E85 Skiing Japan: Tokyo to Hakuba – The Ultimate Ski Trip Guide

Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)So… what’s skiing Hakuba Valley really like? 🇯🇵⛷️After flying 14 hours to Japan, we decided to start this trip properly — with a couple of days exploring Tokyo before heading into the mountains. And honestly, it set the tone for one of the most memorable ski trips we’ve ever done.From incredible street food at Tsukiji Market, to temples in Asakusa, vintage shopping in Shimokitazawa, and the chaos of Shibuya Crossing — Tokyo delivered.Then it was time for the main event…✈️ Getting ThereWe flew with Japan Airlines — and it was genuinely one of the best long-haul flights I’ve taken. Great food, spotless planes, and next-level service throughout.For parking at the airport, check out 👉 APH Parking: https://www.aph.com/And if you're travelling, I’d highly recommend an eSIM — we used 👉 Holafly (unlimited data): https://holafly.sjv.io/LKWN20🚄 From Tokyo to HakubaGetting to Hakuba Valley is surprisingly easy:Bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo to NaganoThen a short bus transfer into the valleyIn under 4 hours, you’re in the mountains.⛷️ Skiing Hakuba ValleyHakuba isn’t just one resort — it’s an entire valley made up of 10 different ski areas, all connected by the Hakuba Valley lift pass.👉 Learn more about the resorts here:https://www.inthesnow.com/hakuba-valley/Across the valley you’ll find:~120 ski runs~90 lifts~Terrain for every level from pow and tree skiing to wide open greens and blues to your hearts content Each resort has its own personality — from beginner-friendly slopes to deep powder and tree skiing.🏔️ Where We SkiedOver the week we explored:Cortina & Norikura – deep powder, tree skiing, quieter vibeHappo-One – Olympic runs, big vertical, incredible viewsHakuba 47 & Goryu – varied terrain + night skiingIwatake – some of the best views in the valleyWe even hit a couple of proper powder days — the kind Japan is famous for ❄️🏨 Where We StayedHotel Green Plaza (Cortina) – ski-in ski-out, right on the slopeshttps://greenplazahakuba.com-hotel.info/Mominoki Hotel (Happo) – great location + onsenhttps://hakubamominoki.com-hotel.info/Hotel Keisui (Iwatake area)https://www.keisui.jp/english/🍜 Why Japan Is DifferentSkiing in Japan isn’t just about the snow (although the powder is unreal).It’s:Incredible food (ramen, gyoza, wagyu…)A completely different ski cultureImmaculate cleanliness everywhereFriendly, welcoming peopleOnsens after skiing (game changer)❄️ So… is Hakuba worth it?Absolutely.You’re not skiing one mega-resort like in Europe — you’re exploring an entire valley, choosing different ski areas each day depending on conditions.And that’s what makes it so special.If you’ve been thinking about skiing in Japan…Just do it.Support the showIn the meantime Enjoy the mountains :)  And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us! And don't forget to check us out on the following channels inthesnow.cominstagram.com/inthesnowTikTok@inthesnowmag youtube.com/inthesnowmagfacebook.com/inthesnowTo contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at [email protected] / [email protected]