Blessed with more than 10 meters of rich powdery snow every year, the breathtaking Hakuba region is Japan's premier winter playground and largest ski area. Ringed by craggy peaks and within easy reach of international gateways in Tokyo and Osaka, Hakuba has a wealth of skiing and snowboarding opportunities -- more than 10 resorts, all in a single valley. Come ride the slopes at Happo-One, which hosted the downhill events at the 1998 Winter Olympics, and other leading ski hills like Hakuba 47, Goryu, and Iwatake. With about 200 runs in total in the Hakuba Valley, there is a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, as well as lessons in English. A wealth of nightspots makes for unforgettable apres-ski fun.

Happo-One Ski Hills
Top elevation: 1,831 m
Vertical Rise: 1,071 m
Longest Run: 8 km

Winter is only half the fun in the Hakuba Valley. Spring and summer are a great time to get away from it all and enjoy the stunning alpine vistas in Hakuba. The Hakuba mountain range is part of the spectacular Chubu Sangaku National Park running through the Japan Alps. Summit challenging peaks like Mt. Shiromadake or hike up through lush forests of horse chestnut, walnut, and beech trees to high valleys of colorful alpine flowers and year-round snow. But you don't have to go climbing to have fun. Fish for char or river salmon in Hakuba's pristine rivers, explore forest trails on a mountain bike or work on your swing at the Royal Stage golf course. Local museums have collections featuring European masters and local painters inspired by the beauty of Hakuba.

Nothing is better than relaxing in a soothing hot spring bath after a day of exercise. Hakuba abounds in hot springs that are the perfect way to relax during apres-ski or an extended vacation with nothing strenuous on the agenda. The alkaline waters of Hakuba Happo Onsen are known for making the skin smoother, while the magnificent mountain vistas afforded by Obinata No Yu open-air hot spring complement the sound of nearby streams. Hakuba, located along an ancient trade route that brought salt from the Sea of Japan to hinterland areas, is also redolent with the atmosphere of old Japan. Explore traditional cultural attractions such as Choukokuji, a 300-year-old Buddhist temple, and sample local specialties like rice wine, buckwheat noodles, and blueberries.