Your FAQ
To avoid any misunderstandings please read our FAQ’s prior to booking:
1. Really, 10 bedrooms?
Yes, 10, three on the second floor and seven on the third floor.
2. Why Chose Chalet Hakuba Vs. All the other apartments, chalet and hotels?
Location, Location, Location! The last thing you want to do on your holiday is waste time waiting for a crowded, infrequent bus burning valuable riding time.
Chalet Hakuba is not, and never is a lodge. You will not be sharing with other guests.
Start early, start late, come back for lunch or to warm up. The lifts are only minutes away, be on your schedule not the buses.
3. Why is pricing so reasonable compared with other luxury places like your neighbours?
La Neige (behind Chalet Hakuba)
http://www.laneige-higashikan.com/newweb/index_e.php
Winterstorm (next door)
http://www.winterstormapartmentshakuba.com.au/
We are not brand new. The structure (steel beam, cement and wood frame) was originally constructed in 1977. Building techniques have evolved and we’ve priced that fact in. Prior to our purchase and upgrade the structure was continuously used as a boutique hotel/lodge.
3. Who is this accommodation for?
Skiers and boarders who are looking for location, size and value vs. the newest and most luxurious accommodation; who plan to spend their days outside and nights with family and friends. Ideally you are 2-3 families and extended family or a group of friends.
This is a Japanese built and designed, meaning the kitchen and the bathroom facilities are shared. 3 bedrooms have en suites.
On the second floor there are 2 new, separate Western style bathrooms with showers and full size bathtubs.
There are three rooms with full, small bathrooms on the third floor (referred to in Japan as "unit bath").
The first and third floors also have an additional 3 shared toilets & sinks. We will provide robes, towels and bath soap, shampoo, conditioner and hairdryers..
4. How far are you really from the sakka ski lift and kids play area?
We checked and are only 257 meters to the lift.
How long will it take to get there?
Two minutes on an epic powder day, you’re fit and like to walk fast up a gentle hill.
Three or four minutes if you walk at normal speed in ski boots, stopping to take a picture or two.
Five minutes if you’re assisting the little people.
5. Is it ski-in?
Yes, take the track past the Wadano Church that brings you across the street.
6. Are the floors heated?
No, but it is plenty warm. There are gas or kerosene blower heaters in every room, living and dinning rooms and dry room.
7. Do you provide meals, cleaning, garbage removal service?
Our bookings are a 6-7 day minimum. Meals are not provided, but we will stock the kitchen with a welcome package. Cleaning is not provided for stays less than 7 days; however we will provide garbage removal service once or more during your stay.
8. Is This a new building?
No, however we have done extensive renovations on the kitchen, 3 shared bathrooms and living room. Some things are now just part of the structure (floor squeaks). If you prefer a brand new building there are options available in the area.
9. Is there parking?
Yes, up to 5 vehicles.
10. How about restaurants?
The restaurant located in the award-winning La Neige Hotel, which physically touches our property line, about a 3 minute walk away, is excellent. Up the hill past the lift are burgers at the Rabbit Hole, rustic Japanese at Senso Sakka. On the mountain do not miss the restaurant of Pilar, but be sure to book ahead. If only have one meal out in Hakuba head to Kikyo-ya. Located near the Hakuba train station the sushi, sashimi and environment are exceptional.
11. Is there a house phone in Chalet Hakuba?
Yes. Feel free to use it for booking taxis, dinner reservations, ski school, etc. Calls are limited to the Nagano prefecture.
13. Is there Wifi? How’s the Wifi speed?
Yes, of course free and the fastest available in Hakuba, throughout the building.
14. There phone chargers in every room?
Yes, with the ability to charge your Go Pro simultaneously.
15. TVs in the room?
No, but there is 2 Apple TVs. 2nd floor connected to a projector and 1st floor a 36" Hulu enabled TV in the game room..
16. How about Books, Magazines, Board Games?
Yes, a full selection.
17. How about getting groceries?
There are three large grocery stores and several convenience stores all within a 10 minute drive.
If you wish, give us a list of everything you want in advance and pay an estimated cost. We will buy the groceries on the day of your arrival, stock the refrigerator and give you the receipt and change when you arrive.
A taxi to the grocery store will cost around $USD15 each way and add only a few percent to the total bill.
18. How about getting to other resorts?
Right from the Sakka lift there’s a bus going everywhere or if you have rented a car then it's an easy drive.
19. Renting a car?
Suggest you contact our friends at Windy lodge. They have great rates and can bring the vehicle to you (recommended) or you can rent in Nagano and drive up. You must have either a Japanese drivers license or International Drivers license.
20. Is there staff on site?
No, but we will show you around Chalet Hakuba on arrival.
21. Is there a dry room?
Yes, leave the skis in the secured entrance area. Enter the cozy dry room to get out of and into your boots and other outerwear along with dedicated area for hanging backpacks, helmets, etc.
22. Soap & Shampoo?
Yes, all the showers are stocked with brand name Soap & Shampoo.
23. What if I have an emergency?
Call these numbers:
Fire 119
Police 110
Ambulance 119
24. How to do I get there?
This is pretty well covered on other sites.
Plan 1+ night in Tokyo prior to arriving in Hakuba. (Pack an overnight bag.).
Then on arrival at the airport, go to "Black Cat" delivery service and send all your gear; they will deliver it to Chalet Hakuba the next day before noon.
Direct to Hakuba from Narita or Haneda?
Chuo taxi is the easiest (no lugging ski bags through 3 train stations and a bus and transfer vehicle), but Chuo takes the longest; however, the rest stops are frequent with good food and souvenirs. A driver will be waiting for you on your exit. You’ll either depart immediately or wait for the others who are sharing the mini van. They will drive you to the door. Book in advance and expect to pay around USD $150. This is the best option if you are more than four people. The bus can get crowded.
If you come by bullet train,
Book a green car (business class) if the budget allows. Then bus from the Nagano Station to the Hakuba Information Center and take a taxi to Chalet Hakuba.
25. Payment terms:
Your booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the total payment.
26. Are discounts available?
Yes: 14 nights = 10% off the total; 21+ nights = 15% off the total
27. Is a Damage Deposit required?
Yes, and we do require a copy of your credit card on arrival and if anything is broken, damaged, missing, etc. you will be charged our cost (we’ll send you a copy of the invoice). Products and repairs in Japan are expensive. Be careful.
28. Wow how did you get a picture of the room without the roof?
It’s not a photograph; it is a rendering. The furniture and layout will be the same or similar.