Hakuba is a stop on the JR Oito Line.
From [wiki=f1b7e87a26b2c633ba456e95749b598b]Shinjuku[/wiki] in [wiki=62413a57c5e3dc51177995fa175d3286]Tokyo[/wiki], there is one daily Super Azusa limited express service that runs to Hakuba. The ride takes 3 hours, 45 minutes and costs ¥8070 each way. As of November 2009, the outbound service leaves at 07:30, and the inbound service (to Shinjuku) departs from Hakuba at 14:57. There is also an additional Azusa service on certain dates, making the run to Hakuba in about 4 hours.
Otherwise, you will have to take an Azusa or Super Azusa to [wiki=36e30885265c3cd8727b6ef55d4e3eaf]Matsumoto[/wiki] and take one (possibly two) Oito Line local trains, increasing the journey to 4 1/2 hours.
The fastest route from Tokyo is by Shinkansen (bullet train) from [wiki=dded9d3511cd028db8045ee011a7fdab]Tokyo Station[/wiki] to [wiki=08f9e92edeba1ed1868ab9288a71e9b4]Nagano[/wiki]: 105min./8,170yen. Then by bus from [wiki=08f9e92edeba1ed1868ab9288a71e9b4]Nagano[/wiki] to [wiki=63741137e121ced35dd32ad95d461c2c]Hakuba[/wiki] 65min./1,500yen. Trains run every half hour or so, buses every hour. Note that the last bus from Nagano Station to Hakuba is 8:30PM. This whole trip takes just over 2.5 hours, 9,700yen one way.
These trips are useful for Japan Rail Pass holders, or else it is probably cheaper to take the bus.
From Tokyo, Buses run from Shinjuku every two or three hours and stop at several places in the Hakuba region. The trip takes around 4 and a half hours and costs ¥8500 return for adults or half that for children. Timetable is online [http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/hakuba_shinjuku/index_e.html]
Buses run every hour during ski season from [wiki=08f9e92edeba1ed1868ab9288a71e9b4]Nagano[/wiki] and cost ¥1400/¥700 for adults/children. The journey takes just over an hour. Timetable is online [http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/nagano_hakuba/index_e.html]
Narita Airport - Hakuba Shuttle - Daily service from Narita Airport to Hakuba during the winter season. Fully licensed under Japanese travel and transport laws. Hakubus [http://www.hakubus.com] Tel: 81-261-75-5360 Email: bookings@hakubus.com
Near Hakuba, during the green season (i.e. spring, summer & autumn), there are three freshwater lakes that are so clean that you can swim in them. In order from south to north, they are called Aoki-ko, Nakazuna-ko, and Kizaki-ko. The use of engines and outboard motors is banned on Aoki-ko, making it the quietest and nicest of the three. Popular activities include boating, sport fishing, and windsurfing. Nakazuna-ko is very small and only really attracts fishermen. Kizaki-ko is the most developed, and since engines are allowed, sports like wakeboarding are popular.
During the summer, most of the ski resorts operate some of their lifts to allow access to higher elevations. At Hakuba 47 and Aokiko (in nearby Omachi), the lifts allow access for mountain biking. Hiking or simply enjoying the views are popular at Happo, Goryu and Tsugaike. Above Happo, an easy trail extends for 40 minutes to a small pond in which the local alpine peaks are reflected. A couple of hours further up the trail lies the peak of Mt. Karamatsu on the main ridge of the North Alps. The top ski run at Goryu becomes an alpine garden in summer and another trail leads further upward to a viewpoint (around 50 minutes) or the peak of Mt. Goryu itself (around four hours). Above Tsugaike, a further ropeway takes you to a wetland that is designated as a national park. A trail from here takes you up to Mt. Shirouma, after which Hakuba is named. Shirouma and Hakuba are different readings of the kanji for "white horse". The smaller ski field of Iwatake uses its pistes to grow thousands of lilies in summer and also has a dry ski slope if you're desperate for turns.
Like all mountain areas in Japan, temperatures in Hakuba stay much cooler than in the cities on Japan's Pacific coast. That alone makes it worthy of a visit.
Hakuba, located in Nagano Prefecture, equally central to Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo and nestled at the base of the Northern Japan Alps is towered over by the Three Peaks which provide a stunning backdrop year round. While Hakuba is world famous for it's snow and boasts more than 10 resorts, the green season offers plenty to those craving an escape from the confines of Japan in general.
Hakuba's largest Burton dealer,Prior handshaped snowboards and national distributor for Warner Surfboards. Owner has snowboarded in Hakuba for 17 seasons.
Specialising in directional snowboards for powder conditions and foreign sizes, L & XL size boots and clothing,goggles accessories, backcountry gear and custom surfboards & wetsuits. Conveniently located opposite Hakuba Railway station. Hand shaped custom surfboards are worth a look.
*Huge range of rental boards from Learn to Ride to Burton Pro Models. Brand new boots, boards and bindings all guaranteed not to break or malfunction while your on the mountain. Try a Prior Powderstik or Burton Fish next time it dumps. Boots cater for foreign foot sizes- up to size 15 for men and size 10 for ladies.A select range of Amplid powder, twin, park skis with boots(up to size 28.5) and poles. Fully trained Bilingual staff, door to door deliveries and fitting service ,avoid the queues in rental centres.
*Largest ski & snowboard rental shop with the best selection in the Hakuba valley and over 25 years of experience in Hakuba and Whistler. Free helmet with all kids rentals.
The accommodation can sleep up to 8 people and features 3 western style bedrooms, two bedrooms with your choice of a king bed or two twin beds and one bedroom with two bunk beds. Upstairs boasts a large open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area with a large screen TV and a brand new Japanese massage chair.
*300meters from Gondola at Goryu/Hakuba47 Resort; Ski In. Newly constructed Western lodge. Outdoor hot tub and private en suite in all rooms; shuttle to all resorts in the Valley. Walking distance to restaurants, bars and onsens.
* 2, 3, and 4 bedroom units in the Echoland area. Shuttles to all ski resorts from car park. Ski Rental on site.
* Sleep 3-5 each. Two self contained loft cabins right in Happo Village, 140 meters from Happo Ski Resort. Recently refurbished and within a very short stroll of shops, restaurants and bars.
*A recently renovated 2 bedroom residence with one double and one twin room (an extra fold-out bed is also available). Features a computer with high speed internet, big-screen satellite TV, CD/DVD player and iPod dock, spacious lounge/dining area and a well-appointed modern kitchen.
*Twelve chic, two-story houses with enough room to sleep up to six people per villa specifically designed for comfort and convenience. Perfect accommodation for taking advantage of the Wadano area and close in proximity to the Happo-One slopes and summer activities. Each villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a comfortable living/dining area, a fully-equipped kitchen, free wi-fi internet, flat screen LCD V with English television channels, DVD player, heated bamboo flooring, high ceilings and large windows, iPod dock, amenities, towels, and ethanol fireplace.
In Kamishiro. 600 yen breakfast available
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In Echoland. Breakfast is included. Shuttles to resorts are available
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Look for the wooden building with a windmill on top, just a few minutes walk from Kamishiro station. Facilities include kitchen, jacuzzi, lounge with DVD player and satellite TV and a BBQ on the deck. HAB is run by a group of friendly expats happy to offer advice about their time on the slopes.
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Australian owned and operated western style lodge, with 9 bedrooms ranging from double rooms with en suites to 4-6 share dorm rooms. Relax in the lounge area that has a fully equipped bar, flat screen with cable TV and wireless internet.
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A couple of minutes walk from Kamishiro Station, however if you are feeling lazy, when you arrive you can phone and one of the members of staff can pick you up. Run by two cheerful young Japanese folk, they like to hang out with visitors when the hostel is less busy. Facilities include a kitchen, large bath house, large lounge with TV, DVD and Playstation 2 with plenty of games and DVDs. Only 8 minutes downhill from Goryu.
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A western style ski lodge located 300 metres from the base Happo One lifts. Can accommodate 70 people in a range of 4, 6, and 8 share rooms with continental breakfasts supplied each day. Was previously being used to house international ski teams, has Japanese onsen style bathroom, its own fully stocked bar and restaurant with great deals to follow a big day skiing or boarding. Features western style private and shared rooms, communial kitchen, satelite TV, ski/Snowboard drying room, private shuttle bus, workshop and tuning room, and luandry service. A hot breakfast is included for each morning of your stay. English spoken.
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3 min. to the Happo One gondola. Enjoy a cozy family atmosphere, with friendly English speaking staff. Facilities include: wireless internet, laundry, kitchen for free use. Baby sitting service[http://www.hakubababysitting.com] also available.
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Free shuttle buses to and from 6 major Hakuba ski resorts. Is centrally located in the Echoland region of Hakuba, a one minute walk from the closest convenience store, a couple of minutes walk will take you to numerous bars and restaurants, and 5 minutes walk will find you at the closest onsen (hot spring). Equipped with an inhouse bar (separated from the sleeping areas), restaurant, guest laundry, guest kitchen, an internet cafe (with free wireless) and a free book exchange. The bar has cozy sofas, a billiard table and a large screen for international sports. You can buy cheap but filling meals at the hostel restaurant.
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Hakuba's first and most famous backpackers. Cheap long term rates, minutes walk to restaurants and bars. Snowbeds was opened in 1998 and was one of the first foreign owned businesses in Hakuba. Free shuttle bus stop for 5 resorts right out front. Closest ski resorts being Happo One and 47/Goryu. Features western style private and shared rooms, communial kitchen, satelite TV, ski/drying room, workshop and tuning room. English spoken.
Located in front of the Olympic Ski Jumping Stadium, 5 min on foot to the slopes of Happo One resort (Nakiyama Area). Ranked in 2009 by Michelin Green Guide Japan for modern Japanese and Western rooms, delicious cuisine and great mountain views. Free WI-FI throughout the hotel, complementary shuttle bus service, indoor hotsprings and sauna, tips and advises to get the most out of your skiing/snowboarding, long stay and discounts available for 2013-2014 season.
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Modern Japanese-Western-style Bed & Breakfast with a total of 5 guest rooms and a Vacation Rental chalet. Located in the Misorano/Echoland area, within easy walking distance to restaurants, convenience stores, rental shops and a short stroll to the free Hakuba-Snow-Shuttle-Bus stop.
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22 room boutique hotel. Each room has Western style beds and ensuite, with double, twin or triple room configurations. Located in the Wadano area of Hakuba, close to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. It is also within walking distance to the Happo One ski area and access to the other 10 ski fields made easy via the hotel's complimentary shuttle bus service. In house Onsen, international TV, free wireless internet, games room.
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Living and Bed rooms (TV, Heater, Fan Vacuum cleaner, Bed). Kitchen (Gas or electric stove, Refrigerator, Rice cooker, Microwave, Toaster, Pot, Kitchen utensils, grill). Bathroom (Washing machine, Drier, Shampoo and Conditioner, Hand soap, Toothbrush, Towel). Outside (Parking, barbeque space).
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The highest lodge in Hakuba. Sitting at 890m, this mountain ski lodge is in the forest area of Wadano, right on the Japanese Alps. The lodge is above the chair lifts of Hakuba’s Happo One and is virtually ski in, ski out. Otherwise it’s just 180m walk to the entry point of the Happo One ski area. With underfloor heating, en-suited rooms, pool table, bar, open fireplace and local booking service for restaurants, ski/snowboard hire, lessons, sightseeing and back country tours.
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A 16 room boutique hotel located at the base of the Sakka Quad lift. Lifts are almost at your door. Completely refurbished in 2009, each room has large, western style bedding. Most rooms with ensuite. Room configurations include double, twin & triple bedding. There are also two family quad rooms (sleep 4) and a family suite (sleeps 5). Hotel features include restaurant/bar (fully licensed), large daily hot breakfast included in room rate, free pick-up and drop-off from/to Hakuba bus or train station during reasonable hours, large lounge room exclusively for guest use (52 inch TV, DVD player, separate XBox, complimentary tea and coffee etc.), TV/DVD player in every room, extensive free library of DVDs, individual room heating, free wireless internet, free PC with internet connection for shared guest use, free laundry facilities, heated drying room. Australian owned and Japanese managed. Long stay and group discounts available.
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A family run pension, consisting of 2 lodges (one deluxe), small cottages and new condominiums, Meteor has something for everyone. Set in the quiet forest around Echoland, the pension is within a short walk of Echoland Main Street. The English speaking staff is more than helpful.
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Located 350m from the slopes at Happo One. Rooms have mountain views, Cable TV, Wifi Internet access and are all en-suited. Bar open from 3PM daily. Natural Spa (private use), Guest Laundry, Guest use PCs, Pick Up / Drop Off service, English and Japanese newspapers. Open year-round.
*Side Hill is a cozy lodge located in central Echoland. The lodge was recently renovated and has a new fireplace and lounge area. All rooms have a TV and heating/air condtioning.
The Bar is open from 8:30 - midnight daily and serves a wide range of beers, spirits and wines. Its a great places to enjoy the nightlife in Hakuba.
*A Japanese-run pension located conveniently in the Echoland area (English support available). All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and cooked breakfasts are an optional extra.
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MorinoLodge has clean, spacious twins, doubles and group rooms in western and Japanese style. The rooms all come with ensuite bathroom, shower and toilet plus televison, DVD player, mini fridge and patio windows with balconies. There is also a huge lounge with big sofas to chill out on. The Lodge is surrounded by great restaurants and bars and is only 4 minutes walk from the Happo gondola. The western owners have been in Hakuba for 7 years and have great knowledge of the surrounding area
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Within walking distance of Hakuba Goryu ski resort. Rooms are simple but clean with shared bathrooms, including Japanese-style bath. Friendly owner Bono-san speaks excellent English and may be able to help you rent ski equipment or drive you to some of the closer resorts. The common bar area is warm and inviting, if a little musty-smelling, and serves alcohol until 11PM along with lasagne and other home cooking. A huge breakfast is available for a little extra.
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Spacious rooms, all with ensuite bathroom as well as access to in house hot spring / jacuzzi / sauna. Free wi-fi throughout the building, free laundry machines, esthetic service room, free DVD service. Rental shop with quality gear located just outside of the hotel.
Five star boutique hotel and chalets, 300m from the Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort
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Lobby, Dining room, Japanese-style and Western-style rooms (35 rooms, Satellite television(BS, SKY PerfecTV), Washlet(Toilet with bided function), High speed internet all rooms correspondence), Indoor Onsen (hot spring), Rotenburo (Open-air hot spring), Ski & board drying room / Separate changing room / locker room / wash room.
* Largest hotel rooms in the area. En-suite fireplaces, heated floors. Outdoor onsen (hot spring) complex. Free limousine service to ski areas, shopping/eating/drinking areas and station. Long stay and group discounts available.
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A five star boutique hotel conveniently located near Hakuba's Echoland district. The restaurant serves delicious French cuisine with an impressive wine list.
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English speaking staff. Spacious Japanese rooms with western comforts, situated in the main restaurant/bar area of the valley. Rates include a sumptuous breakfast and personal shuttles to any of the ten resorts in the valley. The Arctic hotel also features fine western-style dining, a full bar, games room and private onsen-style bathing.