Highlights
- Beginner skiers' paradise
- Great tree skiing and accessible backcountry terrain
- Lots of ski in / ski out accommodation options
- Authentic village vibe with a few traditional restaurants, bars and Izakayas
Overview
Tsugaike's wide-open uncrowded green slopes are the perfect environment for beginners learning to ski.
There is plenty of great tree skiing and Tsugaike offers accessible backcountry terrain with relatively minimal hiking required.
Kids will be kept entertained by the snow wow adventure park offering a choice of ten activities.
The village offers a number of traditional-style ski in / ski out lodges and modest slopeside hotels. The main street features a handful of restaurants, bars and Izakayas serving Japanese favourites.
Tsugaike village has retained its character and is well suited to visitors seeking a more authentic Japanese experience compared to the more lively westernised vibe in Happo One and Echoland.
Where is Tsugaike?
Located towards the Northern end of the Hakuba Valley between Iwatake and Norikura ski areas, Tsugaike village sits at the base of the Tsugaike ski resort.
The village stretches across the base of the ski hill (Lower Tsugaike) and runs alongside the piste run at the northern edge of the ski area (Upper Tsugaike).
Tsugaike is connected to the rest of the Hakuba Valley villages and ski resorts via the Hakuba Valley shuttle bus service. To reach some of the further locations, a change of bus at Happo One may be required.
Tokyu Haneda and Tokyo Narita are the closest airports and can be reached in 5 hours by road or 3.5 to 4 hours by train. Nagano is the closest major city at 1.5-hour drive.
Tsugaike Map
Tsugaike Accommodation
Given the wide base of the hill, the village offers a number of traditional style ski in / ski out lodges and modest slopeside hotels.
Groups of friends and multiple families travelling together are well served by the wonderfully spacious and aptly named Slopeside Chalet, located on the side of the ski run where Upper and Lower Tsugaike meet.
Tsugaike Ski Resort
Tsugaike has a good variety of beginner and intermediate piste runs, a well maintained terrain park and some backcountry terrain suitable for those less experienced in backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Best in The Valley for:
- Beginners
- Lift system
Tsugaike Ski School
The English-speaking instructors at Evergreen Ski School will make sure you are safe and have a great time.
Private lessons offer focused instruction suitable for everyone from total beginners through to advanced skiers and boarders.
Tsugaike Onsen
The Espoir Misawa Hotel features male & female indoor baths and can be found in the Upper Tsugaike slopeside neighbourhood.
Heading out in the direction of Iwatake to neighbouring Ochikura area, the Sierra Resort features the fabulous Kominka no yu onsen bathhouse. Constructed using timbers from traditional housing as old as 160 years, Kominka no yu is the largest hot spring in the Hakuba Valley. Enjoy stunning forest and mountain views from both the indoor and outdoor baths.
Tsugaike Restaurants
Lower Tsugaike’s main street features a handful of restaurants, bars and Izakayas serving Japanese favourites.
Beyond dinner & a few drinks, Tsugaike is relatively quiet, so a visit to Happo One village is recommended for those wanting to enjoy a more lively night out.
Snow Wow Adventure Centre
Born in France and constructed by the specialists at XTREM AVENTURES, Hakuba Tsugaike WOW! is the first of its kind winter adventure park to operate in Japan.
A full menu of 10 exciting activities is on offer during the snow season, providing an excellent addition or alternative to a day on the slopes for those of all ages.
Fat Bikes
Fatbikes (off-road bicycles with oversized tires) have exploded in popularity in recent years, yet Tsugaike is one of only a few places in all of Japan where you are able to ride them on the ski slopes.
The Otari Fatbike Center offers half-day and full-day tours inclusive of bike and helmet rentals as well as basic insurance.