Why not take a snow-sports trip to Nagano?
Rachel Farrell (Gunma)
Japan boasts some of the best destinations for winter sports in the world and Hakuba Valley, nestled in the Japanese Alps of Nagano, is no exception. In fact, it was the location of the 1998 Winter Olympics for this reason. With pristine, powdery snow, easy access, and affordable prices, it’s no wonder that this winter wonderland is an international hub attracting millions of snow-sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Hakuba is the perfect place to visit if you are keen to try snowboarding or skiing for the first time, and can easily be done as a solo traveller too. Here are five reasons why you should consider a snowy adventure in Hakuba.
1. Easy Access
Hakuba is easily accessible by both car and public transport. Around an hour-and-a-half shinkansen ride from Tokyo, Nagano station has a wide selection of buses which can transport you to Hakuba (and in some cases straight to your accommodation). If you are someone who likes to be prepared, you can reserve your bus tickets in advance online. Alternatively, for more flexibility, it is possible to get your tickets on the day as well.
2. A Variety of Accommodation Options
Places to stay in Hakuba range from luxurious, slope-side hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Staying in a hostel can be a great way to meet fellow travellers and interesting characters from around the world with a story to tell. For those looking for a quieter, more traditional experience, there are a number of locally owned inns in the area, such as Inn Wataboshi. They usually provide Japanese-style accommodation and a hearty breakfast every morning to ensure you are ready to spend a day in the snow.
3. Convenient Rentals
Luckily, Hakuba is full of places to rent snow-sporting equipment. You can rent in advance online with companies such as Central Snowsports. When you arrive in Hakuba, a member of their team will collect you, help with your equipment fitting, and then drop you off at your accommodation. Many of the rental companies operate this way, and it is amazingly convenient! This point is particularly reassuring for visitors new to snowsports. In Hakuba, you will be well taken care of. Although it is possible to buy all the necessary gear at the resort, you can save money by preparing a few essentials for snowboarding or skiing in advance: thermals (HEATTECH from Uniqlo offers good quality without breaking the bank), winter boots, ski gloves, snowboarding socks, a neck warmer, and ski goggles. Many of these items can be bought on Amazon, but you can also find them cheaply at secondhand stores like Book-Off.
4. Lessons for Mixed Abilities and Multiple Languages
As a famous tourist hotspot, you can find snowboarding and skiing lessons with ease. Hakuba Snow Sports School provides lessons for a range of age groups and abilities in Japanese and English. As a beginner, the instructor will teach you how to fit the boots correctly, how to do the bindings, how to move with the board when you are not snowboarding, and finally the basics of how your body should be positioned to snowboard effectively. The instructors are really positive and patient, which makes for a highly rewarding first encounter with snow sports.
5. More Winter Activities
There are lots of other activities to enjoy aside from snowboarding and skiing in Hakuba. Snowmobile tours, snowshoeing, and onsen (hot springs) are popular options for visitors who want to enjoy more of what the winter season can offer. Furthermore, travel companies offer a variety of day trip tours from Hakuba to see nearby attractions such as the hot spring monkeys, Zenkoji Temple, and Matsumoto Castle.
Right now is the best time to head to Hakuba. So, what are you waiting for? Have an adventure and hit the slopes!
Rachel Farrell is a first year JET ALT from the Lake District in the U.K. As well as writing, she enjoys reading novels, and more recently snowboarding. She is also obsessed with peppermint tea. Currently residing in Isesaki, Gunma, she feels blessed to be surrounded by a sunny, mountainous landscape.