Moving to HAKUBA

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Located at the foot of Northern Japanese Alps, Hakuba Village is a cozy village with a population of approximately 8,500 people. It has a rich history as the birthplace of minshuku (family-run inns), that flourished as one of the thriving destination for hiking and skiing, hosting the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

Over the years, Hakuba has welcomed international community of travelers and residents. Today, long-time locals, both domestic and international newcomers and seasonal residents all come together to enjoy the village life.

Why not experience the beauty of the four seasons and embrace the unique lifestyle that only Hakuba can offer?

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Hakuba is a compact village - it only takes 20mins to drive from south to north - you can get all the daily necessities right within the community.

• 3 Supermarkets
• 5 Convenience stores
• 2 Drugstores
• 1 Hardware store

There are 6 clinics in the village and a general hospital is located in the neighbouring Omachi City.

On Sundays and National holidays, Hakuba Village and neighbouring Otari Village operate a rotation duty system to ensure continuous medical care.

For critial emergencies, doctor helicopters at Advanced Emergency & Critical Care Center at Shinshu University Hospital (Matsumoto City) can arrive in 15mins. Additionally, Nagano Children's Hospital in Azumino City provide high level pediatric care.

• 6 Clinics
• 3 Dental clinics
• 3 Pharmacies

Primary mode of transportation for getting around the village is by car.

Hakuba offers easy access to surrounding cities, taking about 30mins to Omachi City by car or JR Oito line (train), roughly 1hr to Nagano City by car or bus, and a little over 1hr to Itoigawa City in Niigata Prefecture (Sea of Japan) by car/JR Oito line.

Additionally, Hakuba Demand Taxi (a shared ride-hailing service) is in operation from 2024 to enhance local public transportation.

High-speed fiber internet is available throughout the village.

Digital TV broadcasts can be received in most areas. For mountainous areas with limited reception, subscribing to local cable TV provides full access to digital broadcasts, including village-original channels.

"Alps Pay" is a digital regional currency system that enables cashless payment across Hakuba and neighbouring Otari Village.

By completing identity verification as a sonmin (local resident), you can unlock sonmin-discounts and other perks.

While the village maintains reliable snowplowing services for public roads, all residents are responsible for clearing snow within their property.

You can enjoy pure, refreshing, cold water sourced from the snowmelt of the Northern Alps.

Hakuba Village is divided into 30 local community districts (gyoseiku). Operating under their own guidelines, each community manages its own fees to maintain roads, waterways, waste stations, streetlights and community centres, as well as hosting local festivals. These communities play a vital role in preserving local cultural traditions.

During the 2014 Kamishiro Earthquake (M6.7), it was reported that no lives were lost, thanks to the strong bonds and mutual support amongst the neighbours. 

We encourage everyone to actively participate and cooperate in building a safe and resilient community for all.

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For children under 3 years old, 2nd child will be charged half-price while 3rd child and beyond will be free of charge. Additionally, for households with an annual income of less than 3.6M yen, 1st child will be charged half-price while 2nd child and beyond will be free of charge.

All children over the age of 3 will be free of charge.

Hakuba Youchien operated by Shingakukai offers a rich learning environment. Its outdoor playground are inspired by the iconic three peaks Hakuba and sits alongside a nature-filled forest.

Extracurricular programs (English, physical education, Nobi-nobi (Japanese & maths classes)) are also available.

Admission is available for 2 year olds (preparation course) and extended daycare option is also available.

• 1 Kindergarten (private)

Sick childcare services are available at "Kita Alps Kids Room" located in Omachi Sogo Byoin (a general hospital in neighbouring Omachi City).

This service is free of charge for those living in Hakuba and are currently attending a local childcare such as hoikuen.

If you have questions or doubts about your child, pregnancy, post-partum health or breastfeeding, you can consult with a OB-GYNs or midwives or pediatricians over LINE or phone.

*Available only in Japanese

To promote the health and well-being of children, medical expenses are subsidised for children up to 18 years old.

*Note that payment of 500yen per receipt is necessary

• 2 Elementary schools (Public)
• 1 Junior high school (Public)
• 1 High school (Public)
• 1 International school (Miscellaneous school)

Children in Kamishiro area will enroll in "Hakuba Minami Shogakko (Hakuba South Elementary School)" and those in Hokujo area will enroll in "Hakuba Kita Shogakko (Hakuba North Elementary School)".

Both schools offer winter sports programs (Alpine, Ski Jumping, Cross-Country) during winter. There is a ski slope at Hakuba Minami Shogakko and a ski jump hill at Hakuba Kita Shogakko.

5th year students will go to Kawazu Town in Shizuoka Prefecture or Taiji Town in Wakayama Prefecture, while 6th year students will go to Tokyo.

Jidou club (afterschool childcare) is provided for children whose parents and/or family members work during the day, covering both after-school hours and school holidays.

Jidou club is available at both elementary schools.

Elementary school lunch fees are fully waived for all students, with the cost covered by the village.

Junior high school lunch fees are partially subsidised by the village, where 230 yen per meal is charged (approx. 40% subsidised). For 3rd children and beyond, fees are fully covered by the village.

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Akiya / Akichi bank (vacant house/land bank) is available where property owners can register their land or buildings with the village in prospect of finding a new owner. 

Sakasama bank (a reverse bank) is also available where individuals seeking housing can register and wait for property owners to reach out. 

Hakuba Shokokai (Hakuba Chamber of Commerce and Industry) offer a comprehensive Sogyo Juku (Startup Academy) designed to provide essential knowledge and practical insights for launching a new business.

Participants can get up-to-date information on subsidies and loans as well as continuous mentorship and network opportunies. Furthermore, graduates of the program are eligible for the startup support subsidy (max. 1M yen).

*Available only in Japanese

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