Hakuba Ski Packages | Japan l ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED
Ski Hakuba with one of our packages and experience this quality Japow snow region situated in the Japan Alps. Located on Japan’s main island of Honshu, and only 270km from Tokyo getting there is a breeze. Time saved in transit means you’ll be on the mountain in no time and lapping up the quality snow that saw the region host the 98 Winter Olympics. The mountain scenery is spectacular and defined by huge rugged peaks that tower above the ski resorts throughout the valley. Home to a combination of world class skiing, state of the art lifts and huge array of dining options, Hakuba is a place that has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Hakuba is widely known as being a first-class international resort with tons of powder averaging 11m of fresh snow every year. The Hakuba Valley is a huge expanse of 9 ski resorts that you can ski on the one lift pass. The southern end of the valley Sun Alpina incorporates 3 ski areas to the linked resorts of Hakuba 47 and Goryu-Toomi and the Olympic Ski Resort of Happo-One situated in the heart of Hakuba. At the northern end of the valley, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura and Cortina round out the exhaustive skiing options available. This area is also famous for “Onsen”, hot springs that are perfect end after a day of skiing or boarding, a unique experience not to be missed.
Get in touch and let us help you plan with one of our Hakuba skiing packages.
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Duration
8 days -
Cost
$2,499 pp -
Departing
All Major Cities -
Location
Hakuba, Japan -
Availability
December to March
Inclusions
- 7 Nights Hotel Accommodation in a Twin share room
- Breakfast Daily
- 5 Days Hakuba Valley 9 Mountain Lift Pass
- 5 Days Premium Ski or Snowboard hire (boots and polls incl)
- 5 Days Jacket, Pants and Helmet Hire
- Full day Snow Monkey & Zenkoji Temple Tour including Lunch & Sake tasting
- Return shuttle transfers from Nagano Station
*Hotel upgrade options and self-contained style accommodation for families & larger groups available – Contact us for custom quote!
2024/25 Season: AUD $2,499 pp (Twin Share) ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED
Not Included
– Airfares (Contact us for a quote)
– Travel Insurance (Highly recommended – contact us for quote)
– Meals and drinks not mentioned above
– Items of a personal nature e.g. phone calls, internet, travel insurance etc.
– Rail Tickets
More Info
Introduction
Hakuba Valley boasts 10 Resorts accessing over 200 runs, with an incredible variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders alike. The southern end of the valley Sun Alpina incorporates 3 ski areas to the linked resorts of Hakuba 47 and Goryu-Toomi and the Olympic Ski Resort of Happo-One situated in the heart of Hakuba. At the northern end of the valley, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura and Cortina, Hakuba offers an amazing combination of world class skiing, state of the art lifts and gondolas and excellent grooming facilities.
This area is also famous for the “Onsen” experience, the hot springs perfect after a day of skiing or boarding, not to be missed.
Snow Monkey Onsen & Zenkoji Temple Tour
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 approx. 30 minutes each way. Departing from the monkey park we then make our way to the historic town of Obuse, home to the famous Japanese artist Hokusai and Masuichi Sake Brewery. Lunch is a delicious set course traditional Japanese meal with a choice of main courses including dessert and glass of Sake. The next stop is Nagano City, home to Zenkoji Temple, designated a national treasure and has 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 and galleries.
From Narita Airport – Train/train/bus
This includes a train from Narita to Tokyo (or Ueno), then a bullet train (Shinkansen) to Nagano, and then a bus to Hakuba. This is the fastest route. From the Tokyo international airport the total trip takes about 3.5 to 4 hours depending upon connection timing. The other advantage of taking the trains is that it’s a great insight into a part of the Japanese culture.
Tokyo to Nagano
From Tokyo Station, passengers board the Hokuriku Bullet Train (Asama/ Hakutaka / Kagayaki Shinkansen). Travelling time is 1.5 – 2 hours, some trains make more scheduled stops than others. The Bullet Trains run regularly throughout the day to Nagano Station.
After getting off the Bullet Train, take the escalators or service lifts up to the atrium level and here you will then need to pass through the ticket gates. Either show your rail pass or insert your rail tickets into the ticket machines to exit the station.
Nagano to Hakuba
This transfer service is included in our Hukuba Packages!
From Nagano Station there are buses leaving from bus stand #26 every couple of hours, which are bound for Hakuba. For those taking buses through to Hakuba – after exiting the ticket gates, turn left to the East exit and take the two flights of escalators or the service lift down to street level and proceed to bus stop #26. The buses from Nagano to Hakuba run from 8:25am every morning, with the last bus departing for Hakuba at 22:00. This bus on will make stops at Goryu, the Hakuba Train Station and finally at the Happo Bus Terminal.
Direct transfer
This involves getting a shuttle bus or shared taxi transfer directly from Narita Airport to Hakuba, which tends to cost a little more than the train/train/bus combo. The trip takes longer, about 5-6 hours, but it provides the advantage of not having to lug your bags around the train stations and on and off trains and buses. This is also the transport of choice if you arrive at the Narita airport in the evening (so you can avoid having to overnight in a Narita hotel or Nagano hotel). You can book this transfer with Nagano Snow Shuttle which departs Narita at 8pm (NB you can’t book the trip a long way in advance.
Hukaba for Skiers
From the complete novice to the expert skier, Hakuba provides some of the best skiing in all of Japan. It offers everything from gentle beginner slopes to steeps, bumps and long groomers and of course plenty of fresh powder. The Happo-One resort, boasting some of the highest snowfalls and longest vertical pitches in all of Japan is Hakuba’s premier skiers mountain. Hakuba 47 and Goryu-Toomi challenges everyone from first timers to experts. Tsugaike and Iwatake are well suited to the beginner to intermediate, with long cruising trails providing an opportunity for non-stop uninterrupted skiing. Hakuba’s reputation as a serious skiers destination is well balanced across all levels and offers something for everyone.
Hakuba for Snowboarders
Endless half-pipes, terrain parks, gullies, hits, powder bowls and steeps are awaiting you this season in Hakuba. From Sun Alpina to Hakuba Cortina the variety of terrain on offer is guaranteed to satisfy all levels. For the beginner, learn to snowboard with great views, helpful instructors and gentle slopes at all of the resorts. For the experts, fantastic powder conditions, berms, jumps, half-pipes, terrain parks and plenty of freestyle action is waiting to be had. Take your pick, as every resort has plenty on offer for snowboarders this winter in Hakuba. Favourites among the resorts are Hakuba 47 and Happo with their challenging and diverse terrain, Tsugiake’s board park and Cortina with its light, dry, deep powder and ungroomed trails.
Cash
Japan is still very much a cash economy, so it is highly recommended to purchase cash – Japanese Yen before arriving in Japan. Foreign currency is not accepted within the ski resorts and traveller’s cheques are generally not accepted unless you exchange at a bank. International Airports have currency exchange windows and international ATMs, so if you do not pick up Japanese Yen before you leave your home country, we suggest you arrange at least some at the airport. In Hakuba ATM access is now quite widely available at the following locations: Both the Seven Eleven convenience stores in Misorano and Iwatake, All three of the Lawson’s in Happo, Hakuba and Otari, The Hakuba Post Office, The Big Supermarket, The Delicia Supermarket. If customers are aware of what the pin number is for their card, then there should not be any issue. Please note withdrawal limits vary depending on the ATM machine and obviously the type of customer’s card.
Hot Springs (Onsens)
Hakuba has an abundance of rich natural spring water and there is no better way to relax and rejuvenate after great days skiing than to soothe and relax your body in one of the many natural hot springs. To get the most out of your onsen experience there are a few rules which need to be followed.
-Showering & washing is necessary before entering the spring water.
-The spring water in the bathtub is never used for washing, only soaking.
-Hot Springs are baths to be enjoyed naked and swim suits are not to be worn.
-After soaking you can wash yourself again and then re-enter the bath.
-After finishing soaking, no need to rinse a last time, let the minerals soak into your skin. -Remove as much water from your body before returning into the change room.
-With tattoos, best to consult with service staff as some facilities frown upon body art.
Top things to do in Hakuba in Winter
Best Après in Hakuba
Best Restaurants in Hakuba
FAQS
Where is Hukuba?
Hakuba Valley is situated in the heart of the Japan Alps, approximately 277km from Tokyo.
Do I need a Visa for Japan?
Australians are eligible for Japan’s visa exemption scheme for short-stay tourism and business travel. You don’t need a visa to travel to Japan for up to 90 days. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.
How Do I get to Hukuba?
Hakuba can be easily reached by several transport methods from Tokyo. The most common way to travel to Hakuba is a ride on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) which reaches speeds of up to 300km per hour to nearby Nagano city, followed by a one-hour bus to the Hakuba Valley ski resort. Enjoy the scenery of the alpine hills and valleys on your journey whichever way you travel. Private transfers & Airport Shuttle services also available.
What are the skiing conditions like in Hukuba?
Whatever your level of skiing or snowboarding, Hakuba has something for you. Beginners have a wide range of easy slopes to choose from and plenty of opportunities for lessons with English speaking instructors. Intermediate and advanced shredders have plenty of choice, be it steeper groomers or playful tree runs. For the adventurous, Hakuba provides access to a vast array of epic backcountry terrain. Those willing to earn their turns will be rewarded in what can only be referred to as a-truck-load-of-fun-filled-Japow.
What is the Hukuba nightlife like?
The town has a wide choice of Japanese and western restaurants and bars that cater to just about all tastes. Hakuba, by Japanese standards, has some of the best apres-ski entertainment around. Most hotels have lounge/ bar areas where customers can enjoy a drink after skiing. Restaurants and bars outside of the customers’ hotel open from around 6pm. Popular at night with the Japanese are Isakaya’s. These traditional style restaurants/bars offer a wide range of Japanese dishes and drinks which are always satisfying and unique. The Isakaya’s offer a very welcoming atmosphere to all those who visit. Hakuba also has quite a few bars which provide those who want to party till late the opportunity to do so. Several nightclubs can be found in Hakuba, with the biggest situated at Omoshiro Hasshinchi resort hotel
Getting around Hakuba
There are 10 different ski resorts located in the Hakuba Valley (and one other, Jiigatake, just outside of the Valley). Not all resorts offer complimentary shuttle bus services, the main resorts which are Happo – One, Hakuba 47/Goryu, Iwatake and Tsugaike offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the mountain resort to designated bus stops throughout the Hakuba Valley. More precise seasonal information on services and timetables can be supplied by your accommodation provider and any one of the information centres around town
Taxi + Car Rentals in Hukuba
Taxis & Car Rentals services are readily available in Hakuba. Rental cars require international drivers’ licenses and advance bookings are recommended. Please note there are severe penalties in Japan for drinking and driving with a zero-tolerance policy. With taxi bookings there may be delays during busier periods, due to over bookings. Taxi services generally finish around 1am
Package Terms
Booking Conditions
- 50% Deposit of the total package cost
- Balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
Payment Options
- Direct Debit (Details will be shown on your invoice).
- Credit Card (Surcharges apply).
- Cheques can be made payable to PlaySeeGo Travel Group Pty Ltd and mailed to PO Box 34, Kew East, Victoria, 3102.
Additional Terms
- Amendments made to a confirmed booking may attract a fee of $55 plus any additional hotel and airline charges. Any amendments made after documentation has been issued may attract a fee of $110.
- Bookings made within 14 days of departure may attract a further $165.
- Mates’ Escapes cannot be held responsible for snow conditions, and holidays cannot be cancelled or amended on the basis of weather conditions.
- We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to mitigate any financial loss should you be unable to travel when required.
- Bookings are subject currency fluctuations either up or down until your booking is paid for in full. Variations are calculated on the exchange rate at the time the deposit is paid until such time the final balance is paid. We recommend paying your final instalment as soon as possible to lock in your package’s cost.
Please see our General Terms & Conditions that are used in conjunction with the specific event terms.
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