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
Location
Shirouma-so is located in the heart of Hakuba’s Happo village. It is on one of the oldest streets in Hakuba and is about a 10-minute walk to the gondola. It is next to the information center and close to plenty of restaurants, bars and shops.
- <10 min walk to lifts
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
- bar/lounge
- breakfast available (surcharge)
- designated smoking areas
- free wi-fi
- laundry facilities
- multilingual staff
- safe-deposit box at front desk
- ski shuttle
- ski storage
- spa tub
- television in lobby
- tours/ticket assistance
- train station pickup (complimentary)
Hotel Policies
Arrival Details: The hotel does not offer a pick up or drop off from the local bus station. The hotel is approximately a 1 minute walk from the bus stop.
- Property T&Cs:
- All guests may be required to give their full name, age, passport number, postal address, nationality and occupation on or prior to check-in, in compliance with Japanese Law.
- Property is non-smoking.
- Cots (cribs) and highchairs can be requested at time of booking and are subject to availability and an extra charge.
- Guests accept responsibility for damage to the property, fittings, furniture, keys and other chattels caused during their occupation, including any consequential losses incurred.
- Credit card details and authorization may be required to be provided upon prior check-in as a security deposit.
- Check-out is 10AM. Late check-outs may be possible on a request basis and a charge applies.
- Parking during winter months is severely restricted and must be requested and confirmed for each booking if required.
- Children aged 3-5 years are 50% of the adult charge. Please contact Scout for an updated quote based on the ages of those travelling.
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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