The Best Bars In Hakuba

From cosy cocktail lounges and relaxed beer gardens, to basement bars—including one hidden behind a cigarette vending machine—Hakuba has the good times covered. Want more? Why not pair your bar visit with a trip to one of Hakuba’s best restaurants?

In the meantime, here are 14 of the best bars in Hakuba. 

Bad news: Hakuba Après is only open during the snow season. Good news: if you're here during said season, you're in for a real treat. Located at the base of Nakiyama Slope, this one brands itself as Hakuba’s first and only daily on-snow après party and with live music, indoor and outdoor spaces boasting killer views AND collabs with top brands like Veuve Clicquot, it might just be one of the best bars you ever visit. 

This one's giving The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe—if the wardrobe was actually a cigarette vending machine, hiding a bar instead of a magical world. In this adults-only version of the story,  you're invited to get footloose and fancy-free with drinks aplenty and dedicated party nights on Mondays and Thursdays. Depending on how hard you go, we can't promise you won't see a talking lion by the end of it.

Is it possible to be drunk, without drinking? 'Cos Mocking Bird's psychedelic murals and wooden sculptures (in particular, the driftwood tree 'growing' out of the middle of the bar) are making us feel a certain typa way... This place is always pumping, especially with tourists—thanks in large part to the legendary hospitality of owner Ken-san, who has a yuzu-spiked cocktail named in his honour which you simply MUST try. 

For those with a taste for the finer things in life, let us introduce you to No. 898. Run by the team behind another spot on this list, Hakuba Après (and actually located one floor above it), this is some celebrity-level shit. You can only get in by making a reservation, at which point you'll be given a unique entry code that changes on the daily. Once you're inside, order something spesh from the selection of top-shelf whiskeys and champagne before cosying up on a couch, surrounded by snowy mountain views. Sadly, this one's only open in winter. 

Sugar, yes please... especially if it's in the form of this ultra-cool cocktail lounge-come-nightclub. Split into three sections depending on your mood (the bar, where bangin' cocktails are poured by friendly mixologists—the lounge, where you can simultaneously sink your drink, and into a sofa—and the dance floor, where DJs work their magic on the weekend), this is a solid pick for a sweet night out. 

Blizzard is famous for its authentic wood-fired pizzas (the head chef here is Italian)—but boy does this spot also know how to throw a party (it's hosted some of Hakuba's biggest musical events). Expect live music and DJ sets, a ping-pong table on the second floor and of course, a cranking drinks selection—the cocktails are of particular note. 

We're big on cosy bars, especially when it's giving blizzard outside. Enter Penke Bar & Bistro, a popular spot in the heart of Hakuba serving up tasty bites plus lush cocktails and chu hai for days (that's alcoholic fizzy, to the uninitiated). Also on occasion featuring open mic nights, burlesque, and chu pong (like beer pong, only with chu hai)—we'll see you there.  

When Alice fell down the rabbit hole, the last thing she expected to find was burgers and beers. At least, that's what she found down this Rabbit Hole—fittingly located in Wadano (sounds kinda like Wonderland, no?)—plus live music every night and a secret room with a pool table and piano. Only open during the winter, you'll find this one just a hop, skip and a jump (sorry, not sorry) from the Sakka Slopes. 

Bar Refuel has all the makings of a good time—alcohol in every configuration imaginable, stacked burgers to soak it up and best of all, year-round hours. We're also big fans of the cosy fit-out that'll make you feel right at home (with a few quirky decorating choices that probably won't). There's even a dartboard, for those wishing to show off their aim. No wonder this is one of Hakuba's most beloved drinking spots. 

Bar Cross is a dangerously cool venue—pairing booze and beats (punk and rock 'n' roll, to be precise) with vintage video games from their basement below street level. Head along every night 'til midnight for your party fix, fuelled by beers, whiskeys, and cocktails. 

If you wanna know where the locals drink, head on over to the Hakuba Taproom. This friendly pub is serving up 16 of the country's best craft brews on tap, including those from the area's own Hakuba Brewing Company—along with tasty pub grub to boot (homemade lasagna, we see you). Rounding out the vibe is a pretty outdoor set-up, plus live music and sports on the big screen. 

If you think a bar named after a fruit sounds appealing, you're not wrong. Despite being one of Hakuba's newest venues, Paw Paw Bar is already making quite the impression with its delicious mix of craft cocktails and tap beer, along with a swish new pool table (this spot even runs pool comps, if you're interested). Again, we love the cosy, retro aesthetic (this could literally be someone's basement/garage/at-home pool room) and the friendly crowd it attracts. 

When it comes to Japanese bar snacks, gyoza reign supreme, and The evo Hotel Bar is slinging these bad boys right up until 11:30pm, every day of the year (did we mention there's also rotating specials?). Of course, a bar snack isn't really a bar snack without a drink, so you'll have your pick of those too along with live music on occasion plus a funky, mod fit-out to enjoy it all in. Swing by in the day for a brunchy/coffee vibe. 

And finally, another famous spot that's (sadly) only open during the winter—The Pub Hakuba. Styled like a traditional English pub set across three levels, this has been the scene of some crazy parties over the years—some of Hakuba's biggest, in fact—with DJs and bands regularly in attendance. Get your fill of all the usual boozy suspects including local beers and sake, along with Western-style pub grub (think pizzas and chicken parmy). 

Ready to experience the best of both worlds in Hakuba? Discover your dream home just steps away from vibrant bars, restaurants and breathtaking mountain landscapes. With Uchi, you can explore exclusive listings in Hakuba that perfectly match the lively lifestyle you desire. Whether you're seeking a vacation getaway or a permanent residence, connect with us today to find your ideal property in Hakuba.