It takes just over three hours to reach Hakuba from Tokyo. But as the skyscrapers and busy streets give way to mighty mountains and tranquil forests, it almost feels like entering another dimension. Our stay at Mizuho Chalets gave us the perfect taste of relaxed living in the Japanese Alps.
Nestled Between Happo & Echoland
Mizuho Chalets is a relaxed estate featuring three and four-bedroom chalets. The estate is located right between Happo (the main ski hub) and Echoland (the restaurant district). The chalets are surrounded by forest, and they feel wonderfully away from it all without being too remote.
We had rented a car in Nagano which was ideal. While you can walk to the nearest restaurants and lifts in about 10-15 minutes, self-driving made it so much easier to get around. Because it’s not in the most densely built-up area, there was plenty of space for parking our vehicle outside the chalet.
Spacious & Self-Sufficient Living
Our chalet was light and spacious which we loved. The living areas are housed upstairs and there’s a great big couch and a TV for relaxing in the evenings. The full wall windows let in so much light and there’s also a small balcony where you can taste the cold winter air.
We found the kitchen to be very well equipped, featuring every appliance we could possibly think of. Lawson and A-COOP are both within a five-minute drive so keeping the fridge stocked was easy. The dishwasher was on the smaller side though, so we had to stay on top of our dishes!
All in all, it was very easy to be self-sufficient. We enjoyed being able to come, go, and cook as we pleased. The chalets provide housekeeping with the frequency depending on how long you stay. If you’re staying, say, four nights, there will be no housekeeping, but if you’re staying a week, there’ll be a visit halfway through your stay. If you’re staying longer than a week (lucky!), you can expect weekly housekeeping visits.
Well Designed Bedrooms to Suit Every Group
Our chalet had four bedrooms: three with king-beds and one with bunks. The king beds can also be set up as two singles if needed which makes it more comfortable for a couple of friends sharing a room.
The bedrooms were quite spacious and the three bathrooms made things easy for a larger group. Everything about the chalet felt very functional which made for a very comfortable and carefree stay.
Making the Most of Hakuba
The chalet is located just between Happo and Echoland which made it the perfect homebase for exploring these two districts. On most days, we would drop off some of our group at the ski school in Happo and then drive others over to Echoland for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. Our designated driver would then head back to the chalet to mind the fort. It was a win-win for the whole group and a great way to experience Hakuba to the fullest.
Whether you’re chasing fresh powder in winter, hiking through lush alpine trails in summer, or simply craving a change of pace in one of Japan’s most scenic regions, Hakuba offers something for every kind of traveller. It’s where world-class adventure meets small-town charm — with welcoming locals, incredible cuisine, and unforgettable landscapes at every turn. If you’re dreaming of your next escape, let Hakuba surprise you — it’s not just a destination, it’s an experience you’ll want to return to again and again.
We are at your service – don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more about Mizuho Chalets.
