Hakuba Valley

Hakuba is not a ski resort, but an entire valley comprising 9 resorts spread across numerous small towns and villages, where everyday life in Japan mingles with some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the country. Standing out among other Japan ski regions for its 'big mountain' terrain and spectacular Alpine scenery, Hakuba has a rich history of skiing having hosted the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and frequent ski jumping competitions. High elevation ensures good snow conditions can be found at nearly any time during the peak season, and abundant light dry powder is a usual feature of a Hakuba ski holiday. 

Vistors seeking a cultural Japan ski experience are well advised to head to Hakuba. Hakuba's own towns such as Happo Village are abundant with Japanese rurual architecture, quaint shrines, traditional ryokan and natural hot-springs, and nearby you can find some of the most sought after sightseeing in Japan. Combine your Hakuba ski holiday with a visit to Nagano's Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle and the incredible snow monekys of jigokudani. Hakuba provides the opportunity to discover all that is great about skiing in Japan, and far more. Find out everything you need to know below.