Hakuba is a small welcoming village located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, Japan.  It has been a popular tourism destination for Japanese for a long time and is recently becoming more well-known outside of Japan.

Surrounded by mountains, the location could not be more idyllic.  In winter, huge amounts of snow fall in the valley and on the mountains transforming the village into a world-class winter sports destination.  Many of the main events in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, including the downhill skiing, were held on the slopes in and around Hakuba.  The vast choice of slopes and terrain suitable for any level of skier or snowboarder along with excellent powder snow conditions make Hakuba an increasingly popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.

Hakuba is not just about winter - it is also very popular during the months when the snow has melted.  The mountains provide endless opportunities for trekking and hiking and other popular activities include.  There are also traditional Japanese arts and crafts, ancient temples, museums, sightseeing spots, bars and restaurants to keep you occupied at any time of the year.

Live webcam from central Hakuba.  Please click on the photo to view the latest webcam image >>>