Hakuba is a massive place with ten ski resorts in the valley. Choosing where to stay and picking the right hotels in Hakuba to enhance your visit, is key for a hassle free trip.
With Hakuba globally recognized as a premier ski destination, you are well served with a wide variety of accommodation options. These options suit different budgets and preferences from luxury resorts to budget hostels.
Below is an overview of the following hotels in Hakuba:
High-end / Luxury Hotels Hakuba
- The Happo
- Tokyu Hotel
- La Neige Higashikan
- Hotel Hilfumi
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Hotel La Vigne
Mid-Range Hotels Hakuba
- Yamano Hotel
- Mominoki Hotel
- Echo Hotel
- Wadano Forest Hotel
Budget Hotels / Hostels
- Hakuba Luna Hotel
- Penke Panke Lodge
- Pension Marionette
- Nomad Hakuba
Overview of Hakuba’s Popular Accommodation Areas
There are a few places to consider when staying in Hakuba, lets break them down below.
- Happo Village: This is the main village of Happo and the central entry point to the Hakuba Valley. If you are arriving via the Bullet train & bus combination, you are likely to get off at Happo bus terminal. There are a number hotels and guest houses to choose from and are close to Happo One lifts, ski rentals, restaurants, bars and onsens.
- Wadano: Considered a more upscale area with a number of ski-in/ski-out options. There are some great mid and high-end hotels here with great shuttle connections.
- Goryu and Iimori: This area is perfect for Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 resorts, with a number of hotels and lodges, albeit in a quieter area. Be prepared for shuttling to experience nightlife and restaurant choices.
- Echoland: This is the ski tourist hot spot in Hakuba and has been described as the Kuta of Hakuba. Good hotel options and plenty of après-ski options here.
- Tsugaike: With the resort being very family orientated, the resort also has family friendly hotel options and easy access to Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort.
High-End Luxury Hotels in Hakuba
While there are no typical 5 star, hotel groups, there are a handful of hotels that offer a step up in service and amenities, available to book in Hakuba.
These typically are close to ski lifts (walking distance), and have full service amenities onsite. This would include restaurant, shops, spa, onsen, ski hire and a higher level of comfort and service from room layout through to staff.
The Happo
Opened in Dec 2021, The Happo is Hakuba’s newest resort hotel. Offering a blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comfort, The Happo is a worthy contender for a complete luxury experience.
The rooms at The Happo are impressive with a mix of western or Japanese styles to select from. Many offer impressive views of the Northern Alps.
The excellent restaurant serves a mix of international and Japanese cuisine, and includes a well stocked bar with knowledgeable bar staff.
The on-site Onsen and Sauna ensures your recovery sessions are well catered for. This level of hotel also has exceptional staff to ensure your ski vacation is a memorable one.
Located in the center of Hakuba, close to the bus terminal, The Happo has a pick up and drop off shuttle service for guests.
- Luxurious and spacious rooms with mountain views
- Excellent on-site dining options
- Location: Happo Village
Hakuba Tokyu Hotel
The Tokyu Hotel would be close to a 5 star experience that you may get in Hakuba, with a modern hotel on sprawling grounds, close to Nakiyama lifts at Happo One.
The hotel has 3 restaurants, spa, and onsen and is a stop for both the local shuttles and the Hakuba Valley shuttle, making it very convenient to explore the valley.
The hotel also has a ski/snowboard rental shop and has a car share option via Toyota Share for the convenience and car hire during your trip.
- Features 3 restaurants, a spa, an onsen, ski hire, and shuttle service
- Just 500m from Happo One ski area
- Location: Lower Wadano
Hotel La Neige Higashikan
The Hotel La Neige is stunning looking hotel, with a grand, stone ski lodge presence. The property is also located on sprawling grounds, within a forest-like environment.
La Neige has an elegant, home-style décor and features two main restaurants, spa and shuttle bus stop. The hotel is walking distance to Happo Sakka ski lifts.
- Nestled in Wadano Forest
- Known for its exceptional service, beautiful design, and proximity to ski lifts
- Location: Wadano
Hakuba Hifumi
The Hakuba Hifumi hotel offers a unique experience with six of the ten rooms having their own private outdoor onsen. The hotel also has a Kaiseki eating experience – a traditional Japanese, multi-course meal.
The hotel is a short walk to the main Happo Bus terminal and the hotel also offers a shuttle service. Centrally located, makes this an excellent high-end option for visitors.
- Located close to the Happo One ski resort
- Offers luxurious traditional Japanese hospitality with modern comforts
- Location: Happo Village
Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba
For those wanting a more western experience or want to capitalize on their Marriott Bonvoy points, the Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba is a solid choice. Situated in the Echoland area, the Courtyard by Marriot.
The hotel offers western style rooms with a touch modern Japanese styling. Featuring a grill style restaurant, fitness centre and on-site onsen. It does lack the Japanese cuisine option; however being in Echoland, there are many excellent eateries to choose from.
The hotel has a local shuttle bus stop, which can get you to the ski lifts easily.
- Modern hotel with excellent amenities
- Conveniently located near key ski areas
- Location: Echoland
Hotel La Vigne Hakuba
From the same hotel group that brought you La Neige is a new hotel that is scheduled to open in December 2024. This will be the impressive Hotel La Vigne. Located in Echoland, La Vigne will offer a high level of sophistication to hotel offerings in Hakuba.
An apartment style hotel with 38 rooms that include kitchen facilities and views of the Northern Alps, on-site restaurant and close to the Echoland restaurants and bars.
- Modern Luxury, gourmet dining
- Location: Echoland
Mid-Range Hotels in Hakuba
Hakuba Happo excels is mid-range accommodation, with a large number of options to choose from. These are often family run establishments, offering excellent service; good food options and many have onsens for an après-ski soak.
Hakuba Yamano Hotel
The Hakuba Yamano Hotel has been a favourite of ski travellers for many years. This family run hotel combines Japanese and European style with comfortable rooms, restaurant, onsen and ski lockers.
Located in front of the commanding ski jump, used during the 1998 Olympics, the hotel is walking distance to ski lifts at Happo One (Nakiyama). The hotel also offers a bus shuttle service, and there is the Goryu shuttle stop out the front.
Note the hotel is not really walking distance to Happo Village. Check on restaurant shuttles with the hotel, if you want to explore further.
- Near Happo One Ski Resort
- Provides comfortable rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and an onsen
- Location: Happo
Hakuba Mominoki Hotel
Hakuba Mominoki Hotel is listed as a 4 star hotel and has all that you could need from a hotel in Hakuba. Well located, it is a short walk to Happo One lifts (Kokusai) and well connected, with several shuttle bus routes stopping at the hotel.
The hotel has 6 restaurants on-site to choose, from buffet and grill to izakaya and English pub. The onsite onsen is also one of the highlights for both hotel guests and visitors.
We stayed here in 2024 and found the service excellent, offering shuttles for drop off and pick up to various locations (Happo Bus Terminal, Restaurants, Train station etc.). With Rhythm sports 20 meters from the front entrance, gear hire was an easy and straightforward process.
- Located at the base of Wadano Village
- Offers several restaurants, an in-house onsen, and a rental shop
Hakuba Echo Hotel
The Hakuba Echo Hotel is located right in the middle of Echoland and offers various room options for single, couples, families and large groups. A number of rooms are listed as condos with kitchen and cooking facilities.
The room options for families are particularly good with a number rooms catering for 4, at an excellent room rate.
The hotel offers a shuttle service for pick ups from train and bus stations and morning drop off at Happo One and Hakuba 47/Goryu and has a local shuttle bus stop at the front of the hotel for easy navigation.
- Offers great value with comfortable accommodations and good location
- Location: Echoland
Wadano Forest Hotel
The Wadano Forest Hotel would be considered a solid 3 star property, which has taken what they have a created a good hotel offering, featuring everything you need for a ski holiday.
Whilst the rooms are basic, they are comfortable and the additional amenities such as bar, included breakfast, shuttle service and on-site onsen, tick all the boxes.
Walking distance from the Sakka ski lifts at Happo One, the hotel also offers a shuttle service in addition to being near the local shuttle bus stop.
- Features a large comfortable bedroom, onsen, and excellent location
Budget Hotels in Hakuba
Just want the basics? Well you have come to the right place. These options offer clean, comfortable accommodation to rest your weary head. With essential amenities, often close to restaurants and bars, these hotels provide a great service, at an affordable price.
Hakuba Luna Hotel
The Hakuba Luna Lodge is a compact hotel that is so close to the slopes that you can hear almost the whirr of the ski lifts. Situated across the road from Happo One (Sakka) area, the lodge offers clean, comfortable rooms with breakfast included in the room rate.
The hotel also offers a shuttle service from Hakuba train station and Happo bus terminal, as well as access to a restaurant shuttle in the evening. Note there is no onsen on-site.
This hotel positions itself as a limited service lodge, but with solid facilities and a great location, for an excellent price.
- Highlights: Comfortable rooms, good amenities, shuttle service to ski lifts.
- Location: Wadano opposite Sakka lifts
Penke Panke Lodge
Located in Wadano and walking distance to the Sakka ski lifts at Happo One, it is a well priced pension this close to the lifts. It offers complimentary breakfast and a communal kitchen, should you wish to prepare something in the evening. This is a budget, but clean and comfortable.
There is a bar and restaurant on-site (Penke Bar & Bistro) as well as onsen facilities and communal lounge area.
- Highlights: Comfortable rooms, cosy and social atmosphere
- Location: Wadano opposite Sakka lifts
Pension Marionette
Right in the thick of Echoland and close to many bars and restaurants, Pension Marionette has been serving budget ski travellers since 1988.
The pension offers a charming and budget-friendly stay with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With comfortable rooms, breakfast included, and super close to Echoland. It’s a good choice for those looking for a more traditional Japanese guesthouse experience, on a budget.
A local shuttle bus stop is 20 metres away at Bear’s Café, which can get you to Happo/Iwatake and Goryu/47.
- Traditional, homely, value-oriented
- Location: Echoland
Nomad Hakuba
For a refreshed, modern and clean hostel, the Nomad Hakuba is an excellent choice for budget ski travelers. As with other hostels, the bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared, but are clean and modern. The staff, as many would experience in Japan are excellent, offering warm and professional service with a smile.
Located in the middle of Echoland, there are plenty of restaurants and bars if hanging at the hostel is not your thing. A shuttle bus stop is 20 meters away that can assist with transport from the station, bus stop or between the ski resorts.
- Modern, stylish accommodation, Friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Location: Echoland
Final Thoughts on Hotels in Hakuba
There are plenty of guesthouses, apartments and hotels in Hakuba. A couple of key considerations include:
- How close the hotel is to ski lifts and ski school.
- Availability of amenities such as dining, onsen and ski storage/drying room
- Transportation options – hotel shuttles or how close the accommodation is to shuttle bus stops
- Family friendly rooms if travelling as a family
- Booking in advance during peak season to secure the best rates and options.
Also check on how you are to get to Hakuba from Tokyo (or other location) and consider the bullet train as a excellent option to start your holiday.
If you plan this out early enough, you will be able to secure availability and the preferred nightly rate that suits your budget and requirements.
The above hotels listed are a good snapshot of quality options in each of the three classes of hotels. Plan early to avoid disappointment during the peak periods.
