Hakuba guide

Not just skiing, and get to know Hakuba well

Resorts with their own character, ways to arrive —
and scenery worth lingering over, beyond the runs.

01 / SKI RESORTS

Browse Hakuba's ski resorts

From classic alpine terrain to powder among the trees — different mountains, runs, and views give Hakuba its many styles of skiing.

HAPPO-ONE

Happo-one

One of Hakuba's signature mountain resorts, known for big vertical drops, long runs, and Northern Alps scenery.

Happo-one offers Hakuba's archetypal mountain skiing and was a venue at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Over 1,000 meters of vertical drop carry runs from high alpine zones all the way to the base, with up to about 8 km of continuous skiing. Intermediate runs dominate — well suited to lovers of long cruisers, carving, and varied terrain — while the base area gives beginners a more comfortable space to practice.

RESORT FACTS
Runs 16
Lift 21 (incl. 1 gondola)
Top elevation 1,831 m
Vertical drop 1,071 m
Longest run 8.0 km
Difficulty mix
Beginner 30% Intermediate 50% Advanced 20%
Long runsAlpine terrainIntermediate–advanced
HAKUBA GORYU

Hakuba Goryu

From wide gentle runs to high-altitude mountain slopes — an all-round resort for mixed-level groups.

Hakuba Goryu comprises three main areas — Alps-daira, Toomi, and Iimori — with skiing running from wide gentle slopes at the base up to high-altitude zones. Toomi and Iimori are friendly to beginners, families, and mixed-level groups, while Alps-daira offers grander mountain views and a more alpine feel. Balanced terrain overall: right for first-timers to Hakuba, and for groups whose members ski at different levels.

RESORT FACTS
Runs 15
Lift 1 Gondola + 11 Chair
Top elevation 1,676 m
Vertical drop 926 m
Longest run 5.0 km
Difficulty mix
Beginner 35% Intermediate 40% Advanced 25%
All levelsWide slopesFamily-friendly
HAKUBA47

Hakuba47

Long runs, advanced terrain, and a large Terrain Park — with a direct summit connection into Hakuba Goryu.

Hakuba47's mountain is fairly compact, yet packs long cruisers, intermediate–advanced runs, and a rich Terrain Park scene. From the summit you can drop straight into Hakuba Goryu, naturally linking the two into a much larger ski area. There are long routes for steady progression and steeper, more technical advanced lines; 47PARKS is one of the resort's boldest signatures.

RESORT FACTS
Runs 8
Lift 1 Gondola + 6 Chair
Top elevation 1,614 m
Vertical drop 794 m
Longest run 6.4 km
Difficulty mix
Beginner 30% Intermediate 40% Advanced 30%
Terrain ParkLong cruisersAdvanced terrain
HAKUBA IWATAKE

Hakuba Iwatake

Strong on 360° Northern Alps views and multi-directional natural terrain — skiing and sightseeing in one.

Iwatake's defining features are natural terrain fanning out from the summit in different directions, and the unmistakable view of the Hakuba Sanzan peaks. Runs of varying difficulty cover many riding styles — easy cruising on wide groomers, or richer natural terrain. At the top sits HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, so non-skiing companions can share Hakuba's mountain scenery too.

RESORT FACTS
Runs 13
Lift 1 Gondola + 8 Chair
Top elevation 1,289 m
Vertical drop 539 m
Longest run 3.3 km
Difficulty mix
Beginner 30% Intermediate 50% Advanced 20%
360° mountain viewsNatural terrainSki & sightsee
TSUGAIKE

Tsugaike Kogen

From extra-wide gentle slopes to high-altitude runs — especially suited to beginners, families, and travelers who want relaxed cruising.

Tsugaike has some of Hakuba's most unmistakably wide slopes: the Kanenari-no-oka (Ringing Bell Hill) area spans over 1,200 meters, its gentle, open terrain perfect for first-timers and families. As you climb, the slopes shift to richer intermediate and advanced terrain, reaching the mountaintop zone at about 1,700 m. With runs up to about 5 km, every level finds its own complete, unhurried rhythm.

RESORT FACTS
Runs 10
Lift 1 Gondola + 13 Chair
Top elevation 1,704 m
Vertical drop 904 m
Longest run 5.0 km
Difficulty mix
Beginner 50% Intermediate 30% Advanced 20%
Beginner-friendlyExtra-wide gentle slopesLong runs
JIGATAKE

Mt. Jii (Jii-ga-dake)

Hakuba's smallest family resort, known for gentle slopes and a quiet vibe — great for beginners and parent-child trips.

Jii-ga-dake is a smaller, family-style resort in the Hakuba area, known for gentle, wide slopes and a relaxed atmosphere. Most runs are beginner-to-intermediate — ideal for first-time skiers and families with kids. Sparse crowds and short lift lines make it a quiet, unhurried choice.

RESORT FACTS
Runs 7
Lift 4 Chair
Top elevation 1,200 m
Vertical drop 260 m
Longest run 1.5 km
Difficulty mix
Beginner 70% Intermediate 30% Advanced 0%
Beginner-friendlyFamily-styleUncrowded & quiet
KASHIMAYARI

Kashimayari

At the foot of Kashimayari-ga-take — strong on open ski terrain, forest routes, and magnificent mountain views.

Kashimayari sits at the foot of Kashimayari-ga-take, with open ski terrain and magnificent mountain views. Runs range from gentle beginner zones to challenging intermediate–advanced lines, and forest routes are another highlight. Crowds are moderate — good for travelers balancing scenery with skiing.

RESORT FACTS
Runs 12
Lift 5 Chair
Top elevation 1,320 m
Vertical drop 490 m
Longest run 4.1 km
Difficulty mix
Beginner 33% Intermediate 50% Advanced 17%
Forest runsMountain sceneryMostly intermediate
HAKUBA SANOSAKA

Hakuba Sanosaka

Compact, refined family resort: sunny south-facing slopes, simple layout, easy for beginners.

Hakuba Sanosaka is a compact, refined family resort known for its open south-facing slopes and generous sunshine. The trail layout is simple and clear — easy for beginners and intermediates, with a few advanced lines offering a decent challenge. It sits close to Hakuba village center, very convenient to reach.

RESORT FACTS
Runs 10
Lift 4 Chair
Top elevation 1,200 m
Vertical drop 460 m
Longest run 2.6 km
Difficulty mix
Beginner 40% Intermediate 40% Advanced 20%
Family-friendlySouth-facing slopesEasy access
HAKUBA NORIKURA

Hakuba Norikura

High-altitude powder resort: first to open and last to close in Hakuba, with natural onsen after skiing.

Hakuba Norikura Onsen sits at high elevation — one of the earliest-opening, latest-closing resorts in the Hakuba area. Abundant snowfall and quality powder are its signature; tree runs and high-altitude natural terrain give solid experiences for intermediate skiers and up. After skiing, soak in the natural hot springs — a rare ski-and-onsen combination.

RESORT FACTS
Runs 14
Lift 9 Chair
Top elevation 1,598 m
Vertical drop 798 m
Longest run 2.5 km
Difficulty mix
Beginner 30% Intermediate 40% Advanced 30%
PowderHigh altitudeNatural onsen
HAKUBA CORTINA

Hakuba Cortina is famous for prodigious snowfall and deep powder — a paradise for powder hunters. Steep natural terrain and plentiful tree runs attract advanced skiers, while some wide, gentle slopes give beginners and intermediates comfortable ground. Cortina links with Hakuba Norikura Onsen, sharing a common lift ticket that extends your range.

Famous for prodigious snowfall and deep powder; steep natural terrain and tree runs draw advanced skiers.

Hakuba Cortina

RESORT FACTS
Runs 16
Lift 6 Chair
Top elevation 1,402 m
Vertical drop 530 m
Longest run 3.5 km
Difficulty mix
Beginner 40% Intermediate 30% Advanced 30%
Deep powderTree runsAdvanced challenges
02 / GETTING TO HAKUBA

Getting to Hakuba

Pick where you're starting from for the clearest routes.

Recommended About 3 hours
Tokyo Station Hokuriku Shinkansen
Nagano Station Express bus
Hakuba

Clear transfers, friendly with lots of luggage. About 80 min by shinkansen to Nagano, then 60–70 min by bus to Hakuba.

⚠ Transport schedules change with the seasons — always check the official timetables before you travel JR official timetables →
Mostly rail About 3.5–4 hours
Shinjuku Ltd. Exp. Azusa
Matsumoto JR Oito Line
Hakuba

Mostly rail with good scenery. Matsumoto–Oito Line services are sparse — confirm in advance.

⚠ Transport schedules change with the seasons — always check the official timetables before you travel JR official timetables →
Few transfers About 5 hours
Shin-Osaka Shinkansen
Nagoya Ltd. Exp. Shinano
Matsumoto JR Oito Line
Hakuba

From Nagoya, take the Ltd. Exp. Shinano to Matsumoto, then the JR Oito Line. Rail all the way.

⚠ Transport schedules change with the seasons — always check the official timetables before you travel JR official timetables →
Check schedules About 2–3 hours
Kanazawa Hokuriku Shinkansen
Itoigawa JR lines
Minami-Otari
Hakuba

Itoigawa–Minami-Otari services are limited — double-check connection times.

⚠ Transport schedules change with the seasons — always check the official timetables before you travel JR official timetables →
More coming About 4.5–5.5 hours
Narita / Haneda Airport express
Tokyo Shinkansen
Hakuba Express bus

Narita/Haneda → central Tokyo → Nagano → Hakuba. Chubu Centrair connects via Nagoya. Check airline and JR official schedules for exact timetables.

⚠ Transport schedules change with the seasons — always check the official timetables before you travel JR official timetables →

After you arrive

01

JR Hakuba Station

The core rail gateway. From the station, connect to buses or taxis, or have Hakupa pick you up for the ride to your stay.

02

Happo Bus Terminal

A key stop when you arrive by bus from Nagano — Happo Onsen street and some lodging areas are within walking distance.

03

Hakuba Valley Shuttle

Seasonal inter-resort shuttle buses link the main resorts and lodging areas. Always check official same-day schedules.

03 / EXPLORE HAKUBA

Beyond the runs, get to know Hakuba

From practical tools, back to Hakuba's sense of place.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Snow monkeysOnsenDay trip

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

SNOW MONKEY PARK

In winter, watching snow monkeys warm themselves in a valley hot spring is one of Nagano's most memorable experiences. About 1 hour's drive from Hakuba.

About the Snow Monkey Park →
Matsumoto Castle
National TreasureCastle keepDay trip

Matsumoto Castle

MATSUMOTO CASTLE

Japan's oldest surviving five-tier, six-story keep, its black-lacquered walls mirroring the Northern Alps — a National Treasure. About 1 hour from Hakuba by train.

About Matsumoto Castle →

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