Why Sanosaka Should Be on Your Hakuba List

One of those places you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find, tucked away in the mountains of Hakuba, just behind the beautiful Lake Aoki, is Sanosaka. It’s a smaller resort compared to some ofthe other resorts in the Hakuba Valley, but that definitely doesn’t mean it has any less to offer. When the hills turn green, Sanosaka transforms into one big adventurous playground.

Discovering Sanosaka
One of the things you can do in Sanosaka is an ATV tour to the top of the ski resort. You can either ride your own ATV or share one with another person, making it a fun option for couples or friends. It starts with a short introduction to the vehicle and some safety instructions. Once everyone is ready, it’s time for a test lap on a specially built course.

For those who dare, there’s also a test course that takes you through the trees. Just make sure you’re not wearing your brand-new outfit, because you might get a little dirty, especially if it has been raining.

Once everyone has had enough fun on the test course, it’s time for the real ride. You’ll head up the mountain along a specially built trail through the forest, taking you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints you can find in Hakuba. From the top, you get an amazing view over Lake Aoki. Of course, this is the perfect place to take a proper break, grab a drink and a snack, and enjoy the view before heading back down. The route depends on the length of the tour you book. The 90 minute tour takes you all the way to the top, but there are also 30-minute and 60 minute tours available. Prices vary depending on the tour and can be found on this website.
https://www.asoview.com/channel/ticket/tba77DPrSl/ticket0000050704/

Slow Down at Lake View Capella
But it’s not all about racing around. Sanosaka also has a place where you can slow down and relax. Lake View Capella is a beautiful and unique restaurant, and the name pretty much says it all when it comes to the view. The restaurant is designed with lots of windows, so you can really make the most of the scenery while you eat.

The dishes vary, but the restaurant is mainly known for its wood-fired meat dishes and extensive buffet. You can also enjoy a cocktail here, or simply sit down with a coffee and take in the view. The restaurant is open from Thursday to Monday, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and there is parking available at the restaurant.

From Ski Slopes to Water Ski Jumps
And for those who are already counting down the days until they can get back on the snow, Sanosaka is also the place to be in winter. It has one of the largest water ski jump facilities in Japan, and Olympic athletes often come to Sanosaka to train here.

There are eight different large water ski jumps, and if you don’t feel like trying them yourself, it’s still a pretty fun place to watch people train. If you do want to give it a go, make sure to make a reservation at least two days in advance if you need to rent skis and boots. And yes, you can use the jumps with a snowboard too.

Besides the water ski jumps, there’s also a trampoline, diving board, water slackline and even a slackline over cushions. So there’s definitely plenty to try.

Stay a Little Longer
If you want to make a full day (or even a weekend) out of your visit to Sanosaka, there’s also the White Hotel Grand. Staying here means you don’t have to squeeze everything into one day and can take your time enjoying the area and its beautiful surroundings. The hotel is designed in a warm, chic style, with luxurious rooms, an onsen, a restaurant and a cosy fireplace. It’s open for bookings during both the green season and the winter season, making it a great place to stay and enjoy Sanosaka throughout the year.

Haven’t been to Sanosaka yet? If you feel like escaping some of Hakuba’s more touristy spots and discovering a different side of the valley, Sanosaka is definitely worth a visit. It might be a little tucked away, but that’s exactly what makes it such a fun hidden gem.