{"id":27032,"date":"2021-11-13T15:00:45","date_gmt":"2021-11-13T15:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=27032"},"modified":"2024-02-22T07:47:33","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T07:47:33","slug":"guide-to-hakuba-ski-resorts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/guide-to-hakuba-ski-resorts\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Hakuba ski resorts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japan is world-famous for its quality powder snow and exceptional ski experiences. One of the best areas you can visit is Hakuba \u767d\u99ac\u6751, located in Nagano, which has several ski resorts in the Japanese Alps.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hakuba ski resorts have a good range for all skill levels, breathtaking scenery, and a range of good value accommodations, and are easily accessible from major Japanese cities.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read more about why you should choose Hakuba ski resorts for your next snow adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/110203_hakuba_yw0003-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Image of a lift building at one of the Hakuba ski resorts.\" class=\"wp-image-63750\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>About Hakuba ski resorts<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hakuba ski resorts are a collection of 10 resorts, which are included in a common ski lift ticket and accessible via shuttle bus.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are some of the most popular ones:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Sanosaka <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; a small resort that hasn\u2019t been as exposed to international guests as some of the other resorts. You won\u2019t have to battle the crowds to enjoy the ski area and there are incredible views.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Goryu <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; a large ski resort with options for all experience levels, particularly beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. It features beautiful views of the Northern Alps and is very family-friendly. It\u2019s fairly westernised so it\u2019s an easy resort to visit for English speakers and there are also English ski and snowboard lessons.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; known as \u201cyon-nana\u201d (four seven), this resort is known for its superior snow quality and great terrain. The slopes are steep, so this resort is a great one for those who are more experienced. Like many of the other resorts, this one offers amazing views of the mountain ranges.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Happo-One<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; pronounced \u201cO-ne\u201d (not \u201cone\u201d like the number in English), this is one of Japan\u2019s most famous and best of the Hakuba ski resorts. Because of this popularity, you\u2019re sure to bump into crowds, but you get better facilities and services that are English-friendly, plus more choices when it comes to restaurants and bars. There is an experience for everyone, from beginners to those who prefer steep alpine terrain.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Iwatake<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; this ski resort is great for intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders, as well as some harder beginner runs. From the top of Mt Iwatake, you get a 360-degree view across Hakuba Valley and the Japanese Alps, so if views are your thing then don\u2019t miss this resort. There are English ski lessons available.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/P1195479_2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"People at the top of a mountain at one of the Hakuba ski resorts.\n\" class=\"wp-image-63760\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Activities at Hakuba ski resorts<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Snow sports<b>&nbsp;<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It goes without saying that the top activity at Hakuba is snow sports. Total beginners can find their feet at one of a handful of <\/span><b>English-language skiing and snowboarding classes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Meanwhile, those who are more experienced can try out the steeper slopes and even go on a backcountry tour.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want a change from skiing or snowboarding, why not try snowshoe walking or snow rafting? Get away from the crowds and take in the snowy wonderland around you on a guided walk. Or glide along the snow in an inflatable raft while being pulled along by a snowmobile.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Nagano \u9577\u91ce<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the capital city of Nagano prefecture, where Hakuba is located, and it\u2019s about an hour away by bus from Hakuba. It became famous after hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, the remnants of which can still be seen and visited around the city.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nagano grew from a temple town that was built around Zenk\u014dji Temple \u5584\u5149\u5bfa, which was established in 642.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more information about what to do in Nagano, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">read our article<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (need to link to after it\u2019s published).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Onsen<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter in Japan wouldn\u2019t be complete without a visit to an onsen. It\u2019s particularly relaxing after a day of skiing or snowboarding! You\u2019ll find plenty of options within Hakuba itself and which ones you visit will depend on what experience you want.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, inside the Hakuba Highland Hotel, you\u2019ll find Tenjin no Yu. The water comes from the Himekawa River near the hotel, but the real attraction here is the spellbinding view of the Northern Alps from the outdoor bath.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located at the base of Hakuba Happo One ski resort (one of the most famous ones in Japan), is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hakuba-happo-onsen.jp\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hakuba Happo Onsen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s very popular amongst locals for its supposed healing properties. The water here is clear and alkaline, making it very soothing to relax in.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t forget to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/understand-onsen-etiquette-at-a-japanese-hot-spring\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">read up on onsen etiquette<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you\u2019re unfamiliar with visiting onsen in Japan!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>How to get to Hakuba ski resorts<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hakuba ski resorts are exceptionally accessible from other parts of the country.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>From Tokyo<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: There are buses and trains that depart from Tokyo and head to Nagano. From Nagano, you can catch a taxi, bus, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/naganosnowshuttle.com\/Reserve\/Hakuba.aspx?Ref=Powderhounds&amp;Ref=NSSWeb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shuttle<\/span><\/a>,<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or train to Hakuba. There is also a highway bus directly from Tokyo (from Shinjuku bus terminal) to Hakuba.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>From Osaka\/Kyoto<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You can take the bullet train to Nagoya and transfer to a limited express bound for Nagano. Transfer again at Matsumoto for trains bound for Hakuba.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the most accurate information on how to get to Hakuba from wherever you are in Japan, use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hyperdia.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hyperdia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or talk to your travel agent.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Book your trip to Hakuba ski resorts<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To book your perfect trip to Hakuba the following travel agencies can help you. All you need to do is contact them for more information:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ski Japan Holidays:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japanspecialists.com\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.japanspecialists.com\/about<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JHN Travel:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japanspecialists.com\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.japanspecialists.com\/about<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Japan is world-famous for its quality powder snow and exceptional ski experiences. One of the best areas you can visit is Hakuba \u767d\u99ac\u6751, located in Nagano, which has several ski resorts in the Japanese Alps.&nbsp; Hakuba ski resorts have a good range for all skill levels, breathtaking scenery, and a range of good value accommodations, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":107,"featured_media":26386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[403],"tags":[662,685],"class_list":["post-27032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-only-in-japan","tag-things-to-do","tag-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27032","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/107"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27032"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27032\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":117299,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27032\/revisions\/117299"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27032"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27032"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27032"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}