Happo-one is part of the Hakuba skiing area, which consists of 7 resorts. It is the most popular and crowded of the ski destinations. Besides having hosted many international skiing events including world cup races Happo-one (pronounced 'on ay', not like the number ‘1’) is best known for its involvement in the 1998 Winter Olympics, when it hosted the Nordic combination, Super-G, downhill and ski jumping competition. Best suitable for advanced skiers, the resort still offers some courses that intermediate level skiers can enjoy, too. But skiing isn’t the only activity Happo One has to offer. A vast number of fancy shops and restaurants are ready to be explored. A must see in Happo One is the ski jumping Stadium. Host to the ski jumping and Nordic combined events the Stadium offers the visitors the opportunity to take a chair lift or elevater to the top of the 90 and 120-meter jump, and experience the feeling of a skier about to take the plunge. Please note, that the stadium is open all year except the first half of November and April, and during ski jump competitions.
Located about 150 miles northwest of Tokyo in the northwestern part of Nagano prefecture the ski resort can be reached by both car and train. A bullet train running from Tokyo will get you to Nagano in 1 hour 30 minutes. From Nagano onwards, there is a connecting service to Hakuba (near Happo One). You can also go via Matsumoto along the Chuo and Oito lines to Hakuba in just over 3 hours. Bullet trains also run to Matsumoto from Osaka, from where regular services run to Hakuba. The journey by car from Tokyo takes about 4 hours and goes via the main Kofu expressway to Matsumoto. From Matsumoto, route 148 continues north through the town of Omachi and onto Hakuba. If you are coming from Osaka, the Chuo expressway and route 148 provide access via Matsumoto. Happo One ski resort is a short drive from Hakuba. .
The cheapest travel option is by Bus leaving either from Tokyo or Osaka. Buses leave regularly from Shinjuku Train Station in Tokyo and take about 4 to 5 hours to reach Hakuba. A local bus or taxi will take you to Happo One in about 15 minutes from Hakuba.