Snow Machine Japan 2026

Goryu

Goryu is Hakuba’s rising star, nestled at the southern end of the valley and offering awesome access to both Goryu and Hakuba 47 ski resorts. These two connected resorts provide a great mix of terrain for all levels. From mellow beginner slopes (with ski/board lessons available at Goryu Iimori), red and black runs for more experienced riders, and a terrain park at Hakuba 47 for the park rats in your crew! Plus, Goryu is the only resort in Hakuba where you can hit the slopes after dark with night skiing.

RESORT: connected resorts, with terrain to suit beginner, intermediate and advanced riders
ACCOMM: affordable accomm within walking distance to ski resort
FESTIVAL: easy access to the Après Stage at Goryu resort. Buses running to/from Main Arena

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Misorano

Misorano is the quiet tree-lined neighbourhood tucked in behind the buzz of Echoland. You’ll find plenty of self-contained chalets including a lot of recent builds with modern amenities, ideal for those who want a more relaxed homely vibe but still not too far from the action. The area is a bit more spread out, so it’s a good idea to double check the walking distance from your accommodation to Echoland or shuttle stops (but don’t worry, it’s all flat ground).

Resort: Need to catch resort shuttles, closest resorts are Happo One and Hakuba 47
Accom: Quiet self-contained getaways, good value
Festival: Access to Après Stages via resort shuttles. Buses running to/from Main Arena

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Echoland

Echoland is one of the most lively villages in Hakuba! With an eclectic mix of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops, and a range of accommodation for all budgets. Take your pick of hostel, hotel or self contained properties – some are right in the thick of things along the main street, while others are nestled in the quieter side streets. It’s an easy (flat) walk across to Happo village if you feel like cafe or bar hopping. While it’s technically within walking distance to the gondola at Happo One, we would recommend jumping on one of the free resort shuttles.

RESORT: need to catch resort shuttles, closest resort is Happo One
ACCOMM: options for all budgets, close to the nightlife!
FESTIVAL: buses running to/from Main Arena, or you could walk!

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Happo

Located in the very heart of Hakuba Valley, Happo Village sits at the base of Happo One resort. Happo is also the closest village to the Snow Machine Main Arena, which means great vibes and unbeatable convenience! You won’t go hungry (or thirsty) with an abundance of restaurants, cafes and bars at your doorstep. The convenience doesn’t end there, from the Happo Bus Terminal you can easily jump on a shuttle to explore other ski resorts or continue your journey beyond Hakuba.

RESORT: walking distance to Happo One
ACCOMM: right in the thick of it! Some some ski in/ski out properties
FESTIVAL: easy access to the Après Stages at Happo One. Walking distance to Main Arena!

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Upper Wadano

WADANO VILLAGE can be broken into two distinct areas: lower and upper.

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Lower Wadano borders Happo Village and is surrounded by beautiful forest. It’s especially beautiful after a dusting of snow covers the trees and turns the area into a winter wonderland. Offering the widest range of accommodation from budget hostels through to luxury hotels and chalets, there’s something for everyone.

RESORT: walking distance to Happo One, shuttle bus stops nearby to access other resorts
ACCOMM: something for everyone! Singles, couples or groups randing from budget to luxury
FESTIVAL: Easy access to the Après Stages at Happo One. Walking disctance to Main Arena, or catch a bus

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Upper Wadano is the go-to for those chasing a luxury mountain escape. Nestled amongst the trees, this beautiful part of Hakuba offers a range of deluxe chalets, stylish apartments and high end hotels. Some accommodations boast ski-in/ski-out access to the Sakka lifts at Happo One, while others are walking distance to the slopes located a bit further uphill.

RESORT: walking distance to Happo One (some properties are ski in/ski out), shuttle bus stops nearby to access other resorts
ACCOMM: great luxury accommodation options
FESTIVAL: Easy access to the Après Stages at Happo One. Buses running to/from Main Arena from the bottom of the hill

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Iwatake

Iwatake provides a more traditional Japanese ski village experience. The resort buzzes during the day, then settles into a peaceful village once the sun goes down. Iwatake resort boasts some of the best views in the valley, home to the Yoo-Yoo Swing and City Bakery for your instagrammable moments. The terrain is best suited to intermediate riders, plus some great beginner and advanced runs for the whole squad to enjoy. Most restaurants are on-mountain, so we recommend heading into Happo village for dinner and nightlife.

RESORT: walking distance to Iwatake resort, boasting the best views in Hakuba!
ACCOMM: quiet self contained accommodation within walking distance to ski resort, some ski in/ski out properties
FESTIVAL: easy access to Après Stage at Iwatake resort. Buses running to/from Main Arena

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Tsugaike

Smaller than Happo but bigger than Iwatake, Tsugaike is one of the more traditional Japanese villages in Hakuba. Tsugaike resort is definitely a fan favourite (especially with their ski in/ski out Burger King at the gondola mid-station!), perfect for beginner-intermediate riders, and the famous DBD area for advanced tree skiers. Offering lively hostel and affordable hotel accommodation, there’s also a nice mix of dining options both on-mountain and in town. Plus some great little surprises like the foot onsen at the base of the gondola, where you can relax with a beer in hand after a big day on the slopes (buy a drink, get free towel hire).

RESORT: walking distance to Tsugaike resort, best suited to beginner-intermediate riders or advanced tree-skiers
ACCOMM: Japanese village vibes, ski in/ski out options available
FESTIVAL: easy access to the Après Stage at Tsugaike resort. Buses running to/from Main Arena

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Norikura / Cortina

Found at the northern point of Hakuba Valley, Norikura and Cortina twin resorts are the perfect combo for powder lovers and cruisers alike. Norikura often flies under the radar but boasts beautifully groomed beginner and intermediate runs, alongside some of the best off-piste powder stashes in the valley. Connected to Cortina by chairlift and road, you can easily explore both resorts in one day. Head to the Cortina side to find one of the two famous ski-thru coffee shacks (hot tip: their toasted chicken sandwich is a must after a morning chasing fresh powder). Most dining options are within the resorts. Other than the Mexican restaurant at Butter Hotel (Norikura), your best bet for dinner and drinks is in nearby village Tsugaike.

RESORT: walking distance to Norikura resort, connected to Cortina, great range of terrain (especially on a powder day)
ACCOMM: affordable accomm close to a ski resort, some ski in/ski out
FESTIVAL: check that your accommodation will shuttle you to nearby Tsugaike to catch the bus to Main Arena (the bus does not stop in Norikura or Cortina)

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Norikura / Cortina

Found at the northern point of Hakuba Valley, Norikura and Cortina twin resorts are the perfect combo for powder lovers and cruisers alike. Norikura often flies under the radar but boasts beautifully groomed beginner and intermediate runs, alongside some of the best off-piste powder stashes in the valley. Connected to Cortina by chairlift and road, you can easily explore both resorts in one day. Head to the Cortina side to find one of the two famous ski-thru coffee shacks (hot tip: their toasted chicken sandwich is a must after a morning chasing fresh powder). Most dining options are within the resorts. Other than the Mexican restaurant at Butter Hotel (Norikura), your best bet for dinner and drinks is in nearby village Tsugaike.

RESORT: walking distance to Norikura resort, connected to Cortina, great range of terrain (especially on a powder day)
ACCOMM: affordable accomm close to a ski resort, some ski in/ski out
FESTIVAL: check that your accommodation will shuttle you to nearby Tsugaike to catch the bus to Main Arena (the bus does not stop in Norikura or Cortina)

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