Discovering the Best Restaurants in Hakuba Japan

Find Your Culinary Adventure in This Winter Wonderland

Japan is known for having a rich and varied culinary scene that is celebrated all around the world. Given its high elevation and proximity to the mountains, Hakuba is home to some of the best restaurants that offer a plethora of dining experiences.

If you are in search of authentic Japanese cuisine with a twist of international flavors, Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture is the ultimate destination to satisfy your appetite. Here are some of the best restaurants that you should definitely try during your visit to Hakuba.

🍱 Miminashi

The award-winning Miminashi is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Hakuba. Located in the heart of Hakuba Village, this contemporary Japanese restaurant is known for its innovative menu that highlights local ingredients and traditional Japanese cooking techniques.

With its sleek and modern interiors and warm atmosphere, Miminashi is the perfect place to unwind after a day of skiing or snowboarding. Make sure to try their signature dishes such as the charcoal-grilled wagyu beef and their mouth-watering sushi rolls.

🍜 Zen Soba

For those of you who are looking for a more traditional dining experience, Zen Soba is the perfect place to indulge in some delicious soba noodles. Located in an old Japanese house, Zen Soba offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering.

Their signature dishes include the classic zaru soba served with a side of seaweed and wasabi, and the warm kitsune soba served in a flavorful dashi broth. Don’t forget to try their soba mochi, a unique dessert made from soba flour and filled with sweet red bean paste.

🍣 Kikyo-ya

If you’re in the mood for some sushi, Kikyo-ya is the place to be. Located in the heart of Hakuba Village, this charming sushi restaurant serves some of the best sushi in the area with a focus on seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood sourced directly from the Sea of Japan.

With its minimalist decor and traditional Japanese atmosphere, Kikyo-ya offers a unique dining experience that is both intimate and relaxed. Be sure to try their sashimi platters and their signature rolls such as the Hakuba Roll and the Snow Crab Roll.

🍲 Hie

If you’re looking for a cozy and casual dining experience, Hie is the perfect place to enjoy some hearty Japanese comfort food. Located in the heart of Happo Village, Hie serves some of the best ramen and udon noodles in Hakuba.

With its rustic decor and friendly atmosphere, Hie is the perfect spot for a quick lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to try their signature dishes such as the spicy miso ramen and the flavorful tonkotsu ramen.

🍴 Sobatei Rakuichi

Sobatei Rakuichi is a unique dining experience that you won’t want to miss during your visit to Hakuba. Located in the small village of Tsugaike, this cozy soba restaurant is run by a husband and wife team who make their soba noodles by hand using local buckwheat flour.

With its intimate atmosphere and rustic decor, Sobatei Rakuichi is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Japanese meal. Be sure to try their famous soba noodles served in a flavorful broth made from local ingredients and topped with fresh vegetables and local mushrooms.

🍷 Wine Bar J

If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy some delicious food and drinks, Wine Bar J is the perfect place to unwind after a long day on the slopes. Located in the heart of Hakuba Village, this cozy wine bar offers a wide selection of wines from all around the world.

Their menu features a mix of international and Japanese dishes, such as their signature beef stew and their flavorful mushroom risotto. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, Wine Bar J is the perfect spot to enjoy some good food, great wine, and even better company.

🍜 Noodle Bar Nao

If you’re looking for a laid-back dining experience, Noodle Bar Nao is the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious ramen and udon noodles. Located in the heart of Happo Village, Noodle Bar Nao is a casual and cozy restaurant that serves some of the best noodles in Hakuba.

Their menu features a variety of noodle dishes, such as their flavorful miso ramen and their hearty beef udon. With its relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, Noodle Bar Nao is the perfect place to enjoy a quick and delicious meal.

🐟 Kikka Sushi

Kikka Sushi is a charming sushi restaurant located in the small village of Kamishiro, just a short drive from Hakuba Village. With its traditional decor and friendly staff, Kikka Sushi offers a unique dining experience that you won’t want to miss.

Their menu features a variety of sushi rolls and sashimi platters made with locally sourced seafood and premium ingredients. Be sure to try their signature dish, the Kikka Roll, which is filled with fresh salmon and avocado and topped with creamy mayo and tobiko.

🦀 Izakaya Kaz

Izakaya Kaz is a cozy and casual restaurant located in the heart of Hakuba Village. With its warm atmosphere and friendly staff, Izakaya Kaz is the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious Japanese pub food and drinks.

Their menu features a variety of small plates and snacks, such as their crispy fried chicken and their flavorful grilled skewers. Don’t forget to try their signature dish, the snow crab croquette, which is filled with creamy crab meat and served with a side of tangy dipping sauce.

🥩 The Rabbit Hole

If you’re in the mood for some juicy steaks and burgers, The Rabbit Hole is the perfect spot to indulge in some delicious and hearty comfort food. Located in the heart of Hakuba Village, this cozy restaurant offers a wide selection of meat dishes made with premium ingredients.

Their menu features a variety of dishes, such as their signature burger topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese, and their juicy rib-eye steak served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, The Rabbit Hole is the perfect spot to enjoy some good food and drinks with friends and family.

🍛 Curry House

Curry House is a cozy and casual restaurant located in the heart of Hakuba Village. With its warm atmosphere and friendly staff, Curry House is the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious Japanese curry dishes.

Their menu features a variety of curry dishes, such as their spicy chicken curry and their flavorful vegetable curry. Be sure to try their signature dish, the Hakuba Curry, which is made with local ingredients and served with a side of fluffy rice and crispy pickles.

🍜 Kuriya Kashi Kari

Kuriya Kashi Kari is a unique dining experience that you won’t want to miss during your visit to Hakuba. Located in the small village of Tsugaike, this cozy soba restaurant is run by a husband and wife team who make their soba noodles by hand using local buckwheat flour.

With its intimate atmosphere and rustic decor, Kuriya Kashi Kari is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Japanese meal. Be sure to try their famous soba noodles served in a flavorful broth made from local ingredients and topped with fresh vegetables and local mushrooms.

🐟 Yamaya

Yamaya is a charming seafood restaurant located in the small village of Misorano, just a short drive from Hakuba Village. With its traditional decor and friendly staff, Yamaya offers a unique dining experience that you won’t want to miss.

Their menu features a variety of seafood dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and premium seafood. Be sure to try their signature dish, the Hakuba Seafood Bowl, which is filled with fresh seafood and served with a side of tangy dipping sauce.

🥢 Wasabi

Wasabi is a charming restaurant located in the heart of Hakuba Village that serves some of the best Japanese cuisine in the area. With its minimalist decor and intimate atmosphere, Wasabi is the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious food and drinks with friends and family.

Their menu features a mix of international and Japanese dishes, such as their signature grilled salmon and their flavorful pork belly. Don’t forget to try their sushi rolls, which are made with locally sourced seafood and premium ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Hakuba a good place to visit for foodies?

Yes, absolutely! Hakuba is known for having a rich and varied culinary scene that is celebrated all around the world. With its high elevation and proximity to the mountains, Hakuba is home to some of the best restaurants that offer a plethora of dining experiences.

2. What kind of cuisine