Hakuba is a small village located in the Northern Japanese Alps. It is surrounded by 3,000metre high peaks making it one of Japan's most picturesque locations.
Although the permanent population is under 10,000 people, this more than doubles in the winter months as visitors from all over the globe descend on Hakuba to experience some of the best skiing in the world.
The ski season runs from December through to early May in most years. As the snow recedes it becomes a centre for hiking and mountain climbing as well as other outdoor pursuits such as rafting, paragliding, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Hakuba is well equipped for the tourist trade with many bars, restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores. There is accommodation to suit all budgets from Backpacker Lodging through to 5 star hotels. There are also a number of hot springs, both in the hotels and independent spas.

There are 4 major ski areas in Hakuba Village itself.
The most well know is Happo-One (pronounced Hap-po oh-ne). It is a enormous resort with a gondola and over 30 chairlifts. It's slopes were used extensively during the 1998 Nagano Olympics. The top most point sits at 1831 metres above sea level making it the highest ski area in the region, with runs of over 5km long.
Another popular area is the Goryu / Hakuba 47 area, which is 2 ski fields that meet up at the top. Lift tickets are valid at both resorts, and it can take several days to explore the whole region.
The Iwatake is smaller and lower in altitude than the other main resorts, but boasts a wide range of slopes.
The major ski areas all operate a free shuttle service throughout the village making getting to and from the gelande a breeze.
There are several smaller ski fields in the area also. The Highland area behind the hotel offers a great slope for children and has the best view from it's outdoor hot spring of the Japan Alps. Minekata is a smaller resort, but also offers cross country skiing. Sanosaka is linked to the 3 Sun Alpina resorts and offers superb views of lake Aokiko.
To the north in Otari, there are 3 are major resorts, Tsugaike, Hakuba Norikura, and Cortina International. All can be easily access by bus from Hakuba. To the South there are more small resorts in Omachi City, with the Yanaba resort being especially popular with snowboarders.
Day trips are also possible to other major resorts in the Nagano area. Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen are two major resorts within 2 hours drive of Hakuba.

For those looking to invest in the region the time is right. Property prices are low and we are currently at the bottom of a slide that started after the Olympics and has continued. Prices have started to stabilize and growth is being predicted for the first time in 10 years, making it an ideal time to get in.
At Hakuba Three Peaks we realize that each owner has their own expectations and goals, and we will tailor a management package to fit your not only your needs, but to ensure a maximum return on your investment. Not only can you enjoy some of the best skiing in the world, but you can own a piece of it too.

For more info on Hakuba see: www.ski-hakuba.com