Quick guide on how to explore Japan, for snow travelers from across the globe.
Third Stop: Hakuba Happo-One, Nagano
This Channel intends to introduce snow slopes in Japan and any related information to visitors from across the globe. All businesses mentioned in the video or this description are my personal favorites. No commissions involved.
■Hakuba Happo-One, Nagano■
Hakuba village is the internationally renowned snow resort town in Nagano, 4-5 hours drive to the north from Tokyo. The village was the main event venue for 1998 Winter Olympics (Alpine, Ski Jump, Crosscountry).
Located in the Northern Japan Alps, Hakuba is the largest snow resort area in the nation home of 10 resorts (Goryu, Hakuba 47, Happo-One, Iwatake, Tsugaike Kogen, Norikura, Cortina, Jiigatake, Kashimayari and Sanosaka). 10 resorts boast variety of trails, and the village offers numbers of fun and sophisticated Apres-ski options.
■How to get there■
Hakuba is accessible directly from Tokyo international airport (either Hakuba or Narita), central Tokyo or any major cities within Japan.
– From the airport
a) Airport Train + Shinkansen (fast train) + bus, takes approx. 3.5 hours. Approx. JPY14,000 (one way).
b) Nagano Snow Shuttle 3.5 – 5 hours, JPY11,899 (one way).
See Hakuba.com for more details.
– From Central Tokyo
Express bus from Shinjuku to Hakuba, 5+ hours, JPY5,200 (one way).
Although it takes over 5 hours, this is a hassle-free and the most economical option I recommend.
Once in Hakuba, there are free shuttles for snow travelers. It can be the primary option of transportation once you are in Hakuba, however they run within limited timeframe and routes. Not always on time and packed/completely full you may not be able to get on board. Taking a taxi at times is a great help.
List of taxi operators
(Japanese only)
Alpico Taxi Hakuba office +81 0261 722236
Hakuba Kanko Taxi +81 0261 722144
■Accommodation■
Hakuba village has been a popular resort for locals for many decades. You may find some of properties very old, however safety, cleanliness and friendly services are guaranteed.
From my personal experience, I have only stayed at a couple of mid-low range accommodations in Hakuba. They were both good value for the price.
1) Hotel Keyaki no Ki | snow.more-resort.com
Very well heated, clean and good size rooms. Spacious Onsen hotspring (communal bath). Buffet style dinner was just fine, fills stomach.
2) Hakuba Mountside Jodel |
Nice local home style dinner and breakfast. Large space for drying snow equipments, large rooms. Bright and spacious communal bath. Walking distance to shops and restaurants around Echoland area.
■Equipment Hire■
Rhythm ( is always very reliable in terms of quality and services, especially in English language. Price range however is on the higher end.
Snowboard + Boots for JPY5,950 or more.
Hakuba Mountain Lounge (
My buddy hired board and boots from this shop. Affordable, quality gear with good services. Just across the road from Happo Bus Terminal. Snowboard + Boots for JPY4,000 or more.
■Lift Pass■
There are 2 options.
1) Hakuba Valley Lift Pass (
Valid at all 10 Hakuba area resorts for JPY6,101/day (adult) when booked online.
2) Ticket for Happo-One only (
JPY5,500 for a day, night ski not included. JPY9,950 for 2 days, night ski included for the second day only.
■Japanese Yen Cash■
International ATM is located inside of;
1) Happo bus terminal
and
2) Lawson (Shinshu Hakuba Happo Store is the nearest
■Resources■
Hakuba.com |
Hakuba Happo-One |
AloJapan.com