'''Hakuba''' (___n) is a skiing resort in Nagano Prefecture, in the Chubu district of Japan.

Get in

By train

Hakuba is a stop on the '''JR Oito Line'''.

From Shinjuku in Tokyo, there is one daily ''Super Azusa'' limited express service that runs to Hakuba. The ride takes 3 hours, 45 minutes and costs ¥8070 each way. As of January 2006, the outbound service leaves at 11:00, and the inbound service (to Shinjuku) departs from Hakuba at 14:57. There is also an additional ''Azusa'' service on certain dates, making the run to Hakuba in about 4 hours.

Otherwise, you will have to take an ''Azusa'' or ''Super Azusa'' to Matsumoto and take one (possibly two) Oito Line local trains, increasing the journey to 4 1/2 hours.

The fastest route from Tokyo is by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Nagano: 105min./8,170yen. Then by bus from Nagano to Hakuba 65min./1,500yen. Trains run every half hour or so, buses every hour. Note that the last bus from Nagano Station to Hakuba is 8:30pm. This whole trip takes just over 2.5 hours, 9,700yen one way.

These trips are useful for Japan Rail Pass holders, or else it is probably cheaper to take the bus.

By Bus

From Tokyo, Buses run from Shinjuku every two or three hours and stop at several places in the Hakuba region. The trip takes around 4 and a half hours and costs ¥8500 return for adults or half that for children. [http://www.alpico.jp/access/express/hakuba_shinjuku/ Timetable]

Buses run every hour during ski season from Nagano and cost ¥1400/¥700 for adults/children. The journey takes just over an hour. [http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/nagano_hakuba/index_e.html Timetable]

Get around

  • Outside of the winter months, there are plenty of bike trails and walking paths to get around the area. Many hostels have bike rental which helps if you are a little bit outside of Hakuba proper.
  • If you are based around Kamishiro station, you are on the main rail line and road so a trip into Hakuba proper is only five minutes by JR or by Bus.
  • The Shuttle Bus "Genki-Go" runs from December through March in the evenings from 17:00. Three lines run throughout Hakuba for 300yen a ride.
  • See

  • Hakuba Village Tourist Info Website. ttp://vill.hakuba.nagano.jp/~us/.

  • Evergreen Outdoors. adanomori Visitor Center 4683-2 Happo Hakuba Kita Azumi, Nagano Japan 399-9301 . 261-72-5150 . ttp://www.evergreen-hakuba.com/. Offering a wide range of activities, their instructors are highly qualified (as well as very friendly) individuals from all over the globe. They'll pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drop you off at the end of your activity.

    During the Green Season

    Near Hakuba, during the green season (i.e. spring, summer & autumn), there are three freshwater lakes that are so clean that you can swim in them. In order from south to north, they are called Aoki-ko, Nakazuna-ko, and Kizaki-ko. The use of engines and outboard motors is banned on Aoki-ko, making it the quietest and nicest of the three. Popular activities include boating, sport fishing, and windsurfing. Nakazuna-ko is very small and only really attracts fishermen. Kizaki-ko is the most developed, and since engines are allowed, sports like wakeboarding are popular.

    During the summer, most of the ski resorts operate some of their lifts to allow access to higher elevations. At Hakuba 47 and Aokiko (in nearby Omachi), the lifts allow access for mountain biking. Hiking or simply enjoying the views are popular at Happo, Goryu and Tsugaike. Above Happo, an easy trail extends for 40 minutes to a small pond in which the local alpine peaks are reflected. A couple of hours further up the trail lies the peak of Mt. Karamatsu on the main ridge of the North Alps. The top ski run at Goryu becomes an alpine garden in summer and another trail leads further upward to a viewpoint (around 50 minutes) or the peak of Mt. Goryu itself (around four hours). Above Tsugaike, a further ropeway takes you to a wetland that is designated as a national park. A trail from here takes you up to Mt. Shirouma, after which Hakuba is named. Shirouma and Hakuba are different readings of the kanji for "white horse". The smaller ski field of Iwatake uses its pistes to grow thousands of lilies in summer and also has a dry ski slope if you're desperate for turns.

    Like all mountain areas in Japan, temperatures in Hakuba stay much cooler than in the cities on Japan's Pacific coast. That alone makes it worthy of a visit.

    Do

    Whether you're a snowboarder or skier, beginner or pro, with seven ski resorts in the area you shouldn't have problems finding a run to suit your style.
  • '''Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park''' 24196-47, Kamishiro, Hakuba Village, ''+81'' 261-75-3533. [http://www.hakuba47.co.jp/e/]. Open 8.30AM to 4.30PM daily, Dec-May approx. With an annual snowfall of over 10m, Hakuba 47 offers 23 name runs, from beginner to advanced, as well as snowshoe and snowmobile tours. Private lessons for skiers or snowboarders are available in English and they rent basic equipment too.
  • There are plenty of ''onsen'' (hot spring baths) in the Hakuba area, perfect for soaking away the aches and pains of a day on the slopes. [http://www.vill.hakuba.nagano.jp/e/onsen/ List]. Don't forget to wash off before you enter the water. Here is a link to a short guide about bathing etiquette http://www.mc.rosenet.ne.jp/~cybercable/
  • '''Juro No-Yu''', ''+81'' 261-71-8160 Ten minutes walk from Kamishiro station. This onsen is open 24 hours a day from December to March, 10AM-10PM the rest of the year. Closed on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Enjoy the piping hot mineral waters in the inside and outside baths while looking out over the snow capped mountains. When your skin starts shrivelling up, dry off and head to the lounge to kick back on the tatami and watch TV or dig into a steaming bowl of tempura soba. Sauna, lockers provided. ¥500/¥400 for adults/children for 2 hours bathing. Meals around ¥1000.
  • '''Tenjin No-Yu''', ''+81'' 261-72-3450. 15 minutes walk from Hakuba station. Open 9AM-10PM. Closed Tu. Recommended by locals for its healing waters, Tenjin No-Yu offers great views of the mountains from both indoor and outdoor baths. Lockers available. ¥500.
  • Ritsuo Uchikawa. 3 minutes walk from hakuba station_F7052-3 hokujyou Hakubamura. 9096648026. ports massage\4000(45min.). English speaking sports coach, massagist,moxybustion therapist, bone setter and physio. He broke his own bones ski-jumping so he really knows how to fix them. he open physiotherapy room "uchikawa seikotsuin" near hakuba station.

    Buy

    Hakuba's specialty products include blueberries and purple rice.
  • Fresh blueberries can be picked straight from the vine during spring and summer at The Blueberry Farm, tel. ''+81'' 261-75-2735, or purchased from most gift stores in the region.
  • For the same berry flavor with increased shelf-life, try some locally made blueberry ''youkan'' (sweet jelly) or ''daifuku'' (rices cakes with sweet paste).
  • Hakuba Murasakimai, or purple rice, is the result of boiling a mixture of glutinous and non-glutinous grains. It's available from roadside stations around Hakuba.
  • The Boarding Co. akuba. akuba Eki Mae. pposite Hakuba Station . 81) 0261 85 5095. ww.TheBoardingCo.com. 2-8,30pm. Hakuba's largest Burton dealer,Prior handshaped snowboards and national distributor for Warner Surfboards. Owner has snowboarded in Hakuba for 17 seasons. Specialising in directional snowboards for powder conditions and foreign sizes, L & XL size boots and clothing,goggles accessories, backcountry gear and custom surfboards & wetsuits. Conveniently located opposite Hakuba Railway station. Hand shaped custom surfboards are worth a look. </buy>
  • Burton Pro Snowboard Shop and Rentals. akuba. urn off Route 147 towards Goryu Ski Field. ollow signs to Escal Plaza (Goryu Skifield) will be on your right hand side with the river on your left.. 81) 0261 75 4095. ww.TheBoardingCo.com. .30am-8.30pm. Huge range of rental boards from Learn to Ride to Burton Pro Models. Brand new boots, boards and bindings all guaranteed not to break or malfunction while your on the mountain. Try a Prior Powderstik or Burton Fish next time it dumps. Boots cater for foreign foot sizes- up to size 15 for men and size 10 for ladies.A select range of Amplid powder, twin, park skis with boots(up to size 28.5) and poles Fully trained Bi-Lingal staff, door to door deliveries and fitting service ,avoid the ques in rental centres. TRY TO BUY RENTAL campaign enables you to receive two days rental free and to take this amount off the normal retail of your intended purchase.</buy>

    Eat

  • '''Gravity Worx Cafe'''. Next to Hakuba station, this warm and inviting cafe has English menus and delicious homemade apple pie. A wide range of pizza and pasta dishes are available, or you can settle in with a few drinks and watch a movie on the bar tv. The large hot chocolate, served rich and steaming in a huge beer stein, is the best medicine for the icy winter days. Service is excellent and there is local produce and baked goods for sale. Meals ¥800-1500 Deserts ¥400.
  • '''White Horse Restaurant''', in Echoland, [http://www.whitehorse-hakuba.com]. Offers a great range of hearty western style meals including steaks, burgers, and pizzas. They have a large international wine list and english speaking staff. Friday night is the famous BBQ night. Expresso coffee available.
  • '''Uncle Steven's Mexican Restaurant''' just across the bridge up the hill from Happo Village. Some of the best Mexican food in Japan. Don't miss the baked banana. It usually runs a family of four about 8,000 including beer and bananas. Free Wi-Fi.
  • '''Yamano Hotel Restaurant''', in Happo-One, in front of the Ski Jumping Stadium, phone: 0261-72-8311 or by e-mail: info@hakuba-yamanohotel.com, [http://www.hakuba-yamanohotel.com]. Offers delicious French Style and traditional Japanese Style meals (Chanko Nabe - famed sumo wrestlers one-pot meal) and also a wide range of drinks: wine, beer, sake etc. to enjoy with. Service is excellent with friendly English speaking staff. A reservation is required in advance.
  • Kicchonchon. 00m West of Hakuba station. 261 72 2833. 7:00-24:00. Traditional Izakaya with friendly staff and great food.
  • .
  • Hindi Momo. izuho. 261-72-7715. ttp://www.hakuba-joho.net/hindi/. 1:30-14:20lunch, 17:30-21:30 dinner. id. Some of the best Indian in Japan. The menu is constantly refreshed, offering the best "in season" vegetables. The tandoori prawns are a favourite dish.
  • sidehill french dining & bar. th ave. south Echoland, Hakuba. 99-9301. 85-261-75-5557. ttp://www.hakuba-sidehill.com. 8:30-. 200yen-. High quality natural & 'slow food' French style evening meals using locally produced fresh meat and vegetables. The Bar is open from 8:30 - midnight daily and serves a wide range of beers, spirits and wines.</eat>

    Drink

  • '''Tracks Bar''', One of Hakuba's most happening nightspots [http://tracksbar.com].
  • '''White Horse Bar''', [http://www.whitehorse-hakuba.com]. A cool atmosphere for apres drinks with a great selection of local and international beers, wines and spirits and some smooth tunes. Situated in Echoland.
  • '''Yamano Hotel Bar''' called "Noroc" in Happo - One, in front of the Ski Jumping Stadium, [http://www.hakuba-yamanohotel.com]. Good music, wide range of drinks and friendly staff. Opening hours: 22:00 - 1:00
  • Hie. zakaya. choland Main Street. 261-72-8035. 8:00-0:30. id. Designed for foreigners to enjoy a traditional Japanese izakaya, this place has great food! An English menu is available as well as private Japanese style rooms.
  • Tomatito. choland. ust before Echoland Main street, between the gymnasium and the Echoland onsen. 261-72-2012. ww.hakuba.org/tomatito/. 8:00-1:00. id-high. New in Echoland, Tomatito has everything, from pizza to sake. There is a pool table, darts and fussball. The spring rolls are a must try.
  • Off Piste. choland Main Street. 8:00-?. id. A cute pub showing snowboarding and skiing videos, darts and great drinks. The staff is very friendly and it's always warm inside! Check for special events.

    Sleep

  • Hakuba Meteor Pension. _399-9301, 2937-730 Misorano Hokujyo Hakuba ,Kita-Azumi Nagano JAPAN. 0261)72-5153. ttp://www.hakuba-meteor.com/EnglishLodge.html. 5:00. 0:00. ow-high. A family run pension, consisting of 2 lodges (one deluxe), small cottages and new condominiums, Meteor has something for everyone. Set in the quiet forest around Echoland, the pension is within a short walk of Echoland Main Street. The English speaking staff is more than helpful.

  • lodge & bar Side Hill. th ave. south Echoland, Hakuba. 99-9301. {85-261-75-5557. ttp://www.hakuba-sidehill.com. 5:00. 0:00. 000yen-. Side Hill is a cozy lodge located in central Echoland. The lodge was recently renovated and has a new fireplace and lounge area. Our owner Kikuo Kataoka speaks English well, and prides himself on the fact that no matter how long you stay, you will never get the same meal twice. All rooms have a TV and heating/air condtioning. The Bar is open from 8:30 - midnight daily and serves a wide range of beers, spirits and wines. Its a great places to enjoy the nightlife in Hakuba. </sleep>

    Self Contained

    '''Snowbeds Cabin''' Located 50 metres off the centre of Echoland, which is the heart of Hakuba, where you will find nightlife, restaurants and shops, this newly renovated 3 bedroom cabin offers excellent accommodation for up to 6 guests.

    Budget

  • '''Snowbeds Backpackers''', [http://www.skijapantravel.com/accommodation/snowbeds-backpackers] 2937-304 Hakujo, Kita-Azumi Gun, Hakuba, Nagano 399-9301. Tel 81 90 7310 4032 email Mitch@snowbedsjapan.com Hakuba's first and most famous backpackers, and still the best in town. With a great atmosphere and cheap long term rates, minutes walk to restaurants and bars. Snowbeds was opened in 1998 and was one of the first foreign owned business's in Hakuba. Still the most popular backpackers accommodation in Hakuba due to location and word of mouth, if the Snowbeds staff don_ft know something about Hakuba then it_fs not worth knowing. Free shuttle bus stop for 5 resorts right out front. Closest ski resorts being Happo One and 47/Goryu. Features western style private and shared rooms, communial kitchen, satelite TV, ski/drying room, workshop and tuning room. Y3000 per night. English spoken.
  • '''The Lab Hakuba''', Tel 61 390171142. A western style ski lodge located 300 metres from the base Happo One lifts. Can accommodate 70 people in a range of 4, 6, and 8 share rooms with continental breakfasts supplied each day. Was previously being used to house international ski teams, has Japanese onsen style bathroom, its own fully stocked bar and restaurant with great deals to follow a big day skiing or boarding. Features western style private and shared rooms, communial kitchen, satelite TV, ski/Snowboard drying room, private shuttle bus, workshop and tuning room. From Y6000 per night. English spoken.
  • '''Hakuba Alps Backpackers''', 22407-4 Ohaza, Kamishiro, tel. ''+81'' 261-75-4038, [http://www.hakubabackpackers.com/englishtop.htm]. Look for the wooden building with a windmill on top, just a few minutes walk from Kamishiro station. Facilities include kitchen, jacuzzi, lounge with DVD player and satellite TV and a BBQ on the deck. HAB is run by a group of friendly expats happy to offer advice about their time on the slopes. ¥3000 pp/pn dorm accommodation.
  • '''K's Hostel Hakuba''', 22201-36 Kamishiro TEL +81(0)261-75-4445_@FAX +81(0)261-75-4448 [http://kshouse.jp/hakuba-e/index.html]. A couple of minutes walk from Kamishiro Station, however if you are feeling lazy, when you arrive you can phone and one of the members of staff can pick you up. Run by two cheerful young Japanese folk, they like to hang out with visitors when the hostel is less busy. Facilities include a kitchen, large bath house, large lounge with TV, DVD and Playstation 2 with plenty of games and DVDs. Only 8 minutes downhill from Goryu. ¥2,800 pp/pn for dorm accommodation and ¥3,900 pp/pn for ensuite double bedroom.
  • '''Maison de Sasagawa''', mobile phone: 090-70061651, Wadano-no-mori, Hakuba, e-mail: hiroseyoko@gmail.com [http://www.maisondesasagawa.com],3 min. to the Happo One gondola. Enjoy a cozy family atmoshere, with friendly English speaking staff. 6.000 yen/person/night (includes continental breakfast and all the taxes). Facilities include: wireless internet, laundry, kitchen for free use. Baby sitting service[http://www.hakubababysitting.com] also available.
  • Gladerunner Lodge. akuba Village, Kita-Azumi County. ocated in the middle of Echoland village, which is the heart of Hakuba's nightlife and restaurant district.. 2 6185 4660. ttp://www.gladerunnerjapan.com/. rices start from 5,000 Yen per person per night (dorm room) including continental breakfast.. laderunner@hotmail.com. Australian owned and operated western style lodge, with 9 bedrooms ranging from double rooms with ensuites to 4-6 share dorm rooms. Relax in the lounge area that has a fully equipped bar, flat screen with cable TV and wireless internet.

    Mid-range

  • '''Shakespeare Hotel''' Located at the bottom of the main street in Echoland with a resort shuttle bus stop out front the Shakespeare Hotel is right in the heart of the best nightlife in Hakuba yet only minutes to resorts. Featuring a large courtyard surrounded by shops and restaurants the hotel boasts an Olde English style atmosphere.
  • '''Echo Hotel''' Renovated and reopened in October 2006, this family run hotel is excellent value for money. Echoland, the area it sits in the heart of, is surrounded by bars and restaurants. With its excellent location, great service, spotless new rooms that are both traditional/western mix and competitive rates the Echo hotel is one of Hakuba's best value for money establishments. The traditional style cuisine at the Echo Hotel is a must do memorable experience. Only a five minutes free shuttle bus to Happo One or 47/Goryu.
  • '''Yamano Hotel Hakuba''', ''+81-''261-72-8311, fax ''+81-''261-72-8312, e-mail: info@hakuba-yamanohotel.com, [http://www.hakuba-yamanohotel.com]. Located in front of the Olympic Ski Jumping Stadium, 5 min on foot to the slopes of Happo One resort (Nakiyama Area). Free shuttle bus available until the ski lifts of Happo One, Hakuba 47 & Goryu. Free wifi/PC in lobby,ski & snowboard rentals, indoor hot spring and sauna, coin-operated laundry, games/entertainment room area, drying room, DVD player rental, oriental massage. All the rooms have refrigerator, private bathroom, wireless internet, hair dryer, television, telephone, air conditioning, yukata (Japanese bathrobe). Free pick-up/drop off service from Hakuba bus/train station. Long stay and group discounts available. Don't miss great mountain views, delicious meals and knowledgeable and multilingual friendly staff. We look forward to being your host.
  • '''Blue Dragon Hakuba''', is a stylish Australian-owned boutique hotel in a fantastic location.
  • Blending contemporary Japanese design with western service and facilities, Blue Dragon Hakuba delivers a fusion east meets west experience. Whether its on the mountain, dining out, or finding that great photo-opportunity, Blue Dragon Hakuba keeps you one step ahead of the usual tourist trail. Email us: stay@bluedragonhakuba.com Skype us: bluedragonhakuba Call us: +81 (0)907 017 5331 or visit [http://www.bluedragonhakuba.com].

  • '''Hakuba House''', Hakuba House, one of the highest lodges in Hakuba, this boutique mountain ski lodge is set in the forest area of Wadano right on the spectacular Japanese Alps. The lodge is above the chair lifts of Hakuba Happo One and is virtually ski in ski out. You can ski into the front door and more often than not ski down to the Sakka lifts. Otherwise its just 180m walk to the entry point of the ski area.
  • [http://www.hakubahouse.com/index.asp] Email us: stay@hakubahouse.com Call us: Sydney (02)80055884 or +81 906646-1991

  • '''Pension Hayaokidori''', five minutes walk from Kamishiro train station and the bus-stops for travellers arriving from Shinjuku or Nagano city, tel. ''+81'' 261-75-2142, [http://www.hakubajapan.com]. It's also within walking distance of Hakuba Goryu ski resort. Rooms are simple but clean with shared bathrooms, including Japanese-style bath. Friendly owner Bono-san speaks excellent English and may be able to help you rent ski equipment or drive you to some of the closer resorts. The common bar area is warm and inviting, if a little musty-smelling, and serves alcohol until 11PM along with delicious lasagne and other home cooking. One night's accommodation will set you back ¥7350/10920/16380 for singles/doubles/quads without food. A huge breakfast is available for a little extra.
  • '''Morino Lodge''', 5 minutes walk from Happo bus terminal and close to Hakuba station with free pick up. Tel. ''+81'' 261-85-9098, [http://www.morinolodge.com]. MorinoLodge has clean, spacious twins, doubles and group rooms in western and Japanese style. The rooms all come with ensuite bathroom, shower and toilet plus televison, DVD player, mini fridge and patio windows with balconies. There is also a huge lounge with big sofas to chill out on. The Lodge is surrounded by great restaurants and bars and is only 4 minutes walk from the Happo gondola. The western owners have been in Hakuba for 7 years and have great knowledge of the surrounding area
  • '''Green Valley Hakuba''', 24196-24 Kamishiro, TEL:+81-261-75-4000 (http://www.gvhakuba.com/). Living and Bed rooms (TV, Heater, Fan Vacuum cleaner, Bed). Kitchen (Gas or electric stove, Refrigerator, Rice cooker, Microwave, Toaster, Pot, Kitchen utensils, grill). Bathroom (Washing machine, Drier, Shampoo and Conditioner, Hand soap, Toothbrush, Towel). Outside (Parking, barbeque space).
  • '''Lodge tabi-tabi'''.[http://www.tabitabijapan.com/welcome.html] Surrounded by Hakuba's world class ski resorts, Lodge tabi-tabi is unlike any other accommodation in snow country. Our unique lodge combines the chilled out atmosphere of a Southeast Asian guesthouse with the traditional Japanese ryokan experience. Helpful international staff, friendly guests, healthy homemade meals and great music make the tabi-tabi experience an unforgettable one. We provide guests with the space and facilities of a fully equipped lodge and the laid back style and rates of a backpacker's guesthouse. We are nestled in the woods only steps from heart of Goryu village, and an easy walk from the Gondolla at Goryu Ski Resort. Our facilities include a large drying room with waxing and tune-up facilities, creatively decorated living room with kotatsu (heated tables), a large dining area with great views of the surrounding snow covered trees, free wireless internet, a private Japanese style bath, and sound systems throughout the house. The tabi-tabi experience goes "Above and beyond all expectations!"
  • Splurge

  • '''Sierra Resort Hakuba''', Between Tsugaike and Happo-One ski areas, ph. +81 080 5144 4700. (http://www.sierrahakuba.com/) Largest hotel rooms in the area. En-suite fireplaces, heated floors. Outdoor onsen (hot spring) complex. Free limousine service to ski areas, shopping/eating/drinking areas and station. Long stay and group discounts available.
  • '''White Horse Hotel''', [http://www.whitehorse-hakuba.com]. The White Horse Hotel is a boutique style hotel situated in Echoland. English speaking staff. Japanese rooms with western comforts and situated in the main restaurant/bar area of the valley. Free shuttles to any of the ten resorts in the valley.
  • '''Hakuba Apartments''', Echoland area, ph.090-1147-8741, [hakubaapartments@hotmail.com]. 5-minute shuttle ride away from Happo-one. Many bars and restaurants within a short walking distance. Rates 30000 yen for 6 people or less.
  • '''Oharukanoyu''', 2942-17 Misorano Hokujou TEL:+81-261-72-5170 (http://oharuka.com/). Lobby, Dining room, Japanese-style and Western-style rooms (35 guest rooms, Satellite television(BS, SKY PerfecTV), Washlet(Toilet with bided function), High speed internet all rooms correspondence), Indoor Onsen (hot spring), Rotenburo (Open-air hot spring), Ski & board drying room / Separate changing room / locker room / wash room.
  • Get out