Hakuba Ski Resorts: How to get there & What to Expect

While there are so many ski resorts and destinations in Japan, there are still some specific ones that you should visit first and add to your Japan itinerary. Apart from Niseko and Sapporo, Hakuba is also a must-visit for all types of skiers, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Hakuba is a snowy village in the Japanese Alps. It’s packed with mountain resorts with terrains and slopes for all ski levels. 

There are nine Hakuba ski resorts for you to explore — Happo One Ski Resort, Goryu Ski Resort, Iwatake Ski Resort, Hakuba 47 Ski Resort, Tsugaike Ski Resort, Cortina Ski Resort, Hakuba Norikura, Kashimayari Ski Resort, and Sanosaka Hakuba. We’ll talk about each one later on, so if you want to know more, read on below!

Hakuba’s ski season usually starts from mid-December up until early April. The snow’s condition is at its best between January and February, while the peak season is from late December to early February.

Plan your visit to Hakuba accordingly but take note that if you want to ski during the snow and slope’s best months, large crowds are expected to flock to the ski resorts so just be ready for that.

It is also from mid-December to early April that you should expect Hakuba weather to be cloudy, which can affect your visibility while skiing. Just make sure to bring a good pair of ski goggles to ensure your safety. 

There are several ways for you to get to Hakuba from Tokyo using Japan’s convenient public transportation. You can go via bus, train, or car.

You can take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once you get to Nagano Station, go to the east exit so you can take a bus that goes straight to Hakuba. The bus ride should take about an hour.

This is the fastest route to get to Hakuba from Tokyo.

Take an Alpico Express Bus from Tokyo Station to Hakuba Station. The bus ride should take about 5 hours with two stops to rest or go for a restroom break. Please expect longer travel time during holidays and weekends.

There’s a direct Azusa Express train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo that goes straight to Hakuba. Please note that the train leaves at 8:00 am daily. The train ride should take about 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Yep, you can rent a car and drive from Tokyo to Hakuba too! The trip should take about 3 hours and 30 minutes. We recommend trying this out as it is not every day that you get to drive in another country. The best part about renting a car is probably the big storage that you have all for yourself so if you brought your ski equipment with you, it won’t be a hassle to take it to Hakuba since you have enough space in your rented car.

Here comes the fun part! Let’s get to know the nine Hakuba ski resorts that you can visit during your Japan ski trip!

This beginner-friendly ski resort is probably one of the most popular ones in Hakuba, along with Hakuba 47 Ski Resort. Here at Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort, the beginner slopes located in Toomi and Iimori are flat and wide, making it totally safe for first-timers. They offer beginner lessons in these areas too, both for kids and adults. Since the slopes in Toomi are especially spacious, skiing at night is allowed, so long as you stay in the area only.

As for advanced skiers, there are slopes and terrains located high up in the Iimori area called the Champion course. The slopes there are steep and challenging so it’s definitely perfect for those who have much experience already.

As you ski, make sure to stop and admire the Northern Alps right in front of you!

While Hakuba 47 Ski Resort is not as big as Hakuba Goryu, it’s still a must-visit because of its terrain parks perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers. Take note that Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu are linked together, so if you’re a beginner, you better head on to Hakuba Goryu instead.

Immediate-level skiers can go to Route 1 or the area right below the gondola to ski. For advanced skiers, Routes 2 and 3 are for you! Steep slopes with obstacles along the way await you. They are also known for their terrain park with fun obstacles if you want to add some fun to your skiing experience. As for those who enjoy a challenge, drop by their tree runs (natural skiing areas) with a route that’s surrounded by trees.

Known to be the oldest and biggest ski resort in Hakuba, Happo One Ski Resort boasts several slopes good for beginners and pros. While it’s mostly dominated by advanced skiers because they mostly have steep terrains, beginners can opt to ski at the other slopes the resort offers. Some not-to-miss slopes here are the Kurobishi and Kitaone.

For those with children, there are two kiddie areas for your little ones who want to play in the snow or want to learn the basics of skiing. One is located in Nakiyama, while the other is in the Sakka region. The beginner slopes are also located in the Sakka region. Apart from skiing, your kids can also go sledding!

While you’re here, make sure to capture the breathtaking views from the top of the Northern Japan Alps.

4. Iwatake Ski Resort

This medium-sized ski resort is perfect for those looking for a less crowded area to ski. Much like the previous ski resorts mentioned earlier, Iwatake Ski Resort houses several slopes too that are good for intermediate and advanced skiers.

They have a terrain park, north and south courses, and the Iwatake back bowl, all for skiers with experience! At the peak of the mountain where the ski resort is located is the Mountain Harbour Cafe which is known for its great muffins and coffee, all paired with stunning views.

There’s also a sledding area and igloos near the gondolas, perfect for families and kids!

Tsugaike Ski Resort is large, but not many people know about it. Since it’s a massive ski resort, it offers a wide variety of slopes and courses for all types of skiers — beginner, intermediate, and pros.

It’s located a bit further away than the other ski resorts in Hakuba, but going far is worth it as this ski resort is not as crowded as the popular ones. Beginners can enjoy skiing at the lower slopes, offering wide spaces. Intermediate and advanced skiers can go to the Uma No Se and Champion courses with steep and wide slopes.

They also have two terrain parks for those who prefer to ski and have some fun with obstacles along the way. Tree runs are present here too, but require registration and a short lecture to ensure every skier’s safety.

There are areas below the gondola for your kids to practice skiing or go sledding too, if you’re visiting with kids. They have indoor play areas as well for those who prefer playing indoors.

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort is known as the powder capital of Hakuba because of its huge amount of snow and an abundant number of tree runs. They have the Itadaira One course and Warabi Daira course with steep slopes and tree zones like the Hiedayama area for intermediate and advanced skiers. Since all the slopes here are a bit tricky, both intermediate and advanced skiers are highly advised to wear protective gear and also avalanche equipment.

For beginners, it’s best to stay on the Ikenota course as it offers a flat and wide skiing area. 

Hakuba Norikura Ski Resort is said to be Cortina’s sister resort as they are located close to each other. This medium-sized resort is a must-visit too, especially for beginners and intermediate skiers. Unlike most ski resorts in Hakuba, this one is spread out across the mountain and not located on top of it.

Beginner skiers can head on to the Hakunori Family course located close to the ticket office. Just nearby are the Wakaguri Forest course and Satomi Central course where the ski areas are relatively flat and wide, perfect for beginners and first-timers still honing their skiing skills.

Immediate and advanced skiers can go straight to the Satomi Ridge course for challenging slopes which offer great snowy mountain views as well.

Amazing alpine views await at Kashimayari Ski Resort, another medium-sized and less crowded option for travelers on a Japan ski trip. Here, they offer a good variety of courses for beginners up to advanced skiers. But what really makes this ski resort stand out are the outstanding views of the Northern Japan Alps and Kashimayari Peak. If you ski on Course 5, you’ll even chance upon the beautiful view of Lake Aokiko.

They have a forest track here as well if you’re up for a scenic ski. For those with kids, the ski resort offers a Pokemon-themed snow park for sledding and tubing!

The last one on our list is Sanosaka Ski Resort, packed with lake views and family-friendly slopes. While most of the slopes are good for beginners and families with kids, they also have ski areas for intermediate and advanced skiers. The New Paradise course is quite steep so intermediate and advanced skiers will surely be challenged. And hey, don’t forget to marvel at the beautiful view of Lake Aoki, as this is the highlight attraction of the ski resort.

For your Hakuba accommodation, it will depend on the ski resort you’re going to. There are actually hotels within the area of the ski resorts already. For families and big or small groups, you can opt to check in at the Hakuba Yamano Hotel or The Ridge Hotel & Apartments. 

Hakuba Yamano Hotel offers multi-bed rooms and a warm ambiance overall. All of the rooms here, whether modern or traditional, have free WiFi, an LCD TV, and a private bathroom. There’s also a hot spring bath for those who feel like resting after skiing. The hotel has a snack bar, coffee house, and a restaurant that serves Japanese and Western cuisine. 

The Ridge Hotel & Apartments, on the other hand, offers modern rooms and apartments with up to four bedrooms. This is your best option if you plan to stay for a longer time. Each room has a TV, free WiFi, a kettle, and a safety deposit box. Some rooms even have a balcony. Their apartments can accommodate up to eight people! They also have a bar and vending machines for snacks and drinks.

Another option to consider is Sierra Resort Hotel Hakuba, located in a private forest with outdoor hot springs. The rooms here are spacious and offer nature views. Each room has a TV, tea/coffee maker, and a private bathroom. The main dining restaurant at this resort offers an exquisite blend of Japanese and European cuisine that is sure to tickle your tastebuds. Some must-haves include Kobe beef, sukiyaki, and sashimi. They also serve hotpot noodles here if you’re craving something warm and comforting.

Before you go, make sure to get all your travel essentials first!