Hakuba
Why Hakuba?
Hakuba Valley is at the heart of the spectacular Japanese Alps, just a short 3 hour trip from downtown Tokyo. Host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, Hakuba is one of Japan’s largest and most renowned alpine resorts. The Valley consists of 11 ski resorts, giving an incredible variety of alpine terrain, accommodating for everyone from novice to expert. With this multitude of ski resorts to choose from, you will find that during the week the slopes are relatively empty and that lift lines are unheard of. Fresh tracks can be found for days on end and you will never be short of new areas to explore.
Averaging over 10 metres of snow a season, Hakuba offers reliability and quality of snow. With over 200 different trails and some of Japan’s longest vertical skiing and challenging terrain, Hakuba is a world class ski destination not to be missed.
No jet lag, same time zone! Japan is only two hours behind Australia's East Coast summer time and is only a 10 hour flight away. You usually leave home one day, and after a good night's sleep, you're skiing or boarding the next day! (depending on airline itinerary). Hakuba Resort is approximately 5hrs bus from Tokyo Narita Airport.
What Is There To Do in Hakuba?
As well as skiing and snowboarding there is plenty of other snow based activities available in Winter such as snow shoeing; cross country skiing; back country skiing; snow mobileing and night skiing. After all the snow activities there are plenty of restaurants and bars scattered throughout the Wadano area for a great apres skiing experience. If you need a break Matsumoto and its historic castle are just a train ride away and the magnificent Zenkoji Temple in Nagano is quickly reached by bus. Day trips are available to visit the world famous Snow Monkies in their very own natural hot onsen. There are plenty of onsens available for the public to enjoy as well. These are scattered throughout Hakuba.
How much snowfall does Hakuba receive a year?
The average annual snowfall is over 10m a season.
How far away is Tokyo?
It is a 4 hour drive from Tokyo or can be accessed in just under 3 hrs using public transport (Shinkansen or bullet train). Direct buses from Narita and Haneda Airports are available daily. When you book with Winterstorm Apartments we can give you details on the best way for you to reach us quickly and conveniently.
Can I Travel to Kyoto from Hakuba by train?
Yes! Public transport is very accessible in Japan and you can travel to and from Kyoto in a variety of different ways - either a bus or train combination or a combination of different trains. Ask us and we can give you the best way to go.
Where Can I Exchange Money?
ATMs are available at the local convenience stores.
What is the population of Hakuba?
Hakuba and surrounding area, has a population of around 9500 residents.
end faq
Winterstorm Apartments
How close to the town is it?
The apartments are in the Wadano district which is the main accommodation area of Hakuba. There are restaurants and izakyas (pubs) scattered throughout and within walking distance. Echoland, another restaurant and bar area, can be reached by night shuttle for a minimal charge. The actual township itself can be reached by bus from the bus station or by taxi. Your host is happy to drop you at the train station if you are keen to do a day trip to Mastumoto and its famous castle. Nagano is 90 minutes by bus from the bus station.
Food Outlets and General store
There are three supermarkets located in the Hakuba area plus some general stores scattered throughout the accommodation areas.
Laundry
You have your own laundry with combination washer and dryer in each apartment. The laundry is also the drying room for all your ski gear. We do not provide laundry powder.
Shoes On or Shoes Off?
There are some customs we love in Japan and one of them is no shoes in living/bedroom/bathroom/kitchen areas. Shoes and ski boots need to be removed before entering the living areas of the apartments.
Pick Up and Drop Off to Ski Resorts
The Sakka Lift is just a short 2 minute walk from Winterstorm Apartments. There are also a number of shuttle services that leave from the Sakka carpark linking skiiers and snowboarders to Goryu (Iimori); Goryu (Escal Plaza); Happo 47, Iwatake and Sanosaka. A bus can be accessed from the bus station that will take you to Cortina.