FAQs

There are several options, but the best choice is often dictated by variables including the group you are travelling with, your flight’s arrival time and whether your main consideration is expense or expediency. We will advise you on the best way to get here depending on your circumstances, once a reservation is made.

There is no real reason to buy lift passes in advance and little reason to buy the maximum-duration passes, apart from perhaps the convenience of having something in your pocket, ready to go every day. All lift passes are readily available at any time, they never ‘sell out’ and buying 1 or 2 day passes at each resort when you decide to ski there can be quite a bit cheaper than buying an ‘all-resort’ (Hakuba Valley) pass. Also, taking rest days based on weather or snow conditions, fatigue or even injury, is easier when buying passes as you go. That said, the Hakuba Valley passes all have elective rest days, so sometimes the ideal combination could be to, for example, buy a 4 day Hakuba Valley Pass, then use the 3 rest days allowed within a 7 day period to buy single day passes at the cheaper resorts when you choose to ski at those resorts and/or take a day off when required. We are happy to advise you on this sort of thing upon your arrival and we have access to a variety of discounted lift passes.

Your accommodation is by the far the biggest priority, as quality self-contained options are often booked out well before the winter. Once your accommodation and flights are finalized, everything including airport transfers, equipment rental, day tours, lift tickets, child-minding, restaurant bookings and ski lessons can wait until a later date, even until your arrival in most cases, except in the case of larger groups. We will assist you with all these requirements before and during your visit.

It really depends who you are. The coldest, snowiest months are January and February, but for inexperienced skiers (including young children), December and March often provide great snow, better weather, minimal crowds and more comfortable daytime temperatures. For those looking to hike higher and access the backcountry, mid-March / April is often the safest and best time.

Hakuba is most definitely an ‘outdoor’ town, but there are a few popular destinations (and day tours) close by, including Zenkoji Temple, Jigokudani Snow Monkeys, Matsumoto Castle and Kurobe Dam/Gorge (summer only) to explore. Other outdoor winter activities include cross-country skiing (on a former Olympic course!), snowmobiling, snow-shoe tours and hot springs. In the summer, trekking, cycling, rafting, wakeboarding and canyoning are just a few of the activities on offer.

In addition to Hakuba’s big selection of excellent (and often inexpensive) restaurants, there are an ever-increasing number of bars and night spots, especially during the busy, winter season. Any of these are easily accessed by the night shuttles, taxi, or courtesy shuttles provided by many accommodation operators.

Yes, in most cases. However, a handful of local restaurants still only accept cash, so it is advisable to always try to have some cash on hand. Provided you have an ATM card allowing international withdrawals, there are several ATMs you can withdraw cash from, 24 hours a day.

You certainly do not need a rental car during the winter season in Hakuba. While we can arrange a car for you, experience driving on narrow, icy roads, often in heavy snow is highly recommended – both 4WD and snow tires are essential. You will have little trouble ‘getting around’ Hakuba without a car during the winter season. If you are visiting during the summer months, however, having your own transport is recommended as the number of activities and the distances to be travelled are greater. If you do intend to rent a car, don’t forget to bring an international driver’s licence with a Japanese translation page in it. You will not be able to rent a car without it.