Burton’s Official Guide to Snowboarding in Hakuba
Welcome to Burton's official Hakuba snowboarding guide, the place to start when planning your next Japan snowboarding trip. Hakuba is located in Japan’s Majestic Northern Alps in the northern Nagano Prefecture. It’s the internationally renowned mountain resort that hosted the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games[MS1] , and it attracts visitors from around the world for its exceptional snow and winter sports.
Hakuba features 10 unique ski resorts, offering a range of experiences, from leisurely slopes for beginners to long, scenic cruising runs, and the deep Japow that all snowboarders dream of. But snowboarding is just one part of Hakuba's charm. The region offers sophisticated a food, shopping, hot springs, and exciting après activities, including tournaments, events, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
In this Hakuba Snowboarding Guide, the experts at Burton Japan share everything you need to know to plan your next trip.
- General Hakuba Snowboarding Information
- How to Get to Hakuba Valley
- Renting a Car in Hakuba
- Where to Stay in Hakuba
- Hakuba Ski Resorts
General Hakuba snowboarding Information
With 10 ski resorts spread across the Hakuba Valley, we recommend staying as long as possible to make the most of your snowboarding trip. Staying in Hakuba will allow you to adapt to changing weather and snow, giving you the best chance to experience prime riding conditions.
Monthly Hakuba Snowfall Averages for 2023-2024 Winter Season
● December: 93 cm
● January: 187 cm
● February: 72 cm
● March: 181 cm
● April: 0 cm
Hakuba offers more than just world-class snowboarding and skiing. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture, with opportunities to visit castles, temples, and even participate in tea ceremonies. The great outdoors is also full of natural beauty and local wildlife.
After a day on the slopes, indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine like sushi, ramen, and gyoza, paired with cold beer or warm sake. Hakuba perfectly blends modern comfort with traditional hospitality, offering a memorable experience both on and off the mountain.
How to Get to Hakuba Valley
Most Hakuba snowboarding trips begin in Tokyo. From this major metropolitan city, there are a number of different ways to make your way to the ski resorts.
Travle to Hakuba from Hokuriku Shinkansen: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station to Nagano Station. The journey takes about 80 to 100 minutes. From Nagano Station, transfer to an express bus heading to the Hakuba area, which takes an additional 60 to 90 minutes to reach major points in Hakuba.
Travel to Hakuba on the Azusa Express Train: The Azusa Express offers direct service from Shinjuku Station to Hakuba. This is a convenient and scenic route, especially for early morning departures, and can be quicker and cheaper than traveling via Nagano.
Travel to Hakuba on the Alpico Highway Bus: The Alpico Bus is an affordable and convenient option from Tokyo to Hakuba. Buses depart from the Busta Shinjuku Terminal, directly connected to JR Shinjuku Station’s New South Gate or across from the South Exit. The trip takes about 5 to 6.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. For schedules and fares, check highwaybus.com.
Travel to Hakuba via Bus from Haneda Airport: There are direct buses from Haneda Airport to Hakuba, providing a convenient transfer option for international arrivals.
Renting a Car in Hakuba
For anyone taking a Hakuba snowboarding trip, we highly recommend renting a car. With 10 ski resorts spread across Hakuba Valley, a rental car is a convenient way to explore the area at your own pace. Rental cars and vans are readily available in Hakuba, making it easy to access the different resorts and nearby attractions.
Requirements to Rent a Car in Hakuba: To rent a car, you’ll need an International Driver's License along with your national driver’s license. It’s highly recommended to make advance bookings, especially during the peak winter season.
Hakuba Rental Car Options
From Narita/Haneda Airports: You can rent a car directly at Narita or Haneda Airport and drive to Hakuba, providing flexibility from the moment you arrive.
From Nagano Station: For those taking the Shinkansen to Nagano Station, car rentals are available at the station, making it easy to drive the remaining hour to Hakuba.
In Hakuba: If you prefer to rent a car after arriving in Hakuba, there are several options available within the valley.
Recommended Car Rental Services in Hakuba
● Hakuba Car Rental
● Windy Car Rental
● White Fox Car Rental
● Freedom Car Rental
● Kibeje Car Rental
Hakuba Ski Resorts
Omachi Area: Jigadake and Kashimayari Ski Resorts
The Omachi Area, located in the southern part of Hakuba Valley, features two ski resorts—Jigadake Ski Resort and Kashimayari Ski Resort. Situated inland, these resorts benefit from light, dry snowfall with low humidity.
● Jigadake Ski Resort: This resort is known for its beginner to intermediate slopes, making it a popular choice for families and newcomers to skiing or snowboarding. The wide, gentle slopes offer good visibility, providing an ideal setting for those making their debut on the snow.
● Kashimayari Ski Resort: With a total downhill length of 5,000m, this resort offers a mix of terrain, including fun tree areas. However, with a recent shift to a more family-friendly approach, many of the advanced courses have been closed, and the resort has reduced in size. As a result, fewer visitors come here specifically for powder skiing.
Hakuba Area Ski Resorts
Hakuba Village, the heart of Hakuba Valley, is home to five of its 10 ski resorts: Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort, Able Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park, Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, and Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field.
Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort
Easily accessible from the Joshinetsu Expressway Nagano IC or Nagano Expressway Azumino IC, this is a smaller, relaxed resort with 80% beginner to intermediate courses. It offers leisurely skiing with views of Lake Aoki at the foot of the mountain. The smaller size means less competition for powder, making it ideal for a more laid-back riding experience.
Able Hakuba Goryu
Take the gondola to over 1,500m altitude and enjoy some of the finest powder snow in Hakuba. The resort's base, Escal Plaza, is the largest in the area, offering restaurants, shops, sports stores, day-trip hot springs, and nap facilities. Next door, the Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park is renowned for its high-quality snow park and abundant tree runs for a more active, freestyle experience.
Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort
Located in the center of Hakuba Village, Happo-One is one of the largest ski resorts in the valley, featuring 14 courses, the longest run of 8,000m, and a vertical drop of 1,071m. The upper slopes are known for deep, dry powder, while the resort offers plenty of ungroomed terrain for powder enthusiasts.
Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
Iwatake boasts excellent course conditions, with trails offering stunning views of the Northern Alps and a mix of groomed and ungroomed runs. It’s well-regarded for its diverse terrain and scenic atmosphere, making it a favorite among skiers and snowboarders.
Otari Village Ski Resorts
Otari Village, located in the northernmost part of Hakuba Valley, is the most remote area in the region. Due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan, it receives abundant snowfall, making it a treasure trove of powder.
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort
With a summit elevation of 1,704 meters, Tsugaike offers excellent snow conditions throughout a long season, often extending until early May. The resort features the TSUGA POW DBD tree run area, accessible after taking a safety lecture. The lower slopes offer a wide, gentle slope with a 1,200-meter width, making it suitable for everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers.
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
This resort offers a variety of terrain, from flat, gentle slopes to well-groomed runs and steep pitches with plenty of powder snow.
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort
Adjacent to Norikura, Cortina is famous for its 100% natural powder snow, abundant snowfall, and excellent snow quality. The resort allows access to off-piste areas designated as a "self-responsible area," where skiers and snowboarders can explore powder on natural terrain.
Layering for Hakuba Powder
Adjust your layering according to the weather. On warm days, you can use the same GORE-TEX outerwear as on colder days by changing your base and mid-layers:
Base Layer: Keep Warm, Stay Comfortable
On cold days, start with a solid base layer to stay insulated. The Living Lining® fabric in Burton’s X Series adjusts to your body temperature, absorbing sweat when warm and retaining heat when cold for consistent comfort.
● Recommended Base Layer:
○ Burton Midweight X Crew and Pant Set
○ For extra warmth, try the Burton Heavyweight X 1/4 Zip and Pant (available in men’s and women’s versions).
On warmer days, a lightweight base layer like the Burton Lightweight X Crew and Pants is perfect for absorbing sweat and drying quickly
Mid-Layer: Lightweight Comfort
In areas like Kanto, mid-layers work well even without insulation. For colder conditions, use a mid-layer for added warmth:
● Recommended Mid-Layers:
○Burton Stockrun Warmest Hooded Full Zip Fleece (Men’s & Women’s)
○ Burton Cinder Full-Zip Fleece (Men)
○ Burton Cinder Pullover Fleece (Women)
In warmer weather, you can skip the mid-layer unless you tend to feel cold.
Outerwear: Go Oversized
For outerwear, try theFutureproof 2L Jacket and Futureproof 2L Bib Pants. These unisex pieces offer a stylish oversized fit and reliable weather protection.
Gear for Powder Riding
Snowboards: Smooth Powder Cruising
For powder days, these boards deliver float and smooth handling in deep snow:
● Burton Unisex Family Tree Alekesam Camber Snowboard
●Burton Unisex Family Tree Gril Master Camber Snowboard
Bindings: Quick and Easy On/Off
Save time strapping in and out:
● Men’s: Burton Genesis Step On EST
● Women’s: Burton Escapade Step On EST
Boots: Support and Flexibility for Powder
Ideal boots for powder riding:
Gear for Resort Cruising
Snowboards: Built for Speed and Control
For high-speed riding at the resort:
● Men’s: Burton Men's Custom Camber Snowboard
● Women’s: Burton Feel Good Camber Snowboard
Bindings: Responsive and Versatile
For precise carving and responsiveness:
● Men’s:
○ Burton Men's Step On X Re:Flex
○Men's Cartel X (for traditional binding preference)
● Women’s:
○ Women's Lexa X(for non-Step On option)
Boots: Stability and Comfort at High Speeds
For consistent performance in deep turns:
●Men’s: Burton Men's Ion Step On or Ion BOA for non-Step On.
● Women’s: Burton Felix Step On Wide orSupreme Wide for non-Step On.
Gear for Backcountry Riding
Backpacks: Essentials for Off-Piste Adventures
When heading into the backcountry, proper packing is key:
● For Light Packing with a Guide: Use the [ak] Dispatcher 25L Pack.
● For Longer Trips Requiring More Gear: Opt for the [ak] Dispatcher 35L Pack to carry avalanche safety gear, extra layers, food, water, and bivouac equipment.
Recommended Guides in Hakuba Valley
● SnowSurf Hakuba: Guided by Japan's top-level backcountry guide Tomoki Fuse and professional snowboarder Kazushige Fujita, SnowSurf Hakuba offers expert backcountry tours with a unique style recognized worldwide.
● Evergreen Backcountry Guide: Located at the Evergreen Outdoor Centre at the base of the Kokusai ski lifts in Happo-One, Evergreen provides off-piste and backcountry tours led by native English-speaking guides, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience.
Unique Accommodations for Snowboarders
● Nomad Hakuba: Situated in the center of Hakuba Village, Nomad Hakuba is a newly renovated hotel with a retro 70s vibe, providing a relaxing home for travelers from around the world.
● HA-MON: Nestled slopeside in Tsugaike Kogen, HA-MON offers ski-in/ski-out convenience with a chance to experience traditional Japanese hospitality, culture, and art.
● Penke Panke Lodge: Tucked in the Wadano forest of the former Olympic Village, Penke Panke offers a cozy atmosphere, unbeatable location, sensible rates, and friendly staff, making it a favorite among snowboarders.
Popular Cafés and Restaurants for Snowboarders
● Sounds Like Cafe: A popular spot serving fantastic coffee and Western-style food. It’s generally bustling, so finding a table might be a challenge.
● Tsuga Base: Located at the foot of Tsugaike Kogen, this footbath café serves delicious burgers made with local ingredients and a variety of drinks, offering a relaxing end to a day of skiing.
● Yakiniku Miyama: Specializing in domestic beef yakiniku, this restaurant is located along the road from Hakuba Station to Happo and is a must-visit for meat lovers.
● Mocking Bird: Popular among both locals and visitors, Mocking Bird features a large driftwood tree in the center of the bar and serves a wide selection of beers, wines, and traditional Japanese cocktails.
Local Food & Drinks to Try in Hakuba
● Oyaki: A traditional Nagano snack, Oyaki is a dumpling filled with sweet red bean paste, vegetables, or savory ingredients like meat.
● Soba: Nagano’s specialty dish made from buckwheat, soba can be enjoyed hot or cold, often served with seasonal toppings.
● Hakuba Galette: Made with locally produced buckwheat flour, the Hakuba Galette is a regional specialty that features various toppings, reflecting the area’s culinary heritage.
● Hakuba Craft: Crafted from soft snowmelt water, Hakuba Craft is a new type
of local craft beer with a smooth, refreshing taste.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Hakuba
● Jigokudani Monkey Park
Visit this unique park to see wild Japanese Macaques—also known as Snow Monkeys—bathing in natural hot springs. It’s a memorable experience, especially during winter when the monkeys are surrounded by snow.
● Zenkoji Temple
Located in Nagano City, Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan’s most significant and historic temples, founded in the 7th century. It houses the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan in the 6th century, making it an important spiritual site.
● Matsumoto Castle
Considered one of Japan’s most complete and beautiful original castles, Matsumoto Castle was built on flat plains rather than a hill. It is known for its unique architecture, featuring both a secondary donjon and a turret connected to the main keep.
Recommended Spas in Hakuba
● Happo-no-yu
This popular onsen offers both indoor and outdoor baths. The open-air bath provides stunning views of the Hakuba Sanzan (the three main peaks of Hakuba) and the Happo-One ski area, making it a favorite among international visitors.
● Kurashita-no-yu
A large wooden bathhouse with beautiful views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Kurashita-no-yu features one of Hakuba’s highest mineral content waters, with a unique cloudy brown color. The open-air bath offers panoramic views, while there is no indoor bath.
● Juro-no-yu
Located near Hakuba Goryu, Juro-no-yu is a day-trip hot spring facility with indoor and outdoor baths, a sauna, a restaurant, and a tatami room for relaxation.
Additional Activities for a Memorable Hakuba Experience
● Studio 902
A stylish bar in Echoland, Studio 902 is one of the coolest spots in Hakuba, featuring live music, floor-to-ceiling vinyl records, and a giant clock centerpiece.
● HakuBOUNCE
This trampoline facility offers fun for all ages, making it a great indoor activity even on rainy days. It also has free play equipment for children under 3 years old, making it a family-friendly destination.
Hakuba Goryu Base Center: Escal Plaza
At the base of Hakuba Goryu lies Escal Plaza, one of the largest and most convenient base centers in the area. It offers a wide range of facilities, including restaurants, shops, rentals, a kids’ space, day-trip hot springs, and even nap facilities, making it a one-stop hub for all your needs.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Hakuba Goryu
● Take the telecabin to the top of the slope, situated over 1,500m above sea level, for a spectacular panoramic view. This upper slope is one of the first in the region to open each winter and offers long-season skiing until May.
● The base area features a variety of well-designed courses, including a terrain park, hump course, and a dedicated kids' area, catering to all skill levels.
Night Skiing at Toomi Slope
Toomi Slope offers popular night skiing, available every evening during the season. The beautifully groomed runs, along with the occasional night powder, create a magical atmosphere that’s distinct from daytime skiing.
Burton Store Hakuba Goryu
Test rides are also available.
Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park
With its entire ski area facing north, Hakuba 47 maintains excellent snow conditions throughout the season. It connects seamlessly with Able Hakuba Goryu at the summit, allowing skiers and snowboarders to move between the two resorts with ease.
Highlights of Hakuba 47
● The snow park is renowned for its well-maintained features, including large kickers, rails, and boxes, making it a favorite among top riders. It’s not uncommon to spot professional athletes training up close.
● The resort attracts active and hard-core riders, offering a long, exhilarating run with panoramic views of the Hakuba valley. There is also a tree zone filled with powder snow, accessible through a registration system.
● On weekends, the resort hosts family-friendly events like "Behavior," along with other activities for kids, making it popular among families as well as serious riders.
Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort
Located in the center of Hakuba Valley, Hakuba H
appo-One is renowned for its impressive scale and breathtaking views. The upper slopes, situated above the treeline, offer high-quality powder and natural terrain that’s perfect for adventurous riders.
Highlights of Hakuba Happo-One
● Olympic Legacy: As a venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, the resort is known for its steep slopes, particularly near the summit, making it a prime destination for advanced skiers.
● Varied Terrain: Despite its challenging terrain, the vast slopes have something for everyone, attracting riders of all levels. The panoramic view from the summit at 1,830m is one of the most spectacular sights in Hakuba.
● Super Big Slope: With a vertical drop of over 1,000m and the longest run stretching 8,000m, Happo-One offers an exhilarating experience for skiers and snowboarders looking for a challenge.
Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield
Hakuba Iwatake stands out as the only independent peak in the Hakuba area, offering a 360° panoramic view. It features a wide variety of courses that utilize the natural terrain, with runs stretching from east to west, north to south.
Highlights of Hakuba Iwatake
● Diverse Courses: Iwatake offers a mix of scenic trails facing the Northern Alps, ungroomed runs with deep powder, and a well-maintained snow park, catering to all skill levels.
● Non-Ski Activities: Even non-skiers can enjoy Iwatake, with a popular café, a terrace boasting spectacular views, the famous super-sized swing for a thrilling experience, buggy cruises, and snowshoe tours.
● State-of-the-Art Resort: Iwatake goes beyond skiing, offering a variety of winter attractions and activities that showcase the full charm of the season.
Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort
Located in the southernmost part of Hakuba Village, Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort offers an attractive setting surrounded by forests and lakes. Its scenic location and well-designed slopes make it a favorite among technical snowboarders.
Highlights of Hakuba Sanosaka
● Carving Paradise: The resort is renowned as a hub for carving enthusiasts, with moderate-width slopes that create an ideal environment for practicing techniques.
● Reliable Conditions: The area’s terrain is less affected by wind, making it accessible even when lifts at nearby resorts close due to strong winds.
● Family-Friendly: With gentle to medium slopes, Sanosaka is perfect for families and groups, offering a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
Tsugaike Mountain Resort
Tsugaike Mountain Resort is the largest ski area in Otari, with a summit elevation of 1,704m. Known for its abundant snowfall and excellent conditions, it offers a wide range of terrain for all skill levels.
Highlights of Tsugaike Mountain Resort
● Diverse Terrain: The resort features a 5,000m long run, a powder area with high-quality snow, a fun snow park, and an ultra-wide gentle slope that stretches 1,200m. It’s ideal for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders.
● Family-Friendly: With many gentle to medium slopes, Tsugaike is popular among families. The "Hakuba Tsugaike SNOW WOW!" area offers non-ski activities like sledding and snow racers, making it perfect for kids' debuts or groups with varying skill levels.
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort is known for its deep snow and high-quality powder. With 14 courses, the resort offers a well-balanced mix of terrain, making it an ideal environment for all skill levels.
Highlights of Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
● Varied Terrain: The resort features powder courses, mogul runs, and a kids’ park, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Intermediate and advanced riders can enjoy a relaxed environment to hone their skills, while beginners can practice at their own pace.
● Shared Access with Hakuba Cortina: With a shared lift ticket, visitors can explore both Hakuba Norikura and the adjacent Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, providing access to a vast and diverse range of slopes.
Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort
Located north of Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort, Hakuba Cortina is famous for its 100% natural powder snow, attracting powder enthusiasts from around the world.
Highlights of Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort
● Pure Powder: The resort offers a vast natural slope designated as a "self-responsible area," allowing riders to explore the untouched terrain at their own risk.
● Family-Friendly Layout: The resort’s mortar-shaped design makes it easy to spot the hotel at the base from any route, giving families peace of mind and making it less likely for skiers to get lost.
Kashimayari Ski Resort
Kashimayari Ski Resort features a 5,000m long downhill run and a tree area, making it a fun and challenging spot for snowboarders. In recent years, the resort has become more family-friendly, offering a range of non-ski activities.
Highlights of Kashimayari Ski Resort
● Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy the Pokemon Snow Adventure, snowmobiling, buggy riding, and laser mazes, making it a great destination for families and non-skiers.
● Scenic Views: The resort provides spectacular views of Mt. Kashima Yarigatake (2,890m), offering a different perspective compared to Hakuba and Otari.
● Unique Snow Conditions: Due to its inland location, the resort enjoys light, low-humidity snow, creating a hidden gem for powder enthusiasts when the conditions are right.
Jigatake Ski Resort
Located in the southernmost part of Hakuba Valley, Jigatake Ski Resort is known for its homely atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for beginners, intermediates, and families looking for a relaxed skiing experience.
Highlights of Jigatake Ski Resort
● Gentle Slopes: The resort features primarily gentle runs, making it ideal for beginners and families. It’s less crowded than other resorts, allowing for a leisurely pace on the slopes.
● Varied Terrain: Jigatake offers a mix of tree runs, forest trails, and a snow park, catering to a variety of snow sports, including skiing, snowboarding, snow skates, and snow bikes.
● Kid-Friendly Area: The spacious children’s slope includes a troika (giant sled) lift, creating a fun and unique experience for young skiers, complete with plenty of big smiles.
Special Services: Burton Test Ride Centers
Burton Store Hakuba Goryu (Test Ride Center)
The Burton Store Goryu offers a high-spec rental service where you can try Burton’s latest models on the snow. The lineup includes everything from the popular STEP ON®︎ system to the classic Custom board and the versatile Family Tree series. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience Burton’s newest gear in real conditions.
● Location: Burton Store Hakuba Goryu
Burton Stores in Japan
Burton Flagship Tokyo
5-17-4 Jingumae Shibuya-Ku
Tokyo 150-0001
[TEL] 050-3506-8000
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3-4 Odori Nishi Chuo-Ku Sapporo
Hokkaido 060-0042
[TEL] 050-3506-6133
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2298 Yashima Nagano-Shi
Nagano 381-0021
[TEL] 050-3506-9200
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1-19-23 Minamihorie Nishi-Ku Osaka-Shi
Osaka 550-0015
[TEL] 050-3506-8585
Burton Store Niseko
190/13 Aza Yamada Kutchan-Cho Abuta-Gun
Hokkaido 044-0081
[TEL] 0136-55-5697
Burton Store Rusutsu
Rusutsu Resort North Wing
13 Izumikawa Rusutsu Abuta-Gun
Hokkaido 048-1711
[TEL] 0136-55-5697
Burton Store Yokohama
4-2 Shiraho Kanazawa-ku Yokohama-Shi
Kanagawa 236-0007
[TEL] 050-3506-7171
Burton Store Karuizawa
NE42A Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Karuizawa Karuizawa-Machi Kitasaku-Gun
Nagano 389-0102
[TEL] 050-3506-9090
Burton Store Hakuba Goryu
22184-10 Kamishiro Hakuba-Mura Kitaazumi-Gun
Nagano 399-9211
[TEL] 0261-75-2101
Burton Store Skijam Katsuyama
170-70 Katsuyama-Shi
Fukui 911-0000
[TEL] 0779-64-4106
Text: Makiko Kishino