Stay in Hakuba Valley: Japan’s main snow destinations

Arriving at Hakuba Valley is like stepping into a postcard – the snowy peaks of the Japanese Alps stretch endlessly with crisp blue skies, the charming Alpine villages stick to foothills and fresh powder on the roof. During the 1998 Winter Olympics, several events were located at one of Japan’s largest, most famous and legendary ski resorts, including 10 interconnected snow resorts spanning the city of Omachi, Hakuba Village and Otari Village.

Among skiers and skiers, the high quality of snowfall in the Hakuba Valley is well known, but the area’s appeal is far beyond its extraordinary powder. Hakuba Valley is scattered with traditional Ryokan Inns, steaming Onsen Baths and family-run restaurants, full of local charm and an unquestionable sense of Japanese culture. This is not obvious in the landscape, accommodation and food – it can also be felt in the warm atmosphere filled with the valley.

Hakuba Valley is a place with deep, deep-rooted local traditions and extensive history that fits modern comfort and world-class amenities. The bridge between these two worlds is the spirit of omotenashi – a philosophy of Japanese wholeheartedly expected hospitality, every detail aims to make guests feel welcomed and cared for without them. Even in the effort to keep the mountains in accident-free, Omotenashi is evident: “We want to make the hillside a safe place for everyone,” said Yoichiro Ishihara, captain of Happo-One Ski Patrol. “We have researched and worked with designers from Tokyo to create easy-to-read signs, even in bad weather.”

Mountain Jump: How to Use Hakuba Valley Day Pass

One of the main attractions of Hakuba Valley is that tourists can easily travel between all 10 resorts there: Hakuba Happo-One, Iwatake, Able Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba, Hakuba 47, Jigigatake, JigaTake, Kashimayari, Sanosaka, Sanosaka, Tsugaike, Tsugaike, Hakuba Norikura andorikura and Cortina and Cortina and Cortina and Cortina and Cortina and Cortina and Cortina. Each is iconic, with its own unique charm and characteristics.

With the All-Aclaces Hakuba Valley Day pass, you can ski or snowboard on either of them on the same day without purchasing a separate lift ticket. Hakuba Valley Shuttle Bus also provides free transportation to Hakuba Valley Day Pass holders, seamlessly connecting major resorts, ski bases and accommodation.

More than 100 lifts are spread throughout the valley, including several gondolas, one of which was newly upgraded in December. “The purpose of these new gondolas is to ride for people who are not normally able to get on gondolas. I am proud to ensure the safety and comfort of the guests,” noted Ayumu Takamizawa, which works on the hillside of Ivatak.

It is not only for accessibility reasons that can be easily traveled between these destinations. It also allows you to soak in the unique atmosphere of each town: the lively Après-Ski scene and the historic inn of Hakuba village, the Tranquil Hot Spring Retreats in Omachi and the deep connections of Otari to traditional mountain life and features small family-run cottages.

Yohei Otani, manager of Hakuba Valley Promotion Committee, said the region’s long history gives it a unique character. Although the name Hakuba is now synonymous with the unparalleled Alpine Sport experience, it used to be a quiet countryside area. “Worldwide, most ski resorts are built specifically for resorts and hotels and facilities are built [with that in mind] – But in Hakuba, the opposite is true,” he explained. “Our ancestors already had a village and later added skiing. ”

The hospitality of history: the traditional charm of the Hakuba Valley

Although the Hakuba Valley towns may not have been originally built in tourism, the region embraces the influx of tourists with all heart. In Japan, it is widely regarded as the birthplace of Minshuku: a family-run hotel-style residence that provides a warm and welcoming experience.

During the Taisho era (1912-1926), Hakuba village’s reputation grew as an aerial destination, attracting numerous climbers and skiers with its extraordinary snow and natural scenery. Local farmers and guides have begun opening their homes to these travelers, providing them with moderate shelter and home-cooked meals. At first glance, today’s Hakuba looks completely different: a massive, buzzing ski hub that meets the needs of tourists from all over the world. But it remains the same inside – a lot of tomorrow can still be found in the area, and Minshuku Spirit is also radiated through its more upscale and less traditional accommodation.

Even though it has grown into a famous international ski destination that attracts millions of visitors each year, the Hakuba Valley retains a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere in memory of the traditions that shaped it. “Everyone here is fun,” said Alexandria Owen, a member of the Able Hakuba Goryu promotion department.

Irving points out that Hakuba Valley is a place of people from all walks of life, from professional athletes to photographers, from international guests to local residents, who share a shared love for nature and snow sports. Staff, many of them invited visitors to attract fascinating local insights. “They will tell you the whole story about Hakuba and how they grew up here.”

Between hosting the Olympics, famous snow and pure size, the Hakuba Valley has many grand qualities that contribute to a world-class reputation. From outside (but equally important) is the rich local culture of the valley as well as the hospitality work: prepare for the snowy slope beauty team the next day to ensure a safe ski patrol in the mountains. Their commitment goes beyond work. This reflects their deep passion for the Hakuba Valley and their desire to share beauty and tradition with the world.

More information

Buy your Hakuba Valley Day Pass here.