Pack your snow gear and get ready for the ultimate New Year’s adventure in Hakuba Valley with our all-in-one guide! From shredding the slopes to cozying up by the fire, this article is your go-to for a memorable New Year’s celebration. Discover where to ski, stay, and sip your way into 2025 in style. So, buckle up and get ready for a snowy escapade like no other in the winter wonderland of Hakuba Valley!
Here’s a suggested itinerary for making the most of your Hakuba New Year’s Eve, mixing in both exhilarating daytime adventures and a traditional Japanese NYE celebration in the evening.
Start your day the Hakuba way – by hitting the slopes! Hakuba Valley boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Japan, with a variety of resorts catering to all skill levels. Happo-One is a fantastic choice, offering a vast terrain, stunning views, and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or warm up with a hot drink. This is a day to really soak in the stunning landscapes, challenge yourself, and enjoy that crisp mountain air that invigorates the soul.
After a morning carving up the powder, refuel at the Sakka food trucks, located at the base of Happo-One. This vibrant culinary hub offers a mouthwatering array of both local Japanese favorites and international fare, providing the perfect fuel for your afternoon on the slopes. With stunning views of the snowy mountains as your backdrop, this is the ideal place to recharge and recoop.
There’s nothing quite like an onsen experience to melt away the day’s exertion and prepare you for the evening’s festivities. Hakuba boasts numerous onsen (hot springs), each with its unique charm and character. These natural thermal baths, rich in minerals, are renowned for their therapeutic properties and provide a tranquil escape. Soaking in the warm, soothing waters is a deeply relaxing experience and a wonderful way to experience authentic Japanese culture. After relaxing in the hot bath, you’ll feel ready to tackle the festivites that await on New Year’s Eve.
For a memorable New Year’s Eve dinner, head to Mimi’s Restaurant & Bar for some fancy Italian and International cuisine. They usually offer special courses during New Year’s Eve that involve some seriously decadent lobster, scallops, and salmon. Pair it with a nice glass of pinot from their extensive wine selection, and you’re off to a good start to the evening!
Another wonderful option is Bernd’s Keller, a renowned restaurant known for its delicious fusion of German and Japanese cuisine. Tuck into hearty dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst, complemented by a selection of fine wines and local sake. The ambiance is wonderfully festive, and the location is key—it’s right next to the Happo-One Nakiyama slope, where the New Year’s countdown and fireworks take place!
As the clock ticks closer to midnight, join the lively crowd gathered at Happo-One‘s Nakiyama slope. The atmosphere is electric, filled with anticipation and excitement as people from all over the world come together to celebrate the arrival of the new year. When the clock strikes twelve, Hakuba’s stunning fireworks display illuminates the night sky—a truly breathtaking spectacle that’s made even more magical when it snows!
After the fireworks, the party continues! Head back to Bernd’s Keller for a nightcap, or explore one of Hakuba’s many bars and pubs. Or… even better, why not join Champagne Bar Hakuba‘s 2025 Countdown? For only 5,000 yen per person, you’ll get to enjoy a dessert and appetizer buffet, traditional Toshikoshi-soba noodles, live music, and of course, complementary champagne to toast at midnight. This is your chance to mingle with fellow revelers, share stories, and toast to the new year in true Hakuba style. But hey! If you’re all tired out from your fun day of festivities, you can always head back to your room and call it a night (no one’s going to judge you).
While many establishments remain open to cater to the influx of visitors during New Year’s, it’s always a good idea to confirm opening hours and make reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants and bars. Some smaller, local places may choose to close for the holiday to allow their staff to celebrate. You can check their respective websites or social media pages for updates.
Absolutely! Hakuba is incredibly popular during the New Year’s period, so booking your accommodations and dinner reservations well in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.
Pack warm, waterproof clothing suitable for skiing and spending time outdoors in snowy conditions. And don’t forget your lip balm, sunscreen, and moisturizer to protect your skin! For the evening celebrations, comfortable yet stylish attire is appropriate; many venues often have a relaxed dress code, even during New Year’s Eve.
Hakuba Valley is spread out, so having a car offers flexibility. However, taxis and shuttle buses are available, especially during peak season. Check transportation options and potentially pre-book transport, particularly on New Year’s Eve.
If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable place to stay in Hakuba that’s close to all the festivities, check out Mountain Side Hakuba in Happo-One. It can sleep up to 6 guests, perfect for families or a group of friends who want to spend their holidays hitting the slopes!
If you’re looking for something more luxurious but still close to all the action, Villa El Cielo is private modern chalet that can host up to 10 people. It even comes with its own fire place and shuttle service to make things extra warm, cosy, and easy for you.
We hope this guide helps you navigate Hakuba Valley during NYE. If you know of other activities, please feel free to leave a comment down below. We wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year!
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