Hakuba
Hakuba is a mountain valley in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, known for ski resorts in winter and hiking trails in summer.
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Hakuba is a mountain valley in Nagano Prefecture, in central Japan. The valley takes in the village of Hakuba and neighboring Otari, and it sits in the Japanese Alps. Most visitors come to ski, and the valley has several ski resorts with runs for beginners and advanced skiers. The valley hosted alpine skiing events at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, and the Happo-one area was one of the venues.
In summer and autumn the same mountains are used for hiking, with trails up the ridges and views of the peaks. Choose Hakuba if you want time outdoors more than city sightseeing. Winter snow sports run roughly from December to March, and summer hiking roughly from June to October. The valley also works as a base for day trips to Nagano and Matsumoto.
Hakuba in five
- Carry yen cash for the valleyMany small shops, lodges and village buses take only cash. Withdraw yen at a convenience store ATM before you reach the valley.Money and costs
- Learn the onsen rules before you batheWash at the stool and shower before you enter the bath, and do not wear a swimsuit in most onsen. Some baths refuse guests with tattoos, so ask the staff first.
- Plan the last leg from Nagano StationMost visitors reach the valley by Shinkansen to Nagano, then by bus or the JR Ōito Line train. Check the last departure before you leave the station.Getting around
- Rent winter tyres for the valley roadsSnow covers the roads in winter, and the resorts are spread along the valley. If you drive, ask the rental company for winter tyres and confirm what they supply.
- Book beds and lift passes earlyWeekends and the New Year holiday fill lodges in the valley months ahead. Book your bed before you plan lift days around it.Where to stay
Need to know
- Currency
- Yen (JPY)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; some need a visa Read more
- Emergency
- 110 police, 119 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+9, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, snow starts
- FebruaryDeep snow
- MarchPeak powder
- AprilSpring snow
- MayThaw, quiet
- JuneQuiet, green
- JulyRainy season
- AugustHiking season
- SeptemberHiking, clear
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberQuiet, cold
- DecemberSki season opens
Right now in Hakuba
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
7
- Feels like
- 6°
- Humidity
- 96%
- Wind
- 8 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 86%
Hakuba
09:03 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today12°6°86%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 12°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Wed15°4°10%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 15°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Thu15°9°92%Thursday: Rain. High 15°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 92%.
- Fri17°9°56%Friday: Drizzle. High 17°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 56%.
- Sat10°4°75%Saturday: Drizzle. High 10°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Sun12°1°18%Sunday: Fog. High 12°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 18%.
- Mon11°0°27%Monday: Fog. High 11°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 27%.
Updated 04:56 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- Apr–OctTakayama FestivalTakayama, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Nagano cityabout 1 to 1.5 hours by busZenkō-ji, a historic temple, and the station area with its shops.
- Matsumotoabout 1.5 hours by trainMatsumoto Castle, one of the surviving original castles, and the old streets around it.
- Kamikōchiabout 2 hours by bus from MatsumotoAn alpine valley with river walks and mountain views, best in the warmer months.
Before you go to Hakuba
Rules for Hakuba, checked
- Check visa-free entry and any visa need for your passport before you book. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan publishes the current rules.Source
- Carry prescription medicines within Japan's customs limits. Some common medicines are restricted, so check the list with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare before you fly.
- The legal drinking age is 20, and staff may ask for ID. Carry your passport when you buy alcohol.
- Japan drives on the left, and foreign drivers need an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence.
Plan around Hakuba
Regions, entry rules, transport and money for a Japan trip
Read the guideCentral HonshūThe mountain region around Hakuba, with Nagano and Matsumoto
Read the guideGetting aroundTrains and buses from Nagano Station to the valley
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices in yen
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and what to check before you fly
Read the guideWhere to stayLodges and hotels by village and resort area
Read the guideHakuba FAQ
How do you get to Hakuba from Tokyo?
Take the Shinkansen to Nagano, then a bus or the JR Ōito Line train to the valley. The full trip often takes three hours or more, and longer in snow or when the bus is full.
When is the best time to visit Hakuba?
Late December to March for skiing, when the snow cover and lifts are most reliable. Late September to October for autumn color and quieter trails.
Do you need a car in Hakuba?
Not always. Buses link the main villages, but the resorts are spread along the valley, and a car makes early starts and snow days easier. Check bus times before you rely on them.
How many days do you need in Hakuba?
Plan enough days to ski or hike on the days you choose, and leave one easy day for an onsen. A day trip to Nagano or Matsumoto fits into a short stay.
Is Hakuba worth visiting in summer?
Yes, for hiking and mountain air, if you want quiet trails rather than ski slopes. Check which mountain lifts run in summer before you plan a hike that starts with a lift ride.
Is Hakuba safe for tourists?
The main risks are cold, icy roads and off-piste skiing. Check that your travel insurance covers winter sports, including lift accidents and rescue.