Lying to the immediate north of Hakuba Happo One, Hakuba Iwatake was for a long-time something of a well-kept secret. But not anymore… Known for its spectacular views of the North Alps and surrounding Hakuba Valley, Iwatake has been discovered by international visitors who now frequent the resort given its close proximity to Hakuba Village.

— Overview of Iwatake Snow Field

— Iwatake White Park at Hakuba Mountain Harbor

— Season Dates, Operating Times, Lift & Ticket Information

— Rental & Ski School

— Accommodation at Iwatake Snow Field

— Book with Us! Accommodation & Ski Packages in Hakuba

— Getting To & Around Hakuba in Winter

— Tours and Charters Around Hakuba

— Japan Ski Resorts: Everything You Need to Know

OVERVIEW OF IWATAKE SNOW FIELD

As one of the ten resorts making up the “Hakuba Valley,” Iwatake is located north of Happo One, about 10 minutes away by shuttle bus. The resort is particularly well-suited for beginner and lower-intermediate riders, as well as families looking to cruise on-piste, with a good terrain park and some tree areas adding an extra bit of fun. While Hakuba Iwatake has a lot to offer, it’s worth noting that it lies at a relatively low elevation of 539 to 1,289 meters, though it does provide a decent 750 meters of vertical.

Given the low elevation, the snow conditions can be inconsistent in the absence of fresh snowfall. To avoid disappointment, keep an eye on the forecast and plan your visit for days when the snow is in good shape. That being said, the resort still enjoys consistent snowfall and is less likely to close or experience downtime during heavy storm days. Located close to Hakuba Village and the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal, Iwatake is ideal for inclusion in a multi-day stay, with your visit timed for when the snow is just right.

With a total skiable terrain of 125 hectares and 50 kilometers of skiable runs, Iwatake Snow Field is serviced by 1 gondola and 11 lifts. There are 26 ski runs, with the longest one being 3.3 kilometers in total length.

For accommodation listings nearby the resort, see our Hakuba hotel page. Distance to Iwatake from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal: 3.5km / 7 to 10-minute drive.

IWATAKE WHITE PARK AT HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR

For non-riders and those looking to take it easy, Iwatake Snow Field offers a wide variety of attractions to keep you entertained! Located right next to Hakuba Mountain Harbor—which can be accessed by gondola even if you are not skiing or snowboarding—is the Iwatake White Park. Over here, you can participate in various snow activities, including ice sliding, snow tubing, snow buggy cruising, and riding the giant “Yoo-Hoo! Swing” while taking in the stunning views of the Northern Alps.

They also have a relaxing zone for everyone to have fun in the snow. Check out their snow cave, snow wall, and snap a picture of the snow angel you made!

After enjoying the snow activities, you can head to Hakuba Mountain Harbor for a warm meal and delicious snacks while overlooking the gorgeous mountain range.

**Availability of the park and activities depends on snow availability and weather condition. Please consult with snow field staff for details.

SEASON DATES, OPERATING TIMES, LIFT & TICKET INFORMATION

Iwatake Snow Field typically open from early-December to late-March. Exact dates vary between seasons depending on snow conditions however you can expect the entire resort to be fully operational by late December, and the snow should be very good to excellent by March. Lifts typically operate from 08:00 to 17:00. Night-skiing is available on a season-by-season basis.

As always, lift and gondola operation is subject to daily weather conditions and operation may be suspended due to high winds and heavy snowfall including white-out. The safety of skiers and snowboarders is always the paramount concern and please be aware of the local weather conditions, which can change quickly in alpine areas.

The price of the Iwatake Snow Field lift pass can be found below:

Adult: 1 day pass- JPY 5,200/ 2 day pass- JPY 8,900

Child: 1 day pass- JPY3,200/ 2 day pass- JPY 5,300

Senior: 1 day pass- JPY 4,800/ 2 day pass- JPY 81,000

For multi-day visitors, we recommend purchasing a Hakuba Valley All Mountain Pass for the best value, giving you access to all Hakuba Valley Snow Resorts.

RENTAL & SKI SCHOOL

For a full set of rentals at Iwatake, we recommend our partner, Central Snowsports. Located in Hakuba Village with three convenient locations, including Happo, Echoland, and Wadano, the shop offers professionally selected and maintained ski and snowboard equipment for hire. Stocked with a variety of gear from name brands worldwide, Central Snowsports offers a full array of selections for all types of riders and snow conditions. In addition to reliable snow gear, Central Snowsports offers convenient services such as free pickup on arrival from Hakuba bus and train stations, free equipment collection from your accommodation on the last day, free pick-up after 1 pm the day before your first rental day, and a free first swap from skis to snowboard and vice versa! Contact us if you would like more details.

Foreign language ski and snowboard lessons are available in English through Evergreen International Ski School. Group lessons are conducted at Happo One and Tsugaike. The meeting location is at Evergreen International Ski School sign in desk in Happo One. Private lessons are conducted at Happo One, Tsugaike, Iwatake and Cortina. The meeting location is different depending on your preferred ski location. Further details will be shared with you at reservation. All locations are easily accessible via the shuttle bus of Hakuba village.

ACCOMMODATION AT IWATAKA SNOW FIELD

We recommend staying in Happo Village while skiing at Iwatake. Even though you’ll lose easy access to the slopes, staying in the village gives you many more options for restaurants and bars. the ski resort can be easily accessed by shuttle bus from and to the village.

We recommend The Ridge Hakuba for comfortable, spacious rooms. It is an apartment-style hotel capable of accommodating up to 8 people in a single unit. Within walking distance to Happo One and a wide range of room types to for your selection, The Ridge Hakuba is perfect for larger groups of family or friends.

Located at the Wadano ski village of Hakuba, Hakuba Tokyu Hotel is a relatively affordable mid-range option for those who want to keep the cost of vacation down, or looking for a long stay. With modern amenities, comfortable rooms, natural onsen and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll have everything you need to relax after a long day on the mountain.

To read more about accommodations at Hakuba, see our ‘Hakuba Area’ hotel page. All accommodations listed above and in the hotel page are accessible on-foot from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal.

BOOK WITH US! ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES IN HAKUBA

Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a registered travel agent, tour and charter operator offering a full-suite of winter services including ski/snowboard packages, accommodation, lift passes, private charters and a range of tours including both group and private options covering Hakuba.

HAKUBA ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES

Home to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and as part of the Japanese Northern Alps, Hakuba is blessed with plentiful of powdered snow and some of the most iconic back country features. Serviced by the lively ski village at the foot of the mountains, you can find plenty of accommodations, restaurants and bars. Click the button below to plan your next ski trip to Hakuba!

GETTING TO & AROUND HAKUBA IN WINTER

Hakuba is about a 1.5-hour drive from Nagano Station and approximately 280 km from Tokyo (about a 4.5-hour drive). The most convenient way to travel to Hakuba using public transportation is by taking a Shinkansen to Nagano Station and then transferring to the ALPICO Highland Express Bus at the station.

You can find out the schedule of this bus schedule here– ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable.

Additionally, you can read more about how to visit Hakuba by visit– How to Get to Hakuba – Nagano Ski Resorts Info.

TOURS AND CHARTERS AROUND HAKUBA

Headquartered in nearby Nagano City, Snow Monkey Resort is ready to service all of your tour based needs in the area. With a number of options for both group and private tours, we are sure that we can make your vacation one you will remember forever!

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:35 – 17:35
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only)
Adult Rate	¥17,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

Did you know that Nagano is actually home to the fascinating snow monkeys—the only wild macaques in the world that use hot springs to defend themselves against the harsh winter? This tour will bring you to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, right in the foothills of Shiga Kogen. In the morning, your group will start with a guided tour of Nagano City’s historic Zenkoji Temple including a Sake tasting, with lunch afterwards closer to the monkey park. Once you have finished eating, everyone will be off to the Snow Monkey Park to see what all of the fuss is about! Offering pick up and drop off at Hakuba during the winter, and at Nagano Station all year round, this tour is also a good option to help you get to or back from Hakuba.

If you are not in need of a guide and would like to make your own schedule, we also offer private charter services. With well trained and safe drivers, we are ready to bring you to and from the Shiga Kogen area from any point of your choice, including places as far away as Tokyo. You can even hire a guide to come along and make it your own private, personalized tour! Please contact us HERE for more information on pricing and availability.

JAPAN SKI RESORTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Did you know that Shiga Kogen is just one of the more than eighty ski resorts in Nagano and more than five hundred in Japan? Needless to say, when you choose Nagano for your winter getaway you are spoiled for choice! Our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ page has everything you need to know to start planning your ski and snowboard adventure including: LATEST NEWS & DEALS, THE BEST RESORTS IN NAGANO & JAPAN, FAQs and of course OUR SKI PACKAGES, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & TOURS.