Hakuba has become an international shred destination over past few years. We don’t need to say much more about the joys of the powder so here are Japan Grabs Travels tips for making the most of Hakuba – the little things to make the difference…
GET THE APP: HAVE TECHNOLOGY ON YOUR SIDE
Take advantage of technology to get the bigger picture of the Hakuba valley with this free app from Tourism Office. After the magic of Google Translate, the official Hakuba Valley app should be the first thing on your download list to help you get around the Hakuba Valley, and see more while you are in town. It’s especially useful if you find yourself wondering where to eat, or when the shuttle bus is coming…
GET INVOLVED: ON AND OFF THE SNOW
There’s more to Hakuba than just making turns. Don’t miss out on the many events happing in the Hakuba valley all winter and beyond. From local festivals and family events for kids, to riding with pros or finding the kind of live music that is your idea if good apres, check out Events Hakuba – and avoid that “I would have gone to that if I had known about it!” feeling!
GO HIGHER… AND COME HOME SAFE
The high alpine terrain of Hakuba stands out in photos and videos, and calls to the adventurous freeriders. While the terrain looks inviting, it often ends in high-consequence tight valleys. If you don’t have the experience, don’t roll the dice. Take advantage of the backcountry guiding services available in Hakuba with internationally qualified guides: check Evergreen Backcountry Guides for full English guiding, or Whitecap Alpine run through Morino Lodge.
Want to rip lines like this without getting years of local knowledge? Book a guide.
STORM DAY ACCESSORIES TO KEEP YOU OUT THERE
The best days in Hakuba can be storm days. Avoid over layering – too much heat leads to foggy goggles and feeling cold when the sweat chills. Instead, use face mask or balaclava to keep you out riding until last lift and not choking on your selfie-stick face shot spray! Blackstrap’s popular made-in-the-USA The Hood offers a medium weight warmth that works under helmets or beanies, with a snow-shedding smooth exterior – perfect for those endless face shot powder days. Their Team Hood raises the protection level and can be worn over a helmet or hat.
Blackstrap’s ‘The Hood’ keeping us out there testing gear for you….
TAKE A DEEPER VIEW OF HAKUBA HOME WITH YOU
The Japanese tradition of ‘omiyage’ (“oh-mi-ya-geh”) means bringing small gifts back from your travels for your friends. If you want to skip the cookies and sweets usually given, and take a deeper reminder of Hakuba home with you, head to Roundabout snowboard shop, The North Face store, or Patagonia, all near Hakuba station for a copy of local ski and snowboard photographer Miho Furuse’s photobook ‘STAGE’. This limited edition photobook has English and Japanese text with beautiful photos of Hakuba through all seasons, including plenty of powder stoke to grace any coffee table!
…and for a daily dose of stoke from Hakuba and the sideways shred scene across Japan, make sure you follow us on Instagram here!