Photo: Unsplash
Cover Photo: Unsplash

As Japan allows individual visitors to enter the country and reinstates visa waivers from October 11, it's time to start planning for your next snowy ski vacation

Japan is arguably one of Singaporeans’ top vacation spots; now that the country has finally announced that it will be removing a significant portion of its Covid-19 border controls to allow individual visitors to enter the country from October 11—it is high time we start making plans for our next holiday. 

Don’t miss: Winter Getaway: 5 Best Luxury Resorts in Niseko, Japan to Visit

If you are familiar with Japan’s seasons, you will know that winter is, quite literally, approaching. The snow season is set to hit some of the most popular mountains from December to February with temperatures dropping to as low as negative four degrees.

One of Japan’s well-loved destinations during the colder months is Hakuba, a village in Japan that has abundant snowfall yearly. As you can imagine, people from all over the world love to ski here. 

So should you be planning a ski trip soon, here are some of the best ski resorts in Hakuba to bookmark. 

1. Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort

No matter if you are a serious skier or just a beginner, Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort is the perfect place for skiiers. As one of the most popular ski resorts in Hakuba, Happo-One is well-known for its consistent and dry powder snow conditions that make it ideal for winter sports. 

With the highest elevated lift being 1,831 meters, guests will be able to enjoy seeing the Myoko, Togakushi, Asama volcanos and the Yatsugatake mountain ranges.

If you are new to the sport, you can always join the Hakuba Happo-one Ski & Snowboard School on the resort as it offers classes to both kids and adults alike on how to ski and snowboard.

For the pros, enjoy the multitude of snow-based activities on your own, then hit the restaurants and shops at the resort.

Find out more here.

2. Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort

Established in 1952, Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort is a favourite among tourists primarily because of the majestic viewpoints that it offers at an altitude of 1,289 meters.

With a panoramic view of the Hakuba three peaks, Mount Hakuba, Mount Shakushi and Mount Hakuba Yarigatake, guests can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at its variety of ski runs. 

At the top of the resort, you will find The Mountain Harbour Cafe which offers comforting treats such as warm drinks and muffins—well deserved after a long day on the slopes (or not). 

Tatler Tip:

The resort is more suited for intermediates and above based on the positioning of the ski runs. A number of them can be rather steep. 

Find out more here.

3. Hakuba Sanosaka

With only five ski runs and six ski lifts, Hakuba Sanosaka is one of the smaller ski resorts you will find in Hakuba. However, don’t let its size fool you. Sanosaka, which is located in Hakuba village, is absolutely gorgeous and is also perfect if you are hoping to go skiing as a family. 

The resort provides panoramic views of the Lake District of Hakuba as well as shorter runs that will suit intermediates and a children’s zone if you need a safer space for your Tatlings to roam.

Tatler Tip:

Hakuba Sanosaka is a dog-friendly resort and you can even bring your fur-kids on the slopes with you if you are comfortable and skilled enough to do so.

Find out more here.

4. Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort

While Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort may not be the only resort that offers night and sunrise skis, it is among some of the more beautiful ones. Maintained such that you get to ski on a perfectly thick layer of snow, you will get to enjoy a stunning view of majestic mountains in the background as you ski. 

During the day, you can enjoy the multitude of slopes, the gondolas and a wide variety of restaurants and shops.

Tatler Tip:

If you are holidaying with kids, Goryu Snow Resort has a kid-friendly area where young ones can play with sledges and enjoy the snow in a safe and secure space.

Find out more here.

5. Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park

With deep snow, great facilities and a wide and beautiful terrain, Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park has always been a favourite among travellers and locals alike.

The resort offers eight different routes that vary in intensity so you get to enjoy all the fun no matter how skilled you are. The routes also primarily offer steady progression so you are never taken off guard.

There are also restaurants, cafes and cafeterias that serve up soba noodles, pizza, crepes, hot drinks and more. 

Tatler Tip: 

Advanced or intermediate skiers and snowboarders will enjoy route four, a large-scale snow park that offers a wide variety of features such as a large half pipe, a series of 10 kickers ranging from small to 20 meters, jib rails, boxes and more.

Find out more here.

NOW READ

4 Hotels We Love For a Weekend Getaway in Johor Bahru

The Best Street Food in Penang, According to the City’s Taxi Drivers

5 Luxury Hotels in Desaru Coast You Can Drive to From Singapore

Topics