Villa Hakuba

A spring experience

Stayed here April 2009 as part of a Japan Experience. This is after most of the facilities like shuttle buses had stopped for the season. Worried this might be problem but the owner (Kazu) could not have been more helpful. Picked us up from the bus station, ferried us to get gear hire, ferried us to Happo-One gondola or 47 gondola for 3 days, dropped us in town for dinner etc. English (my only language) was not an issue as Kazu can be well understood and his restaurant staffer was fluent. Thoughly enjoyed the spring snow and the experience of the place. For it''s price and expectations, Villa Hakuba performed perfectly in rooms and facilities. Without the personalised service of the owner, the location would have been a pain.

Hakuba - something good, something not

Spent 8 days in Hakuba in late Jan 2010 after skiing a variety of other Japanese resorts over recent years. Hakuba is actually a town in the valley, from which ascend a number of resorts available on 1 ticket. 

Most accommodation is near the foot of Happo One, the biggest (area) resort as well as the most vertical. Worth also trying 3 other resorts in the valley Goryu / Hakuba 47, Tsugaike and Cortina. Patrollers are strict except for Cortina, so it''s hard to get freshies without going out of bounds.

Getting around Hakuba is a pain. Restaurants and bars are spread out so you'll have to walk or take shuttle (which costs).  Shuttle is slow and routes confusing.

Happy as Larry

The Villa Hakuba is great but the language barrier and lack of western food can be a hinderance to some. Depending on the exchange rate it can be more expensive than usual and at its cheapest it is still quite pricey. Hakuba is an amazing place however and i recommend going there for sure!