Hakuba
What?
Located in the middle of Japan, in the Nagano prefecture, Hakuba hosted several events in the 1998 Winter Olympics due to its location in the Japanese Alps. The awe inspiring surrounding mountains provide skiers and snow boarders a choice of 10 ski resorts, over 200 runs to choose from. The ski season runs from December through to April and provides an average of 11 metres of snow. If skiing or snowboarding is not for you, snow mobilling, visits to the nearby snow monkeys, ancient temples, mountain walks or just building the biggest snowman before a dip in one of the areas famous onsens (natural hot springs)are all possible here.
Where
Located in the Japanese Alps in the Nagano Province in central Japan, situated between the Kansai and the Kanto regions. By train it is approximately 4 hours from Narita airport.
When
Primarily a winter sports destinations (November through to March) but is fast becoming an all year round destination.
Who
Hakuba is year round outdoor sports destinations. During the winter months it becomes a snow covered wonderland. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels are catered for here with over 200 slopes to choose from. There is no let up from the number of activities guests can during the summer with kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and mountaineering available.
Why
After a long day on the slopes or hiking through the valleys, sit back and relax in one of the many onsen (hot water springs) throughout the region Ski the 1998 Winter Olympics downhill slope. Take a day trip to Jigokudani Yaenkoen Park and see the snow monkeys warning themselves in the hot springs.
Hotels
The White Horse
Location:
Centered in the valley with easy access to all the great resorts that surround Hakuba. Free shuttle to Happo One, only a four minute drive away.Rooms:
This small friendly hotel has 8 rooms, each with its own style. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities as well as fridges.
Some rooms have a balcony attached.Facilities:
Restaurant, wine bar, wireless internet connection, Wine bar, drying room, laundry facilities, Onsen bath, Ski/Board tuning room, souvenir shop, games room, babysitting available and free shuttle service to several ski slopes. The hotel also has a Ski Buddy service.
