Hakuba - Trail maps

Hakuba Valley is located in northwestern Nagano Prefecture at the base of Northern Japan Alps and is just 3hrs from downtown Tokyo. The valley consists of 9 ski resorts, giving an amazing variety of alpine terrain, accommodating everyone from novice to expert.

The ski/ snowboarding season in Hakuba typically runs from December to April. The specific timing depends on weather conditions and snowfall, so it’s always a good idea to check the snow conditions before planning your trip.

The snow in Hakuba Valley is real and it receives an average annual snowfall of approximately 11 meters (36 feet). The region is known for its excellent powder snow, which is perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

Hakuba can be reached from Narita or Haneda airports in approximately 5 hours by road while taking the Shinkansen bullet train can reduce the travel time to as little as 3 hours. Opting for a pre-booked private or shared taxi from the airport is a convenient choice if you prefer flexibility over adhering to a public bus or train schedule.

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Hakuba offers a wide range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences. You can find hotels, lodges, pensions, and self-catering apartments in the Hakuba area.

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Hakuba has numerous ski rental shops where you can rent ski and snowboard equipment. Additionally, there are several ski schools and instructors available for lessons, catering to beginners and those looking to improve their skills. It’s advisable to book rentals and lessons in advance, especially during peak season.

Please visit Hakuba Valley Snow Resorts for more information

• Jigatake
• Kashimayari
• Sanosaka
• ABLE Hakuba Goryu
• Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park
• Happo-one
• Iwatake
• Tsugaike
• Hakuba Norikura
• Hakuba Cortina

Yes, Hakuba offers a variety of off-mountain activities. You can engage in snowshoeing, snowmobiling, winter hiking, or even visit nearby hot springs (onsen) for a relaxing soak. The region also offers opportunities for cultural experiences such as visiting temples and exploring traditional Japanese villages.

While English is not as widely spoken, many businesses and accommodations in Hakuba have English-speaking staff. Ski schools and rental shops also cater to international visitors, making communication relatively manageable.

Here are some childcare options in Hakuba Valley:

• Hakuba Babysitting is a mobile babysitting service that can come to your accommodation. They offer a variety of services, including full-day and half-day care, as well as night sitting. Their babysitters are all CPR and First Aid certified, and they speak English and Japanese.
• Evergreen International Ski School Hosted Day Care is a daycare center located at the base of the Hakuba 47 ski resort. They offer care for children from 18 months to 6 years old, and their programs include skiing, snowboarding, arts and crafts, and games.
• Usagi no Omimi is a daycare center located at the Goryu Iimori ski resort. They offer care for children from 6 months to 5 years old, and their programs include skiing, snowboarding, arts and crafts, and games.