Why to go
Located in the Prefecture of Nagano in the Hakuba Valley are the areas 3 main world class resorts of Happo One, Hakuba 47 and Goryu Toomi.

Hakuba is the Japanese version of France’s Chamonix valley with a number of resorts stretched over a long valley with stunning scenery with some surprisingly large peaks and an impressive record of dry deep powder.

Hakuba hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, the downhill, slalom and the ski jumping events were all held at Happo One.

Hakuba 47 and Goryu Toomi are interconnected resorts on the one lift pass.

Hakuba is largely unspoilt by western influences and the area provides a great insight into the Japanese culture.

The town of Hakuba is about 5 minutes from the nearest resort.

Hakuba 47 has no base village, with the Goryu area providing mainly pension style accommodation. Happo One has the largest base area (developed for the 1998 winter Olympics) and is the most active at night, however the nightlife across the valley is fairly quiet.

Do not miss
The mogul field which ends at the top of the Hakuba 47gondola station.

The on mountain restaurants serving up huge bowls of steaming noodles, curries and regional specialties.

The start of the downhill course at Happo One on a powder day.

The Pipe and terrain park at Hakuba 47 is world class and includes a maintained mogul course.

Getting there
By car from Tokyo it takes approximately 4 hours or by bus which is the cheapest leaving from Shinjuku Train Station (Tokyo)

By the Super Azusa train from Shinjuku Station it takes just under 4 hours. Or alternatively by the Nagano Bullet Train, the Asama Shinkansen, from Tokyo Station taking only 1 ½ hours.

Hot Tip
Staying with an English speaking host or access a multilingual tour guide can be an advantage.

Early risers are well rewarded on powder days with the resorts usually quiet for the first couple of runs.

The bus transport between resorts is sporadic with a combination of taxis and trains the best bet.

Cash ATM’s accepting foreign cards are located at the post office near the main train station.

read more about Goryu Toomi