Hi there!
So if you’re looking to cut costs on your ski trip to Nagano just a little bit, staying in a hostel can be a good option to consider.
If you’re staying in Hakuba in the winter, as one of the top snow destinations in Japan, even the cost of hostels in Hakuba are generally higher than hostels in other parts of Japan.
Still, compared to other accommodation options in Hakuba, it can still be a way to save money.
And if you’re in search of pretty winter landscape, Hakuba is a destination worth considering even if you don’t ski!
At ski areas that have gondolas, you can get a gondola ski lift ticket to get some mountain views from higher up.
If you’re looking for somewhere to go in the area after your trip to Hakuba, have a look at Matsumoto and Takayama. I went from Hakuba to Takayama, stopping by Matsumoto along the way for a visit to the castle there. Once in Takayama, have a look at heading to the Shinhotaka ropeway for more winter mountain views!
How much does budget accommodation in Hakuba cost?
See current prices, photos, and reviews from partner website below!
These are some of the best places to stay in Hakuba on a budget:
Most hostels have dorm beds and private rooms.
See more hotels in Hakuba
Put in some future dates below to see more hotel options in Hakuba Valley!
See more hostels in Japan
🗾⛄
Now…
Here’s a bit more about the K’s House Hakuba Alps hostel
…since this is where I stayed!
I was in Hakuba in March 2019. Early 2019 was said to have warmer than usual temperatures across Japan. You can keep this in mind as you see the snow pictures below!
How’s the location of this Hakuba backpacker’s hostel?!
So if you’re headed to Hakuba for skiing, snowboarding, or the snow resorts, possibly one of the most important parts of planning your trip to Hakuba is where to stay!
1. Train station
There is a JR train station that’s located right near K’s House. That would be Kamishiro Station.
Depending on the time you arrive, you may be able to get a free pick-up and drop-off.
Otherwise, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the hostel.
2. Hakuba Goryu snow resort
The Goryu snow resort is one of the main ski resorts of Hakuba, and it’s about a 10 minute walk from K’s House.
3. Hakuba Valley shuttle bus stop
There’s a Hakuba Valley shuttle bus that can take you to different ski resorts in Hakuba.
So, you won’t just be limited to Goryu if you want to check out some other slopes too.
If you have the Hakuba Valley ski pass, this bus is free.
Otherwise, without the pass, it’s 500 yen (US$5) per ride.
K’s House is located a 10 minute walk from the shuttle bus stop which is at Goryu Escal Plaza.
It might be a bit of time on the bus to get to the other ski resorts nearby, but with the bus stop being nearby, it’ll be pretty easy to get to otherwise!
How long the shuttle bus takes to get to some top ski resorts from Goryu escal plaza
To Happo-one snow resort (35 minutes)
To Iwatake snow field (55 minutes)
To Tsugaike Kogen snow resort (1 hour 10 minutes)
Now…
Pictures of the hostel!
Arriving at the hostel
SLEEP!
Kitchen
There might be a “supermarket run” during your stay where there will be a shuttle (ride) provided to a supermarket so you can pick up some food to make in the kitchen.
There is a 7-eleven convenience store kind of nearby. That’s about a 15 minute walk away. You can find prepared meals at convenience stores in Japan.
This kitchen is pretty well-stocked with the things you need to make breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
There’s a fridge, toaster, microwave… and rice cooker!
And a good amount of cookware, utensils, and dishes.
Common area
There’s also a hot pot and tea bags available 24/7. (This is free.)
And then there’s another area where you can buy quick and easy snacks for 100-200 yen (US$1-2) 24/7 as well.
Dry area
After a day of playing in the snow, you’ll have a common area to be able to hang up your clothes and shoes that need to be dried too.
HAPPY K’S HOUSE HAKUBA HOSTEL STAY!