Ski bunnies take note: Hakuba is just a bullet train ride away from Tokyo, here’s where to stay this winter
The fab folks of TheLuxeNomad.com already shared their top 5 family-friendly villas in Niseko, Japan but there’s another Japanese winter wonderland you might like even better: Hakuba. Located on Japan’s main island of Honshu, Hakuba is just a bullet train ride away from Tokyo, making it a relatively accessible destination for Singapore-based travellers. Host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, Hakuba is known for its incredible snowfall, unparalleled terrain, and a town with lots to keep the kiddos entertained: English-speaking ski schools, soba noodle making and origami folding classes, and the famed Jigokudani Monkey Park where you can see wild monkeys soaking in a natural hot spring!
Ready to book your plane tickets? Below are TheLuxeNomad.com’s top picks for family-friendly ski chalets and hotels in Hakuba.
Phoenix One
A haven of privacy and luxury in the heart of Wadano Forest, Phoenix One is one of Hakuba’s most sought after chalets offering designer furniture, underfloor heating, a granite Japanese hot tub, sauna, and four comfy bedrooms to house the entire family. The chalet comes with a foosball table kids will love, a ski drying room with boot dryer, and exclusive use of an 8-seat, 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Wadano Woods
A charming log cabin style chalet, the brand new Wadano Woods is perfectly suited for families, offering 3 bedrooms plus a loft. Conveniently located right at the Happo One ski resort, the chalet is fitted with a warm and inviting open-plan living area, a ski drying room, and all the modern amenities you could ever want. The chalet also offers a complimentary afternoon shuttle to the supermarket in case you want to whip up a family meal!
Phoenix Chalets
Nestled at the base of Hakuba’s picturesque snowcapped mountains, Phoenix Chalets offers newly-built 2- and 3-bedroom cabins walking distance from the Kokusai lifts. The property’s guest services will assist you with every detail of your trip including booking ski lessons and day tours to Hakuba’s best attractions. For families with little ones, port-a-cots and highchairs can be rented for the duration of your stay.
Phoenix Cocoon
Similar to Phoenix Chalets and boasting 3 bedrooms, Phoenix Cocoon is situated within Wadano Forest and comes with everything your family needs for an idyllic winter escape: an eco-smart fireplace, underfloor heating, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, plus an Apple TV with Netflix for a cozy movie night after a day on the slopes!
Luna Hotel
This family-friendly ski hotel is perfect for families who want a home away from home in the center of all the action. The hotel is conveniently located near the Sakka lifts, restaurants, and the best private onsen in town, and it even has a fantastic recreation room where kids can enjoy pinball and table tennis. The hotel also houses an amazing retro-style Japanese restaurant where you can enjoy a continental breakfast each morning and delicious sake each night!
Need help planning your Hakuba getaway? TheLuxeNomad.com’s concierge service will help you arrange all the details! Check out all their Hakuba chalets and hotels here.