Hakuba is blessed with plenty of snow…
An average of 11 to 13 metres per season – with some of the steepest mountains in Japan. The bullet train from Tokyo also makes it convenient to access and offers the chance for a stopover in Nagano to see the snow monkeys bathe in the onsen.
The villages here still have an authentic feel, offering the opportunity for immersive Japanese accommodation. But if you’re feeling a little less brave, go halfway and book a westernised Japanese futon set on tatami mats. There are a range of non-skiing activities that provide an insight into traditional Japanese culture too.
