Hakuba Valley’s Best Restaurants and Bars for this Ski Season
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best après-ski dining and nightlife in Hakuba Valley, Japan’s premier winter sports destination. Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Hakuba Valley is renowned not just for its powdery slopes and stunning ski resorts, but also for its vibrant après-ski scene. This season, whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, or simply a mountain enthusiast, join me as I explore the top restaurants, cozy bars, and hidden culinary gems that make Hakuba a foodie’s paradise.
Hakuba’s Best Restaurants and Bars for this Ski Season
Restaurants
Maeda Soba Noodle Shop
Maeda is a famous soba noodle shop that offers the best soba noodles in Hakuba. It lived up to its name. It is located in Happo One village and is cash only. Plus it is only open for 3 hours during lunch. The restaurant has a traditional Japanese setting, so your shoes (or ski boots) must come off at the door. Don’t miss out on this. It was one of my favorite meals I had this trip.
Hot Soba Noodles
Hot Soba Noodles
Hinabe
Hinabe is a long-established and popular hotpot restaurant in Hakuba. They serve both shabu-shabu and sukiyaki, and the quality of the ingredients is excellent. The cozy and traditional atmosphere adds to the dining experience.
B.O.S
B.O.S specializes in okonomiyaki which is a Japanese-style pancake prepared on a hot plate at your table, that you get to cook yourself. It is a small restaurant so there is usually a wait but it is worth it if you get a spot. Plus, it is located in Echoland which provides many nightlife options after dinner. If B.O.S is permanently closed, Emu also offers incredible okonomiyaki.
Sakka Base at Happo One
Right at the lively Sakka Base of Happo One, you’ll find an eclectic mix of food trucks that’s as diverse as it gets. The atmosphere here is super welcoming, serving up everything from classic American bites to aromatic Indian dishes and authentic Japanese cuisine. Plus, with a variety of drinks on hand, it’s an ideal spot for après-ski relaxation. These trucks aren’t just about great food – they set the mood with upbeat music and keep things cozy with heaters, making it a truly inviting spot in Hakuba’s ski scene.
Bernd’s Keller
Bernd’s Keller is a German-style restaurant that offers a cozy atmosphere inside and a beautiful outdoor patio that is at the foot of the Happo One ski resort. It is a Biergarten that offers excellent cheese fondue. We went here on New Year’s Eve because they had a live band and once it hit 12, there were fireworks outside on the mountain.
Fondue at Bernds
A5 Waygu at Bernds
Takahashi-ke
This gem is undoubtedly the best ramen spot in all of Hakuba Valley, perfectly situated near the popular Goryu ski area. Nestled in a creatively recycled shipping container, it’s the quintessential après-ski destination. Inside, you’re greeted by a cozy ambiance, complemented by steaming hot bowls of ramen that contrast beautifully with the snowy surroundings. While they offer an amazing selection of gyoza and a variety of beers, the menu primarily showcases their specialty – authentic Japanese ramen. Due to its popularity and intimate setting, a short wait might be in the cards, especially during peak ski season. However, they provide outdoor seating for waiting patrons, though it’s worth noting that it’s likely to be snowing, adding to the authentic winter experience in Hakuba.
Outside of the Restaurant
Pork Gyozas
Waygu Kobeya
Wagyu Kobeya, an esteemed restaurant in Hakuba, Japan, is celebrated for its dedication to the art of serving top-quality Wagyu beef. It was our favorite meal the entire trip. Wagyu, known for its rich marbling and exquisite flavor, takes center stage here. The beef is often prepared teppanyaki-style, where a skilled chef cooks or you can cook the meat on a hot griddle right at the table. Plus they have a complimentary shuttle to and from your hotel. Make a reservation in advance!
A5 Waygu
Yakiniku
Pilar
This is a fine dining opportunity at the top of Happo-One right off the gondola. It showcases panoramic views of Hakuba Valley. The cuisine is Italian and the menu is usually a set 3-4-course meal. You will want to make a reservation in advance as it is a small establishment and fills up quickly.
Unjuane
This spot has the best burgers in town. Also located in Happo-One, they are known for their massive burgers. They are located on the street across from the Happo-One Gondola and offer a nice après-ski experience. Unjaune also stays open late and usually, hosts live music and DJs.
Kikoya
You can’t visit Japan and not enjoy its sushi, so this spot is perfect for it. They offer some of the freshest sushi in the mountains. However, if you are spending time in any coastal locations, I was told by locals that this sushi isn’t comparable to other places in Japan. The sushi was still very good.
Sushi plate
Sushi
Mimi’s Restaurant and Bar
If you are looking for a fine dining dinner establishment, Mimi’s is the perfect place to go. Located at the Phoenix Hotel this is arguably one of Hakuba’s best culinary experiences. It is an Italian restaurant that offers fresh local ingredients paired with a beautiful display of wines. This is another restaurant you should book in advance.
Morino Pizza
This is the only delivery in Hakuba so if you are looking to stay at your chalet and not have to leave, this pizza is perfect for you. I stayed at the Morino Lodge, so I got to experience the pizza first-hand and it does not disappoint.
Pizza
Pizza
Bars
The Pub
The Pub is a traditional European-style pub that is located next to Momonoki Hotel. It has 3 floors with pool tables, darts, and even DJs.
Holy Smokes
Holy Smokes is Hakuba’s only speakeasy bar and is a very popular spot to drink. It is located in Echoland off the main strip. You will want to look for a vending machine as that is the door to the bar.
Jack’s Sports Bar
Located in the Happo One area it is known for its live music, special events, and DJs.
Mockingbird
It is a busy bar any night of the week and offers a mix of locals and tourists. It offers a great selection of beers, wines, and Japanese cocktails.
Hakuba Taproom
This is a Western-style pub that offers a plethora of craft beers on tap from Baird Brewing in Shuzenji, Japan. They have live music often and offer spots on the TVs. They also have dishes ranging from chili fries to fish & chips.
The Rabbit Hole
Located in Hotel Villa Hakuba, this spot is steps away from a Happo-One ski lift. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they also have late-night live music and cocktails for a fun night out!
As the culinary journey through Hakuba Valley comes to a close, we have explored an impressive array of dining options that cater to every taste and preference. From the cozy, intimate ramen spots near Goryu, offering the warm comfort of Japanese cuisine, to the vibrant food trucks at Happo One’s Sakka Base, where global flavors meet local charm, Hakuba Valley proves itself as a top-tier ski destination with a culinary scene to match.
The après-ski experiences in Hakuba are second to none, with rustic bars serving local sake and international beers, providing the perfect setting to unwind after a day on the slopes. Whether you’re seeking a hearty meal to refuel or a chic spot to relax and savor gourmet dishes, Hakuba’s diverse restaurant and bar scene will not disappoint. Remember, while the ski trails might draw you to this beautiful region of the Japanese Alps, it’s the gastronomic delights that will leave a lasting impression. So, when planning your next ski holiday in Japan, make sure Hakuba Valley is at the top of your list for an unforgettable blend of exhilarating ski adventures and exquisite dining experiences.
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