Village Info in Hakuba
Happo Ski Shuttle
Happo One Ski Resort operates 7 routes around the Hakuba Village taking guests to the four main entry points to the Happo One ski area: Nakiyama Slopes, Happo Gondola, Kokusai Slopes, and Sakka Slopes. Check with your accommodation which lines are running closest to your location, and the approximate pick up times.
Check out the PDF map and schedule below.
Hakuba Valley Ski Shuttle
The Hakuba Valley operates three shuttle routes to take visitors between the 9 ski resorts along the Hakuba Valley. The bus is free to use for Hakuba Valley lift pass holders, and 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children without the pass.
Check out the PDF map and schedule below.
Hakuba Valley ATMs, Bank & Cash
While most places in Hakuba are adjusting to cashless payment systems, it is still recommended to purchase Yen cash before you arrive in Japan. Hakuba has three ATM machines which accept foreign cards, as long as the card has a pin number. They are located:
- Hakuba Post Office (Weekdays 8:45 a.m. – 7:00p.m./ Weekend 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.) near the train station
- Happo-One Lawson (Open 24 hours)
- Misorano 7-Eleven Convenience Store (open 24 hours).
To exchange travelers’ cheques or foreign currency, go to the main bank in Hakuba, “82 Bank,” which is located 200 meters walk uphill from the station and between Patagonia and North Face shops, open weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., remember to bring passport as proof of identification.
Hakuba Valley Shopping
Hakuba has a good selection of shops and stores and several great ski shops in town. Yamatoya and The Boarding Co. near the Hakuba Station have a great range of skiing and boarding gear respectively. Patagonia, North Face and just across the street, Koujitsu Sanso, have top quality outdoor gear and often discounted stock. Rhythm Snow Sports stocks a good range of retail and rental ski/snowboard goods, and even have a dedicated boot fitting service. For the backcountry enthusiasts, Rapie is the one stop shop for all of your ski and snowboard off-piste powder needs.
Hakuba has three main supermarkets where most items are available. Hakuba’s “The Big” is the largest and open until 9pm. Other supermarkets are called A Co-op, which is located two minutes walk away from Hakuba Station, and Delicia which is located 10 minutes walk away from the station. Please note foreign credit cards are not always accepted at the supermarkets, so it is wise to have Japanese yen with you. Other than these three supermarkets there are two 7-Elevens, two Lawson’s and several other private convenience stores, too.
For further shopping information when you arrive into Hakuba, make sure you pick up a copy of Hakuba Connect, this is a great magazine full of information on Hakuba. In addition, a pocket sized guide, the Hakuba Essential Guide lists all the best bars and restaurants in town.
Hakuba Valley Onsen Guide
Hakuba has a plethora of rich natural spring water and there is no better way to relax and rejuvenate after a hard days skiing than to soothe your body in one of the many natural hot springs in the Hakuba Valley.
There are many onsens around the village, some are stand-alone onsen facilities, and others belong to hotels, a visit will generally set you back 600 - 1,500 yen per visit. If your hotel does not house an onsen, your accommodation manager will be happy to point out the closest and best onsens in relation to your accommodation.