The Hakuba Valley is a huge expanse of ski resorts offering an incredible variety of terrain for both skiers and snowboarders. Situated in the heart of the Japan Alps, the alpine scenery is truly spectacular with huge rugged peaks towering above the town of Hakuba below. From one end of the valley to the next, with ten resorts accessing over two hundred runs, Hakuba is the premier valley in Japan. The southern end of the valley, Sun Alpina, incorporates three ski areas - Happo, the Olympic resort situated in the heart of Hakuba, as well as the nearby resorts of Hakuba 47 and Goryu-Toomi. To the northern end of the valley, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura and Cortina are all impressive resorts that are rated highly among skiers and boarders with Cortina being the standout amongst powder lovers.
Restaurant & Nightlife
OVER 200 DINING EXPEREIENCES
Hakuba has a very wide variety of restaurants, cafés and bars to suit any taste, from simple take-away to fine dining in some of the prefecture’s best restaurants. Make sure to pick up a copies of the various local restaurant guides when in Hakuba. Advance bookings are highly recommended from Christmas through to the end of February. You may be asked your credit card details to secure your booking, make sure to turn up on time, and cancel your reservation if you are no longer planning to go.
Shopping
GREAT WINTER SHOPPING
Hakuba has a good selection of shops and stores and several great ski shops in town. Yamatoya and The Boarding Co. near the Hakuba Station have a great range of skiing and boarding gear respectively. Patagonia, North Face and just across the street, Koujitsu Sanso, have top quality outdoor gear and often discounted stock. Rhythm Snow Sports stocks a good range of retail and rental ski/snowboard goods, and even have a dedicated boot fitting service. For the backcountry enthusiasts, Rapie is the one stop shop for all of your ski and snowboard off-piste powder needs.
Hakuba has three main supermarkets where most items are available. Hakuba’s “The Big” is the largest and open until 9pm. Other supermarkets are called A Co-op, which is located two minutes walk away from Hakuba Station, and Delicia which is located 10 minutes walk away from the station. Please note foreign credit cards are not always accepted at the supermarkets, so it is wise to have Japanese yen with you. Other than these three supermarkets there are two 7-Elevens, two Lawson’s and several other private convenience stores, too.
For further shopping information when you arrive into Hakuba, make sure you pick up a copy of Hakuba Connect, this is a great magazine full of information on Hakuba. In addition, a pocket sized guide, the Hakuba Essential Guide lists all the best bars and restaurants in town.
Hotsprings
RELAX AND REJUVENATE
Hakuba has a plethora of rich natural spring water and there is no better way to relax and rejuvenate after a hard days skiing than to soothe your body in one of the many natural hot springs in the Hakuba Valley.
There are many onsens around the village, some are stand-alone onsen facilities, and others belong to hotels, a visit will generally set you back 600 - 1,500 yen per visit. If your hotel does not house an onsen, your accommodation manager will be happy to point out the closest and best onsens in relation to your accommodation.