Please drag & drop 3 more SECTION elements to below this section. If you enable sections 6 and 7, you must drag and drop 5 more SECTION elements.

Location.

Just three and a half hours from Tokyo, is the skiing Mecca of Japan.

Located in the centre of the towering Japanese Northern Alps, the township of Hakuba provides immediate access to some of the world's most awe-inspiring ski slopes.





The township of Hakuba consists of three main areas: Wadano, Happo and Echoland.

The Lodge is located in the Wadano area which is set in a beautiful forest offering visitors a very tranquil environment.


Hakuba valley is serviced by several ski resorts and as such, there is something for everybody. With over 12 metres of annual snowfall, Hakuba also offers the best and steepest terrain in Japan. It's snowfall, vertical decent and length of runs makes Hakuba great for cross country skiing, with skiers also able to ski the Olympic loops.

Boarders have a huge amount of choice. Board parks, half pipes, rails and jumps along with endless deep powder tree runs.

Getting here.
The easiest way to get to Hakuba is via one of two direct transfer options from Narita (Tokyo) International Airport. Both will meet you at the International Arrivals Hall and bring you directly to the Lodge.

Hakubus.

Highly recommended you'll be met at the Arrivals Hall at Narita International Airport and escorted straight onto the bus. Comfortably appointed, the coach offers reclining seats and toilet. Running once a day it departs from Narita at approx 8pm in time for the Jetstar flight from Australia which arrives at 7pm. The ride usually takes 5 hours with 2 rest stops. Cost is 9,900 JPY per adult each way.
Chuo Taxi.
This service will also meet you at the Arrivals Hall at Narita Airport. It offers a faster (approx 4.5 hours) trip with plenty of room in the minivan for your luggage and ski/snowboard gear. Bookings are available for 1 or more passengers however must be booked at least 7 days prior to travel. Cost is 12,400 JPY per adult each way.

Highway Bus.

A cheaper alternative suiting those who wish to travel via Tokyo. From Narita Airport Arrivals Hall, proceed to the Friendly Airport Limousine Bus counter immediately in front of the Arrivals gate. Ask for a ticket to Shinjuku Bus Terminal. Buses leave every 20 minutes and there is no need to pre-book. It will take approx 1 hour. For those wishing to stay overnight in Tokyo, there are numerous hotels immediately surrounding the bus terminal. Cost is 3,000 JPY per adult each way.

At the Shinjuku Bus Terminal purchase a ticket for the Alpico Bus to Hakuba which will be an additional 4 hours. Get off the bus at the Hakuba Happo bus stop. Cost is 4,700 JPY per adult each way.

Trains.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
From the Arrivals Hall at Narita International Airport, follow the signs to the Narita Express and catch it to Tokyo Station. This is not the bullet train but a direct train service to Tokyo Station which takes 45 minutes and costs 3,000 JPY. At Tokyo Station follow the signs to the Shinkansen service. Purchase a ticket at the ticket office (staff speak English) for Nagano aboard the Asama Shinkansen. Trains for Nagano depart every 30 minutes and usually depart from platforms 20 to 23. It will take 1.5 hours. Cost is 7,500 JPY. From Nagano Station, catch a bus to Hakuba. Buses from Nagano to Hakuba run every hour with the last bus departing Hakuba at 8.20pm (Friday 9.20pm). Buses depart from the East (Higashi) exit of Nagano Station from Bus Stop 6. Go out the ticket gates and turn left. Walk outside the building and you will see the Bus Terminal below you to the left. The bus trip will take approx 1 hour. Cost is 1,500 JPY.
Local Train from Shinjuku (Tokyo)
From the Arrivals Hall at Narita International Airport, follow the signs to the Narita Express. It is clearly signposted in English. Catch the Narita Express to Shinjuku Station which will take 45 minutes and costs 3,000 JPY. No need to book. At Shinjuku Station follow the signs to the Chuo Limited Express (Super Azusa). Travelling time is 4 hours. Cost 3,000 JPY. There is only 1 direct “Super Azusa” train to Hakuba each day which departs Shinjuku at 7.30am.

Powder, powder and more powder.

The township of Hakuba is nestled in the centre of the towering Japanese Northern Alps and provides immediate access to over 10 different ski fields. These fields cater for all levels of skier and snowboarder with each offering a uniquely Japanese experience.

Hakuba receives an average of 12 metres of snow and powder snow each year. Located close to the Japan Sea and given its unique weather patterns, Hakuba also experiences more “blue bell” days than any ski resort in Northern Japan making it the playground of crisp white powder.
Happo One
Lifts 33
Runs 30% Beginner 50% Intermediate 20% Expert
Longest run 8km
Steepest run 38
Elevation base 760m Top 1831m
Night skiing – Yes
From the lodge – ski in – ski out

Hakuba 47/Goryu
Lifts 19
Runs 30% Beginner 40% Intermediate 30% Expert
Longest run 5km
Steepest run 40
Elevation Top 1676m
Night skiing Yes
From the lodge – 15 minutes by bus

Cortina
Lifts 19
Runs 40% Beginner 30% Intermediate 30% Expert
Longest run 5km
Steepest run 42
Elevation Top 1443m
Bottom 693m
Night skiing – Yes
From the lodge – 25 minutes by bus
Iwatake
Lifts 6
Runs 30% Beginner 50% Intermediate 20% Expert
Longest run 4.5km
Steepest run 35
Elevation – Top 1289m
Bottom 750m
Night skiing – No
From the lodge – 5 minutes by bus
Tsugaike
Lifts 26
Runs 40% Beginner 40% Intermediate 20% Expert
Longest run 8km
Steepest run 35
Elevation Top 1700m Bottom 730m
Night skiing – Yes
From the lodge – 15 minutes by bus

Yanaba
Lifts 3
Runs 70% Beginner 30% Intermediate 0% Expert
Longest run 1.6km
Steepest run 28
Elevation Top 1140m
Bottom 830m
Night skiing – Yes
From the Lodge – 20 minutes by bus

Mountain Guide.

Hakuba Area Map
Things to do.
Wanting to explore more than just the ski slopes?
Steeped in Japanese culture and tradition, the area plays host to many experiences that will leave you longing for more. Opt to visit on your own or ask the Guest Liaison about package tours.
Snow Monkeys + Sake Brewery + Zenkoji Temple Tour
Onsens (Hot Spring Baths)
Matsumoto Castle + Daio Wasabi Farm Tour
Snow Monkeys
The world famous Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park is home to about 200 wild monkeys who spend their days soaking in the natural hot springs keeping warm from the harsh winter. The park was opened in 1964 and is considered to be the only place in the world to see snow monkeys bathing in the wild. The hike to the hot springs takes about 20 to 30 minutes each way.
Sake Brewery
Departing from the Kambayashi Onsen, make your way to the historic town of Obuse, home to the famous Japanese artist Hokusai and the museum dedicated to his works. Enjoy a traditionally cooked superb Japanese set menu lunch at the Masuichi Club Restaurant and see the beautifully preserved 240 year old Masuichi Sake Brewery and of course enjoy many different types of Japanese Sake.
Zenkoji Temple
The next stop is Nagano City, home to Zenkoji Temple which is designated a national treasure and with a history of over 1400 years. It is one of Japan’s most revered temples and houses the first image of Buddha brought to Japan in the 7th Century. The streets surrounding the temple are lined with lantern lit shops and tiered roofed stalls, souvenir shops, restaurants and galleries.
Onsens (Hot Spring Baths)
The area is known for its natural Onsens. After a long hard day of skiing or boarding, nothing is more relaxing than sitting in an Onsen, easing the pain and tension out of your body. The Japanese Onsen is truly a wonderfully relaxing experience. Onsens are sprinkled around Hakuba and open to Japanese and Westerners alike. Each Onsen has separate changing and showering areas for its male and female visitors.
Matsumoto Castle
Enjoy a day out in Matsumoto City, home of the famous Matsumoto Castle. There are only four castles that have been designated as “National Treasures” in Japan. Of these is Matsumoto Castle the five-storied donjon, one of the oldest castle structures still existing. Also known as Crow Castle after its elegant black roof, inside are steep stairs and low ceilings leading past displays of armour and weapons from the Sengoku period (“Warring-States”). Explore other historical sites in the Shinshu area with many stores and galleries offering fine traditional crafts and local foods.
Daio Wasabi Farm
On the way to Matsumoto, the tour stops at the Daio Wasabi Farm which is the largest of its kind in Japan and the perfect place to taste many of the various Wasabi products, one of which is Wasabi ice cream!