KASHIMAYARI

Kashimayari ski resort is a small ski resort included on the Hakuba Valley Pass. Outside of the main cluster of Hakuba Valley ski resorts Kashimayari does not draw the crowds it once did and there would be little reason to base your trip around Kashimayari ski resort. Kashimayari however is worth the visit as an add-on to your Hakuba Valley ski trip and could provide enough interest for a day or two.

KASHIMAYARI FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Kashimayari Ski Resort is a long way from the central hub of Happo and Hakuba Base Camp but this may actually be a good thing. With Kashimayari being further away from the hustle and bustle it draws fewer crowds. The transport links to Kashimayari are also less frequent meaning a trip here can be a little more awkward than some of the more prominent Hakuba Valley ski resorts.

I arrived at Kashimayari by train from Sanosaka and the journey was beautiful with some fantastic views of the Japanese Alps. The facilities at Kashimayari are in need of a facelift with the buildings and lifts needing investment.

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HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI SKI AREA

The Kashimayari ski resort is small, even by Japanese standards. The area itself has gotten smaller with terrain closing due to potential financial difficulties. The ski areas highest point is at 1335m and has a 500m vertical drop. The resort of Kashimayari is now best suited to beginners and intermediates with the more advanced terrain inaccessible by chairlift.

One real positive of the ski area at Kashimayari is the view across to Lake Aokiko which can be seen from the pistes. Who doesn’t love skiing in an area with views of a lake surrounded by mountains!

There isn’t much to write home about in terms of Kashimayari terrain which is why no runs here made my list of the BEST FIVE RUNS IN HAKUBA. It seems that Kashimayari is overlooked by many visitors to the Hakuba Valley and as such its infrastructure is looking very dated. 

BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI

Beginner skiers and snowboarders at Kashimayari will have access to some wide mellow slopes that are good for learning on. There isn’t much terrain at Kashimayari so you may find that you are continuing to repeat the same slopes as a beginner.

INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI

Kashimayari ski resort is an intermediates mountain, the terrain from Lift no 1 has a gradient of between 25 and 28 degrees. There is nothing overly scary at Kashimayari which means it is a great ski resort for intermediates to gain confidence and explore.

ADVANCED TERRAIN AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI

Sadly anything of note for advanced skiers and snowboarders at Kashimayari has been closed. I am unsure as to why the top lift stopped running but it is certainly of detriment to the ski area.

HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI PROS

  • Kashimayari ski resort is quiet, go here to escape the crowds

  • The view from Kashimayari across to Lake Aokiko is fantastic.

  • Free shuttle bus access to Kashimayari is possible with the Hakuba Valley Pass.

HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI CONS

  • Kashimayari does not offer much for the more advanced skier or snowboarder.

  • The ski resort of Kashimayari is closing terrain not opening more… this does not seem like a positive step for the ski resort.

  • Kashimayari ski area has infrequent transport links meaning that you need to be careful not to miss your bus.

TRAVEL TO KASHIMAYARI SKI RESORT

Travel to the Hakuba Valley is most commonly accessed from Tokyo Airport via several convenient options. From either Narita or Haneda Airport, travelers can take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, which takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the service. From Nagano Station, a direct bus or taxi can bring you to Hakuba in roughly one hour. Alternatively, there are express airport limousine buses that travel directly from Tokyo airports to Hakuba, offering a comfortable and straightforward journey.

When arriving at Tokyo airports—Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND)—you have convenient options to ship your luggage directly to your hotel, making travel through the city easier and more enjoyable.

Luggage Delivery Services:

  1. Takuhaibin (宅配便)
    This is Japan’s comprehensive door-to-door delivery service, widely used for shipping bags between airports, hotels, and other locations. Major providers include Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato), Sagawa Express, and Japan Post.

    • Where to find service desks: At both Narita and Haneda airports, look for dedicated Takuhaibin counters or kiosks near the baggage claim area or arrivals hall.

    • Costs: Typically range from 1,500 to 3,000 JPY per bag, depending on size and destination. Expect a fee on the higher end for same-day or next-day delivery.

    • Time: Delivery generally takes 1 to 2 days, but many Hakuba hotels receive luggage the next day if shipping early.

  2. How to Ship:

    • Bring your luggage directly to the Takuhaibin counter at the airport.

    • Provide your hotel’s address, phone number, and your planned check-in date.

    • Fill out a simple form; staff often can assist in English.

    • Pay by cash or credit card.

    • You’ll receive a receipt with a tracking number.

  3. Shipping to Hotels:
    Most hotels in Tokyo are familiar with and accept Takuhaibin luggage deliveries for their guests. Always inform your hotel ahead of time with the expected delivery date and provide your name to avoid confusion. Some luxury hotels may charge a small handling fee, so check in advance.

  4. Timing and Planning:
    Shipping luggage ahead means you can travel light on public transport or have more freedom to explore Tokyo immediately after arrival. However, avoid shipping your bags to hotels with insufficient lead time—send luggage early enough to ensure it arrives before or on your check-in day.

Using luggage forwarding services from Tokyo airports to your hotel significantly simplifies travel logistics, especially when carrying bulky ski or hiking gear. It lets you enjoy a hassle-free arrival and focus on your adventures in Japan.Once in the Hakuba Valley, local shuttle buses provide frequent and reliable service between the various resorts, including Happo One, allowing visitors to easily explore the area without needing their own vehicle. These shuttles connect key points daily, catering to skiers and hikers alike, making the valley highly accessible and convenient to navigate.

 

GETTING AROUND HAKUBA

Getting around Hakuba is straightforward with the extensive shuttle bus network that connects major ski resorts, hotels, and key points in the valley. These buses run frequently throughout the day, making it easy for visitors to access popular slopes such as Happo-One, Hakuba 47, and Goryu. Shuttle services are typically free or low-cost, often included with lift passes or available through accommodation packages. The system operates on a fixed schedule, so it’s important to check the latest timetables to plan your day efficiently. Using shuttle buses is a convenient way to avoid parking hassles and enjoy stress-free travel across Hakuba’s sprawling ski areas. Taxi’s are also available but are a more expensive option as the shuttle buses are included with your Hakuba Valley ski pass.

Kashimayari is south of the main hub of the Hakuba Valley in Happo but is accessible via local shuttle buses. The local buses run from the Happo Bus terminal and are included if you purchase the Hakuba Valley Pass. Services to Kashimayari are less regular than those to other Hakuba Valley ski resorts. With this in mind ensure you have checked the latest timetables.

KASHIMAYARI LIFT PASSES

HAKUBA VALLEY PASS

If you are planning to visit more Hakuba Valley ski resorts than Kashimayari it may be worth picking up a Hakuba Valley pass. The Hakuba Valley Pass not only offers access to the slopes but the interconnecting resort shuttles. This means your transport and skiing is included on the same pass. Find out more by watching the video below.

EPIC PASS

If you are an Epic Pass season pass holder than you will get access to the resorts of the Hakuba Valley included with your pass. The Epic Pass allows for 5 consecutive days of skiing in the Hakuba Valley, additional tickets can be purchased at a discount.

PAY AS YOU PLAY

If you want more freedom to choose your day to day activities and resorts you won't lose much money by paying on the day. Paying for your lift passes on the day offers a number of benefits. You can get full-day, morning or afternoon passes which offers flexibility.

ELSEWHERE IN THE HAKUBA VALLEY

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ACCOMMODATION AT KASHIMAYARI

Accommodation at Kashimayari Ski Resort ranges from cozy lodges to luxurious mountain resorts. Staying on-site provides the convenience of easy access to the slopes and other resort facilities. However, nearby towns like Hakuba and Omachi offer additional lodging options for those seeking a more extensive range of amenities and dining choices

FINAL THOUGHTS ON KASHIMAYARI

In conclusion, Kashimayari Ski Resort is a lesser-known Hakuba Valley ski resort that can offer sanctuary away from the crowds in the beautiful Japanese Alps. Kashimayari offers well-groomed slopes with enough variety to ensure an enjoyable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Although I would not choose to base myself at Kashimayari. I can see why people look past visiting Kashimayari and it would probaly be bottom of my list of Hakuba resorts to visit again.

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