An Ultimate Guide to Hakuba Bars & Nightlife 2020

Planning a trip to Japan anytime soon? Before you say “Konnichiwa!” to the vibrant culture of The Land of The Rising Sun, here’s a pro tip: Do not miss out on the fun in Hakuba.

This quaint valley nestles in the heartland of the Japanese Alps and has something to offer every tourist. Apart from skiing, onsens and visits to the various temples, Hakuba is a popular hub for adventurous night-outs.

Read on to find out about the key hotspots where you can make the most of Hakuba’s bars and nightlife.

ECHOLAND

About a 1.5 km walk away from the slopes of Hakuba lies the village of Echoland. It sits between Happo One Ski Resort in the north and Hakuba 47 Ski Resort to the south-west.

This area holds in itself art, culture and a culinary paradise. The streets are freckled with diverse eateries and the best nightlife with drinks and live music until the wee hours.

Do not miss these places…

Samurai Kebab

Curb your late-night cravings in the only place in Hakuba that serves authentic kebabs. This friendly bar is always teeming with offers, has a customary dartboard and enough legroom for everyone to relax and enjoy food and drinks. What’s more, it has its very own dance floor too, should you feel adventurous. Do not forget to try their legendary halal snack pack.

http://www.hakubakebab.com/
Address: 3020-867 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Phone: +81 261-85-4161
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/hakubakebab/

Master Braster

Do not undermine its exteriors because this buoyant Reggae bar has the potential to bring out the Bob Marley in the dullest of people. Rest assured, you will always find the staff friendly and your drinks chilled. And while you are at it, try their Nasi Goreng.

https://masterbraster.favy.jp/
Address: 3020-352 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Phone: +81 261-72-2679
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/Master-Braster-136511299758930/

Update: Master Braster is closed until Winter 2021/22.

Cherry Pub

Channel your country spirit in this one-of-a-kind establishment which, apart from its delectable platters and alcohol selection, boasts two private karaoke rooms. The hourly-rental rooms can fit more than a dozen people where you and your friends can sing the night away. They have a built-in intercom service so that you don’t have to leave the room to order food or drinks in the middle of your karaoke session. Not a singer? No worries! The third floor of Cherry Pub has a golf simulator that rents clubs and shoes for hourly fun at a nominal price.

https://www.cherrypub-hakuba.jp/
Address: 2937-736 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Phone: +81 261-72-2343
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/Cherry-Pub-HAKUBA-104181973025826/

WADANO

Wadano, with its proximity to ski properties and a charming forested area make it a popular spot for travellers looking for luxury accommodation and an impressive selection of nightlife options. Here are a few places that every night-owl must visit…

Mimi’s

This culinary paradise is the highest-rated eatery according to TripAdvisor. Using local produce to offer a contemporary and international style cuisine, you can relax and enjoy some of the finest food and superbly presented cocktails. Try visiting Mimi’s during Happy Hour for half-price cocktails.

http://phoenixhotel.jp/mimis-restaurant/
Address: 4690-2 Hokujo, Kita Ikeda-machi Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/mimisphoenix/

Rabbit Hole

Craving burgers? This dynamic pub is personified with gorgeous barmen in their fancy beards and their own merchandise on sale all year round. If this wasn’t enough, one can revel in live music or just participate in bar counter-banter with darts and pool in the basement.

https://www.therabbitholex.com/
Address: 4777 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Phone: +81 80-3495-8954
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/therabbitholehakuba/

Penke Panke

Known for their quirky parties like Gender Bender, Trivia Nights and more, this upbeat café hosts a myriad of travellers from various backgrounds and walks of life. If you love music and visual arts, drop by this unconventional place.

http://www.penkepanke.com/
Address: 4836 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Phone: +81 261-85-8002
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/penkebarbistro

HAPPO VILLAGE

A free shuttle ride away from Hakuba station, rests Happo Village or the Olympic Village. With its central location, proximity to the slopes, good connectivity and accommodation options, it makes a convenient base for snow sports enthusiasts. You can explore bars ranging from pubs to sports bars to backpacker’s lodges in Happo Village, the most renowned part of Hakuba.

Blizzard

Known for its star-studded music scene, having hosted legends like Hugo Gruzman, Hot Dub Time Machine and the likes, this bar also has volumes to speak about its food. If you crave pizza after a long day of Hakuba snowboard lessons, then you will enjoy Hakuba’s best and only authentic wood-fired pizza from Paolo Coluccio, an Italian champion chef.

https://www.blizzardhakuba.com
Address: 4257 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Phone: +81 261-85-0017
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/blizzardhakuba/

Hanabi Bar Matsuri

A personal favourite for many, this place is the first fireworks bar in all of Japan! Hanabi Bar serves free sake from 5-7 pm! They also have their own in-house plum wine that is more than 20 years old. Plus, they also sell fireworks! Drop by, after your day’s skiing adventure similar to that of the powder experience in the well-known ski in ski out Niseko. They also offer private firework shows for travellers on business trips.

Address: 6640 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Phone: +81 906-480-3936
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/fireworkplace/

The Lab

En route to Echoland, this warm backpacker’s lodge has a genial atmosphere about it. The lounge bar of The Lab holds lovely parties with live music and wholesome Christmas dinners that also cater to the vegan traveller. Rest assured, you’ll walk out with a smile and a friend or two. The Hakuba Valley offers accommodation to suit everyone’s needs right from luxury accommodations in Hakuba to cheaper alternatives like this backpacker’s lodge.

Address: 3372-1 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Phone: +81 261-72-7274
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/thelabhakuba/