HAKUBA VALLEY

Stretching along the foot of Japan’s Northern Alps, the Hakuba Valley in Nagano Prefecture is a winter sports mecca for people from all over the world. During the 2023-2024 season, the valley was visited by 570,000 foreign travelers who journeyed here for some of the world’s best snow.

Famous for its superfine powder, Hakuba Valley enjoys an annual snowfall of up to 10 meters, with a long ski season that lasts from December to May without fizzling out near the end. In fact, in 2023, the valley saw the most snow in March, allowing guests to enjoy this piece of central Japan that much longer.

Befitting one of the venues of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Hakuba Valley and its 10 resorts provide a full range of experiences for every kind of skier or snowboarder. There’s the Jigatake Snow Resort with its tranquil views and gentle slopes perfect for beginners and children, while more seasoned guests will surely enjoy Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park with its half-pipe and jump kicker. For every level of proficiency, there’s a Hakuba Valley resort waiting to welcome winter sports fans.

But Hakuba Valley is more than just snow. The valley is also an excellent base for exploring the rest of Nagano Prefecture. It’s about a one-hour drive to the city of Nagano and its seventh century Zenko-ji Temple, known as the home of the first Buddhist statue to arrive in Japan. Also within driving distance is Mount Togakushi, known as Japan’s premier “power spot.” At its foot, visitors will find the Togakushi Shrine venerating some of the most significant deities from Japanese mythology.

It’s a slightly longer but worthwhile journey to Matsumoto Castle, the oldest of five designated as National Treasures that have survived since the 17th century. Exuding the imposing majesty of a grand tool of war, the black and white fortress is also a popular spot to view cherry blossoms in the spring. Fans of nature should head down to the Jigokudani Yaen-koen sanctuary where they may get a chance to witness Japanese macaques (also known as snow monkeys) bathing in the area’s natural hot springs.

The best way to enjoy these exciting destinations is to spend a night or two in Hakuba Valley and take full advantage of the best that Nagano has to offer. Options range from luxurious accommodations like the Hakuba Mominoki Hotel or The Happo by Hakuba Hospitality Group, to more affordable options like pensions, lodges and ryokan, Japan’s traditional inns. All in all, there are over 100 places to stay at in Hakuba Valley, so visitors are bound to find something that fits both their travel style and their budget.

Since the valley has become an international destination, English is widely spoken around the area so there’s no reason to worry about language barriers. It’s also for this reason that the dining options around Hakuba Valley are nearly limitless. Be it Japanese, Western, Chinese, vegetarian, or even vegan cuisine, visitors will be able to partake in their favorite dishes in between skiing and relaxing at the valley’s many hot springs, said to heal all sorts of ailments. They are mainly found at Omachi and the villages of Hakuba and Otari, which together offer everything from secluded springs to large communal baths brimming with good spirits. The Hakuba Valley can be easily reached from Tokyo in three to four hours via shinkansen and bus.

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For more details on the Hakuba Valley, check the website: https://www.hakubavalley.com/en/