What a great little find that we came across on Powderhounds. It was inexpensive so we had low expectations, and whilst it was dated and not modern or fancy, we were pleasantly surprised and it was very adequate for our needs. Whilst Happo has many westernised hotels and lodges, this was a nice little Japanese breath of fresh air. ROOM We stayed in a Japanese room. It had plenty of space within the tatami area as well as a roomy entrance area with a fridge and the handbasin, and the bathroom was a reasonable size (by Japanese standards). We slept on futons on top of a western style mattress base, so it was incredibly comfortable, yet still felt like we were sleeping Japanese style. The views from our room across to the slopes of Happo One Ski Resort were lovely. LOCATION It was a great location in a quiet laneway in central Happo. The bus stop was close by, as were the slopes, although we had a car and more importantly for us, the parking was just across the road from the inn. In the evenings, there were lots of bars and restaurants within easy walking distance, and the food trucks were nearby for times when it was too hard to get into a restaurant. FACILITIES & SERVICES The host spoke a tiny bit of English, about the equivalent of the amount of Japanese that we speak! She was very happy to use her translation app and communication was fine. We used the onsen baths in the basement. These were very small, but considering that accommodation in Hakuba with an onsen is hard to come by, we were happy. The ryokan doesn’t have a lift, so carrying our luggage up and down the stairs was a little arduous but to be expected considering the economical pricing. The wifi in our room wasn’t great but better out in the corridor. MEALS It seemed that due to the late re-opening of Japan post-Covid, they were limiting the number of guests and not doing meals. We were happy with a Lawson breakfast.

Improve the wifi in the rooms

The location was fabulous for snow sports. Woody ski hire is 50 metres away, the Happo bus Terminal is not much further. Everything was located a conveniently short distance away. Space in the rooms was wonderful, a separate entrance area which had refrigeration and kept the bathroom separate from the main sleeping area. If you don't mind a beer, there's a beer vending machine on the ground floor. There's also an on-site onsen.

We could smell smoking on occasion but that's a cultural issue for us because where we come from smoking is more less prohibited in nearly all shared spaces. Noise transmitted a little between rooms but everything was well settled by the time it came time to go sleep. Everything was clean, but perhaps a little tired and in need of a refresh. I think you'd need to be a little picky to take fault with this as the price for accommodation was pretty good for this time of year.

This place is a gem, the owner spoke a little english but it was good enough for me to understand most things. I unfortunately had a skiing accident and tore my ACL was in a lot of pain, the owner was so kind to take me to the clinic and help me organise my luggages and also offered me an ice pack. I stayed 6 nights in a traditional japanese room, beddings were on the tatami floor which was very comfortable and spacious, it was serviced daily with new towels and yukata. The shared shower and small onsen was located downstairs, the onsen was particularly useful for the mornings and after skiing. The locals also seems to stay at this place and it is very close to the bus terminal to various mountains in Hakuba, and a short stroll to Lawsons plus plenty of restaurants in the area. The generosity and kindness of the owner won me over, I would definitely return and stay here again next season.

Nothing, everything was excellent.

This property was such a great find. Well located in Hakuba village close to everything. Very traditional style but that’s what makes it unique. The onsen was a nice real way to experience daily Japanese culture. The room was spacious with everything we needed and the daily changeover of towels and robes was a nice touch. The owners are very friendly, hardworking and always with a smile :) the dry room and ski storage room was great also

This hotel is bigger than a family-run hotel but feels Japanese hospitality . Big room with the Japanese decor and surprisingly comfy futon atop tatami mats. They have dry room underground floor. Medium size bathroom (onsen) in hotel. Located in the heart of Hakuba city near bus stop to many ski fields. "Woody" Equipment rental shop is only 20 steps away, and there's a discount available.

Convenience location, about 2-3 min walk from the Happo bus terminal and the Lawson convenience store. It is a nice ryokan style hotel running by a Japanese couple. They speak limited English but very friendly. I will stay again.

Small hot spring bath room but all good when it's not busy.

The hotel felt like it was built for the Olympics and hasn't been upgraded since, but I didn't mind it. It was really good value for the location and room size. Very comfy beds and nice room temp. As with many Japanese rooms the configuration was two separate king singles, but when pushed together they made for a great big king bed. Even though it was peak season, there seemed to be only a handful of guests. I think I was the only female, so each afternoon I had the onsen to myself. Which was great because it was only the size of a small jacuzzi, too small to share with strangers. The other guests were having breakfast at the hotel, but we didn't enquire about it. The Lawsons is only a short walk away for a quick coffee and snack before riding. Also very close to good bars and restaurants and right next to the big public onsen. The lady who checked us in was very nice. She didn't really speak english, but gave us info about our room and parking with the help of a translation app. Big ski room with tuning facilities.

The hotel is in a great location near the bus terminal, Lawson, gear rentals, and within walking distance of Happo One gondola. The room is homey and clean, the staff are friendly, and there is onsen, and cafe/restaurant. The hotel also has a gear drying room, which came handy.

A traditional onsen hotel near Happo bus terminal, the space of room is big, I can see Happo-one from my room, there is dryer room for skis and boots, nice host, onsen is small but really good

No elevator

Lovely staff, very helpful and accommodating. Right near the bus station for easy access to other resorts. Would highly recommend their breakfast option, a very traditional meal.