba 47 from late December to late March, with full snow gear, helmets, and guide support included. Free accommodation pick up approximately 30 minutes before the tour start for those staying in Happo, Echoland, or Wadano. Tours operate for an hour session and are dependent on proper snow conditions.

料金:

  • Single Adult Ride (16+): ¥18,500
  • Tandem Adult Ride: ¥24,500
  • Tandem Kid + Adult Ride: ¥20,500

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Sake Tour

 

Step into history with an English-guided tour of the Ichinoya Sake Brewery, established in 1865 in neighboring town Omachi, to witness the art of traditional sake production. The tour includes round-trip transportation to and from the Omachi train station, a locally sourced lunch, and a sake tasting. Be sure to book your visit at least two days ahead of time to experience how the brewmasters craft their high-quality sake by hand.

料金: ¥20,000 per person (for groups up to ten)

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