About roundAbout
roundAbout is an independent snowboard shop located just a one-minute walk from JR Hakuba Station, founded in 2014 by a family who relocated from the city after falling in love with Hakuba's snowy mountains. The shop operates under the motto "ENJOY HAKUBA!" and has become a beloved fixture of the local snowboard community, offering a warm, wood-panelled space that feels more like a friend's living room than a retail store. Its proximity to the train station makes it an ideal first stop for visitors arriving by rail from Tokyo or Nagoya.
roundAbout is Hakuba's only MOSS Snowstick demo centre, stocking nearly the full lineup of this iconic Japanese brand known for its unique powder-specific board shapes and hand-built craftsmanship. Riders can demo MOSS boards by the day — board only or board-and-bindings packages — giving them a chance to experience designs that are virtually impossible to find outside Japan. Beyond MOSS, the shop curates a selection of independent Japanese and niche international brands, focusing on interesting shapes and construction rather than mainstream gear. Tuning, waxing, repairs, and parts are all available in-house.
What makes roundAbout special is its deeply personal approach to snowboarding. The owners personally help match each rider with the right flex, profile, and board shape for Hakuba's famously varied conditions — from deep powder days at Cortina and Norikura to groomed runs at Happo-one and Goryu. The shop is small by design, prioritising quality recommendations over high-volume sales. For snowboarders looking to explore Japanese board culture and ride something genuinely different, roundAbout is an essential Hakuba experience.
