Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium

The Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium, officially known as the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium or Hakuba Jump Arena, served as one of the premier venues during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Located in Hakuba Village in the northern Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, this facility hosted the ski jumping events that captivated audiences during the games. The stadium features both a large hill (K-point 120 meters) and a normal hill (K-point 90 meters), making it one of Japan's most significant winter sports facilities. After the Olympics, it was transformed into a year-round attraction that allows visitors to experience the dramatic scale of Olympic ski jumping firsthand.

The stadium holds cultural significance as a lasting legacy of Japan's successful hosting of the Winter Olympics and represents the region's deep connection to winter sports. Hakuba Valley is one of Japan's premier ski destinations, known for its abundant snowfall and stunning mountain scenery, and the jumping stadium stands as a symbol of this winter sports heritage. The facility continues to host ski jumping competitions and training sessions, maintaining its role in developing Japanese ski jumpers.

Visitors can take a chairlift to the top of the large hill, ascending approximately 307 steps or riding directly to the starting platform where Olympic athletes once launched themselves into the air. From this vantage point at roughly 140 meters above the landing area, the perspective is breathtaking and somewhat daunting, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Japan Alps and insight into the courage required for competitive ski jumping. The stadium also features an Olympic museum showcasing memorabilia from the 1998 games, including equipment, photographs, and videos of historic jumps. During summer months, the landing slope transforms into a green hillside, creating an interesting contrast with its winter purpose.

The Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium is located approximately 4 kilometers from JR Hakuba Station. Visitors can reach the stadium by local bus, taxi, or rental car, with the journey taking roughly 10 minutes. The nearest major city is Nagano, about 50 kilometers away, accessible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo in approximately 90 minutes, followed by a local train to Hakuba. Admission to the stadium and chairlift costs around 600 yen for adults, though prices may vary seasonally. The facility is generally open throughout the year except during active competition periods, though visiting during winter offers the most authentic atmosphere when the hills are snow-covered and training sessions may be visible.