Ever since the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics Japan's ski resorts have gained fame worldwide as enthusiasts are drawn in by tales of its legendary powder snow. Resorts all over Japan have welcomed guests from overseas, but for true powder hounds, it's hard to beat the place where it all started: Hakuba. Standing prominently in the magnificent scenery of Japan's Northern Alps, it's hard to believe this European-style ski village is only hours away from Tokyo. Once you're on the slopes, though, it's easy to understand why Hakuba was chosen to host the Winter Olympics.

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-　Enough Variety to Keep You Coming Back for More
-　Hakuba Makes it Easy to Ski in Japan - Special Events and Services
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-　Book Hakuba Hotels with JAPANiCAN
-　Getting to Hakuba
-　10 Snow Resorts in Hakuba

From their base, Hakuba's ski runs stretch up over 1,000 meters, giving Hakuba some of the best elevation in Japan. The over 200 runs spread out among Hakuba's 10 resorts and 135 lifts make use of that entire distance, an unmatched variety ensuring all skiers and snowboarders can find their own piece of winter sports heaven. Expert riders will find acres of untouched powder, beginners can get the lessons they need, and everyone can enjoy the atmosphere of a world-class ski resort.

"When Niseko drops to more than ten below in town, Hakuba Valley still has perfect conditions. It's cold enough to ski, but not so cold that no one wants to leave their hotel room once they're done!" according to Mr. Shiojima. Once the skis are off, there's still plenty to do.

Families will enjoy day trips to nearby areas, special events, and of course playing in the snow and other activities for the kids. Plus, Hakuba's apres-ski entertainment will be sure to satisfy the night-life crowd.'

Once the Nagano Olympics concluded, Hakuba managers saw their efforts to attract skiers from outside Japan pay off, as customers came from all parts of the globe, especially Australia. Along with the general increase, Mr. Watabe noticed Hakuba resorts were attracting more international skiers and boarders for extended stays, and more repeat customers making a point to visit every year. He says the town of Hakuba along with the area's hotels and ski resorts have continued to try and support these visiting skiers by adding more attractions and more service to their already impressive lineup.

With four separate springs sending water throughout the Hakuba Valley, almost all hotels and ryokan (Japanese inns) in the area have facilities for relaxing with a good soak.

Public facilities are also available for about JPY 400 - 600 for adults, and the area's free foot baths are always popular.

The crystal-clear alkaline waters of Happo Onsen in particular are said to ease away muscle pains and fatigue: the perfect way to refresh yourself after a full day on the slopes.

See what an Olympic ski-jumper sees from the top of the Hakuba Ski Jump Stadium. Lifts and elevators provide access to the top of the jump. Not recommended for those afraid of heights!

Even visitors to Japan without a car can still take advantage of Hakuba's apres-ski nightlife. This night-bus connects many of Hakuba's restaurant and shopping areas after public transportation stops running, and with buses running every 30 minutes for only JPY 200 per ride, it's a cheap and easy way to get out at night.

Starting this season, Hakuba's resort bus terminal has undergone a full-scale renovation into the Happo Information Center. It still links Shinjuku, Nagano and more with Hakuba's slopes by highway bus and resort shuttles. The new building now houses a Virgin Cafe serving up food and spirits to Hakuba visitors. Additional services in the Happo Information Center include internet access, lift ticket sales, an information desk for visitors to Japan, and more.

Thanks to its fame as an international ski destination, Hakuba's resorts all employ staff from many different foreign countries each year. In town, tourists from Japan and abroad can be seen at the many restaurants and shops, giving Hakuba an international atmosphere.

Hakuba Village has also begun volunteer interpretation service in English and Korean, meaning help out of a sticky situation is only a phone call away.

Inside a converted historical building in the Iwatake Shinden area, Sho-ya Maruhachi--a new community space and restaurant--started operation on 20 December 2008.

Here visitors will have a chance to sample the unique art and culture of Japan, with instruction on traditional activities like wearing a kimono, tea ceremony, or flower arrangement available.

This season from 31 January to 8 February 2009, Hakuba 47 will hold their yearly Kamakura Festa, where an entire snow dome village is built on the resort grounds.

By day kids will love playing in the snow around the unique shelters, and everyone can warm up with a cup of tea inside. At night the soft illumination makes for a cozy atmosphere for enjoying a drink with a group of friends, or a romantic spot to be with that special someone.

It's easy to spot Izakaya Yonjyu Nana (47) at the top of Hakuba 47's gondola lift, thanks to its red lanterns marking it as a traditional Japanese drinking spot. Enjoy Japanese pub food and relax with a bit of brew or warm sake, but drink too much and the trip back down might be a bit hazardous!

Another excellent choice is the stone-baked pizza at Luis, a pizzeria frequented by local ski staff and a variety of customers from many different countries.

Named for its panoramic view, Alps 360 at Hakuba Goryu is an environmentally conscious restaurant known for its curries. The 360 curry is a Japanese take that transforms the dish into a wonderfully rich comfort food sure to reenergize and warm from within.

If you arrive too early or late for check-in, Goryu's 24-hour ski center Escal Plaza has you covered, with Subway and Haagen-Dazs outposts for those with a craving for western food.

Escal Plaza also has baths, a sauna, and nap rooms to grab some rest.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Hakuba Happo-one resort's main restaurant is reviving its original menu for a bit of nostalgic flair. Happo-one also has just opened a brand new kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi bar, giving skiers and snowboarders more dining options.

With over 25 years of service stocking only the highest-quality brand-name equipment, all kept in perfect condition, Spicy Rentals' eight stores in the Hakuba area have thrived in part thanks to overseas skiers.

Spicy Rentals

In addition to a full line of ski wear fashion, Hakuba Goryu's ski shop, Ski Stadium, stocks seven major ski makers like Salomon and Rossignol. They also carry the newest models aimed at expert skiers, and sell skis as well.

Evergreen Outdoor Center has run tours exploring the wilderness of Hakuba Valley since 2000. The shop employs professional guides and instructors from all over the world. Of course, every winter ski and snowboard lessons are the most popular activities, but back country tours, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing are also available.

Evergreen Outdoor Center also offers trips to nearby Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, Jigokudani, and other nearby sightseeing areas.

Evergreen Outdoor Center

Hakuba Tokyu Hotel

A luxurious European style resort surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Alps. Relax in large designer rooms, then warm yourself in the baths and sauna.

Hotel de La Neige HIGASHI-KAN

This elegant and dignified European-style boutique hotel is located in the woods at the foot of Mt. Hakuba. Deluxe twin rooms with jacuzzi bath and Western cuisine with a large wine selection have given this hotel an excellent reputation.

Yamanosato Hotel Hakuba Hifumi

The Japanese style guestrooms and baths of this hotel create a unique, relaxing experience. Enjoy its traditional cuisine, onsen (hot springs), and comfortable lobby.

Hakuba Mominoki Hotel

This alpine resort hotel is located in woods at the foot of the Northern Alps. The alkaline salts of its natural hot spring baths are famously effective for beautifying skin, among the best in Japan.

Hakuba Sports Hotel Terry

Located in the woods of the Hakuba mountain range, the charms of this cozy hotel begin at the lobby's fireplace. Enjoy the scent of woods in the open-air baths as well as the delicious dishes prepared with quality ingredients.

Hakuba Highland Hotel

This hotel offers a panoramic view of the Hakuba mountain range in the Northern Alps. Experience ultimate relaxation by soaking in the open-air hot spring baths, surrounded by the mountains.

Hosonokan

Located at the base of the Northern Alps, this casual and warm ryokan (Japanese-style inn) lets guests enjoy the abundant natural surroundings all year round.

Hotel Hakuba

This hotel offers stunning views of the Northern Alps from every room, as well as open-air baths and a relaxing atmosphere.

From Tokyo
There are two options driving from Tokyo to Hakuba.
1. Take the Chuo Expressway to Okaya Junction and head towards Nagano on the Nagano Expressway. Exit at the Toyoshina Interchange and follow Route 147 and Route 148 through Omachi and into Hakuba. Approximately 4 hours.
2. Take the Kanetsu Expressway to Fujioka Junction and head towards Nagano on the Joshinetsu Expressway. Exit at the Nagano Interchange and follow the Hakuba Nagano Olympic Road to Hakuba. Approximately 4 hours.

From Nagoya
Take the Chuo Expressway to Okaya Junction and head towards Nagano on the Nagano Expressway. Exit at the Toyoshina Interchange and follow Route 147 and Route 148 through Omachi and into Hakuba. Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

From Osaka or Kyoto
Take the Meishin Expressway to Komki Junction, then head up the Chuo Expressway to Okaya Junction and head towards Nagano on the Nagano Expressway. Exit at the Toyoshina Interchange and follow Route 147 and Route 148 through Omachi and into Hakuba. Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.

* Remember to bring chains and make sure your radiator has anti freeze.

From Narita Airport
Board the Narita Express to Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station and follow directions accordingly. Approximately 1 hour to Tokyo Station.

From Tokyo Station
Board the Nagano Bullet Train (Asama Shinkansen) to Nagano Station. Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. The bullet trains run regularly throughout the day.

From Shinjuku Station
Board the Chuo limited express (Super Azusa) departing from Shinjuku Station directly to Hakuba Station. Approximately 3 hours 50 minutes.

From Nagano Station
Buses run from Nagano to Hakuba every hour. The last bus departs from Nagano Station for Hakuba at 8:30 p.m. (Friday night 9:20 p.m.) Bus fare is JPY 1400 one way. Buses depart from the East Exit of Nagano Station from bus stop 6. Approximately 1 hour.

From Nagoya Station
Board the Chuo limited express (Shinano) departing from Nagoya Station directly to Hakuba Station via Matsumoto. Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

From Osaka or Kyoto
Board the Sanyo Shinkansen to Nagoya Station and transfer to the Chuo limited express (Shinano) departing from Nagoya Station directly to Hakuba Station. Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.

Hakuba Happo-one
Hakuba Goryu
Hakuba 47
Hakuba Iwatake
Sun Alpina Hakuba Sanosaka
Hakuba Minekata
Hakuba Hikland Snowpark
Tsugaike Kogen
Norikura Kogen Onsen
Hakuba Cortina Kokusai
Snow & Green Park Yanaba