Another one of Hakuba’s most popular resorts is Hakuba Iwatake. Just under 10 minutes drive from Happo we definitely recommend jumping on the shuttle bus to Iwatake during your time in Hakuba.
Iwatake continues to improve their services with a heap of new upgrades for the 2018/19 season.
New Tree Run Area
One of the most popular areas at Iwatake is the back bowl on the reverse side of the mountain. Iwatake have negotiated with the National Forest Agency to borrow the entire of this back bowl for the 18/19 season. This means they will be able to continuously cut the trees in this area to open a new tree skiing area.
New Terrain
Not only are Iwatake increasing the tree skiing area for this season but they’re also increasing the variety of terrain on offer. For the 18/19 season they will upgrade the Iwatake DC Park (One of the best in the valley), a new mogul course on the Paradise Gelande Course and a bank/wave course on the Sunny Valley Course.
Snow Machines
Iwatake have also introduced more snow machines to ensure high quality snow throughout the entire season. These machines have been put in the middle of the Sunny Valley slope.
Hakuba Mountain Harbor
Hakuba Iwatake have now opened their new Hakuba Mountain Harbor. Mountain Harbor features a long-established bakery from New York “City Bakery” as well as an amazing sky deck which is the perfect place to take in the incredible scenery. Mountain Harbor is open all year round so be sure to check it out if you’re skiing or boarding at Iwatake this season.
T.Y Harbor Brewery Pop Up Bar
The T.Y Harbor Brewery Pop Up Bar will also be featuring again for the 18-19 season. Be sure to stop off here for some great craft beers up the top of Iwatake.
Other Activities
There are lots of different activities you can enjoy in Iwatake including:
DC early morning first track CAT tour
Snow buggy cruising
Snow rafting
Iwatake Old Town Cultural Festival
Jan 23rd: Kirikubo Location: Kirikubo Suwa Shrine
Jan 30th: Shinden Location: Maruhachi and the street
New Hotel and Restaurant
A new hotel and restaurant with renovated traditional houses will open on December 22nd in Iwatake Shinden Area. The hotel is called Hatago Maruhachi and the restaurant is Shoya Maruhachi Dining which includes a live grill kitchen and a standing sake bar.
To find our more about the Hakuba Valley be sure to check outHakuba.comfor all the latest updates during the season.
Want to join us for a holiday at one of the best ski resorts in Japan? Click through to request a free quote!
If you’re staying in Hakuba and are wanting to visit other resorts within Nagano including Myoko, Madarao, Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen, come join us on our Nagano Snow Chasers tours.