Hakuba

Hakuba (白馬) is a village located in the Northern Japan Alps of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The Hakuba Valley (白馬バレー), encompassing Hakuba and its surrounding areas, is a renowned destination for skiing and snowboarding, with 10 ski resorts offering diverse terrain and experiences. During the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba hosted the ski jumping and cross-country skiing events.

The Hakuba Valley boasts a long ski season, typically running from December through April, with the best snow conditions in January and February. Popular resorts include Hakuba Happo-one, Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field, Hakuba Goryu, and Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park. Besides skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.

In the summer, Hakuba transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities like hiking, trekking, paragliding, hot air ballooning, canoeing, and kayaking. The area boasts numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, showcasing stunning mountain scenery and blooming alpine flowers during the warmer months. The Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium, a legacy of the Olympics, is open for visitors and occasionally hosts events.

Hakuba is also known for its hot springs, or onsen, which provide the perfect way to unwind after a day of outdoor adventure. Various onsen are available throughout the village and the surrounding areas, each with its own unique characteristics and mineral composition. Popular options include Hakuba Happo Onsen and Hakuba Salt Road Onsen.

In addition to outdoor activities and relaxation, Hakuba offers cultural experiences at museums and art galleries. The village is dotted with restaurants and cafes where visitors can savor local delicacies and unwind in a cozy atmosphere.

Getting there

By Train

From Tokyo:

• Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (90 minutes)
• Transfer to an Alpico bus from Nagano Station to Hakuba (60-70 minutes)
• Total journey time: About 3 hours
• Cost: Approximately ¥10,400 for adults

Direct Train Option:

• Azusa Express from Shinjuku Station to Hakuba Station
• Departs daily at 8:00 AM, arrives at 11:42 AM
• Journey time: 3 hours 42 minutes
• Cost: ¥8,050 for adults

By Bus

From Tokyo:

• Direct buses from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Hakuba
• Journey time: 5-6 hours
• Cost: ¥5,200 – ¥7,800

From Narita or Haneda Airport:

• Direct buses available
• Journey time: 6-7 hours
• Cost: ¥8,000 – ¥10,500

By Car

• Rental cars available from major cities
• Journey time from Tokyo: About 4 hours
• Remember to use winter tires during snowy seasons