Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below some frequently asked questions from guests. As part of your stay you have a personalized concierge that can assist with bookings and anything you require, so you have a smooth stay.
Where are you located?
The Firefly Apartments are located in central Echoland, 150m from the main street. We are roughly 5 hours by train or driving from both Tokyo airports, and about 6-7 hours by bus. Our website under 'The Hakuba Valley' tab has a useful guide on the main methods of getting to Hakuba. Upon booking guests are given access to a portal with a detailed and step-by-step guide to all forms of transport. Street address (not for luggage delivery); 3020-663 Echoland (4th St), Oaza Hokuoju, Kita Azumi County, Hakuba, Nagano 399-9301 In Japanese; 3020-663, エコーランド 白馬村 北安曇郡 長野県 399-9301 Google Map Link; https://goo.gl/maps/8i72o8p3jG7iMW429 For luggage delivery; ジュリアン・ウィートリー もみじ ホテル 〒399-9422 長野県北安曇郡 小谷村千国乙１２８５６－６３ 白馬乗鞍温泉スキー場里見ゲレンデ ATTN Julian Wheatley Momiji 12856-63 Chikuni-otsu, Otari-mura Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano-ken, 399-9422
What time is check in & check out
Check in is at 16:00 and check out is at 10:00. If arriving later than 21:00, please make contact with us in advance for a seamless check in experience. Early check in or late check out occasionally can be accommodated, subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
Can I send ski's, boards and luggage in advance?
Yes! Japan has a fantastic delivery service, Yamato Takkyubin that can send most things overnight. They can be found exiting the airport immigration hall and also arranged by most hotels and convenience stores. Please put the lead guest name on the tags and send to the following address; ジュリアン・ウィートリー もみじ ホテル 〒399-9422 長野県北安曇郡 小谷村千国乙１２８５６－６３ 白馬乗鞍温泉スキー場里見ゲレンデ ATTN Julian Wheatley Momiji 12856-63 Chikuni-otsu, Otari-mura Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano-ken, 399-9422
The easiest and most convenient way to move around the valley is by car. Hakuba is made up of 9 resorts spanning 40km end to end. We are centrally located in the middle of the valley. With a car you unlock freedom and maximize where you choose to ski, not to mention those illusive first tracks. Hakuba also has many nearby attractions such as the Snow Monkeys and Matsumoto Castle which are a short drive away. There are major hire companies such as Toyota, Nippon and Nissan that will hire a 4x4 van and winter kit when requested. They are located at most major train stations and airports. There are also some other small companies that hire in the valley too. For those without a car hakubavalley.com publishes the valley bus schedule. The nearest bus stop is 300m away. Taxis are available, though costly for long distances and often need pre-booking from Alpico.
How to get around Hakuba?
What about ski hire?
Central Snowsports at the end of the street have been kitting out our guests since we opened with positive guest reviews. Spicy Rentals is also located close by in Echoland.
Where are the good restaurants?
Echoland has a great assortment of restaurants on the main street only 150m from us. Upon booking guests can access a dining guide with a few good recommendations. We offer a concierge service that can make reservations in Japanese for you. Please contact us in advance.
Where to ski?
Hakuba Valley consists of 9 resorts. Given the variety of weather experienced during winter some are great on those powder days and others great on the bluebirds. Please see 'Skiing Hakuba' under 'The Hakuba Valley' Tab above. All guests get access to a comprehensive guide on booking.
What about lift passes?
Each individual resort sells full, multi or half day tickets for their resort. In addition they also sell the 'Valley Pass' entitling you to ski multiple days, multiple resorts. For example a 4 day pass can be used anytime in an 8 day window allowing you to rest the legs and explore some of the local attractions in-between. See hakubavalley.com for pricing and further information.
Can I use Epic Pass?
Yes! Epic pass holders are entitled to 5 days consecutive riding. See hakubavalley.com for more info.
Who does lessons? Backcountry?
Most resorts have their own ski schools with English speaking instructors. Martin at Frontier Snow School, Norikura has been looking after guests for many years. Evergreen has a school at Happo. Hakuba Snowsports are based at Iimori between Groyu and 47. For Backcountry, bookings are highly recommended, talk to James Robb at Northern Heights Guiding.
What to do off the slopes?
Limitless! For the first timers to Hakuba in winter, the most popular attraction is the Snow Monkeys about 1.5hrs away by car, it's easy to self drive. There are also guided tours that need prior reservations. Matsumoto Castle is another guest favourite about 1.5hrs away by train. For further ideas please see 'The Hakuba Valley' tab above. All guests get a detailed guide to the many attractions, festivals and events in and beyond the valley.
Can I get a babysitter?
Previous guests have used the following babysitting services; Mommy Smile Hakuba Babysitting Advance bookings strongly advised. Happo and Goryu also offer on site day-care.
Can I get a massage?
Most certainly. Chill Life is one of our favourites with great experienced staff and can come to the apartments for an extra surcharge of only 1000JPY (10 bucks). If more targeted is what you are after try Hakuba Physio and Massage in Echoland or Yukoudou in Happo
What about money?
Japan cash is still king! Credit cards are still slowly being introduced at major retailers and some foreigner frequented restaurants. Beyond that you need to carry the old fashioned lettuce. Foreign ATM cards work at major airports, Japan Post, 7-11 and Lawson ATM's only.
What about power?
Japan uses the 2 prong 100v modified American system. 3 prong plugs do not work here without an adaptor. 3 to 2 prong adaptors are available in airport convenience stores, major electronics retailers and Amazon Japan. Aussie, Kiwi and Euro guests please be aware that AC devices without an inbuilt transformer will not work here. Hair straighteners is a common device that will not work.
Do you have Kamoshika's in Hakuba
Most certainly! These mythical and gorgeous creatures wander about the slopes and mountains of Hakuba. They are also classed as a special natural monument by the Japanese government. What exactly is a Kamoshika? Pronounced Ka-mosh-ka, is a Japanese mountain goat/antelope. They are lonesome creatures nibbling on the forest floor and are rarely seen. Sighting one of these well camouflaged creatures is said to bring years of good luck, especially for students wanting to pass exams. My lucky spot is at Hakuba 47 on the Quad 'C', just past the frozen river. I have also seen them, although less frequently from the gondola at Iwatake.