With Japan being known for its powdery slopes, it’s undeniable a ski trip to Japan was a part of my Japan bucket list waiting to be ticked off for the longest time. February is one of the coldest months which makes it perfect for a 5-day ski trip to Hakuba in #Nagano, #Japan this year in 2023.

Located a 3.5 hour train ride from Tokyo, or a 6 hour bus ride from Narita, Hakuba is home to stunning panoramic landscapes of the surrounding alps; a great option for those looking for where to ski near Tokyo. Its variety of terrains and slopes make it a place that's suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. However, that being said, I should’ve researched which slopes to start with first so that I did not have to struggle as much 😂 So I've listed some slopes for you here, so you won't have to roll down the slopes like I did 😂:

⛷ Night skiing in Hakuba:
Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort

⛷ Best slopes for beginners in Hakuba:
Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort
Tsugaike Mountain Resort
Iimori Ski Resort
Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort

⛷ Best slopes for intermediate skiers in Hakuba:
Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort (this snow resort stretches over a very large area so you might need more than 1 day to cover it)
ABLE Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort
Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort

But the best part of it all is that you don’t really have to ski to be able to experience all of this! There are gondola lifts that take you up to the mountains, and beautiful observatory decks I’m sure would look picturesque in other seasons as well.

I went with a large group so we rented out a ski chalet Airbnb for this trip located in Iwatake, mainly relied on shuttle buses, walking and very rarely the taxi services at Hakuba. I’ve posted additional details of this trip below in case they may be of help in planning a ski/snowboarding trip in Japan!

Additional details:

🚌 Shuttle Bus from Narita
Nagano Snow Shuttle:
https://naganosnowshuttle.com/

🏠 Airbnb
Yuki Wonder:
https://www.yukiwonder.com/
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/28140244...

🎿 Ski Rental
Rhythm Japan Hakuba:
https://www.rhythmjapan.com/rhythm-ha...
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Timestamps by Day & Ski Slope + Where to Eat in Hakuba:

00:14 Day 1
01:12 Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort (エイブル白馬五竜スキー場)

01:43 Day 2
Baisen Coffee (白馬焙煎工房)
02:23 Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort (白馬八方尾根スキー場)
Izakaya Kui Kui (居酒屋くいくい)

03:40 Day 3
HAKUBA COFFEE STAND (ハクバコーヒースタンド)
cafe Momoka (カフェ ももっか)
04:45 Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort (白馬岩岳マウンテンリゾート)
Momochan Crepe (ももちゃん)
Ushio Yakiniku (焼肉牛緒)

06:50 Day 4
07:00 Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort (白馬岩岳マウンテンリゾート)
Hitotoki-no-Mori (白馬ヒトトキノモリ)
CHAVATY HAKUBA (チャバティ白馬)
Iwatake Onsen (岩岳の湯)
Hakuba Brew Pub

9:35 Day 5
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Camera:
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Canon EOS M50 Mark II

Edited using Final Cut
Voiceover recorded with iPhone 14 Pro Max
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Music:

🎵 Theme of Mitsuha RADWIMPS [Music Box] (Anime Film: Your Name BGM)
   • Theme of Mitsuha/RADWIMPS [Music Box]...  

🎵 Cascades - Tibeauthetraveler
Provided by Lofi Records
Watch:    • Tibeauthetraveler - Cascades  
Download/Stream: https://fanlink.to/KalopsiaEp

🎵 J Train - Noni
Provided by Lofi Records
Watch:    • noni - J Train  
Download/Stream: https://fanlink.to/momentaryEP

🎵 Along The Way - Tibeauthetraveler X Jam'addict
Provided by Lofi Records
Watch:    • Tibeauthetraveler x Jam'addict - Alon...  
Download/Stream: https://fanlink.to/TravelBuddies

🎵 As Far As I Can See - Møndberg X Project AER
Provided by Lofi Records
Watch:    • møndberg x Project AER - As Far As I ...  
Download/Stream: https://fanlink.to/LivingFree

🎵 Free- Bcalm X Rukachu
Provided by Lofi Records
Watch:    • Bcalm x Rukachu - free  
Download/Stream: https://fanlink.to/InnocenceEP