Located in Nagano Prefecture in central Japan, Hakuba Valley attracts visitors from around the world with its stunning natural scenery, diverse activities, and rich cultural heritage. Hakuba Village, which was a venue for the Winter Olympics in 1998, was named one of the world’s top 100 best tourist villages by the UNWTO in 2023. It is a must-visit destination in Japan. Although people often hear about Hakuba Village, the Hakuba Valley area also includes Omachi City, Hakuba Village, and Otari Village, each with its own attractions worth visiting. Whether you are seeking extreme sports or a tranquil natural experience, Hakuba Valley has something for everyone.
Hakuba Valley, located in the Northern Alps of Japan, benefits from its unique geography, offering a long snow season typically from mid-December to late April. The mountain peaks are blanketed in thick snow, making it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. As one of Japan’s most renowned skiing destinations, Hakuba Valley features a range of ski resorts with high-quality powder snow. The area includes ten ski resorts, with Hakuba Happo-One being the most famous due to its role in the 1998 Winter Olympics. In recent years, resorts such as Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba Iwatake, Tsugaike, and Cortina have gained popularity, attracting many international skiing enthusiasts.
Spring arrives slightly later in Hakuba Valley compared to other regions in Japan. In April, cherry blossoms and wildflowers start to bloom, with the cherry blossom season extending from mid-April to early May. This period offers a quieter alternative for international visitors looking to escape the crowded cherry blossom season in Tokyo and Kyoto. Enjoying the blossoms in Nagano Prefecture provides a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, free from the hustle and bustle of the more famous cherry blossom spots.
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If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll fall in love with Hakuba Valley in the summer. Nagano’s cooler temperatures compared to other Japanese regions (e.g. cities like Tokyo) makes it a well-known escape from the heat. The Hakuba Valley area is abundant with greenery, and engaging in various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking (MTB), camping, paragliding, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) will leave you thoroughly satisfied. Additionally, numerous local adventure companies are available to organize these activities for you, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
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Another highlight, Aoki Lake, located in Omachi City, lies at the foot of the Northern Alps. It is famous for its clear blue waters and picturesque surroundings, making it ideal for hiking, fishing, and boating. A must-visit destination in the summer.
In autumn, the snow-capped mountains of Hakuba Valley are adorned with vibrant red and orange leaves, complemented by lush green plants, creating beautiful fall landscapes known as the “Three-Tiered Autumn Colors¹ .”
[1] Three-Tiered Autumn Colors: From a distance, the Northern Alps showcase a three-tiered color scheme: the top layer is covered in white snow peaks, the middle layer features vibrant red and yellow autumn leaves, and the bottom layer consists of lush green plants. This natural landscape is a stunning masterpiece of nature.
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Hakuba Valley’s cuisine is equally tempting:
Around Hakuba Valley, you can find various specialty items:
e.g. from Tokyo to Hakuba
Photo via Hakuba Valley Tourism
Fastest Route: Shinkansen + Bus
Tokyo Area to Nagano (recommended departure from Ueno or Omiya Station) by Shinkansen: approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
Nagano to Hakuba direct bus: about 1 hour 20 minutes
Most Convenient with No Transfers: Direct JR Train
Shinjuku to Hakuba direct JR train: One round trip per day. Departure from Shinjuku is at 8 AM, and from Hakuba is at 3 PM. The journey takes about 3 hours 50 minutes.
Most Economical: Long-Distance Bus
Direct long-distance bus from Shinjuku or the airport to Hakuba: Lowest cost, with night buses available, but takes longer, usually 6 to 7 hours.
Hakuba Valley is a year-round destination offering unique experiences, from skiing in the winter and hiking in the spring and summer to admiring the autumn leaves. With its rich culinary offerings, shopping opportunities, and historical and cultural attractions, it caters to all types of travelers. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone who loves tranquility, Hakuba Valley promises unforgettable experiences. Come to Hakuba Valley and embark on a memorable journey!
For more details, please visit Hakuba Valley official website.
<Author>
Fangfang Zhu
Travel Consultant of WaWo Japan Travel