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Hakuba Onsen Ryokan Shirouma-so

5004 Happou, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba, Japan
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Scout loves

  • Here you’ll get a genuine Japanese experience, in a central location.
  • The service is friendly and warm.
  • The onsen features an outside view.
  • The hotel has been family owned and operated for generations
  • Some of the rooms have wonderful views of the mountains.

Scout tips

  • Breakfast consists of mainly Japanese dishes with a few western options
  • The rooms are decorated in a traditional style with tatami mats and futons as the only bedding option
  • The hotel was the first in Japan to win the top ski hotel in the World Luxury Hotel Awards
  • Shirouma-so is named after the original name for Hakuba. It means White (shiro) and horse (uma)
  • If you would like to have dinner in the hotel one evening (highly recommended) it is cheaper to add it to your booking prior to your arrival.

SCOUT REVIEW

Hakuba Ski Resort is a fantastic place to ski, and it caters well to Western guests. However one of the drawbacks is that it lacks the feeling of being a truly authentic Japanese experience.

Thank goodness, then, for Hakuba Onsen Ryokan Shirouma-so. This charming ryokan has been passed down through family owners for generations, and it provides a much-needed taste of traditional Japanese culture in the heart of Hakuba.

This wonderful ryokan was once a traditional family house that officially opened as a Ryokan in 1942. Toshi and his sister Sasuki are the current generation looking after the hotel, and their friendly and warm hospitality makes guests feel right at home. They speak fluent English and nothing is ever a problem.
Guests at Shirouma-so also have the opportunity to experience the home cooking of Toshi’s mother, Okami-san, for dinner and breakfast. It is excellent value, particularly if added to the booking prior to arrival.


There are two main types of rooms – Standard and Deluxe – that are situated in either the front building or annex. Scout loves the second and third floor annex rooms as they have wonderful views of the mountains – which in Hakuba is hard to come by. Standard rooms are smaller than Deluxe rooms, which have a slightly larger living space. There is only one choice of mattresses: futon. Some Westerners may find these futon to be a little thin, in which case the hotel is happy to layer a few together to make them more comfortable. All rooms have en-suites toilets and sinks, but only a few have showers. However there are showers in the onsen, as well as private shower rooms in the annex.


The natural hot spring onsen at Shirouma-so is lovely (albeit a bit small), with stone walls and windows looking onto rocky gardens. Hakuba onsen are renowned for their high alkaline content which is great for your skin. Should couples wish to use the onsen together, they can rent one for private use between 11am and 3pm.

Who should stay here

Couples and families who seek authentic Japanese hospitality in the heart of Hakuba.

Scout Customer Reviews

Shirouma-so was unbelievable. It was one of the most memorable places I've ever stayed. Stephanie, Scout Customer Jan 2016

Available: This selection is currently available for this price. Once you submit an inquiry our agents will confirm your booking via email and send you an invoice for a deposit. You will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking.

On Request: Our agents need to confirm availability of this room. Once you submit a request we will endeavour to get back to you by the next business day to confirm availability (some properties may take longer). If prices are listed they are the exact prices for your dates, room selection and room occupancy. Where prices are not listed we will confirm the price when we confirm availability. In either instance, you are not committed to your selection until after we confirm availability and price. Once you agree to that confirmation, you will be sent an invoice and will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking. If your requested room is not available, we will present alternative options.

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