When it comes to the winter wonderland of Hakuba situated in the scenic Northern Alps of Japan, there’s absolutely no doubt of its status as one of the most popular destinations for snowboarders and skiers in the country. However, beyond the adrenaline rush and hair-raising drops of Hakuba’s trails lies a thriving culinary scene that will leave even the pickiest of eaters patting their content bellies and drooling for more. Here’s our pick of ten restaurants you absolutely must visit at Hakuba.
1. Kikyo-ya
Looking for the freshest and most delicious sushi and sashimi that Hakuba has to offer? Look no further then Kikyo-ya. Each dish is absolutely to die for and the sushi is expertly prepared by an entertaining and hospitable chef, earning the sushi joint a Certificate of Excellence in 2014 from Trip Advisor. If the sheer amount of positive reviews on Trip Advisor isn’t enough proof that you absolutely must check this place out, read the rave reviews literally written on Kikyo-ya’s walls. Itadakimasu!
Information
- Name: Kikyo-ya
- Address: 1909-4 Hakoju, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301
- Phone: +81 261-72-3633
- Access: 5-minute walk from Hakuba Station
- Opening hour: 11:00 – 22:00
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kikyo-Ya/
2. Soba Shubo Zen
There are few things more comforting than a fantastic steaming bowl of soba after a day out on the slopes, and when you’re hitting up a joint that specializes in handmade soba noodles and tempura, you’re pretty much guaranteed a delicious meal. Located in an authentic Japanese home with low-lying tables, we whole-heartedly recommend their hot soba and buckwheat tea before you head back out for more skiing or snowboarding. Oh, one more thing, reservations are a must as the restaurant fills up fast!
Information
- Name: Soba Shubo Zen
- Address: 3020-49 Hokujo, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301
- Phone: +81 261-72-3637
- Access: Walk from Hakuba Station
- Opening hour: 11:00 14:00; 17:30 – 20:30
- Holiday: Wednesdays
- Website: http://zen.artbi.net/?lang=en
3. Mimi’s Restaurant
Run by Kazuyuki and and Yuki Shimamoto, Mimi’s Restaurant dishes up mouthwatering food with the freshest locally source produce they can get their hands on. The restaurant, located in the upscale Phoenix Hotel, exudes elegance and decadence through innovative recipes while consistently working on improving their already excellent standard of service. Make a reservation and try Mimi’s Shinshu Wild Black Pork Loin for an incomparable foodie journey.
Information
- Name: Mimi’s Restaurant
- Address: Phoenix Hotel Hakuba, 4690-2 Hokujo Happo, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301
- Phone: +81 261-72-4060
- Access: 5-minute taxi ride from Hakuba Station
- Opening hour: 18:00 – 23:00
- Website: http://phoenixhotel.jp/mimis-restaurant.html
4. Hummingbird
Nestled in a charming area of the Wadano Forest, Hummingbird is a homey Japanese-Western fusion restaurant managed by the husband and wife duo of Hasui and Keiko. A relaxed atmosphere and delicious genuine home-cooked meals will leave you singing praises for this modest establishment. Recommended dishes include the Chicken in White Wine and the Barbecue Beef while insiders rave non-stop about Hummingbird’s Chocolate Cake. Insider tip? Be patient. Since all meals are cooked on the spot, the food can take a while at times, but outstanding food is always worth waiting for.
Information
- Name: Hummingbird
- Address: 4715-1 Hokujo Wadano, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301
- Phone: +81 261-72-7788
- Price: ¥1500-¥3500
- Access: 5-minute taxi ride from Hakuba Station
- Opening hour: 18:00 – 21:00
5. Sobajin
After a full day out on the snowy mountain side, warm up your belly and satiate your hungry with a bowl of soba and a serving of crispy tempura from Sobajin. Extremely popular and surprisingly inexpensive, Sobajin is just a short walk from the Hakuba Station and promises unbeatable value for your money. Many visitors have gone as far as declaring this traditional restaurant to be the best soba joint in town, and with good reason. Whether you’re going for hot or cold soba, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a meal at Sobajin.
Information
- Name: Sobajin
- Address: 2126-2 Hokujo, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301
- Phone: +81 261-72-2055
- Access: 5-minute walk from Hakuba Station
- Opening hour: 11:00 – 15:00
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/sobajin.hakuba
6. Hakuba Hifumi
Hakuba Hifumi is a cosy and first-class and family-owned ryokan with a flair for elegant and decadent dining. Open breakfast and dinner only, the restaurant specializes in Wasai Kaiseki, a traditional Japanese dinner with multiple courses featuring artistic plating and delicate flavor. What brings Hakuba Hifumi’s cuisine to a whole other level are their carefully selected ingredients, all of which are seasonal and locally sourced. If you want the best that Hakuba Hifumi has to offer, order the locally produced premium beef, Shinshu. It’s so good, you might even forget your own name.
Information
- Name: Hakuba Hifumi
- Address: 4998 Hokujo, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301
- Phone: +81 261-72-8411
- Access: 5-minute taxi ride from Hakuba Station
- Opening hour: 07:00 – 09:30; 18:00 – 21:00
- Website: http://www.hakubahifumi.jp/eigo/
7. Izakaya Kaz
Swanky and absolutely stylish, Izakaya Kaz is located in the Mominoki hotel and is a popular place to grab some dinner and unwind after long and enjoyable day out on the slopes. Dine on diverse array of food like teppanyaki cooked on the spot at the bar, incredibly fresh sushi and sashimi, and belly warming hot pots. Pair your meals with Izakaya Kaz’s extensive selection of sake, cocktails and wines at this intimate establishment.
Information
- Name: Izakaya Kaz
- Address: 4638-2 Okujo, Hakubamura, Kitaazumi-gun | Next to Hakuba Mominoki Hotel, Nagano 399-9301
- Phone: +81 261-72-4453
- Price: ¥2000-¥4000
- Access: 5-minute taxi ride from Hakuba Station
- Opening hour: 17:30 – 22:00
- Website: www.thepubhakuba.com
8. Unjaune
Despite the fact that Japanese cuisine is undeniably delicious, sometimes, all you really want and crave is a big, fat, juicy burger. When that craving hits, there’s no other place better to satisfy your foodie hunger than Unjaune. Their huge burgers are stuffed with fantastic ingredients and carry unusual but entertaining names like Park Pig and Beef, White Lamby, Veg Zen, and Crunchy Chikita. Our insider tip? Don’t take the burgers out of the bag they’re served in or all the ingredients will start spilling out.
Information
- Name: Unjaune
- Address: 4629-1 Hokujo, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301
- Phone: +81 261-85-0980
- Access: 5-minute taxi ride from Hakuba Station
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/unjaune.hakuba
9. Maeda
If you’re looking you’re dining on a budget and have a big appetite that needs satiating, you’re in for a treat at Maeda. Specializing in noodles, Maeda is a popular lunch time destination for locals and tourists alike thanks to their gorgeous chewy noodles and umami-filled broth. Try the Tempura Soba or Udon for a heartwarming meal or, if you’re in the mood for something just a tad more substantial, try their Tonkatsu.
Information
- Name: Maeda
- Address: 5054-Hokujo, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301
- Phone: +81 261-72-2295
- Price: ¥1000-¥1500
- Access: 5-minute taxi ride from Hakuba Station
- Opening hour: 11:00 – 21:00
10. Sounds Like Cafe
A charming and stylish gem located right next to the Echo Hotel, Sounds Like Cafe is home to a welcoming and hospitable staff and a delicious menu of cafe favorites like sandwiches and burgers. If you’re there for a quick break in the late afternoon, enjoy one of their sensational muffins with a nice hot cup of coffee. The funky atmosphere, great service and delicious food and drink offerings make Sounds Like Cafe one of the best spots in Hakuba.
Information
- Name: Sounds Like Cafe
- Address: 3020-504 Hokujo, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301
- Phone: 81-261-72-2040
- Price: ¥1000-¥1999
- Access: 10-minute taxi ride from Hakuba Station
- Opening hour: 08:00 – 18:00
- Website: http://www.sounds-like-cafe.com
When it comes to mouthwatering food in Hakuba, we stick to the motto of “seek and you shall find”. With so many eclectic and popular restaurants to try and such a diverse array of cuisines to explore, this little snowy town in the Nagano Prefecture will definitely leave you wanting more.
Have a good trip and travel!
