Summary
La Neige Honkan brings together east and west with its English country style, huddled in the forests outside Hakuba, Japan. This stylist hotel has all the basics for skiers, including storage, rental and a drying room. However, it’s not ski in, ski out. Nor is there a hot spring in site, which is a little unusual for a hotel in Hakuba. Having said that, the ski lifts are still fairly close. Moreover, La Neige’s biggest draw card is the fact that its location is relatively secluded, huddled in a wooded area outside the hustle and bustle of Hakuba’s town center. It’s not the most convenient location, but it sure has its charms.
Quick Facts
La Neige Honkan stands out from the crowd of hotels in Hakuba with its intriguing Tudor Revival architecture. It might seem like an unexpected sight in Japan, but fits perfectly in the quiet woodlands surrounding the ski village of Hakuba. This laid back location offers a sense of privacy and isolation missing from many of Hakuba's other hotels. It's a pretty good pick for anyone hoping to escape the crowds, and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.
However, it isn't just a pleasant spot; it's also surprisingly convenient. There's a bus stop right outside, and restaurants within walking distance. On top of this, La Neige is within just a few hundred meters of the ski lifts. It's not quite ski in, ski out, but it's pretty close. With skiing being Hakuba's biggest draw card for visitors, it's worth spending a bit of time on the slopes, and enjoying some of Japan's best powder.
The helpful staff can provide information on how to reach other ski areas that are further afield, and take advantage of the Hakuba area's other attractions such as hot springs and cultural sites.
La Neige Honkan shouldn't be confused with La Neige Higashikan. It's an easy mistake, as they're both pretty much across the road from each other.
Accommodation
La Neige Honkan has three types of rooms. All are located on the second and third floors. Bear in mind there's no lift.
Room Types:
Deluxe Twin / Deluxe Double
These rooms are built for two to four guests. They are designed in a classic old English style, including a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom with a jacuzzi or an antique bathtub. If needed an extra bed can be arranged.
Standard Twin / Standard Double
The rooms are old English style with gorgeous curtains, bed covers and accessories. Each room is uniquely decorated.
Maisonnette / Connecting
The maisonette has room for three people and has a small sitting area as you enter the room, and stairs that lead up to a room with three beds. Perfect for small groups. The similar connecting room is two twin bedrooms that are connected by one adjoining bathroom.
Surf & Other Activities
Hakuba is best known for its great winter sports, including skiing and snow boarding. The region offers some of Japan's best slopes, and hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. It's also renowned throughout Japan for its great hot springs, which locals say have healing properties. Either way, they're a great way to relax after a day on the snow.
In summer, Hakuba comes to life with great outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing.