Hakuba

★ 4.8 (90K+ reviews) • 405K+ booked
Overview
Things to do
Hotels

Hakuba Reviews

4.8 /5
90K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Michael *****
7 Mar
Easy to use. scan QR code at the ticket machine and you are issued a pass for the day. Straight to the lift
Angela **
2 Mar
The best thing about Happo is the variety. There’s a bit of everything — cruisy groomers, steeper runs up top, and plenty to keep intermediate and advanced skiers entertained. You can do nice long top-to-bottom laps without feeling like you’re just riding lifts all day, which I loved. The snow wasn’t amazing this season compared to typical Japan powder standards, but honestly it didn’t matter. We still had heaps of fun, found good patches higher up, and the runs were well maintained. On clear days the views are unreal, especially from the upper mountain. It’s also super easy to head into the village after skiing for food or drinks, which makes the whole experience even better. I’d definitely go back.
HUANG ******
1 Mar
This time, Coach Nai Pi led four children, ranging in age from 14 to 21. Coach Nai Pi was tirelessly patient in teaching each one individually, ensuring that even the weaker children were not left behind, providing one-on-one instruction. The children who progressed faster were also able to ski down the mountain on their own, and everyone felt a great sense of accomplishment. We hope to have the opportunity to have Coach Nai Pi continue to guide them next time. Thank you to the ski instructors.
1+
Klook客路用户
28 Feb
My experience at Hakuba skiing was perfect from the moment I made the reservation. I booked the lessons well in advance, and the email communication was extremely efficient. They even created a group chat to confirm everything before we left, which made me feel very reassured. We originally booked the Tsugaike lessons, but the instructor suggested switching to Iwatake because we were complete beginners and the slopes are more suitable for beginners. This decision proved to be very wise! The terrain at Iwatake is very beginner-friendly. This 6-hour course was like a "crash course": We not only learned how to do front and back edge sliding, edge changes, and falling leaf, but we even unlocked straight running! The instructor was very patient and explained the theory in a simple and easy-to-understand way, making the potentially dull movements easy to grasp. Most touchingly, when we went down the mountain, we realized we had left our backpack at the top. After leaving, the instructor returned to help us contact the ski resort staff to find it and even drove us back to the hotel. We are so grateful! I would definitely give it a 10/10. If you want to learn to ski in Hakuba, you can book with confidence.
1+
DOI ******
27 Feb
It was cheaper than buying directly from the official source, and the ticketing process was smooth because it was all done by machine, so there was no need to wait in line!
Nikki ******
27 Feb
very easy to access and book, just had a hard time finding the kiosk to pick up the ticket turns out it was unavailable
Jamie ****
27 Feb
Good equipments and the staff were friendly and approachable, making sure our equipments are suited for our heights
Klook User
23 Feb
Very well-organized ski resort with a smooth and modern system. Collecting the ski pass at the machine via QR code was fast and convenient, saving a lot of time compared to waiting in line. The lifts were well managed and never felt crowded, so waiting times were minimal. Overall, a great skiing experience — everything worked perfectly and I was fully satisfied.

FAQs about Hakuba

Why is Hakuba famous?

Where to stay in Hakuba?

What is the best month to ski in Hakuba?

Does it snow in Hakuba in November?

What to know about Hakuba

Welcome to Hakuba, the ultimate winter destination in the Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture. Just 3 hours from Tokyo, Hakuba is famous for its incredible snow, 10 ski resorts, and over 200 runs for all skill levels. From winter sports and skiing on massive mountains to relaxing in hot springs and encountering snow monkeys, Hakuba has it all. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Hakuba is the perfect place for an unforgettable winter adventure.
Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano, Japan

What to know before visiting Hakuba

Things to Do in Hakuba

1. Hakuba Village

As the top base for skiers and snowboarders in Hakuba Valley, this winter paradise is located in the 3,000-meter Northern Alps in Nagano Prefecture, just 300 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. It welcomes visitors of all ages and skill levels. You can choose from a variety of runs and ski jump or backcountry skiing---whether you prefer calm groomed slopes, an 8-kilometer cruising course, or thrilling black runs for the adventurous at heart.

2. Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple since the 8th century, is believed to hold Japan's first Buddhist relic. Visiting this temple gives you a fascinating insight into Japanese culture, history, and society, as Buddhism has influenced Japan for over a thousand years.

3. Matsumoto Castle

Known as the "Crows Castle," this black structure is a standout among Japan's white castles. You can easily walk to the castle from the nearest train station and enter the grounds for free! As Japan's oldest standing castle, it's a designated National Treasure by the Japanese government.

4. Jigokudani Monkey Park

Watch and observe the only group of monkeys known to naturally enjoy hot springs in the world. A must-visit spot in Nagano, the park also known the Snow Monkey Park, captivates visitors year-round as the monkeys soak in the hot springs regardless of the season. Whether you're exploring Hakuba in winter, spring, summer, or autumn, a visit to the park is always worthwhile.

5.Onsen

Discover Japan's essence through onsens: deep in the Japanese culture, these natural hot springs give you a serene escape. In Hakuba, a variety of onsen options await, with hotels providing access for guests and visitors alike (for a fee).

Tips for Your Hakuba Visit

What is the best time to visit Hakuba?

For a budget-friendly, crowd-free visit with ideal weather to admire stunning views, April is perfect for exploring Hakuba. While a day trip from Tokyo is possible, it's best to do an overnight or multi-night stay to enjoy different Hakuba ski resorts, including Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort, One Ski Resort, and Happo One Ski Resort. Other than skiing and snowboarding, Hakuba also offers relaxing hot springs (onsen) where you can see all over town.

How to go to Hakuba City?

The quickest way to reach Hakuba is by the famous Shinkansen, or "Bullet Train," with the journey from the airport taking less than 4 hours. Since there are a few connections involved, if you're travelling with young children or you have plenty of luggage, you can go for a direct transfer for convenience.

How to get around Hakuba?

The popular route to Hakuba involves taking a free shuttle bus from the Tokyo airports or catching the bullet train from Tokyo or Kyoto to Nagano city, then a one-hour bus or pre-booked taxi to reach the Hakuba Valley ski resort.