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Guide to Hakuba Snow Resort

Hakuba, Japan

By Shizuko Mishima, About.com

Hakuba Ski Resorts in Japan

Happo-one in Hakuba

Mike Powell/Allsports/Getty Images
Hakuba is a well-known Japanese ski resort located in Nagano prefecture. It staged Super-G, down hill, and ski jumping during the 1998 Winter Olympics. Hakuba-mura is situated in the northern Japan Alps and has a few ski resorts with 3,000m high mountain peaks. All Hakuba resorts are well equipped for snowboarding, too. If you are a skier, the world class ski courses can't be missed. The ski season is usually from December to March in Hakuba.

Access to Hakuba
From Tokyo:
Take JR train Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto and take JR train Oito line to Hakuba. It takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. By car, take Chuo Highway to Matsumoto and go to the north on Route 147 from Matsumoto, Nagano. It takes less than 3 hours to drive to Hakuba.
Map of Hakuba Area

Ski and Snow Board Areas in Hakuba

  • Goryu
    This area has a scenic long course. The view from the mountain top is magnificent. You can see Mt. Goryu along with the three peaks of the Hakuba Range. It is suitable for beginners and intermediates.
  • Hakuba 47
    This is the newest ski area in Hakuba. The courses are challenging for advanced skiers. It meets the Goryu-toomi area at the mountain top and lift ride tickets are valid for both areas.
  • Hakuba Highland
    You can experience the excellent views of the Northern Japan Alps.
  • Minekata
    The courses are compact and are suitable for beginners and intermediates. There is a long cross-country course.
  • Happo-one
    It is the oldest ski area in Hakuba, and the stage for a number of international skiing events. Happo-one has six distinct slopes. The courses are international class and suitable for advanced skiers. It is the most popular ski resort with fancy shops and restaurants.
  • Hakuba Sanosaka
    It's located at the southern end of Hakuba. You can view Lake Aoki from here. A challenging mogul run and snowboard area are available.
  • Kashimayari
  • Iwatake
  • Aokiko
  • Tsugaike
Accommodations in Hakuba: For more information about Hakuba, please contact Hakuba Tourist Office at 81 (261) 72-3066 or Japanese travel agencies.

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