Today’s blog is written by Kate Livingstone – Ski Travel Expert, who explored Hakuba, Japan and is sharing his firsthand experience with us.

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Hakuba is a skier’s paradise, offering world-class resorts, deep powder, and an unforgettable cultural experience. Easily accessible from Tokyo via the bullet train, a trip to Hakuba combines effortless travel, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and vibrant après-ski culture.

Getting to Hakuba

Reaching Hakuba from Tokyo is a breeze, thanks to Japan’s efficient transport system. We opted for the bullet train from Omiya Station, just north of Tokyo, as it was smaller and easier to navigate with ski bags in tow. While we initially booked reserved seats, missing our scheduled train wasn’t a problem, we simply hopped onto the next one and sat in the non-reserved section.

One thing to note: luggage space on these trains is limited. If you’re travelling with bulky ski gear, consider using Japan’s Yamato luggage transfer service. This hassle-free option ensures your bags arrive overnight, allowing you to travel light and stress-free.

From Nagano Station, buses frequently run to Hakuba’s ski resorts, with clear signage in both Japanese and English. Upon arrival at Hakuba’s bus terminal, most accommodations arrange pick-ups, so be sure to coordinate with your hotel in advance, especially if you’re arriving late, as taxis only run until 1 AM.

Where to Stay in Hakuba

Hakuba’s layout is unique, with multiple ski resorts and accommodation hubs. The main town area is home to the train and bus stations, restaurants, and shops, while nearby areas like Wadano and Echoland offer great access to the slopes.

We stayed in Wadano, a prime location with easy ski-in access, fantastic restaurants, and convenient shuttle services. Our accommodation, Alpine Azumi, was a spacious two-bedroom apartment featuring a full kitchen, a cosy fireplace, and even a Netflix-equipped TV, a welcome touch after a day on the mountain. The staff were also on hand to shuttle guests to the supermarket or village, making our stay even smoother.

If you’re after a lively nightlife scene, Echoland is another great option, boasting an array of bars and restaurants.

Where to Eat & Drink

Hakuba is packed with incredible dining options, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavours. Some of our highlights included:

• Zen – A classic Japanese-style dining experience.
• Double Black Hotel – Japanese fusion dishes in a stylish setting.
• The Rabbit Hole – A must-visit in Wadano for great coffee, burgers, and beers.
• Hakuba Taproom – A paradise for beer lovers, with 16 brews on tap.

Taxis and shuttles make it easy to get around, with short trips costing around JPY2000. Some restaurants, like Double Black, even offer drop-offs back to your accommodation.

Skiing in Hakuba

With over 10 metres of snowfall each season, Hakuba’s ski resorts deliver epic conditions for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. We spent two full days on the slopes, exploring some of the region’s best terrain.

Happo One

As one of Hakuba’s largest and steepest resorts, Happo One was our favourite. It offers long, cruisy runs, incredible off-piste skiing at the top, and breathtaking valley views. Pilar Restaurant is a fantastic spot to grab lunch with a view.

Hakuba 47 & Goryu

These interconnected resorts offer quieter slopes, great tree runs, and a dedicated terrain park with a halfpipe. The Hakuba 47 tree areas are particularly unique, you need to register beforehand and wear a red Hakuba 47 Bib which is required to be worn at all times when in the trees, as they are technical and unpatrolled.

Cortina – The Powder Playground

For those chasing deep snow, Cortina is a hidden gem. Tucked at the end of the range, it’s usually the first to receive fresh powder and the last to lose it. While the base area is minimal, it’s perfect for a day trip from Wadano or Echoland.

Getting Around: The resorts are well-connected by free shuttle buses, included with your lift pass. Just be mindful that using the shuttle activates a day on your pass, so plan accordingly.

Gear Rentals

We rented our gear from Spicy Rentals, which has multiple locations across the Hakuba Valley. This made it easy to swap or adjust equipment without returning to the original shop. Their team was friendly, knowledgeable, and set us up with great gear.

Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Temple – A Perfect Day Trip

No trip to Hakuba is complete without visiting the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. The 30-minute walk to the park can be icy and snowy, so sturdy footwear is essential. While we missed the monkeys bathing in the thermal pools due to the warm weather, watching them play in the valley was still a fantastic experience.

For a deeper cultural immersion, we recommend a guided day tour from Hakuba that includes:

✔️ Snow Monkey Park

✔️ A traditional Japanese lunch

✔️ Sake tasting

✔️ A visit to Zenkoji Temple – one of Nagano’s most significant Buddhist sites.

Final Thoughts

Hakuba blends top-tier skiing with authentic Japanese culture, making it a must-visit for any winter enthusiast. Whether you’re carving through deep powder, soaking in an onsen, or indulging in incredible local cuisine, a ski trip to Hakuba is an experience like no other.

Planning your own trip? Let us help you create the perfect itinerary—because Hakuba is one ski destination you don’t want to miss!

To book a dream holiday to Japan including flights, transfers, accommodation, lift passes and activities call the Ski Travel Experts at travel&co NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 or click here to see our latest featured offers