OUR BLOG

For those who have visited the Hakuba Valley before, you’ll know how vast the area is, with lots of different village areas and 10 ski resorts spanning the valley. For first time visitors however, the layout of Hakuba can prove confusing, making choosing accommodation tricky. Read on as we delve into the best spots and our top accommodation picks in three of Hakuba’s most popular neighbourhoods: Happo village, Wadano Forest and Echoland.

Happo One is without a doubt Hakuba’s most famous ski resort and with good reason! The largest of the 10 Hakuba Valley resorts, Happo One (One pronounced ‘oh-nay’) is home to the 1998 Winter Olympics downhill skiing race courses, an Olympic ski jumping stadium and thrilling views of the Japanese Alps mountain range. Combine that with the valley’s longest runs and most lifts, and it’s easy to see why Happo attracts so much attention and so many visitors each winter season. The Happo village area at the foot of the ski area features quaint winding streets lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, onsen hot springs, shrines, ancient trees and is home to Happo Bus Terminal - a central hub not only for arrival and departure in Hakuba, but for accessing shuttles to the many other ski areas the Hakuba Valley has to offer. Basing yourself in the central location of Happo is ideal for first timers and seasoned visitors alike.

Starry Residence – One of the few true ski-in ski-out accommodations available at Happo, Starry Residence’s 1, 2 and 3 bedroom fully serviced apartments provide the ultimate sophisticated and convenient experience.

The Happo – Formerly Hakuba Springs Hotel, this centrally located hotel is currently undergoing a full renovation and will be rebranded as The Happo when it re-opens in December 2021. Featuring 22 double rooms, 7 family suites and 1 luxury suite, the hotel boasts an all-day grill restaurant, a bar/café, a traditional onsen bath, sauna, ski rental stores and Hakuba Physio. We can certainly vouch for the convenient location, with the ski lifts, restaurants, bars, shops, onsens and shuttles all on the door step, and the new renovation promises to be something very special.

Bluebird Apartments – With fantastic views overlooking Happo One resort and located right by the proposed new gondola base area, we couldn’t recommend these fantastic 3 bedroom apartments more highly. Expect elegant modern interiors and fantastic service.

Shizuku Villas – Located slightly away from the hustle and bustle in a tranquil forest setting, guests can experience a calm retreat and peaceful stay in these 3 bedroom villas. The ski lifts and Happo village area are just a 10 minute walk away, making Shizuku Villas a very attractive option.

The Wadano Forest area of Hakuba also sits at the base of Happo One resort and is a highly requested location. With accommodations nestled in the beautiful snowy forest and ski lifts on the doorstep, it’s simply magical and hard to beat. With great access to ski school, village amenities, shuttles and the Sakka beginner slopes, Wadano Forest is very popular with families.

Perfect for: Families – Access to ski school and beginner slopes – Easy access to lifts – Ski-in ski-out accommodations at Happo One resort.

Avoid if: You are looking for the best nightlife action.

Koharu Resort – These stylish Studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are some of our favourite! Offering spacious and modern accommodation, and featuring an in-house café restaurant and Central Snowsports rental store, you can enjoy an effortless holiday at Koharu Resort. There’s a shuttle stop at the doorstep and the Sakka lifts (perfect for beginners and families) are just across the street.

Mountain Side – If you are searching for the ultimate luxury ski-in ski-out experience, these fabulous 3 bedroom condominiums should be on your list. At Mountain Side you can experience top class service, complimentary shuttles, a slopeside location (right by the ski school) and lavish surroundings. There’s a fantastic in-house restaurant serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner too.

Mominoki Hotel – A true Hakuba gem! With excellent service, a beautiful natural onsen hot-spring, a variety of onsite restaurants and bars, it is hard to beat the Mominoki. It is a much loved Hakuba institution.

Tokyu Hotel – This beautiful and well located hotel with very spacious rooms offers a super classy and high level service experience, in the heart of the Wadano forest. With a shuttle stop at the door and the ski lifts and ski school just a 5 minute stroll away, Tokyu offers fantastic convenience. Relax in the indoor and outdoor onsen hot-springs, pamper yourself at the spa and unwind sipping a cocktail by the fireplace.

Year on year, we are watching the magnificent rise of Echoland. This popular Hakuba neighbourhood has so much to offer. Its central location provides an excellent base from which to explore Hakuba’s 10 ski resorts, whether by shuttle bus or rental vehicle. There’s an ever growing list of restaurants and dining options to explore and enjoy, alongside some fantastic bars and of course don’t miss the newest Central Snowsports rental store. With stunning new chalets and apartments popping up all the time, there are plenty of amazing accommodation options to choose from!

Perfect for: Foodies – Nightlife - Families and groups of friends who are looking for the perfect base to explore the whole valley from.

Avoid if: You are looking for ski-in ski-out or easy walking distance access to the lifts.

White Fox Chalet – Located right off the main street in Echoland, just behind the famous Sounds Like Café, these two 3 bedroom chalets are simply stunning. Enjoy open plan luxury living, with all the restaurants, cafes and bars you could dream of right on the doorstep.

Villa Antelope – Crafted out of natural pine, this beautiful property not only looks amazing, it smells amazing too – thanks to the natural wood materials. This cosy alpine retreat is located just a couple of minutes walk from all the evening action and shuttle stop. Very popular with family groups.

Le Bocage Echoland Apartments – These 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are as close to the action as you can get. Affordable and modern, all in a great location. Highly recommended!

Alpinarc Chalet – This 6 bedroom chalet is tucked away on the Echoland backstreets and offers sensational mountain views from the Japanese onsen style open-air bath and floor to ceiling windows. This luxury property is an ideal base for a large group to explore the Hakuba Valley’s full potential.

Ready to select your perfect Hakuba accommodation? Submit an enquiry on our website or email us with any questions.