Hakuba Ski Packages | Japan l 2025/26 Season WAITLIST

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.

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.

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