The Answer
Location: 北城, Hakuba, jp
Star Rating: 8.2 Stars
Property Type: Bed and breakfasts
About this Property
Luxurious Amenities
Experience the ultimate relaxation with our hot spring bath, hot tub, and open-air bath overlooking the garden.
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Each unit boasts a modern kitchen with high-end appliances, perfect for preparing delicious meals during your stay.
Convenient Location
Located near popular ski resorts and attractions, The Answer is the ideal choice for your Hakuba getaway.
Book now to enjoy a luxurious and convenient stay at The Answer in Hakuba.
Important Information
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
A deposit may be required at the property.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Free beach shuttle
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Terrace
- Family rooms
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Non-smoking throughout
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Shared kitchen
- Outdoor furniture
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Invoice provided
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Smoke alarms
- Key access
- CCTV outside property
- Face masks for guests available
- Security alarm
- Thermometers for guests provided by property
- Television in common areas
- Express check-in
- Free wired internet
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
- Free beach shuttle
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Spa tub (surcharge)
- Internet access
- Private picnics
- Japanese garden
- Accessible shuttle
- No accessible shuttle
- Accessible train station shuttle
- No accessible train station shuttle
Rooms Available
-
Single Room
The private open-air bath is the standout feature of this single room. Featuring free toiletries, this single room includes a shared bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. The fully equipped kitchen has a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. Among the room amenities are air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a dining area as well as a patio and garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Shared toilet
- Slippers
- Kitchen
- Dining area
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Cleaning products
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Dining table
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Hand sanitiser
-
Triple Room with Private Bathroom
Guests will have a special experience as the triple room provides a private open-air bath. Providing free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that is equipped with a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. Among the room amenities are a washing machine, a tea and coffee maker, a dining area as well as a patio and garden views. The unit offers 3 beds.
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Slippers
- Kitchen
- Additional toilet
- Dining area
- Tumble dryer
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Cleaning products
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Dining table
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Hand sanitiser
-
Quadruple Room
This quadruple room features a private open-air bath. Featuring free toiletries, this quadruple room includes a shared bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. In the well-fitted kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. Among the room amenities are a washing machine, a tea and coffee maker, a dining area as well as a patio and garden views. The unit has 4 beds.
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Heating
- Shared toilet
- Slippers
- Kitchen
- Dining area
- Tumble dryer
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Cleaning products
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Dining table
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Hand sanitiser
-
Double Room
This double room provides a private open-air bath. Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a shared bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. The well-fitted kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. Among the room amenities are a washing machine, a tea and coffee maker, a dining area as well as a patio and garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Heating
- Shared toilet
- Slippers
- Kitchen
- Dining area
- Tumble dryer
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Cleaning products
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Dining table
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Hand sanitiser
Guest Reviews
- O'Brien (10/5): - Staff were amazing and the shuttle service to the resorts is super convenient. On the last day I went to hakuba 47 and the staff were nice enough to bring my luggage and shoes to the bust stop for me to leave in the afternoon.
- Natassja (6/5): -
- Jessica (8/5): An accommodation which is good value for money, and has a social atmosphere. The onsen is amazing after a long day in th - The accommodation offers free shuttles every morning and afternoon to the ski resort you pick, which is very nice and convenient. They also have an onsen, which was really nice and relaxing. The beds were also really comfortable. The staff also drove us as a taxi service in the evenings, if you wanted to go into town or for dinner. The accommodation is indeed a bit far away from restaurants and shops, but the walk is around 15 minutes to Happo-one or then they offer a taxi service for 2000 yen.
- Paul (8/5): - Onsen. Breakfast Onsen not cleaned. Shower and toilets not cleaned
- Thomas (10/5): Super cool place away from the hustle and bustle of Hakuba - Super cool staff! Very clean,, Hit my head a lot..
- Calden (10/5): -
- mingqing (10/5): 非常完美的住宿,温泉高于预期。 - 周边非常安静
- Marie-Helene (8/5): -
- Samuel (10/5): -
- Kelsey (3/5): The Answer? More like the question or the problem. - The onsen was the best part of our stay here. The linens and pillows were good. We found a lot of bugs in our room. We ran through a whole container of tissues squishing all the bugs on the bed, floor, and walls.
The property will give you a ride at 8:30am to the mountain and about 4pm back from the mountain at no cost, but otherwise they are not readily available to organise a ride for you (even a paid ride). So not a great option if you want to get on the mountain early. Ubers are also not easy to get at the location early and late in the day. The hostel also does not give you a ride back to the train or bus station, basically no rides between 9am-4:30pm. It was advertised that you can pay to get a ride places, but that was not the case. Probably better to have your own car here.
Over the 5 days we stayed, it was not clear that the bathrooms were cleaned. There’s a really tiny fridge in the kitchen, but don’t expect to store much in there (the gap in between window panes in your room is better). The kitchen’s also pretty dirty. Generally, staff went below and within (not above and beyond).
While the area is expensive to stay, I do not think this hostel provided good value for the cost. Two of us split a quad, but there’s no way 4 people could fit their luggage in the room.
- Marika (4/5): -
- Kevin (10/5): I had a great time, the staff was wonderful and accommodating and they onsen was very nice after snowboarding - Beautiful, onsen on site, clean and easy to get too I liked it all
- Jye (8/5): - The rooms had plenty of space for the 4 of us, the free shuttle service to and from different resorts in Hakuba was super helpful. A fair walk from the main area of town if you wanted to go out for dinner or get some snacks. But that didnt ruin the trip because we already knew it would be 10-15 min walk before booking.
- Keisuke (8/5): -
- Corey (6/5): Good budget accommodation. - I liked that they provided a shuttle service to some the ski resorts in the morning, this was very convenient. If we wanted to go anywhere they charged 2000 yen for a shuttle. An uber for the same ride was 1000 yen. Also our room had3 beds but they charged for each guest up to 3 . This caught me off guard.
- Mark (8/5): Very happy with our stay and would recommend. - Cooked breakfast was good and reasonably priced. Very happy staff were able drive us to restaurants and pick up at reasonable cost. Onsen was great. Rooms were clean and great shuttle to snow fields. We thought the rooms were quite small however they were comfortable. We thought there might have been a TV in lounge to access Netflix etc. We thought 10pm curfew was strange also.
- Leyai (8/5): -
- Steven (7/5): Great Hakuba experience - It was a beautiful place to stay and added to the ambiance of Hakuba, the hosts are really friendly and it had the essential needs for a family of four. Shuttle service form Bus station to resorts each day was amazing It’s out of town a bit, we mixed up walking and Ubers to go and get a dinner option at days end which wasn’t that easy, but we made the most of it and explored the town. The Answer does offer a shuttle into town for 2000 yen each way which wasn’t ideal for us but could be for others.
- Chuan-Jun (9/5): - 主人翁很親切,環境舒適 上下層有點危險,中間有洞
- Samuel (9/5): Very good value for money, has everything you need for a ski trip. - Onsen, friendly staff and shuttle car. Could’ve been a little bit cleaner.
- Daniel (9/5): -
- Daniel (9/5): -
- Happy Adventures (10/5): - Clean and friendly hotel. Staff very helpful and accommodating our needs. The open air onsen was a lovely treat.
The cooked breakfast was a good start for a day of skiing. The free shuttle bus to the ski resorts also made it very easy. All was great
- Calista (10/5): - the owner was really friendly, even though the location was far from the station, they offered to pick us up on our check in and check out day. there is also a shuttle service that brings you to your ski resorts that you wish.
- Jasper (8/5): - It’s a nice quiet place to stay comfortable and the facilities are well maintained. Breakfast for 1000 yen is also great as well as the Onsen. The location was a little bit out of the way especially as we were a group of 6 guys who liked to go out so the walk to get to and from places was a decent way.
- Madison (5/5): Cosy, fun loft beds, good view - Small place, felt comfortable, access was okay with fee free drop off/pick up to snow resorts, then ¥2,000 fee for most other drop off to town. Minimal interaction from staff. Good view all round. Younger female was very polite. A bit too far out of town, first time there didn’t realise (my fault).
- Lucy (9/5): - It was a little further away from the ski resort than we thought however they had a shuttle bus and it was inexpensive to pay for extra trips.
Breakfast wasn’t great but no other options
Staff were helpful and the onsen was great.
- 赤松 (10/5): - とても雰囲気が良く居心地が良かったです。
食材持ち込みでキッチンを使わせてもらいました。
また機会があれば利用させていただきたいと思っています。 特にありません
- Kathleen (9/5): -
- chatlie (10/5): - friendly and responsive staff, free shuttle to and from major ski resorts in Hakuba, small room but comfy bed and spacious lounge
- reneeterz (7/5): - Comfortable stay, staff were very friendly and helpful. A little far from the town. Difficult to get transport in for dinner etc
- TZU YU (10/5): 老闆跟裡面的員工都非常的友善,讓人有住在家裡的溫暖與舒適 - 員工服務態度好、熱情、友善,尤其是員工薛會主動關心是否需要幫忙 泡湯時間開放時間太短、一樓浴室水溫不穩定以及水壓不夠
- HIDEO (8/5): 快適、満足。 - スキー場までの送り迎えもあり、スタッフもやさしく、親切だった。温泉も良かった。 乾燥室は、朝もストーブがONになっていればなお良かった。
- Jaroongsri (4/5): Uncomfortable stay after a long ski tired day. - The location is in the driving range to the ski resort. The staff are very helpful despite it costs extra charges.
There is storage room for ski equipment.
Small outdoor onsen in the hotel. Very tiny room with no space for suitcases and no sound proofing wall. Every noises is shared in the property, no privacy at all. No house rules to respect other guests in the common area or be quiet in the night time. Shared toilets and bathroom are not suited with number of guests.
Feel like staying in a Chinese dorm.
- Frank (9/5): - The staff were very helpful with a big vehicle that picked up our group of 7 from the station + luggage, and could also take us to skiing with equipment. They had a good washing machine and drying room. Staff could manage a few languages, like Chinese, English. some insect occasionally appearing in rooms/common area - a sort of beetle - kids didn't like them.
- Neal (9/5): WONDERFUL Hosts! - Staff is wonderful. They really do help to make the stay enjoyable. I asked for extra pillows and they gave me more.. Uber was unreliable and for the same price (cash only), they would take us into town for dinner or shopping. They were also good about picking us up from the train station and dropping us at the bus station when we left. Easy to reach them on WhatsApp and they're very responsive. Free shuttle to/from ski hill. Location isn't ideal since it's a ways from the main part of town, but staff is VERY accommodating and will take you into town for about ¥2000.
- JIACHEN (8/5): -
- Mudd (10/5): Super comfortable stay with great service. - It was a welcoming and comfortable stay. The staff was absolutely incredible and took care of every need. The hotel was located directly between the resort and the town and was convenient to everything.
- Semele (8/5): Great value for money, slightly out of the main area but ubers are under $10 AUD. - Shuttle to and from the ski resorts as well as pick up and drop off to the bus terminal. Friendly staff. Onsen was only working 1 out of 3 nights I stayed.
- Paul (2/5): Very poor - Nothing I recently stayed at this hotel and unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations. It was quite far from the slopes and also from any decent restaurants, making it inconvenient for a ski trip. The rooms were small, and the hotel wasn't very clean—there was dust in several places. The noise was unbearable due to thin walls, so you could hear everything happening in the next room. The towels provided were microfiber, which felt cheap, and the bathrooms were old and in need of an update. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this place for a comfortable or relaxing stay.
- Emma (3/5): No resolution - The staff were friendly upon arrival. Unfortunately the property had some bad luck during our stay. The first day, a car accident which rendered us late to our lesson (only one vehicle for the “shuttle service”) and running about a km uphill as not to miss it.. (not too fun in full snow gear and carrying boards).
As we arrived home that night we learned there had been a fire in the snow room. We tried to stick it out, but both woke up multiple times during the night with headaches from the chemical and smoke smells.
We also booked a room with private bathroom which was unusable the first two nights of our stay due to a blocked drain, this was notified to the property before the incidents mentioned above but never resolved.
We’ve tried to get a refund for the last two nights of our booking (4 nights total) as we moved location due to all of this.
The cheapest accomodation that was available cost us over double, I’m purely trying to gain back some loss but I have been sent around in circles and am now not receiving a reply.
I’m not usually one to leave a bad review, the staff were nice enough and the property itself wasn’t all that bad. I just would have expected the refund for the two nights as it was unfit to stay at and the hotel.
- Joe (10/5): Exceptional -
- Choo (10/5): Fun and comfortable - Friendly boss and staff that were very helpful, gave us tips on where to go around the area and sent us to most places, highly recommend to those going Hakuba for skiing. Would definitely go back again.
- Jordan (10/5): Very happy with my booking and would book again - The accommodation and the hospitality was the best
- Ashlee (5/5): Passable - The staff were nice, comfortable beds and pillow. Snow shuttle was great as it's a fair distance from any bus stops. The onsen wasn't working our entire 5 night stay due to a fire the day prior.
2 shower areas for everyone. Our stay was advertised as bed and breakfast however nil breakfast was provided, it also said our room had a private bathroom however this was not the case.
- Stephen (9/5): Superb -
- Emily (10/5): Stress Free Perfect Experience - The staff were so nice and accomodating. Travelled in a group of 10 and everything was so easy and stress free. The shuttle to the slopes everyday was extremely helpful as well as supermarket runs. Very good value for money and we were all very impressed! Bit far away from main area but the walk into Happo is very do able if needed
- Smith (10/5): Exceptional -
- Gage (10/5): Met expectations, over satisfied with the stay - The staff were friendly and accomodating, relatively remote location still close enough to be relevant
- April (9/5): Quiet, friendly, cosy, fun and accommodating! - Our stay at The Answer was FANTASTIC.
We arrived very early from an overnight bus and were able to leave our luggage so that we could head straight out to enjoy a snow day.
The property is in a great location on a quiet road next to the woods but easily able to walk into Happo, Echoland etc
We grabbed a coffee in the kitchen whilst enjoying the view of the woods that the property is nestled in.
The hosts are so lovely and accomodating.
Every morning you get to choose which mountain you want to be dropped off at, with 3 shuttle busses on the go. You then get picked up in the afternoon and taken back to the accomodation and then there is another shuttle that takes you to the supermarket at 5:30pm, alternatively you can use this as a ride to get dropped into the main area.
There was a fire incident during our stay that was not at the owners fault. This was isolated to the dry room but contained quickly and the owners made sure everyone was okay offering to seek alternate accommodation needs if required. This incident meant that the dry room had extensive maintenance to ensure safety and usability.
Usually I love hotels and as this was a last minute booking we were overwhelmingly surprised.
Private room, shared bathroom facilities.
(Some rooms have private bathrooms)
Communal dining/lounge room where we have met some amazing friends who we can now visit across the globe. The hosts joined us for drinks on the last night and it was so nice.
We can’t wait to come back to Hakuba and stay at The Answer.
Thank you for making our first trip to this beautiful part of the world a very memorable one.
- Christopher (7/5): Good -
- Jason (9/5): A very nice unassuming place… It’s more like a youth hostel with the vibe, but I mean that in a very good way - Truly, the nicest people… We had a wonderful time and we met great fellow travelers… They were exceptionally accommodating When we were there… The onsen was not working, but I do not believe it was their fault… I guess had done something that caused it not to work and they were waiting to get it fixed
- Alex (1/5): Subpar service from subpar uninvested staff at a poorly located, flammable, lodging. - Nothing The facility caught on fire due to unsafe practices during our stay.
The owner tried to extort us for 4 times the average fair for a ride to the nearest grocery; we declined the offer and walked.
When we were provided a shuttle, it was late.
The owner had a small dog which was unpleasant.
The owners portrayed themselves to be japanese while as, curiously, they were chinese.
The showering facilities where consistently wet bordering on mouldy.
- Adam (9/5): Superb - Great staff more than happy to help us. Drive you to the resort you choose. Kitchen was too messy
- Clay (7/5): Good -
- Joseph (10/5): Exceptional - My wife and I booked our room last minute to extend our stay in Hakuba. The staff were extremely helpful, the accommodations were clean and spacious, and they provided free shuttle transport to the gondola base and when it was time for us to leave to to Happo train station as well. Would recommend.
- Matt (10/5): Exceptional - We really enjoyed our stay at the Answer. Hakuba Valley can get very crowded. This is a little bit from the Happo One Bus Terminal and the main village. The place is great about picking you up and taking you to the bus station. They also take you and pick you up from the ski resorts which is awesome as the busses get very crowded. On a couple of days we took the early Hakuba shuttle bus to be first in line. We were able to walk to the bus terminal in 15 minutes. The rooms are basic and comfortable. It is very nice having a kitchen. The shared bathroom situation was fine. The shower was great. They also have a drying room to keep all of your wet stuff overnight. This is an excellent place to stay on a budget.
- Kristopher (10/5): I will be returning next winter for my full duration of my stay as long as dates work out - Hospitality at its finest , amazing host and staff . Great onsen facility , enjoyed the small private room and the dry room to keep my snowboard gear dry and ready for next day ! Just wish I could have stayed longer Small walking distance but they will drop off at mountains in area in the morning but if you are an early riser it's best to walk the short distance to happo one bus terminal
- Sid (7/5): Value of Money and clean - Clean and tidy, staff try to be friendly. Warm room for facilities was too small(including rooms by self)and cold at the morning when you expect to wear warm clothes and boots. Bit far way from main road. Staff couldn't speak or understand English good just basic word and they mostly used google translate for communication.
- Alice (8/5): Peace & quiet for a cosy rest :) - This was a great base for our trip to Hakuba. Very comfy & warm room. Shuttle to and from ski resorts everyday was perfect. Staff are friendly. The Answer is a peaceful option to rest after long snow days, it’s quiet & simple but with everything you need. Easy 20 minute walk into Happo area.
- Toff (10/5): Exceptional -
- Heng (10/5): Exceptional - It's very welcoming here. There is a shuttle bus and the room is very clean.
- Yuki (10/5): The staff is super kind and helpful - Room was clean and cozy. Mattress is thick and comfy. Wish there were more bathrooms and vanity.
- Kellie (8/5): The Answer …. Met some great people - It’s just ok …. And being 100% honest it was on the cheaper side ( last minute booking)
The people we met were outstanding
The facilities could be improved
It was clean
Staff ( Amber ) was great Ok …. We had a great trip due to the people we met and the quality of the snow
Male Onsen not working
No bath in bathroom
Kitchen dirty and messy
Fireplace never lit up
Property a bit far from everything
Drying room not always heated
No coffee machine
No vending machine
Pillows like a bag of cement
- Halle (3/5): Poor -
- Adam (8/5): Very good - Very friendly and helpful staff! The shuttle bus to the ski areas and to the grocery store were great! Would definitely return for a cost friendly option in Hakuba. The location is a bit too far to walk into Happo one.
- Orion (9/5): Superb -
- Daniel (10/5): Exceptional -
- Jonathan (7/5): Good -
- Jonathan (7/5): Good -
- Zhe (10/5): Very friendly staff, good vibe in the residence. - It is well maintained. Would definitely appreciate it if there is a toilet in each room, but it is clearly indicated on the reservation page so there is nothing to complain about.
- Joseph (8/5): Very good - Shuttle service to and from slopes. Also picked me up from the train station A little bit away from the busy parts of town
- Yuval (8/5): Very good -
- Josef (6/5): Pleasant -
- Michael (8/5): We really enjoyed our stay. - Drop off a pick up from the serval ski resort was very nice and convenient. The staff were extremely accommodating going so far to take to the postal service on the day of our departure.
- Nanmanas (6/5): Pleasant -
- Kerry (8/5): Did the job - It was situated in a pretty area and was clean The top bunk beds were a little high with low rails.
- Erin (10/5): Best stay and very affordable - Taxi service is amazing too and from ski resorts each day.
- Andy (10/5): great stay, great staff would definitely stay here again and recommend my friends - staff are extremely friendly and helpful! slightly out of the way from the town but it’s a lovely walk and only about 15 minutes to Happo. But the hotel does runs a free shuttle to wherever the guests would like to go!
- Spragg (8/5): A perfect cheap base for travelling around the Hakuba ski resorts by car. - Clean, functional and helpful. A little more access to a common room would be nice.
Photos