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Hakuba: Coolest Local Spots to Stay, Ski & Board in Japan's Winter Wonderland

Japan is the new winter hotspot, and Hakuba is calling with its Olympic mountain ranges. Locay has discovered the best stays to set your sights on... all you have to do, is book.

Host to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games, Hakuba is now one of Japan’s largest and most renowned alpine destinations, and with abundant snowfall, 10 ski resorts, and over 200 runs choose from, there’s something for everyone from novice to expert - and even those who just want to sit back and chill. 

When it comes time to recharge and relax after an exhilarating day on the slopes, the vibrant collection of villages around Hakuba, with a mix of Japanese and Western influences, offer a range of accommodation choices, a lively après-ski scene - and hot springs for those wanting to warm up and unwind. 

From traditional Ryokans (Japanese-style inn) to welcoming boutique hotels, log cabins or family-owned lodges, the options are endless, so choosing the perfect base for your ski vacation is no easy task. There are a few standouts though, so at Locay, we’ve taken the hard work out out of it all with these top selections - so you can focus on the fun part. Did we mention it’s also only just three hours away from Tokyo? 

Hakuba Cottage Chestnuts

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Hakuba Village I Hakuba Valley

For those who want to connect with nature whilst still enjoying upper-class luxury and comfort — this unique cottage, elegant crafted is a tribute to natural beauty. Having moved to Hakuba more than 20 years ago, the owners decided to craft this gorgeous cottage in 2022, and it's been a pleasure for guests to enjoy ever since.

Nestled amidst Hakuba's stunning landscape, its spacious main room welcomes you with panoramic mountain vistas of the Northern Alps and an atmosphere of openness, enhanced by the use of Japanese log beams throughout, and a symbolic log tree at the centre.

Serenity meets artistic expression here, and the design creates a warm, inviting ambiance  – an ideal retreat after a day of outdoor exploration.

Inside, the lounge room is also complemented by a mini theater equipped with a large projector so that guests can enjoy a cinematic experience whenever they want unwind on the couch, and the kitchen is a walnut masterpiece, complete with all the high-and appliances and necessary utensils for a comfortable stay. A mini-bar is also provided for guests to indulge in a selection of wines curated by the Restaurant Seppo sommelier during their stay.

Adjacent to the dining room, and situated conveniently near the entrance stairs, a generous open terrace seamlessly links indoor and outdoor spaces, offering an inviting setting to enjoy breakfast, practice yoga, or sip on your morning coffee amidst the rejuvenating Hakuba breeze – and a generously-sized garden sofa is also placed perfectly there, to ensure luxurious comfort for your ultimate relaxation.

While the setting is serene, this property is nonetheless situated in the heart of Hakuba Village, and boasts convenient access to a variety of amenities such as supermarkets, coffee shops, and the renowned abundance of Hakuba onsens (hot springs), all within walking distance.

Raw

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Hakuba Village I Hakuba Valley

For a 5-star experience offering minimalist design and a new take on rustic luxury raw_ hotel has it all.

The first hotel of its kind in Hakuba Village, this unique property is entirely made of shipping containers – made by lining up three of them, then adding in all the creature comforts guests might need. As a result, you’re provided with cosy accommodation, fit with plush bedding, state-of-the-art technology, and stunning mountain or forest views, as well as a wooden terrace to relax and unwind on, free private parking, and easy access to a great ramen restaurant where you can sample tasty Japanese cuisine.

You'll also be in the entertainment district, steps from Hakuba Valley Ski Area and just a 2-minute drive from Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort – and this place offers ski-to-door access.

As an extra perk, and after a long day enjoying all the Hakuba Valley has to offer – its key-less locking system is also a game changer, allowing guests to get into their room without having to deal with key collection. What more could you ask for?

Fuku Chalet

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Wadano I Hakuba Valley

Offering an ideal and tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life amidst the surrounds of the picturesque Wadano Forest, this luxury wooden cabin is a beautifully designed retreat just steps from the Hakuba Happo-One and Valley Ski Area, with a free shuttle to it all for extra comfort.

With a breathtaking view via its expansive windows into the Wadano woods and overlooking the Happo Resort slopes this spacious two-bedroom property offers guests an open plan living area, with a fully-equipped kitchen, a balcony and a restful lounge area which includes a small sofa in addition to a sitting area which looks out onto the deck – the ideal place to put your feet up and enjoy the view after a long day on the snow. However, if a soothing bath is more your thing, then there’s also a lavish bathtub available which offers another relaxing option.

This cosy abode is also just a few minutes away from an excellent selection of restaurants and bars, as well as ski schools, and natural hot springs – so its location has also been chosen wisely for the perfect winter getaway.

Wadano Gateway

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Wadano Village I Hakuba Valley

Just 100 metres from the famous Nagano Olympic sign, and centrally located at the opening into the Wadano Village, this collection of nine contemporary two-bedroom apartments and suites with 26 rooms in total is ideal for families and small groups – and the perfect base in the heart of Hakuba.

One of the few areas which offers close proximity to ski in/ski out properties, Wadano is a picturesque forested area at the north end of Hakuba – and this particular property also offers guests the opportunity to mountain hop, with frequent shuttles to gondolas and base stations for the Happo and Iwatake ski areas, and also just a short walk from Happo Village and the Happo bus terminal, as an extra plus.

True to its name Wadano Gateway is also a centrally-located entertainment hub, and a portal some of the most popular restaurants in the Hakuba Valley, with plenty of dining options for either Western or Japanese tastes.

Aprés ski, its expansive lounge, bar & café are a relaxing spot to unwind après ski, and for a good morning kick-off before hitting the slopes, the all-you-can-eat daily breakfast, included in the rates, is just the thing.

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