HAKUBA

Hakuba is easily accessible from Tokyo and Osaka, and only a one hour drive from Nagano city. Buses travel to Hakuba from the main JR train station in Nagano. Despite its growing reputation as a spectacular tourist destination, Hakuba remains a small, friendly town. Japanese people have long travelled to the area, and more and more foreign travellers are beginning to seek out its beauty as well.
One distinctive feature of Hakuba is its year-round selection of sporting activities like skiing or hiking. Hakuba is set against the stunning backdrop of the Japanese Alps, at the bottom of the Hakuba Sanzan Mountains in north-west Nagano Prefecture. The enormous snowfall Hakuba experiences in winter makes it a heaven for snowsports enthusiasts. The powder snow is perfect for skiing, and there are slopes that cater to every level of experience. The Hakuba summer is just as scenic and there are many activities to partake in, including mountain biking, rafting or kayaking. One way to appreciate the magnificent locale is to go trekking through the area. An ideal place to start is the Happo-one Natural Study Path, which at 6km long is low on physical demands but high on natural scenery. Another good option is to appreciate the views, flora and fauna from either the ropeway or lift, which offer a splendid aerial view. Views of the jagged mountain peaks, standing over 3,000 metres high, are sublime, and are a once in a lifetime experience from the top of the mountain. It is also worth pursuing other activities that the spring and summer weather allow for, such as exploring the ancient temples or museums located in the area, as well as experiencing Japanese arts and crafts. The wide array of restaurants and bars, which cater to tourists, are another highlight.
Hakuba has both indoor and outdoor onsen, as well as foot spas. Outdoor onsen are a uniquely Japanese experience, and something not to be missed. It is a truly beautiful, rejuvenating and deeply relaxing experience to soak in onsen water amidst glorious natural scenery.
Of course, Hakuba was also a part of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games, the memory of which remains encapsulated in the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium and the Winter Olympic Memorial Museum. It is great fun to travel up to the highest observation deck at the ski jumping hills, and experience the rush of looking down over the jumper's flight area.

 

HAKUBA SKI RESORT   www.vill.hakuba.nagano.jp/english/

As one of the largest winter resorts in Japan, Hakuba is highly regarded as a world-class destination and is the ideal location for your next ski holiday. Hakuba contains seven ski resorts, each with a unique atmosphere and different variety of slopes. Neighbouring resorts provide further variety in ski and accommodation possibilities.
The resort features over 200 runs, traversing the towering Alps. Snowfall over the winter months usually exceeds 10 metres, and the snow is high quality powder. The vertical drop hits 1,180 metres, which means exciting skiing for even the well-seasoned sportsperson. Despite the heavy snowfall, winter temperatures are bearable, and your holiday won't be spoilt by weather too cold to handle. To really make the most of the winter scenery, be sure to head out to one of the parks or sections of backcountry and participate in a snowshoeing trek, or some cross-country skiing.

AVALANCHE AWARENESS

Snow avalanches are a factor to be aware of when skiing in the Hakuba backcountry. Choose to be safe, not sorry, and hire a professional local guide who will ensure that you make your way through the backcountry safely. It is essential to know how to use the three key pieces of avalanche safety equipment, so it is advised that visitors attend one of the avalanche awareness courses, which are held once a month during ski season and are taught to Canadian Avalanche Association standards.

HAKUBA GORYU   www.hakubagoryu.com/e/

People of all ages flock to Hakubu Goryu in the winter season. There are three slopes to choose from: Alps-daira, Toomi or Iimori, each as attractive as the next. Of particular note is the Iimori Gerende, a 400m mogul course. The Hakuba Goryu resort and the Hakuba 47 resort are joined at the top, providing a massive ski area. As such, there are common passes for the ski area that the resorts share. Moving between each of the 23 courses is effortless on the two 8-seater gondolas, or one of the 17 double or quad seater lifts that this combined ski area features. The wide variety of slopes includes children’s slopes, where inexperienced skiers can build up their confidence. The ski fields are open from early in the morning until late at night. Escal Plaza at Goryu, located on the base of Toomi Gerende, includes a ski and snowboard rental outlet, a variety of eateries, and ofuro - a Japanese bath. The plaza also includes a resting room, with capacity for over 100 people, for those on a tight budget that want to catch some sleep. A similar place to try is the Resthouse Iimori, located at the bottom of Iimori Gerende, which has an indoor day-care centre.

HAKUBA 47   www.hakuba47.co.jp/winter/en/

Hakuba 47, known also as Yon Nana is a fairly new resor t, established in 1990. The name, Hakuba 47 is a conglomeration of the two goals of the resort: to provide great skiing for all 4 seasons of the year, 7 days a week. The ski areas of the resort merge with those of Hakuba Goryu, and offer a total of 23 runs. The runs include an excellent mogul course, as well as a half-pipe. One of the key features of the resor t is the intermediate run, which of fers an excellent cruising experience for intermediate skiers. Other ski activities include snowboarding, snow rafting, snowshoe trekking and snowmobiling. This resort also has the longest season in Hakuba.
The R-4 snow park takes up an entire slope, and is the biggest of its kind in Japan. The snow park includes a great array of new things to try, like rails, waves, or jumps. Much like a giant toybox, thrill seekers who want something more from their skiing experience will love mastering the various challenges of the park.
The First Spur / First Track opportunity is for intermediate or advanced skiers who head out early. This activity provides participants with breakfast, loading up privileges and a guide who'll take the group up 1,450m above sea level to enjoy skiing down 2,500m of fresh snow right to the base.

HAPPO-ONE   www.hakuba-happo.or.jp/

Used as the location of the downhill races for the 1998 Winter Olympics, this is a one of Japan's biggest ski resorts and has excellent restaurant facilities. Happo-one's most popular ski run is the Risen Slalom Course, which is a 3km downhill slope where the famous traditional Riesen Slalom Ski Competition is held. Altogether there are 13 courses and 27 lifts. The fact that this is a continually groomed location makes skiing an especially pleasurable experience. The panoramic view of the mountain peaks which tower at around 3,000 metres are spectacular. Also impressive is the Happo-one Fire Festival held in February. Enjoy the magnificent torch runs and the firework displays.

IWATAKE   www.hakuba.jp/iwatake/en/

Iwatake is located at the base of Hakuba's highest peak and this superior location means that there are astounding views of the three Hakuba mountains. This resort features 15 different challenging courses, which are integrated with the sur rounding environment. The main ski area is the Sunny Valley, which is 3.8km long, and is appropriate for both beginners and intermediate skiers. The beautiful natural environment that surrounds the ski runs makes this a fine destination.

MINEKATA   www.hakuba-minekata.com/e-top.html

The “Romance Chair Lift” at Hakuba Minekata attests to its name, providing wonder fully dreamy views of the surrounding mountains. The wide compact slopes are great for those who are in the mood for a bit of a challenge, although beginners will also appreciate the other slopes that are less crowded than usual. Hakuba Minekata has six courses for all skiers from beginner to advanced, and two lifts. Its longest course runs for one kilometre, and there is a vertical drop of 210m. Hours: 8:30-16:30 Season: Late Dec.-Late Mar.

TSUGAIKE KOGEN   www.tsugaike.gr.jp/main/

Tsugaike Kogen is a large ski resort in Otari village, northwest Nagano. Tsugaike Kogen features 23 lifts, a 4.63km course and a staggering vertical drop of 880 meters! With 11 distinct courses available, fantastic night skiing opportunities and panoramic views of the area from the courses, there is something for everyone!

HAKUBA SUMMER ACTIVITIES

TREKKING

Hakuba’s Daisekkei, or “Big Snow Valley” offers some of the best trekking in Japan. The valley, which is 3.5km long and 600m in elevation, contains many examples of Japan’s native f lora, including Paris Japonica and Glaucidium Palmatum. Proper hiking equipment is necessary if you plan on trekking to the top of the valley.
The Happo-one Nature Study Trail leads you to the Happo-ike pond, located at an elevation of 2,060m. The months of July and August offer particular treats: the flowering of Hellebore, the Five Petalled Aven, and Japanese Scabiosa. Another popular trail is the Alps Daira Nature Trail, which is an easy walk after riding up on the gondola. Also accessible by gondola is the Hakuba 47 Kamoshika Trail, which passes by a 1950's charcoal making site.

SPORTS

Non-winter sports of note in Hakuba include paragliding, and there is a par agl iding s chool that of fer s instruction and guided trips. Summer skiing and snowboarding on artificial ski slopes is available. The ski slope in summer is 500m long, and has a 30-50 metre width. Also available is mountain biking, with a range of trails to suit different abilities, and rafting on the Hakuba valley's Himekawa river with great view of the Hakuba mountains.

CAMPING

Camping is very special in Hakuba. Particularly magnificent are the views of the rising and setting sun - not to be missed! You can also rent tents and sleeping bags and enjoy staying at a camp site as an alternative to regular hotel or pension accommodation.

FIREFLY CANOE TOUR

One of the most amazing night tours you will exper ience in Japan . From Lake Aokiko, a guide will take you through the natural habitat of the lake fireflies in a Voyageur Canoe. These spectacular night lights are not to be missed! Contact: Evergreen Outdoor Centre (www.evergreen-hakuba.com)

HAKUBA PLACES OF INTEREST

HAKUBA SAEGUSA ART MUSEUM

The Hakuba Saegusa museum is a great place to go and admire art. This museum features over 100 drawings of the Hakuba landscape by a number of famous Japanese painters, including work by the ar tis t Kazuo Tamura. Hakuba's truly magnificent landscape is inspiring to paint, and the array of dif ferent works by dif ferent ar tists testifies to this. Open daily 8:30-18:00 Adult ¥700.

HAKUBA SKI JUMPING STADIUM

The Ski Jumping Stadium is now open to the public. A ride on a chair lift and elevator will get you to the top of the ski jump area, and you can gaze down all 120m of the ski jumper's path. It is an exhilarating experience!

HAKUBA OLYMPIC VILLAGE MEMORIAL HALL

The Memorial Hall houses fantastic documentation of the Olympics, with fascinating memorabilia on display. The museum is oriented around people's impressions of the games, and objects of historical significance, such as the ski wear worn by athletes are also on display. Open daily 8:30-16:30

TSUGAIKE NATURE GARDEN

The Tsugaike Nature Garden is an enormous swamp acces sed by a beautiful walk, an experience which will give you a good glimpse of the local flora. The swamp is located 2,000m above sea level, and a wooden road provides access on foot to the swamp. The walk takes about 3 to 4 hours. You can access the Tsugaike Nature Garden by gondola and ropeway, which only takes 40 minutes from Tsugaike Kogen. Open Middle May-Early Nov. ¥300.

LAFORET HAKUBA MUSEUM

The museum houses many lithograph and copperplate wor k s by Mar c Chagall, and the total number of works on show usually tops 120! Chagall is a European artist, and his paintings are renowned for their s tunning application of colour. Open 9:30-17:30 (Wed. close) ¥700.

HAKUBA ONSEN

Many of the public onsens at Hakuba are located in close proximity to the ski area. The Genki-go shuttle bus is an excellent way of accessing them. The water from the dozen onsen at the Hakuba village also supplies many accommodation venues, including the ryokan.
The Hakuba Katakuri Juro-noyu onsen, opened in 1998, has free lounges, as well as private rooms. There are a variety of baths to try. The water is clear and has a mild mineral content which includes sodium chloride, great for toning your skin. The Hakuba Ryujin Obuya onsen is very new, opening recently 2007. It is located in the Goryu area, and is designed in traditional Japanese layout. There are several different baths, including indoor baths and outside rotenburo baths. The rich mineral water has many health benefits.
The Mimizuku-noyu onsen is one of the four public baths at the Hakuba-happo onsen. The mineral water at this bath is alkaline, which eases sore muscles and is deeply cleansing. This bath allows you to sit in the comfort of indoors, whilst admiring the views of the mountains through the large windows.
Other popular onsen include the Kurashita-noyu onsen, one of the four Hakuba Shionomichi onsen, as well as the Tenjinnoyu onsen, part of the Hakuba Himekawa onsen.

©JNTO / ©Nagano-Niigata (Japan) Snow Resort Alliance / ©Tourism Commission of Hakuba / ©Nagano Prefecture Tourism Association / ©Evergreen Outdoor Centre / ©Nagano Prefecture