Hakuba Ski Trip Guide
Hakuba is a valley of ten ski resorts in Nagano, Japan, about 3 hours from Tokyo by train and bus. We’re Matt and Jen, owners of Sneaky Peaks, a 9-bedroom ski lodge in Kamishiro, 12 minutes’ walk from Goryu Ski Resort. This guide covers everything our guests ask us before their trip: how to get here, lift passes, lessons, gear, where to eat and what to do off the slopes.
Getting to Hakuba
Train and bus routes from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with times and prices.
Where to eat in Hakuba
Our favourite ramen, izakaya, sushi, burgers and date-night spots.
Things to do in Hakuba
Snow monkeys, onsen, temples, castles and more for your rest days.
Lift passes in Hakuba
Regular lift pass
Buy your lift pass in person at the ticket window of any Hakuba resort. Once you have a pass, you can use it at the other Hakuba resorts too, and reload it online on the website of whichever resort you’re heading to next.
Epic Pass
If you have an Epic Pass, show it at the ticket counter of any of Hakuba Valley’s 10 resorts to get a complimentary five-day Hakuba Valley pass.
Ski and snowboard lessons in Hakuba
Book lessons early, especially over Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. We recommend two ski schools for all levels, from first-timers to experienced riders:
Hakuba Snowsports at Iimori: hakubasnowsports.com/booking
Evergreen Ski School at Happo-One: evergreen-skischool.com
Staying with us? Tell us your lesson times and we’ll get you there on time with our free shuttle.
Renting gear or bringing your own
Renting gear
We recommend booking your gear in advance with Central Snowsports. They have a good selection and will pick you up from the lodge, fit you, and drop you back. When you’re done, they collect your gear, so there’s nothing to carry back.
Central Snowsports don’t rent goggles or gloves. Bring your own, buy them, or borrow them: riding without them is uncomfortable and can be dangerous.
Bringing your own gear
Use Yamato Transport (look for the black cat sign at the airport) to send your bags and boards straight to your accommodation. Delivery takes 1–2 days, so send them ahead so they arrive before you do.
Travel insurance for skiing in Japan
Skiing and snowboarding count as extreme sports, so many standard travel policies don’t cover them. Get travel insurance that covers snowsports and illness, so you’re covered on and off the slopes.
Where to stay in Hakuba
Sneaky Peaks is a 9-bedroom ski lodge in Kamishiro, next to Goryu, with private rooms for 2 to 6 guests. Breakfast is included, and free shuttles run to Goryu, Iimori, Sanosaka, Happo-One, Iwatake, Tsugaike and Norikura every morning. Rooms from ¥15,000 per person per night.
Stay with us in Hakuba
Nine private rooms near Goryu, from ¥15,000 per person per night with breakfast and free shuttles included.