Just over three hours from downtown Tokyo in the Northern Japanese Alps—Hakuba, Japan is an experience incomparable to others. The valley can claim more sunshine than its neighbors, a cluster of mountains with wide ranging terrain, delicious restaurants, great bars, huge snowfalls and the steepest runs of the country’s 600 alpine resorts. The region debuted on the world stage while hosting the Winter Olympics in 1998 and has grown to one of Asia’s most popular ski destinations. For those who have rightfully decided to tick this off their bucket list of must-ski destinations, we’ve put together the must read, insider guide on Hakuba for the 2019/20 season.
There are several big changes this year in Hakuba; Hakuba will host the first ever Snow Machine Music Festival, The Free Ride World Tour Returns to Hakuba in January, and Happo-One has opened Beach Resort above the Happo Gondola.
Snow Machine
For the first time ever, Hakuba will host an international music festival featuring the best electronic acts from Australia and Japan. The festival will run from March 1 to March 4 with tickets currently available on the Snow Machine Website.
The heavyweight lineup will play among some of the most idyllic backdrops throughout the Hakuba ski fields, from sweeping mountaintop vistas, to cosy apres soirees, from outdoor village stages, to indoor/outdoor onsens. Tickets are still available at the Snow Machine Website.
Free Ride World Tour
The Free Ride World Tour returns to Hakuba from January 18 to January 25th during the busy Chinese New Year Holidays. Hakuba will be the first stop on the 2020 tour and will feature a group of talented athletes led by Markus Eder and Victor De Le Rue.
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Iwatake VIP S Class Ticket
This year visitors to Iwatake can purchase a VIP ticket which allows holders access to VIP stations on the mountain, complimentary pick up and drop off, high end gear rental, priority access for all lift lines, and more. Pass holders can also request a private ski butler and evening snow cat tours for an extra cost. Base prices are ¥15,000 yen for adults (16+) and ¥7,000 for kids. For more information please visit the Iwatake Mountain site.
Happo-One Hakuba Mountain Beach
The Hakuba Tourism Association has opened a beach resort themed space on top of Gondola Station on Happo-One where visitors can relax in hot tubs, in gondola’s converted into saunas, and beach chairs. Happo-One will have the saunas in operation during the winter.
There are still plenty of jobs available in Hakuba if you’re interested in working the season. We’re currently looking for kitchen staff and hotel hospitality staff and companies throughout Hakuba will be looking to pick up last minute additional staff. Join the Hakuba Crew 2019/20 Facebook Page to find opportunities or email us at [email protected].