Hakuba Jump Stadium

Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium was the ski jump venue for the 1998 Nagano Olympics, where Japanese athletes achieved major success, and it still hosts many competitions today. If you’re afraid of heights it may feel a bit scary, but visitors can tour and observe the start/launch area and in-run from directly above. You can also stand on the podium, so try taking photos as if you were an athlete. Although ski jumping is usually associated with snowy conditions, this stadium is used year-round as a training facility; in snow-free seasons, athletes reportedly land on grass. It feels surprising to imagine the difference in impact between grass and snow, but the chance to see jump training up close is rare—if you’re interested, visiting around late afternoon may let you catch practice sessions. Because the venue is also used for competitions and events, be sure to check the official website in advance to confirm whether entry is allowed on your planned day.