Hakuba News
Daily English summaries of Japanese-language news on Hakuba tourism, ski resorts, and real estate — with HakubaHub's context for international buyers and visitors.
Hakuba Snow Forecast 2026-2027: Early Predictions and Property Market Impact
The Japan Meteorological Agency's early snow predictions for Hakuba 2026-2027 are already driving rental booking surges and property market activity across the valley.
New 6% Yield Hakuba Villa Fund Launches as Tourist Numbers Hit Record High
A new crowdfunding platform is offering 6% annual returns on a Hakuba luxury villa investment as the resort area sees record tourist numbers.
Plan・Do・See Targets Karuizawa for 2026 Expansion in Mountain Resort Push
Japan's luxury hospitality group Plan・Do・See is expanding into mountain resort markets, with Karuizawa among its 2026 targets alongside international destinations.
Hakuba's ao Lakeside Cafe Hits 170,000 Visitors as Winter Crowds Double
Hakuba's ao Lakeside Cafe and sauna complex reached 170,000 total visitors, with winter 2025-26 crowds nearly doubling from the previous year.
Hakuba's La Vigne Restaurant Wins Back-to-Back Gold at Star Wine List Awards
La Vigne Dining Fûdo at Hotel La Vigne Hakuba scored double gold at the international Star Wine List awards, marking two consecutive years of recognition.
Hakuba Iwatake Festival 2026: 9-Day Mountain Music Event Launches May 16
Hakuba Iwatake announces a 9-day festival featuring live music, yoga, and night events at 1,300m elevation from May 16-24, 2026.
Obama's Favorite Ice Cream Brand Opens First Hakuba Shop
MDI Ice Cream, the Maine craft brand famously enjoyed by Barack Obama, just opened its first scoop-style shop in Hakuba's Iwatake area.
Hakuba Iwatake Hits 475,000 Visitors Despite Low Snow Winter
Despite challenging snow conditions, Iwatake's focus on non-skier attractions drove tourism numbers to record levels.
Plan·Do·See Takes Over Hakuba Alps Hotel, Reopening December 2026
Hotel company Plan·Do·See starts renovating the 55-year-old Hakuba Alps Hotel, planning a December 2026 reopening as THE ALPS HOTEL HAKUBA with expanded amenities.
Olympic Mogul Champions Coming to Hakuba Goryu April 2026
Gold, silver, and bronze medalists from the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics are heading to Hakuba Goryu for a two-day mogul camp in April.