Scout loves
- The hotel’s luxurious, modern vibe.
- The staff are friendly and helpful.
- Rooms are spacious and offer generous storage.
- The views from the rooms offer beautiful views of forests or mountains.
- The restaurant, Antlers, serves only Western-style dishes. We’ve heard it’s fantastic.
Scout tips
- You can walk to the lifts at the Happo Kokusai base area (which also includes a ski school). It takes 5-10 minutes along a fairly busy but flat road and over a small bridge.
- The hotel is primarily furnished in a Westernized style, though all rooms have soji doors (Japanese screens). It’s perfect for those seeking creature comforts over Japanese authenticity.
SCOUT REVIEW
The Ridge Hakuba is a fantastic, modern hotel and apartment complex in a prime location. It’s a luxurious accommodation option in Hakuba.
Located in ‘Lower Wadano’, the Ridge is about a five-minute walk from the ski slopes and has a small selection of bars and restaurants within a short walking distance. It’s on a large block of land surrounded by woodlands, so it feels secluded and peaceful.
The building was originally built for the Japanese Imperial Family to use during the 1998 Winter Olympics – and it’s clear that they chose the best spot. After a stint as the Hakuba Hana Hotel, a group of Australians eventually bought it and transformed the place into the luxurious and modern hotel it is today.
In terms of the hotel rooms, there are a good range of options available – including kings, twins, triples and combination rooms. The only thing they don’t really offer is cooking appliances – although they do all have tea and coffee making facilities, as well as fridges.
Alternatively, if you need a bit more space and full self-catering facilities, the studios and apartments are great. All of them are furnished in a Westernized style with a Japanese influence of Soji Doors (Japanese screens) and they’re all spacious – even the studios have generous living areas, and all have full kitchens.
And if you are looking to be truly spoilt, opt for a Penthouse room – with floor-to-ceiling windows that boast 270 degree mountain and forest views. The penthouse also has a spa bath in the bathroom.
There are a ton of inclusions at The Ridge as well as some handy facilities. Firstly, the rate includes breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, Antlers, at which we’ve heard you can even obtain Vegemite. Secondly, the hotel offers daily transfers to supermarkets and restaurants (as well as bus station pick ups and drop offs). Thirdly, there are DVDs, books and magazines available to loan; a kids’ games room; ski lockers and a drying room; a daily maid service, and communal washers and dryers. Meanwhile, rooms have king beds that can be split into twins, making this hotel handy for those travelling with kids or groups of friends.
And to top it all off, the service here is great. Mostly staffed by a team of Westerners, the staff are friendly and efficient, and will happily make all sorts of bookings and recommendations. A stay at The Ridge Hakuba will not only be luxurious, it will be easy and relaxing.
Who should stay here
Couples seeking a romantic and luxurious hotel room. The Ridge would also suit families wanting the same in an apartment or combined hotel rooms. This hotel would suit anyone who wants a Westernized style of accommodation, in a great location.
Location
The Ridge is located in Wadano. This area has a cluster of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops (including rental) and is about a 5-10 minute walk to one of the Happo-one base areas. You can walk to the main village of Happo, but there are shuttle busses also available.
- <10 min walk to lifts
- Hotel shuttle provided
About Hakuba
The Hakuba Valley is one of Japan's most popular ski destinations for Westerners. Made up of 10 ski resorts, including the most well-known Happo One, Cortina, Iwatake, Goryu, and Hakuba 47, there are plenty of options for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. Whether you're a powderhound in search of some epic pow turns, or just looking for some mellow cuisey groomers, you're sure to fall in love with the Hakuba region. Happo (the main village) and the surrounding districts of Wadano and Echoland have everything you need for your ski holiday, including international snowsports schools, rentals, guiding options, convenience stores, and countless restaurants and bars. The area is particularly Westernised to cater for the international skier, however, you can still experience glimpses of Japanese culture via local restaurants, onsens, and day tours. Close to Tokyo, Nagano and other ski resorts in the region, Hakuba is a perfect option for first time families, couples, and those who enjoy the Western comforts of home.
Read more about Hakuba and other hotels in the area.
Hotel Amenities
- area shuttle (complimentary)
- bar/lounge
- business center
- fireplace in lobby
- laundry facilities
- restaurant
- ski shuttle
- ski storage
- tours/ticket assistance
Hotel Policies
- The hotel and rooms are non-smoking
- Your reservation is prepaid and is guaranteed for late arrival.
- The total charge includes all room charges and taxes, as well as booking fees.
- Any incidental charges will be handled directly between you and the property.
- Extra-person charges will apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
- Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
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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