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Hakuba
Hakuba is one of Japan’s most popular ski destinations, located in the Northern Japan Alps in Nagano. With 10 ski resorts spread across the Hakuba Valley, it offers big mountain skiing, great quality snow, and a wide range of village areas, with lively dining districts and quieter chalets.
- 10 resorts on one lift pass
- Big mountain skiing across the Hakuba Valley
- A mix of modern resorts and traditional village areas
- Excellent choice of chalets, hotels and apartments
Skiing in the Hakuba Valley
Hakuba Valley is made up of 10 ski resorts operating across the same valley, connected by shuttle buses and covered by the Hakuba Valley All Mountain Lift Pass. The most well-known resorts include Happo One, Hakuba 47, Goryu, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Cortina and Norikura.
- 10 ski resorts on 1 lift pass
- 90+ lifts across the valley
- 200+ ski runs
- 11m+ average annual snowfall
- Open from Early December until May
Hakuba Maps
Get familiar with Hakuba’s resort layout, village areas and transport access points to help you choose where to stay and ski. Hakuba maps show lifts, runs and key base areas across the valley.
View Hakuba Maps
Hakuba Webcams
Check live snow and weather conditions in Hakuba before and during your trip. Hakuba webcams show real-time conditions at key locations across the valley.
View Hakuba WebcamsResorts in Hakuba
Hakuba Valley is made up of 10 ski resorts. The valley includes a mix of larger mountains with long runs, smaller resorts with more character and beginner-friendly terrain, and resorts with terrain parks and freestyle areas.
Happo One
Hakuba 47
Hakuba Goryu
Iwatake
Tsugaike
Norikura
Cortina
Jigatake
Kashimayari
Sanosaka
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Where to Stay in Hakuba
Hakuba’s accommodation is spread across several village areas along the valley. Where you stay affects lift access, evening dining options, and how much you’ll rely on shuttles or taxis. For most visitors, Happo One, Wadano and Echoland are the most convenient bases. Other areas suit travellers who want to stay closer to specific resorts such as Goryu/47, Tsugaike or Cortina, or prefer a quieter base.
- Happo One – Central base area with strong lift access and village convenience
- Wadano – Premium chalet area near Happo One; quieter and popular with families and groups
- Echoland – Restaurant district with a lively village feel; mix of chalets, apartments and hotels
- Goryu / 47 – Convenient base for ski-focused trips and easy access to two resorts
- Tsugaike – Modern resort base; strong beginner terrain and ski school access
- Cortina / Norikura – Deep snow area with ski-in ski-out style stays and a quieter base
ℹ We offer one of the widest selections of Hakuba accommodation, with hotels, apartments and chalets across the full valley.
How to get to Hakuba
Direct bus
Tokyo to Hakuba; simplest option for most travellers
Train + bus/taxi
Shinkansen to Nagano, then bus to Hakuba
Private transfer
Door-to-door travel; ideal for families and groups with luggage
When Is the Hakuba Ski Season?
Hakuba Resort Services
What We Can Book:
Airport and station transfers
Lift passes
Ski and snowboard rentals
Group or private lessons
How to Get Around Hakuba
Hakuba is spread along a long valley, so the most popular way to get around is to use shuttle buses and taxis depending on where you stay. Many travellers choose accommodation based on access to lifts, dining, and base-area transport links.
- Shuttle buses run between resort base areas
- Some resort connections are included for All Mountain lift pass holders
- Taxis are available but can be limited during peak winter
- Many properties run their own guest shuttles
Things To Do
Hakuba offers plenty beyond skiing, including snow activities, onsens, day trips and dining across the valley.
Winter Activities & Tours
Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and other snow experiences are popular on rest days. The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is one of the best-known day trips in the region, and Matsumoto Castle is also a popular sightseeing option.
See Things to Do in Hakuba
Hakuba Restaurant Guide
Hakuba has a large number of restaurants spread across the valley, with the main concentration in Echoland and Happo. Options range from casual Japanese dining to international restaurants. During peak winter, popular places can book out in advance, especially in January and February.
Hakuba Restaurant Guide
Hakuba Onsen Guide
Hakuba has a good selection of public onsen and accommodation with on-site bathing facilities. An onsen visit is one of the best ways to recover after skiing, especially during cold mid-winter periods.
Hakuba Onsen GuideHakuba Accommodation Deals
Check the latest discounts, deals and early-bird offers on accommodation in Hakuba. Some offers are limited and can change quickly during peak winter, so booking early usually provides the best availability and value.
Hakuba Guides & Information
In Niseko there are a total of five ski resorts, with four of them being interconnected and accessible using a single lift pass. Niseko Moiwa is a separate ski resort but can be accessed by car or bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hakuba best known for?
Hakuba is best known for alpine skiing in the Northern Japan Alps, with multiple ski resorts across one valley and a wide range of terrain for different ability levels.
How many ski resorts are in Hakuba?
Hakuba Valley includes 10 ski resorts across the valley. Most visitors ski multiple resorts during the same trip.
Which part of Hakuba should I stay in?
For most visitors, Happo One, Wadano and Echoland are the most convenient areas for lift access, restaurants and transport. Other areas suit travellers prioritising specific resorts such as Goryu/47, Tsugaike or Cortina.
Is Hakuba suitable for beginners?
Yes. Hakuba has several resorts with beginner terrain and ski school options, including Tsugaike and Iwatake. Choosing the right base area also makes logistics easier for beginners.
When is the best snow in Hakuba?
January and February usually offer the most reliable winter conditions. March often still has good coverage, with longer daylight hours and more settled weather.
How do I get to Hakuba?
The most common routes are by direct bus from Tokyo to Hakuba, or by Shinkansen to Nagano followed by bus transfer into the valley. Travel times vary depending on winter conditions and where you are staying.
Do I need a car in Hakuba?
No. Most visitors use shuttle buses, taxis and accommodation shuttles. A car can help with flexibility, but winter driving conditions and parking make it unnecessary for most trips.
Is Hakuba good for families?
Yes. Hakuba suits families well, with accommodation options including apartments and chalets, beginner-friendly ski areas, and a wide range of dining options. Staying in the right area makes transport and ski school access easier.
How busy does Hakuba get during peak season?
Hakuba can be very busy during Christmas/New Year. Booking accommodation early is recommended, especially for popular areas such as Wadano, Happo and Echoland.
How early should I plan Hakuba accommodation during peak season?
For best availability, it’s common to book accommodation from spring onwards for the following winter season, particularly for late December and February travel dates.
Can I book everything in Hakuba in one place?
Yes. Once your Hakuba accommodation booking is confirmed, you can add trip essentials such as airport transfers, lift passes, rentals and lessons. This means that everything is already organised for your stay and allows bookings to be confirmed as suppliers open availability.
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