It’s been a slower December than usual across Japan in terms of snowfall, but there have been plenty of moments worth capturing. While we haven’t seen consistent snowfall to have all lifts running in Hakuba, the upper mountain has seen some cracking powder days.
Hakuba is not only known for its snowfall, Hakuba’s après atmosphere is also one of its main draw cards and we’ve seen that in full swing in December with Christmas celebrations.
Check out what Hakuba has delivered in December through the eyes of our photographer. It’s set to get a whole lot better too with Mountainwatch’s meteorologist The Grasshopper calling for above average snowfalls through January and February.
21st December
The groomers were the top pick on this day and everyone was on there way up to get amongst it at Happo-one.
Both skiers and snowboarders were enjoying the upper slopes of Happo-one.
Stunning views across the valley to Hakuba47 from Happo-one.
Sending out the year in style at Happo-one.
22nd December
Everyone was in the Christmas spirit for the Happo Santa Pub Crawl. First stop – The Lab.
A huge turnout showed up at The Lab for their first party of the season, and there will be plenty more to come.
Santas were set free into the streets of Happo as they rolled onto the next stop.
Jack’s Sports Bar was the second stop, before making their way to Blizzard for the final stop.
23rd December
If you’re after a traditional Japanese dining experience, Sharaku Restaurant is a must visit.
Liquid Snow Tours staff eagerly waiting for their Sukiyaki to be prepared.
Master Chef Karaki preparing the traditional Sukiyaki.
25th December
Christmas Day in Happo’s backcountry. After recent snowfalls and a stunning bluebird day, conditions were perfect.
Preparing for the descent.
The crew were rewarded for their efforts with fresh tracks.
Hakuba’s apres scene has been thriving during December. Musician Willy-O providing the good vibes at Jack’s Sports Bar.
28th December
Heading up early for fresh tracks at Tsugaike. Can’t beat bluebird skies after overnight snowfalls. Mountainwatch reporting 40cm+ in some areas of the valley.
There were plenty of deep stashes to dive into at Tsugaike.
Slashing turns in the Tsugaike backcountry.
As we wrap up 2019, the season is only looking up from here. With consistent snowfalls in the forecast over the next 7 days the season is set to really ramp up. It’s not too late to join us in one of the world’s best alpine destinations. Last minute ski packages start from as low as $976 including 7 nights, 5 day lift pass and daily breakfast. Click through below to see our latest packages. All our packages can be customised to suit you.
Photographs taken by Liquid Snow Tours’ photographer Oliver Godbold.
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Lizzie was so helpful, gave us some options and advice to help us pinpoint where we wanted to go. And once we had booked provided some really helpful travel advice and answering questions we had. Easy to deal with, everything was smooth and we had a great time.
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Shelly Drewitz
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Calum was awesome at helping us every step of the way with our trip. We got a great deal on the accommodation and ski lift, and we will definitely come back to Mountainwatch next time based on his excellent service.
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Mark K Grant
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I booked my Japan ski holiday through Mountainwatch. Very professional and when we arrived in Japan all was laid out for us. The accommodation was even nicer than expected. KIrsty was very good to work with and made things very easy!!!! will book again next season.
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Jess
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Great experience booking through this company, our contact Anna was brilliant, and organised a fantastic ski trip for us. The travel was all clearly laid out, the accommodation was lovely, the ski field was fantastic, great range of local dining options and bars.
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Brett A
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Mountain Watch are great, well organised and excellent advice on locations and accommodation. Highly recommended!
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darren martin
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Thanks Kirsty for helping arrange our family trip to Myoko for Xmas 2025, we had an amazing time
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Jan Kelly
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Thanks Kirsty, once again your arrangements for us in Japan worked very well. We’ll have no hesitation about touching base with you before we make another booking….. not sure if we’ll be organised by June, but we’ll see. Have a great season yourself and keep up the good work at MountainWatch.
Regards Jan and Tom
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Samantha Farr
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Our trip to Hakuba and Tokyo was so smooth and easy thanks to the help of Justine. Hotel was great and in a perfect location and it was very smooth having all our extras like lessons and rentals booked and sorted before we arrived. Would 100% book through Mountainwatch Travel again!
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John Durham
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This is the second year that Kristy has organized travel arrangements for a skiing holiday to Furano in Japan, for us.
It is the second time that those arrangements have been fulfilled seamlessly.
No hassles, as planned and on time.
Perfect, and will use Mountainwatchj Travel again.
John Durham
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Simone B
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We booked through Anna O’Malley for our stay in Nozawa onsen Village in Japan. Seamless service, prompt, and pricing reasonable. The Shimataya View Hotel, was a lovely stay. Room size was large, great views, and Amazing service from Staff. Momoi and Eloisa couldn’t help enough- from dinner reservations to organising luggage to Tokyo. Property is older, though clean, well maintained. 10 min walk to slopes, 5 min walk to village centre. I recommend Mountain Watch, and this property. Photos are the view from our room.
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