[Japan] NAGANO Hakuba Outdoor adventure in Japan’s sports mecca

 

Japan's outdoor activity mecca

This world-class resort in Nagano's Northern Alps welcomes powder enthusiasts from around the globe during the winter, as well as in the summer, when it transforms into an outdoor sports wonderland during the warmer months.

Don't Miss

Unparalleled skiing and snowboarding across Hakuba's 10 resorts

Checking out the many festivals occurring throughout the year

Escaping the heat and enjoying outdoor activities in the summer months

How to Get There

Hakuba is well serviced by a network of trains and buses. The area's major transport hub is Nagano Station, and the closest international airports are Haneda and Narita.

From Tokyo, the fastest and simplest option is the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station  to Nagano, then transferring to a bus at Nagano Station. There is also a daily service on the Chuo Line Limited Express Azusa to Minami-Otari, which stops at Hakuba station.

Host of the Winter Olympics

Hakuba began developing in the 1950s, but the 1998 Winter Olympics really brought it to the international stage. Hakuba and Otari Villages and nearby Omachi draw winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.

The area enjoys around 11 meters of annual snowfall, some of the nation's best powder. Enjoy 11 resorts, 146 lifts, and over 200 runs for beginners to advanced skiers.

Ten passes in one

Ten of Hakuba's resorts have teamed up to offer the Hakuba Valley Ticket available for single or multiple day use. Getting around is easy, with buses running between the resorts and villages. Besides the excellent downhill courses, winter activities, such as snowshoeing, snow rafting, and backcountry skiing, are also available.

Check out the winter festivals

There are a variety of events taking place at each resort throughout the winter, so be sure to check out the event listings when you visit.

Revel in the village nightlife

Hakuba has hosted international winter sports fans for decades and has a lively after-dark scene. Two popular areas to stay and unwind in are the Happo area and Echoland area. Both are cosmopolitan without losing their Japanese charm: luxury hotels share the streets with small Japanese inns and craft brew pubs operate beside traditional izakayas, while ramen joints are squeezed in next to restaurants offering world class fare.

Where to stay

Just a short walk from the slopes, Happo area's central location and array of facilities make it a convenient base. English speaking ski and snowboarding lessons are available, as is English daycare. Besides the standard accommodation options, Happo area offers plenty of apartments and chalets. The village's restaurants, bars and shops keep it buzzing until late.

Staying in the adjacent Echoland area requires taking a shuttle to the slopes, of which there are plenty. The accommodation tends to be more economical than Happo's, and it is popular with a younger crowd. Echoland is packed with bars, clubs, and pubs, making its nightlife especially renowned.

Bask in the grandeur of the Northern Alps

The mountains of Hakuba are part of the Northern Chubu-Sangaku National Park. The spectacular alpine scenery, pristine air, and wealth of outdoor activities make Hakuba a popular warm-weather destination as well. Its 800-meter elevation offers a refreshing respite from the heat of the cities.

All-season activities

Mountain trekking fans often use Hakuba as a base and many of the lifts operate in summer and autumn for easier access. And with plenty of outdoor activities available, from the placid canoe trips to adrenaline boosting paragliding, there's no shortage of things to do. The Evergreen Outdoor Center offers a variety of green season activities, including mountain biking tours, rafting, kayaking and even tree climbing.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

[Japan] Sapporo Teine Ski Resort

 

Fresh snow just outside the city

Less than an hour away from the city center, Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is one of the most accessible resorts in the prefecture. Offering reasonable prices and trails, from those suitable for beginners to more advanced runs for seasoned pros, Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is perfect for a quick day trip or a full weekend adventure.

Don't Miss

Views of the mountain ranges and ocean in the distance

Powder snow from Ishikari Bay

The Dinosaur Kids Park with sledding

Hitting the park to try out all your tricks on the kickers, rails, and boxes

How to Get There

The resort is accessible by train and bus.

From Sapporo Station, it is a 20-minute JR train ride to Teine. Change to a JR bus in front of the Teine train station. It is a 20-minute ride to the Teine Olympia Mae bus stop.

Quick Facts

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort hosted many of the events for the 1972 Winter Olympic Games

The highest point of the mountain is 1,023 meters above sea level

There are 9 lifts, 1 gondola and 15 courses

Ski the slopes—whatever your level

There are two main areas on the mountain, Olympia and the Highland Zone, which offer slopes at a variety of levels. Olympia is best for beginners and lower intermediates, while the Highland Zone is more challenging. Check out the four runs in Nature Zone. Night skiing is also offered at Teine.

Master the mountain

Teine offers a range of lessons for adults and kids, but make sure you get your bookings done early.

Save on snowy adventures

Check the resort website for special ski packages, many of which include transportation, lift passes, and gear rental. Sapporo Teine Ski Resort also offers a variety of lift options from hourly passes to season passes.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.Fresh snow just outside the city

Less than an hour away from the city center, Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is one of the most accessible resorts in the prefecture. Offering reasonable prices and trails, from those suitable for beginners to more advanced runs for seasoned pros, Sapporo Teine Ski Resort is perfect for a quick day trip or a full weekend adventure.

Don't Miss

Views of the mountain ranges and ocean in the distance

Powder snow from Ishikari Bay

The Dinosaur Kids Park with sledding

Hitting the park to try out all your tricks on the kickers, rails, and boxes

How to Get There

The resort is accessible by train and bus.

From Sapporo Station, it is a 20-minute JR train ride to Teine. Change to a JR bus in front of the Teine train station. It is a 20-minute ride to the Teine Olympia Mae bus stop.

Quick Facts

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort hosted many of the events for the 1972 Winter Olympic Games

The highest point of the mountain is 1,023 meters above sea level

There are 9 lifts, 1 gondola and 15 courses

Ski the slopes—whatever your level

There are two main areas on the mountain, Olympia and the Highland Zone, which offer slopes at a variety of levels. Olympia is best for beginners and lower intermediates, while the Highland Zone is more challenging. Check out the four runs in Nature Zone. Night skiing is also offered at Teine.

Master the mountain

Teine offers a range of lessons for adults and kids, but make sure you get your bookings done early.

Save on snowy adventures

Check the resort website for special ski packages, many of which include transportation, lift passes, and gear rental. Sapporo Teine Ski Resort also offers a variety of lift options from hourly passes to season passes.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

[Japan] Hakuba Ski Resorts

 

Olympic-class winter sports on the roof of Japan

Stretching nearly 30 kilometers along the base of the Hakuba Range in Nagano's Northern Alps, Hakuba Valley is home to some of the country's best snow and Japan's biggest ski resort.

Don't Miss

The Hakuba47 Snow Sculpture Festival in February

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing courses in Iwatake

Skiing and snowboarding until early May

How to Get There

Getting to Hakuba  is easy, no matter where you're based.

From Tokyo Station  take the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line to Nagano and switch to an express bus. You can get to Hakuba from Nagoya by catching the limited express Shinano. From Osaka to Nagano take the JR Thunderbird Limited Express and change at Kanazawa Station to the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, then make the bus transfer to Hakuba.

Traveling around the valley

Moving between resorts is easy with Hakuba's network of free shuttle buses, some of which also connect to the villages. Maps and schedules are available at the tourist information center. Many hotels also offer their own shuttle services, so it's best to ask.

Fresh powder daily

The resorts receive around 11 meters of annual snowfall. The area has 146 lifts and over 200 runs spread across 11 resorts, a good variety of terrain and excellent powder. While there is no shortage of beginner level runs, the most popular slopes range from intermediate to Olympic level and attract winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe.

Beginners are welcome

Skiing and snowboard instruction is available in English at resorts throughout the valley and schools like Hakuba Ski Concierge. English language childcare is available at Happo-one, Goryu, Cortina, and other locations.

Ten in one

Ten of Hakuba Valley's resorts have teamed up to offer a Hakuba Valley lift ticket available for single or multiple-day use. Slopes open in late November and run until the beginning of May at higher elevations. January and February are peak powder season, and the year-end holidays are particularly busy, as is Chinese New Year.

Happo-one highlights

Happo-one (pronounced Hap-poh-oh-nay) is an expansive resort near the center of the Hakuba Valley and is the closest to Hakuba Station. The 16 courses and 19 lifts offer skiing and boarding options for all levels as well as good backcountry access. The resort holds a variety of events including a New Year's Eve countdown and the Happo-one Fire Festival in February. Happo-one also hosted the downhill and ski jump events for the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Goryu and Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park

These adjacent resorts are the only two in the Hakuba Village area joined by their runs. The same lift ticket serves both areas, boasting a combined 19 lifts and 24 courses. Goryu has plenty of services available at the base and is known for its long, meandering intermediate and beginner slopes.

Hakuba47 is a more advanced option with lots of steep runs. The north-facing slope also extends its season, with runs often accessible until May. The resort hosts the Hakuba47 Snow Sculpture Festival in February.

Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field

With 16 lifts and 15 courses, Iwatake is known for its incredible panoramic view. Intermediate courses are the norm, but there are also a handful of beginner runs and a children's area. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing courses help make it a fun family resort. It also tends to be less crowded than some of Hakuba's better-known ski areas.

See the Otari Village  page for details on Cortina, Tsugaike Kogen, and Hakuba Norikura resorts.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

[Japan] HOKKAIDO Niseko Ski Resorts & Around

Perfect powder draws skiers from around the world

Hokkaido  in general is known for its snow, but the Niseko area, southwest of Sapporo, is the most famous ski area in Japan. It is extremely popular with overseas visitors for its powdery snow and welcoming attitude. Outside of snow season, there are hiking trails and sports from rafting to golf.

Don't Miss

Soak in one of the many local hot springs

Snap a photo of iconic Mt. Yotei, a towering volcano that resembles Mt. Fuji

Enjoy backcountry skiing and snowboarding through pristine wilderness

How to Get There

Niseko is accessible from Sapporo or New Chitose International Airport by car, train or bus.

The drive from Sapporo or the airport takes around three hours. There are buses from both points and trains via Otaru to Niseko Station. Local taxis are often equipped with ski racks for convenience.

Skiing and snowboarding

Niseko is the powder snow capital of Hokkaido . As the largest resort on the island, a huge variety of terrain and facilities are available to suit all levels. Niseko United is the largest area, comprising four resorts. Rental equipment is available from local stores for those traveling without gear. Smaller resorts like Mt. Moiwa provide a chance to enjoy the freshest powder away from the crowds.

Backcountry and cat skiing

For adventurous skiers and snowboarders who want to get off the beaten track, Niseko has numerous backcountry guided tours and cat-skiing options, such as Chisenupuri, Weiss, and Shimamaki. The professionals will outfit you in the necessary safety gear and instill the rules of alpine safety. Adding a rugged sense of adventure to your Niseko experience, consider trying to conquer the majestic Mt. Yotei.

Other winter activities

Try snowmobiling to get your heart racing, or try the old school charms of snowshoeing. There are a great many activities for those seeking variety.

At the end of the day, there is nothing better than soaking in one of the many natural hot springs.

Summer in Niseko

Switch your snowboard for a mountain bike to enjoy the mountains in summer or head to one of the many local golf courses. Rafting and standup paddleboarding are a great way to see the waterways or scope out a fishing spot. Pop by the Michi-no-Eki road stop for summer produce and locally made gelato.

Eat, drink and be merry

The ski villages have restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. Hirafu—the largest village—is home to the majority of establishments. The international feel of the area makes apres-ski a must.

For dining, you can enjoy anything from Michelin-starred restaurants and high-class Japanese cuisine to comfort food. Try the local potatoes, tofu, soba, and Hokkaido seafood.

A place to stay

From traditional style Japanese “ryokan” inns and bed and breakfasts to gleaming hotels and modern apartments, there is a wide range of accommodation options to suit you any budget in Niseko. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of a backpackers' hostel or your own private hotel room, get in quick while rooms are available.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.