Hakuba is comprised of eight villages: Happo One, Wadano, Echoland area (Echoland Village & Misorano Village), Goryu, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura and Cortina.
Happo One village and Wadano village both sit at the base of the Happo One ski resort; the largest in the Hakuba Valley. The Echoland area is located between Happo One ski resort and Hakuba 47 ski resort. All of the other villages (Goryu, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura and Cortina) sit at the base of their own distinct self-contained ski resort.
Each village is a short drive from its neighbour and they are all connected via the extensive Hakuba Valley shuttle bus services (for more information, please check out our Getting Around Hakuba guide).
When deciding which village is the best fit for you, consider the ski area that best matches your group's ability levels and preferences as well as the village where you would like to spend the most time.
- Are ski schools and child care a must-have for you? Are dining and nightlife high on your list of priorities?
- Are you a lover of Japan’s famous Onsen (hot springs)?
- Are you a newcomer to skiing and snowboarding looking to take some lessons with an instructor?
- What mix of piste runs best suits your group’s ability level?
- Are you a Powderhound looking for the best tree runs and access to the side-country gates or a freestyler looking to take on a terrain park?
Goryu
One half of the combined Goryu & Hakuba 47 ski area, Goryu's Kamishiro village is picturesque, offering ski in / ski out and forest retreat accommodations and authentic local restaurants.
The area offers an affordable stay option for large groups and families.
Echoland Area
Echoland is perfect for visitors wanting to try a variety of ski hills in the Hakuba Valley and still be within easy walking distance of restaurants and nightlife in the evenings.
The Echoland main street’s nightlife, combined with some of the Hakuba Valley’s most affordable accommodation options makes the area a popular choice.
Happo One
Happo One village is a great choice for anyone wanting to be in the thick of the action and well connected to the rest of the Hakuba Valley.
The village has the majority of shopping, dining, nightlife and amenities, including high quality international ski schools, helpful ski hire staff and experienced backcountry guides.
Wadano
With plenty of space between properties and the abundance of snow-covered trees Wadano offers the perfect tranquil winter retreat.
Wadano is a great choice for families taking ski lessons and large groups wanting to stay together in spacious accommodations.
Iwatake
Iwatake ski resort offers jaw-dropping 360 degree views and uncrowded slopes with the perfect pitch for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Accommodation in Iwatake offers fantastic value for money and is inexpensive compared to similar properties elsewhere in the Hakuba Valley.
Tsugaike
Tsugaike ski resort is the perfect place for beginners learning to ski and for those just getting into backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
The village has retained its character and is well suited to visitors seeking a Japanese experience in a sleepy village setting.
Cortina / Norikura
Cortina / Norikura is not the largest ski resort in the Hakuba Valley but does have some impressive off-piste terrain and boasts the most snowfall, making it a firm favourite on powder days.
There are no developed villages at the base of either ski resort, rather a handful of smaller accommodations and one family friendly ski in / ski out destination resort hotel at the base of each resort.