10 Resorts to Explore in Hakuba, Japan
Hakuba Valley is not only one of the most prolific ski areas in Japan, but is also famous for having a variety of ski resorts lining its epic mountain range. Each has its own unique views, terrain, food, and public hot springs (onsen), making Hakuba the perfect base for visitors to enjoy the full spectrum of Japan’s outdoor and cultural experiences.
Here is an overview of the 10 resorts that you can explore with an Epic Pass or Hakuba Valley Pass (Day, Multi-Day or Season).
Happo One Ski Resort
Happo One (oh-nay) Ski Resort is one of the most visited ski areas in Japan and gained immense popularity for hosting several events during the 1998 Winter Olympics. With its longest run over 8 kilometers, this amazing resort tends to get a heavy dumping of all-natural-pow in early winter. On average, there is good-quality snow until March and the season runs until the beginning of May.
Great for:
- long runs
- moguls
- challenging & mixed terrain
- powder hounds
Not for:
- park lovers
- beginner riders without an instructor
Happo Base Gondola 
Pow Day in Happo
Hakuba 47 + Goryu Snow Park
Two amazing resorts in one – what’s not to love? Commonly referred to as “47Goryu” these two parks are easily accessible from three entry points: Hakuba 47’s Gondola Station, Iimori Lift Station, and Goryu Gondola. We recommend beginners start on the big green course on the Goryu side of the park.
Great for:
- long runs
- moguls
- challenging & mixed terrain
- powder hounds
- tree skiing
- park lovers (box, rail, halfpipe)
Not for:
- beginner riders looking for a variety of courses
The View from Hakuba 47 
Hakuba 47’s Entry Arch 
Bottom of Goryu’s Beginner Course
Tsugaike Mountain Resort
Tsugaike is the best all-around resort in Hakuba Valley for groups that have a wide range of abilities. The beginner area at the base of the resort is the perfect place to build confidence for beginners, and the top of the resort offers amazing tree skiing, double black diamond runs. In between, there are all types of different terrain, including groomed red runs, tree runs, and green winding trails. Tsugaike also tends to be less crowded than resorts like Happo One and 47 Goryu because its location is a little more off the beaten track.
Great for:
- beginner riders
- long runs
- challenging & mixed terrain
- powder hounds
- tree skiing
- park lovers
- families
Not for:
- moguls
Pow day in Tsugaike’s Tree Area 
Beginner Green Course 
Mid-Gondola Station at Tsugaike
Iwatake Mountain Resort
Iwatake is a beautiful resort with access to incredible 360 views of the backcountry. It is full of intermediate runs and instagram-able moments, including an adorable dog park, swings, and chic patisserie-cafe near the top station. We recommend checking out Iwatake in the middle of the season (Jan/Feb), as its early and late season snow tends to be scarce compared to other parks.
Great for:
- challenging & mixed terrain
- tree skiing
- park lovers
- epic views and photo opportunities
Not for:
- spring skiing
- beginner riders
- long runs
Japan’s most photogenic swing set! 
View from Iwatake’s Cafe
Kashimayari Ski Resort
One of the most underrated and off-the-beaten track ski parks in Hakuba Valley, Kashimayari is a great place to spend a day out in nature for beginner-intermediate riders. The old-school feel of this park will make you feel like you’ve step back into the 80s, before the big boom of ski frenzy arrived to Japan. Enjoy the truly epic views of the Japanese Alps as well as the beautiful pine forests through this unique park.