You’ve booked your Hakuba holiday.

Flights? Check.

Accommodation? Check.

Transport from the airport? Check.

But have you forgotten that one last thing? The one thing that will make or break your trip?

Yes, you have; the difference between a good Hakuba Holiday and an unforgettable one is hiring a rental car.

Having a car expands your horizons and can make your holiday memorable. The experience is drastically different. Let us explain how a rental car will transform your Hakuba Holiday from good to Amazing.

Hakuba White Fox Co offers luxury accommodations with personalized concierge services.

Contact us to book your next ski vacation.

Easy Access to the Biggest Resorts

The Hakuba Valley pass is valid for 10 resorts throughout the valley. From the most popular tourist areas, such as near Happo or Echoland, there are shuttle buses that take you to Happo-One Resort, Hakuba 47, Hakuba Goryu, Iwatake, and Tsugaike. Wouldn’t getting in your car and driving to any of these resorts be more straightforward?

Yes, it would.

The car rides take 3-7 minutes for Happo-One, 47, Goryu, and Iwatake, and around 15 minutes for Tsugaike. Just as important, you can leave and go home anytime you want, in the comfort of your own car.

White Fox Insider Tip: Parking is not a significant issue at most resorts. Nearly all have large parking lots close to the lifts. Goryu, 47, Cortina, Iwatake, and Sanosaka all have easy access from their parking lots. Happo-One lacks free parking at their gondola – only paid parking, but there is plenty of free parking at the Nakiyama lift area. Tsugaike’s closest parking lots can get filled up on busy days, which may push you up the road for about 5 minutes. Norikura has limited parking at the hotel, but an adjacent parking lot easily connects to the ski fields.

Cortina

Powderhounds says Cortina Resort stands out as the best resort for powder in Hakuba. The terrain is steeper, and there is excellent tree skiing. Cortina openly markets the ability to ride through their backcountry gates on the backside of the top lift. The resort is technically in the next town over, Otari, and has its own mini climate. It often gets 50cm of snow, while resorts closer to central Hakuba get 15-25cm. Cortina does a snowfall update at around 7 am every day. You’ll want your group up and ready to go. If you want to beat the crowds here, a car is the only way to do it. There’s a bus that leaves from Happo Bus Terminal at 730am and arrives at Cortina at 810am. While the first lift opens at 830am, by 8 am, there’s already a large line snaking toward the parking lot. Are the crowds worth it? Anyone who’s ever experienced the fun of bottomless powder and endless face shots knows it is worthwhile.

White Fox Insider Tip: If you have flexibility on your dates, watch the forecasts and come early if the season starts off with a bang. One of the great reasons to come in early and mid-December is that there are many people here, and the conditions can be absolutely epic.

White Fox Insider Tip 2: Buy that online ticket, which includes lunch and access to the onsen. The morning is plenty of time to conquer all the powder. Get lunch and head to another resort for a PM session, or relax in the onsen before heading home.

Access to Less Popular Resorts

Having a car gives you access to the other resorts. Aside from Cortina, you can easily access Norikura, Sanosaka, Kashimayari, and Jiigatake. These four resorts see much fewer visitors and many fewer foreigners. They offer an excellent alternative for days when you want to have a cruisey day with your partner or the kids. Sanosaka offers incredible lake views on clear days as you ski from top to bottom, making it underrated. Kashimayari offers lake views on sunny days and has tree skiing from the top lift, which is usually untouched as visitors go for the more well-known areas.

Did you know? Sanosaka and Kashimayari were once connected by a third resort called Sun Alpina Aokiko. Collectively, they were known as Sun Alpina Resort. Sun Alpina Aokiko last operated in 2009 and was actually put up for sale on Yahoo Japan auctions in 2016.

Did you know? Sanosaka and Kashimayari were once connected by a third resort called Sun Alpina Aokiko. Collectively, they were known as Sun Alpina Resort. Sun Alpina Aokiko last operated in 2009 and was actually put up for sale on Yahoo Japan auctions in 2016.

First Tracks

Powder miracles aren’t just limited to Cortina. Every resort gets plenty of powder days. I’ve had amazing days at Happo-One, Tsugaike, Goryu, 47, and Norikura, just to name a few. Not every mountain receives the same amount of snow on the same day; each can change how your day turns out. It is worth checking the morning Facebook updates of Hakuba 47, Cortina, Tsugaike, Goryu, and Happo-One Resorts at 7 am. Also, check the wind – if it is windy or stormy, there’s a chance that the gondola, Alpen quad lift, and Skyline at the top of Happo One are all closed. That also means the quad at the top of Hakuba 47 could be closed. You may want to head to Tsugaike, Goryu, or Iwatake that day. In any event, being first in line at any resort generally means getting there before most others and certainly before the resort shuttles show up. Having a car is the only way.

Restaurants Across the Valley

Hakuba is often described as pockets of activity around various areas – the train station, Echoland, Happo-one, Goryu, and Tsugaike. That’s generally true. Having a vehicle opens up multiple more delicious restaurants to try. We thoroughly enjoy Sounds Like Cafe breakfasts but love to drive to the Rabbit Hole in Wadano to enjoy their tasty selection. Yukimaru near Goryu is a great izakaya that is mere minutes away. Riki (Soba), Zen, or Denenshi are excellent choices for great lunches. They also make great choices for dinner, as does Vive, Mimi’s, or La Neige for fine western, Issei Neo Shokudo for modern Japanese, and Nikumasa for steaks. These are just a few restaurant choices spread throughout the valley that are worth trying and can easily be accessed in minutes by car. Please ask about our restaurant selection. Without a car, you might not have maximized every meal here, and that would be a shame!

Go to the supermarket and stay in and cook

Eating out day and night is the dream of many when visiting Japan. A bottomless stomach is also another dream. But, realistically, there are nights you will be happy to stay in, cook, and have a few drinks. Before you do that, you’ll want to head to the supermarket. Thankfully, Hakuba has three supermarkets, and since you have a car, you can easily visit any of them. Big, A-Coop, and Appleland all have large selections of fresh foods. A-Coop has the best selection of wines – alternatively, if you are staying in one of our chalets, you can use our in-house wine service. Buy all the food and drinks you want and be home in less than 10 minutes. And, have an adventure looking at all the Japanese produce. Nagano, for example, is known for its mushrooms, and you’re guaranteed to see some you’ve never seen before. Having a car makes this adventure super easy. Or, my favorite, do a quick run to the local 7-11 for ice creams + crisps—nothing better at 9 pm.

Day Trips

Here’s a list of day trips and itineraries you may consider.

Chausayama Dinosaur Park. Near Nagano Station—I can’t emphasize enough that if your child likes dinosaurs, visit this park. It has a free entrance and 27 life-size dinosaurs. Inside several of them, they’ve built slides. There are no amenities or restaurants on this side except for the Dinosaur Focus gift shop at the bottom. It’s built on a hill, so you may not want to push your stroller up past midway and instead may want a carrier. The Chausayama Zoo is also nearby.

Zenkoji Shrine near Nagano station. You may combine the dinosaur park with this whole day trip. There’s plenty to see and try. You should pay the small 100 yen fee for an Omikuji out of a box. It’s a paper slip that tells you how lucky you will be for the year. It can range from excellent luck down to bad luck. After that, head down to Beni Beni for the apple pies.

Tokagushi includes the Tokagushi Shrine, Togakure Nippon Museum, and the Kids Ninja Village. It is a 1 hour 10 min trip from Hakuba. There are three shrines here—the lower, middle, and upper shrines. Each is a 2km ascent. The entrance to the upper shrine is lined with 300 tall Japanese cedar trees.

Joetsu Aquarium—This is a 1.5–hour drive out toward the sea of Japan. You’ll pass Itoigawa, which has excellent seafood. The aquarium is a good day out with the family. There’s also a chance you might pass some Hakuba locals doing winter surfing out there.

Kanazawa—I’d recommend more than just a day trip. One night would leave you wanting to stay longer. There’s an extensive historical area, fresh fish markets, and a museum area. Combine that with the historical area, and you could easily spend 2-3 days here. It has a mini-Kyoto feel, with a fraction of the tourists. It also has a bullet train from Kanazawa station to Tokyo station, so you may consider it a place to add at the end of your ski trip.

Actual Driving in the Snow

Japan drives on the left-hand side of the road, which will be familiar to many visitors. The government clears all the public roads. Even in peak winter, the roads are cleared quickly after it snows. Despite being near the mountains, there aren’t any super steep hills you’ll need to tackle to get where you want to go. All the stores, resorts, and tourist attractions you visit will have parking onsite. In short, driving in Japan should be pretty smooth.

There are a few rules to driving in the snow. If you follow the first three rules, you generally will have a great time. For a full list, please see this Car & Driver feature on winter driving.

1. Drive slowly. All maneuvers, including accelerating, stopping, and turning, take more time and are less predictable in winter conditions. This is by far the most important rule.
2. Assume your breaking will take 2-3x the distance. Slow down well before traffic lights.
3. Make sure to have AWD/4WD plus winter tires. These aren’t a save-all, but they are far superior to standard Front-Wheel Drive and normal tires.
4. Keep your tank from running too low.
5. Have winter clothes and attire with you.
6. Keep local emergency numbers with you.
7. Don’t venture out if it is storming outside and visibility is low. Stay in and relax.

Unlocking the Secret to an Unforgettable Hakuba Valley Experience

Hakuba Valley, nestled in the Northern Japanese Alps, is a year-round destination that promises an unforgettable experience for international visitors. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty and easy access to 3000m peaks, the valley is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Explore the various ski resorts scattered throughout the valley to unlock the secret to an unforgettable Hakuba Valley experience. Resorts like Happo-One, Hakuba 47, and Hakuba Goryu each offer unique skiing experiences, catering to all levels of skiers with their diverse trails and breathtaking mountain views. The free shuttle bus service connecting these resorts makes it a breeze to explore the entire valley without any hassle.

But skiing is just the beginning. Hakuba Valley offers a plethora of other activities to enjoy. Try snowshoeing or ice climbing, or unwind in one of the many natural hot springs. A stroll through Happo Village reveals a charming array of shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. For those seeking adventure, guided tours of the valley can include thrilling activities like backcountry skiing and snowmobiling, ensuring your trip is exciting.

Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Hakuba Holiday

Selecting the right accommodation is key to a comfortable and enjoyable Hakuba holiday. With various options available, from self-contained apartments to luxurious chalets, choosing based on your needs and preferences is essential.

For a convenient and hassle-free experience, consider staying in central Hakuba. This area offers easy access to ski lifts and a range of amenities, ensuring you’re never far from the action. Look for accommodations that provide shuttle bus services, making it simple to navigate the valley.

Are you traveling with a group or family? Opt for a self-contained apartment or chalet. These spacious accommodations offer the flexibility and comfort needed for a relaxing stay. Many are located just a short walk from the ski slopes, allowing you to hit the mountain quickly.

When booking your stay, consider the level of service and support offered. Properties that provide ski hire and ski pass services and assistance in booking Hakuba ski lessons and other activities can significantly enhance your holiday experience.

Enhancing Your Ski Experience in Hakuba Valley

Hakuba Valley is a skier’s paradise, boasting over 200 trails and 30 lifts across its stunning landscape. To make the most of your ski trip, consider taking a ski lesson with one of the valley’s many qualified instructors. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, lessons can help you refine your technique and build confidence on the slopes.

In addition to lessons, renting high-quality ski equipment is essential. Many ski hire shops in the valley offer a wide range of gear, including skis, snowboards, and boots, ensuring you have the best equipment.

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider booking a guided ski tour. These tours often include access to backcountry skiing and other thrilling activities like snowmobiling and ice climbing, providing a unique and exhilarating way to explore Hakuba Valley.

Getting Around Hakuba Valley with Ease

Navigating Hakuba Valley is a breeze, thanks to various transportation options. The valley is well-connected by a network of shuttle buses that run regularly throughout the day, making it easy to travel between ski resorts and to and from Happo Village.

Many ski resorts also offer free parking, allowing you to drive around the valley easily. If you prefer not to drive, taxi services are available and can be booked in advance for added convenience.

For a more leisurely experience, take a stroll through Happo Village. This charming area is home to various shops, restaurants, cafes, and natural hot springs, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes.

Customizing Your Hakuba Holiday Experience

Hakuba Valley offers diverse activities and experiences, allowing you to customize your holiday to suit your preferences. Consider taking a guided tour of the valley, including exciting activities like backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, and ice climbing.

For a more relaxing experience, book a massage or spa treatment at one of the valley’s many wellness centers. Yoga and fitness classes are also available, helping you stay active and energized during your stay.

When it comes to accommodation, many properties in the valley offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. From kitchens and laundry facilities to private hot tubs, you can tailor your lodging to meet your needs and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable holiday.

Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Hakuba Holiday

To make the most of your Hakuba holiday, consider these insider tips:

• Book your accommodation and ski passes in advance to avoid peak season prices.
• Visit during the week when the slopes are less crowded.
• Take advantage of the free shuttle bus service connecting the ski resorts and Happo Village.
• Capture the stunning views from the top of the ski lifts – don’t forget your camera!
• Indulge in local cuisine, including delicious Japanese dishes and fresh seafood.
• Consider a guided tour of the valley for access to backcountry skiing and other unique activities.

By following these tips, you can ensure an unforgettable Hakuba holiday you’ll cherish for years.