Where to Stay in Hakuba (My Favourite Places)

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FIRST TIME IN HAKUBA

FIRST TIME IN HAKUBA

Happo-One Snow Resort

If it’s your first time visiting Hakuba, I recommend starting in the little ski town of Happo-One. Fun fact, it’s pronounced ‘oh-nay’, and not ‘one’. This is the most famous ski resort in the valley, the same one that hosted plenty of events for the Olympic Games back in the 90s.

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ON A BUDGET

ON A BUDGET

Hakuba Central

The central village is the most affordable place to stay in Hakuba. It’s a hotspot for young travellers, groups of friends and backpackers, with a bunch of affordable chalets, apartments, inns, and hostels on the market.

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FOR SKI RESORT LUXURY

FOR SKI RESORT LUXURY

Wadano Area (by Hakuba Bridge)

Wadano is Hakuba’s chic city corner. It’s technically not its own town, but an extension of the Hakuba Central neighbourhood. It’s the part of town where most of the luxury chalets and lodges are.

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BEST SKI-IN/SKI-OUT AREA

BEST SKI-IN/SKI-OUT AREA

Tsugaike Kogen and Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resorts

Tsugaike Kogen and Hakuba Norikura Onsen are two ski resorts and Hakuba neighbourhoods famous for their ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Here, you can stay in a hotel or lodge just steps from the world-class ski runs.

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FOR FAMILY SKI TRIP

FOR FAMILY SKI TRIP

Kamishiro / Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort

Kamishiro is a small town along the main road and train track that houses the Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort. Just south of Hakuba Central, it’s easily accessible and offers quick access across the country with its own station that services the Oito Line.

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I’ve covered the basics, but here is a deeper breakdown of each of the best places to stay in Hakuba, accompanied by recommendations for accommodations and things to do in each area:

1. Happo-One Snow Resort – Best Place to Stay for a First-Time Visit

If it’s your first time visiting Hakuba, I recommend starting in the little ski town of Happo-One. Fun fact: it’s pronounced ‘oh-nay’, and not ‘one’. This is the most famous ski resort in the valley, the same one that hosted plenty of events for the Olympic Games back in the 90s. The village is buzzing with international visitors, ski schools, and expats who came for the ski season and never left. 

You’ll find everything from budget-friendly houses to log cabins to luxury hotels, all just steps (or a short shuttle) away from the slopes. The mountains here cater to a mixed-level crowd, which makes it suitable for die-hard snowboarders, beginners, and young kids. It might be the more crowded option, since it’s closest to the main town, but it sure is the centre of Hakuba’s ski culture. 

• Best For: First-time visitors, après-ski and nightlife
• The Vibe: Lively, sociable and classic ski-resort
• Proximity to Transport: Excellent
• Budget: $$$
• Crowds: High

Things to See and Do

1. Visit the Happo Pond, a scenic spot reachable by a moderate to difficult hike
2. Check out the Hakuba Ski Jumping Station
3. Ski the same runs that Olympic athletes raced down during the Winter Olympics
4. Paraglide over the mountains with Skyblue Happo-One Paraglider School
5. Ride the Happo Gondola to the top of the resort for epic views
6. Shop for the trendiest ski and snowboard attire at the shops in the ski resort village
7. Visit during the Happo-One Fire Festival, a fireworks and lantern display held every February

Penke Panke Lodge and Apartments | Best Budget Apartment

In an area where broke backpackers have to look a little harder to find cheap places, this is insane value for money! It included a small continental breakfast, which wasn’t the biggest I’ve had, but to pay this little and get anything at all was an incredible deal. And I haven’t even mentioned the onsen you can access yet! You may have to share a bathroom, but that’s a small price to pay for this absolute gem.

3-Bed Wooden House | Best House

If you’re travelling as a big group, there is no better place to stay in Hakuba than this spacious log cabin. Inspired by a traditional American cabin, it has high ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals. It has just three bedrooms, but with multiple bunk beds, it has more than enough space to sleep up to ten guests comfortably – perfect for a group of up to 8 friends or an extended family who don’t mind sharing. It’s not too expensive anyway, but with a full house, this is incredibly budget-friendly.

Larch Peak Chalet | Best Forest Cabin

There is something magical about staying in your own little house in Hakuba, and this two-bed log cabin really delivers on that fairytale feeling. Tucked in the snowy trees, it has a sense of seclusion without being too far away from the action of Happo-One. The interiors are simple, warm, and inviting, perfect for families or small groups looking for a private escape. Not too expensive for a group of 6.

2. Hakuba Central – Best Place to Stay on a Budget

The central village is the most affordable place to base yourself. It’s a hotspot for young travellers, groups of friends and backpackers, with a bunch of affordable chalets, apartments, inns, and hostels on the market. When I say it’s budget-friendly, this is all relative, considering Japan is a typically expensive vacation destination. Hakuba Central is where you’ll find the densest concentration of locals, ski resort employees, and long-term ski bums.

While it’s not slopeside, it’s just a short shuttle ride to all ten of Hakuba’s ski resorts. Fun tip: You can get a ‘Hakuba All Valley Pass’ for access to all of the nearby resorts. You can even hit more than one resort in one day around here.

• Best For: All-round convenience and a good mix of accommodation
• The Vibe: Relaxed, practical and village-like
• Proximity to Transport: Very good
• Budget: $$
• Crowds: Medium

Things to See and Do

1. Check out the Hakuba Green Sports Park, an outdoor sports complex with year-round activities, tracks, and pools
2. Take a trip to see the snow monkeys and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano
3. Get your retail therapy in at all the major ski sports shops and snowboard stores in the city centre.
4. Visit one of the local onsens and rejuvenate in the steaming spring water
5. Indulge in a teppanyaki meal in town
6. Try your hand at cross-country skiing

Happo Apartments by HHG | Best Apartment

Happo Apartments feel like the perfect mix between convenience and comfort. Bright, modern interiors make each space feel instantly welcoming, and the views over the valley and oversized windows are a serious bonus. Guests can choose between three- or four-bedroom apartments, suitable for a large group, right in the thick of Hakuba Central. Not budget-friendly for solo travellers or couples, but large groups of 6+ won’t be breaking the bank here.

Lodge Villa Happo | Best Cheap Lodge

A budget-friendly option in a great location near the bus terminal and many shops/restaurants. You can enjoy a traditional Japanese lodge here with a flashy bathroom and a heater to keep you warm after a day hitting the powder. For solo travellers and couples, this is much more affordable than some of the chalets that require a big group to justify financially.

Alps View Chalet | Best Chalet

This spot is tucked away in the forest so well, it really feels as if it’s in the middle of nowhere. In reality, it’s just outside the heart of Central Hakuba, close to all the best après-ski spots and shuttle bus stations. It’s designed with wooden frames that give it an airy feel, with huge windows opening onto the forest. It’s modern yet homey, with four large bedrooms spacious enough to fit 8 guests comfortably. Admittedly, you’d need a group of 8 to make this work financially, unless you’re a rich backpacker, of course, but then why would you be here?

3. Wadano Area (by Hakuba Bridge) – Best Area For Ski Resort Luxury

Wadano is Hakuba’s chic city corner. It’s technically not its own town, but an extension of the Hakuba Central neighbourhood. It’s the part of town where most of the luxury chalets and lodges are. Think slopeside hotels with steaming outdoor onsens. You’ll find a fair share of travellers with deep pockets here, but also a few expat families after the comfort and quiet of the neighbourhood. It’s just a short drive from Happo-One’s lifts and the heart of the area, which makes it convenient for ski trips and a Japanese town vibe.

It feels quieter than the central town, but still has plenty of authentic Japanese charm, plus a touch of alpine elegance evident in the properties that line the streets. 

• Best For: Families, couples and a quieter stay near Happo-One
• The Vibe: Peaceful, leafy and upmarket
• Proximity to Transport: Good
• Budget: $$$
• Crowds: Low–Medium

Things to See and Do

1. Do a full ski resort tour to explore all the nearby resorts on a customisable trip
2. Go on a guided night snowshoe hike through the surrounding hills
3. Taste your way through Hakuba’s sake bars and breweries
4. Take a private ski or snowboarding lesson 
5. Book a snowcat tour and explore Hakuba’s pristine backcountry
6. Enjoy a meal with views of Mount Goryu as a backdrop

Ringoya | Best Budget Accommodation

This little place has a very homely feel, run by an elderly Japanese lady who always makes her guests feel at home. The location is great near the bus stop, and as you’d expect in Japan, it’s absolutely spotless. The bedroom is authentically Japanese, so you really get to feel the country you’re exploring. I’m a big fan of this place.

Kizuna Lodge: Queen Room with Breakfast | Best Guesthouse

Designed to look like a classic farmhouse with a quirky barn aesthetic, Kizuna Lodge is a cosy bed and breakfast that offers everything you might need for a stay in the Wadano Area. You’ll rent your own bedroom and share a bathroom and living area with other guests. Breakfast is included, and there will usually be friendly travellers chatting by the fire, sharing ski recommendations and swapping vacation stories. It’s a place where you can unwind and meet new friends after a day on the slopes. The price here is great value for broke backpackers.

3-Bed Yuki Chalet | Best Cottage

Yuki Chalet is the ultimate alpine base for families or groups. It’s got three bedrooms and plenty of living space, offering a good balance of hominess and ski-lodge style that makes even the coldest day feel warm. The big windows look out over snow-draped trees, and the interiors are warm and inviting without feeling too fussy. This is another spot where you’ll need a full house of 6 people to make it work in a budget-friendly way.

4. Tsugaike Kogen and Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resorts – Best Ski-in/Ski-Out Area

Tsugaike Kogen and Hakuba Norikura Onsen are two ski resorts famous for their ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Here, you can stay in a hotel or lodge just steps from the world-class ski runs. Tsugaike’s wide slopes are great for beginners and families, while Norikura has a quieter, more local feel. Both areas offer hotels, slopeside lodges, and even a few budget-friendly hostels. 

Since these villages are small and located a bit further out from Hakuba Central, this area draws more of a local Japanese crowd than an international one. This makes it feel like a more authentically Japanese experience compared with the larger resorts.

• Best For: Families, powder hunters and a quieter mountain escape
• The Vibe: Laid-back, traditional and mountain-focused
• Proximity to Transport: Good for the local ski resorts
• Budget: $$–$$$
• Crowds: Low–Medium

Things to See and Do

1. Take a trip to the five Togakushi Shrines, a compound of shrines just east of the resorts
2. Try heli-skiing for an unforgettable alpine experience with no crowds
3. Explore the Tsugaike Nature Park along the boardwalk and learn about the local alpine plants
4. Hike around Mount Yukikura during spring for a wildflower experience like no other
5. Spend your days skiing at the resort
6. Visit Genchoji, a Buddhist temple near the Chikuni Station
7. Ride up the Tsugaike Ropeway cable car for beautiful mountain views in summer or winter

UNPLAN Village Hakuba | Best Hostel

Right by Tsugaike Ski Field, this is a brilliant budget option for backpackers looking to hit the slopes. With a continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and even a sauna, this hostel has everything you need to enjoy your stay. You can hire bikes as well, but that’s only really suitable for the summer. When I came here in wintertime, there was too much snow to cycle.

The Phat Packers | Another Great Hostel

One of just a few backpacker hostels in Hakuba, The Phat Packers is a comfortable, budget-friendly place to stay that is all about good vibes, social energy, and easy accessibility. It’s compact and functional, with options between dorms and private rooms that attract solo travellers who would rather spend their cash on ski passes than accommodation. The staff are friendly and helpful, making this spot feel more like a community than a classic hostel. They often close outside of the November-May ski season, though.

Private Ski-In/Ski-Out Lodge with 5 Bedrooms | Best Lodge

This private house is giving warehouse chic – in the best way possible. With five bedrooms and space for 14 guests, it’s a dream for groups or families after the full ski-in/ski-out experience. The common areas are a good blend of rustic charm and sleek Japanese minimalism, with a living room and a fireplace bringing the whole space together. The projector movie screen is worth a mention too, as is the outdoor firepit. However, you’re gonna need the full 14 people to make this work on a budget. Not one for couples or solo travellers.

5. Kamishiro / Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort – Best Area for a Family Ski Trip

Kamishiro is a small town along the main road and train track that houses the Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort. Just south of Hakuba Central, it’s easily accessible and offers quick access across the country with its own station that serves the Oito Line. People rate this neighbourhood highly for families because of the easygoing slopes and scattering of ski schools on the mountain. 

The village feels relaxed and friendly, and since it’s located on a train route, it attracts a large local Japanese weekend crowd that benefits from the convenience of its location. Accommodations range from rental cabins and chalets to ski-in and ski-out bed and breakfasts.

• Best For: Skiers, snowboarders and value seekers
• The Vibe: Low-key, outdoorsy and ski-focused
• Proximity to Transport: Good
• Budget: $$
• Crowds: Medium–Low

Things to See and Do

1. Visit the Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Gardens in spring or summer
2. Spend some time at the Juro Onsen, a public bathhouse in the village
3. Ski at Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort with the whole family
4. Admire the Iidashinmeisha Shinto Shrine between the trees
5. Take the whole family to the Hakuba Water Jump for a fun day out 
6. Walk along the river and into the forest to see the Akiba Shinto Shrine

Creekside Chalets Hakuba | Best Chalet

Creekside Chalets are exactly what you picture when you think of a simple mountain escape. Located a five-minute walk from the base of Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort, which links to other local ski resorts, it’s the perfect place to stay for those who prioritise getting up for the first lift each morning. After a day on the mountain, the kitchen and warm living space offer the perfect place to catch your breath with a home-cooked meal. Like many chalets round here, you’ll need a full group (of 6 people in this case) to make it affordable.

Pension Bonnard | Best Ski-in/Ski Out B&B

If you’re wondering where to stay for a homey ambience without breaking the bank, look no further than Pension Bonnard. Located in a Victorian-era home that feels somewhat out of place in the Japanese Alps, it has newly renovated rooms with family-friendly suites, balconies, and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel is ski-to-door, a privilege not to be taken lightly here, and the reception even includes a ski pass sales point for ultimate convenience. Another place that requires a large group of 15 splitting costs equally to make it affordable.

Log Cabin with Loft Space | Best Cabin

This log cabin is a step above the rest for a few reasons. It’s a classic wooden build, yet features an eye-catching architectural design that feels distinctly Japanese. The interior is as quirky as it is traditionally decorated, with curved walls and plenty of large windows creating a space for the high-quality furniture. The loft space is a clever addition, with walls that feel like the hull of an upside-down wooden ship and warm lighting that will put you right at ease. An affordable (by local standards) option for groups of 6.

Here are four frequently asked questions that travellers typically want to know about visiting this Japanese gem: 

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them, especially on the slopes in winter. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Hakuba.

Sort out your insurance before you go. There are several good options, but our overall pick is SafetyWing. Most of the Broke Backpacker team has used it at one point or another, and we’ve filed claims for rabies jabs in Bali, a hospital stay in Mexico, and a clinic visit for a stomach bug that wouldn’t quit. All paid out.

It’s month-to-month, no lock-in, no itinerary required, and you can buy it after you’ve already left. A little over $2 a day if you’re under 40.

New SafetyWing customers: use code BROKEBACKPACKER for 8 free weeks of electronics theft coverage. You have to scroll down and click the pink camera on their landing page to enter it, and you have to do it before creating your account.

Choosing where to stay comes down to what type of trip you want. Are you looking for a family-friendly ski trip or a more après-ski-focused adventure with friends?

Happo-One is perfect for first-time visitors looking for Olympic history and solid ski slopes, while Hakuba Central offers a few more budget-friendly places to stay and restaurants. Wadano is the more luxurious option, and Tsugaike Kogen and Norikura resorts are surrounded by shrines and have a convenient ski-in/ski-out appeal. Then there is Kamishiro and Goryu Snow Resort, the most suitable for families. 

I personally loved Penke Panke Lodge and Apartments as it combines three of my favourite things: immediate access to the slopes, budget accommodation, and it even has an onsen you can use! Therefore, that’s my top tip if you’re struggling to decide where to base yourself.

Hakuba is best visited in the winter when you can really enjoy the slopes, so come check it out, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love as I did!