Hakkoda Facilities

Unlike the nearby Appi Kogen ski resort where there are extensive facilities, Hakkoda keeps the services and facilities very simple. 

Hakkoda Ski School

There is a ski school available at the ski resort, although this is typically only used by the local families and for guiding services with Japanese speaking guides. 

Facilities for Children

Hakkoda is not a family friendly ski area, with negligible facilities available for kids. There is no day care, no magic carpet, and no specific kids play area. If you want a family oriented holiday you’d be better placed at Appi Ski Resort. 

Hakkoda Ski Rental

The deep Hakkoda snow is best ridden on very fat powder skis or a powder snowboard, but Hakkoda ski and snowboard rental options are very limited so it’s wise to BYO.

The Hakkoda ski school has a handful of fat skis for rent and other ski gear, although some of the ski boots are from the dark ages! The guides at Sansou Lodge also hire out a few fatties but the selection is very limited.

There is a snowboard rental shop on the left as you leave Aomori town, but you’d need to have your own car or be in a taxi to stop there. 

Banking and Internet Facilities

Get cashed up with yen before you arrive because there are no ATMs at Hakkoda. Credit cards can be used at the hotels and for ropeway tickets, but you’ll need cash to pay for lunch, transport and other incidentals, and possibly also guiding.

Hakkoda Shopping

Shopping is very limited at Hakkoda so your credit card is pretty safe! The most substantial shop for ski and snowboard gear is at Sansou Lodge at the base of the chair lifts, and even that is very limited. They sell some backcountry gear such as avalanche beacons, shovels, probes, and backpacks, and accessories such as goggles, gloves and helmets.

The kiosks at the ropeway stations also sell a few basic ski and snowboard accessories as well as Hakkoda souvenirs.

The small shop at Hakkoda Resort Hotel sells a few souvenirs, some snacks and beverages, but essentially there is no convenience store or grocery store at Hakkoda. Beverages can be purchased from the vending machines, but if you have substantial alcohol requirements then BYO. Ditto for food.

Hakkoda Restaurants

At Hakkoda there are only restaurants for day time fare.

Sansou Lodge at the base of the lifts is a reasonably good spot for lunch. They have fairly standard Japanese food such as noodles, curries and donburis. They also have bakery goods and naughty cakes that are pretty special, and they do proper coffees (but don’t get too excited – this is Japan!) and nice hot chocolates.

The best lunch venue is next door at the Hakkoda Park (in between the Sanso and the Hakkoda Resort Hotel). They have a large range of curries, rice dishes, and ramens, as well as fried chicken and chips. Some days they even pull out all the stops with a Yakiniku / Bulgogi (barbequed beef).

The Resthouse Hakkoda (next to the base station) has noodle dishes, rice dishes and curries. The Summit Restaurant in the top ropeway station has similar fare as well as some barbeque options. The top ropeway station also has a little kiosk selling hot beverages and snacks that you can munch on whilst huddling around the heaters.

Of course Hakkoda also has the obligatory vending machines if you’re after a hot or cold drink.

In effect there are no evening restaurants in Hakkoda because all the hotels include dinner as part of the lodging package.

Après or nightlife doesn’t really exist at Hakkoda as there are no bars or pubs. Hakkoda nightlife consists of an onsen, dinner and whatever fun you can make at your hotel with the Chu-His from the vending machine.