Square 8 HAKUBA RETREAT by UNPLAN

399-9301 Nagano, Hakuba, 北城新田 10846, Japan

Guest reviews: 8.6

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Welcome to the luxurious Square 8 HAKUBA RETREAT by UNPLAN, a sophisticated 4-star accommodation nestled in the picturesque region of Hakuba, Nagano. This elegant retreat stands as a testament to refined hospitality in one of Japan’s most celebrated alpine destinations. With an impressive guest rating of 8.6, this well-reviewed establishment has consistently delighted visitors with its exceptional service and thoughtful amenities. The hotel’s prestigious reputation among travelers speaks to its commitment to providing a memorable stay that balances comfort with authentic Japanese hospitality. Located at 北城新田 10846 in Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture, Square 8 HAKUBA RETREAT enjoys a prime position in one of Japan’s premier winter sports destinations. Hakuba rose to international prominence when it hosted several events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and today it remains a coveted destination for powder enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The hotel’s strategic location places guests at the doorstep of Hakuba Valley’s renowned ski resorts, which offer some of Japan’s most extensive and diverse terrain for winter sports. During the green season, the surrounding Northern Japanese Alps reveal a different kind of beauty, with verdant forests, alpine wildflowers, and hiking trails that showcase panoramic mountain vistas. The property’s setting in the Kitashiro area provides the perfect balance of accessibility to outdoor adventures while maintaining a serene atmosphere away from the bustle of more commercial areas. Beyond its ideal location, Square 8 HAKUBA RETREAT by UNPLAN distinguishes itself through its thoughtful design philosophy that harmonizes modern comfort with elements of traditional Japanese aesthetics. The property’s architecture makes excellent use of natural materials and incorporates expansive windows that frame the spectacular mountain scenery, allowing guests to feel connected to Hakuba’s natural splendor even while indoors. The retreat concept is fully realized through the hotel’s carefully curated spaces that encourage both relaxation and social connection. After exhilarating days on the slopes or mountain trails, guests can unwind in comfortable accommodations that serve as personal sanctuaries. The high rating of 8.6 reflects guests’ appreciation for the hotel’s attention to detail, from the quality of bedding to the thoughtfulness of the staff who can arrange local experiences ranging from backcountry guides to onsen (hot spring) recommendations. Whether visiting for the legendary powder snow of winter or the refreshing alpine climate of summer, Square 8 HAKUBA RETREAT offers an elevated hospitality experience that captures the essence of this special corner of Japan while providing all the conveniences expected of a modern 4-star property.

HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS

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Reviews

Staff: 9.5

Comfort: 8.9

Location: 8.5

Free WiFi: 10

Facilities: 9.0

Cleanliness: 8.7

Value for money: 8.4

Chut from Thailand (26 March 2025)

9/10

They offered warm and cozy place to stay during our snowboard trips, What we love are Japanese Style Private Bath and Free Flow Sake and Local Wine. Staff are really nice.

What could be improved: Since they renovated from the old house so you can here the voice from outside but acceptable, not the big deal.

Andrius from Canada (28 February 2025)

9/10

Clean, comfortable, quiet, zen, spacious, offered complimentary local delicacies in the evening, wine, sake, tea. Easy access to sauna and hot bath on the premises. Good breakfast, shuttle access to ski areas although we had a car so it was easier to get around without relying on the shuttle. A few decent restaurants in the vicinity, but had to...

Andrius from Canada (28 February 2025)

9/10

Clean, comfortable, quiet, zen, spacious, offered complimentary local delicacies in the evening, wine, sake, tea. Easy access to sauna and hot bath on the premises. Good breakfast, shuttle access to ski areas although we had a car so it was easier to get around without relying on the shuttle. A few decent restaurants in the vicinity, but had to drive further for more choices. Young staff really attentive, professional and helpful. I would stay here again.

What could be improved: I will sound like Goldilocks … Beds a bit too hard and hot bath a little too hot but that is a matter of preference.

James from Hong Kong (6 February 2025)

9/10

Basic but immaculate. Free wine! Good breakfast! Lovely Onsen owned by Hotel only 50 meters down the road. Great atmosphere but most importantly brilliant staff. What could be improved: This isn't a criticism of the accomodation or staff but transport links are poor and Ubers almost non-existent. Meeting friends in Happo was difficult and getting...

James from Hong Kong (6 February 2025)

9/10

Basic but immaculate. Free wine! Good breakfast! Lovely Onsen owned by Hotel only 50 meters down the road. Great atmosphere but most importantly brilliant staff.

What could be improved: This isn't a criticism of the accomodation or staff but transport links are poor and Ubers almost non-existent. Meeting friends in Happo was difficult and getting home involved over an hour's walk in the cold 3 times during my 5 day stay. Sadly for this reason alone I'd not choose Square8 or even Hakuba again.

John from Australia (27 January 2025)

9/10

Rooms were spacious, cosy and warm. The place had a nice, friendly vibe to it. Breakfast had a good variety of choices. Close to Iwatake and Tsugaike. What could be improved: The warm breakfast options were a bit cold sometimes, also if you didn't like egg, sausages were the only other warm option. Not as many restaurants and cafes within walking...

John from Australia (27 January 2025)

9/10

Rooms were spacious, cosy and warm. The place had a nice, friendly vibe to it. Breakfast had a good variety of choices. Close to Iwatake and Tsugaike.

What could be improved: The warm breakfast options were a bit cold sometimes, also if you didn't like egg, sausages were the only other warm option. Not as many restaurants and cafes within walking distance on that side of town compared to the Happo-One side.

Kin from Australia (22 January 2025)

9/10

Nice and comfortable, good value for money

What could be improved: Small shower and toilet

Euan from Australia (11 January 2025)

9/10

I’ve travelled to a lot of places and this was by far one of the most serene experiences I’ve encountered !
Absolutely majestic ! The staff make you feel right at home with a helping hand at any turn !
The facility itself is an absolute treat for relaxation

What could be improved: Absolutely nothing

Kana from Philippines (3 January 2025)

8/10

Very spacious and clean. Staff are all very friendly and helpful. They serve complimentary snacks frequently and free wines and juices are available anytime. Common space is very relaxing and makes you want to mingle with other guests. What could be improved: While there is shower in each rooms, common bath is in another building. You have to walk...

Kana from Philippines (3 January 2025)

8/10

Very spacious and clean. Staff are all very friendly and helpful. They serve complimentary snacks frequently and free wines and juices are available anytime. Common space is very relaxing and makes you want to mingle with other guests.

What could be improved: While there is shower in each rooms, common bath is in another building. You have to walk in the snow after taking a bath. All breakfast menu were continental and “no Japanese” which we were looking forward to.

Uira from Brazil (31 December 2024)

9/10

The location was good to access two ski resorts.

Ben from Australia (22 December 2024)

9/10

Breakfast was excellent and at a good time. A excellent location just downstairs from the rooms

What could be improved: Having more time booked to stay there would be the only thing I would change

Umaporn from Thailand (7 December 2024)

9/10

Good location with free parking not far from the hotel.Cozy bed.Free washing machine.Free Wine.Very friendly staffs.There is a hot stone room that is great.The breakfast is great and healthy.

What could be improved: The restroom not seperate the dry and wet zone

SURROUNDINGS

What's nearby:

  • Tsugaike Nature Park: 18 km
  • Hakuba Goryu Alpine Plants Botanical Garden: 7 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Hakuba Brew Pub: 1.4 km
  • Restaurant割烹さわど: 2.3 km
  • Cafe/bar Luckey Pete's Cafe and Bar: 2.2 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Happoike: 12 km

Ski lifts:

  • Up Burn: 1.2 km
  • Gondola Noah: 1.1 km
  • Paradise Slope: 1 km

Public transport:

  • Train Hakuba: 2.3 km
  • Train Hakubaoike: 4.1 km
  • Bus Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal: 3.6 km

Closest airports:

  • Matsumoto Airport: 74 km

ROOMS

  • Estimated price from: $157. Double Room with 1 double bed for 1 - 1 guests
  • Estimated price from: $157. Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds for 1 - 1 guests
  • Estimated price from: $236. Suite with 2 single beds and 2 futon beds for 1 - 4 guests
  • Estimated price from: $252. Two-Bedroom Suite with 2 × 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for 1 - 4 guests
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FACILITIES

Ski:

  • Ski storage

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Dressing room

General:

  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Private entrance
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Air conditioning

Kitchen:

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bidet
  • Slippers
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Services:

  • Shared lounge/T V area
  • Luggage storage
  • Tour desk
  • Laundry
  • Meeting/banquet facilities

Wellness:

  • Spa lounge/relaxation area
  • Steam room
  • Public Bath
  • Spa and wellness centre

Activities:

  • Cycling Off-site
  • Hiking Additional charge Off-site
  • Skiing Off-site

Living Area:

  • Seating Area
  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Wine/champagne
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Accessibility:

  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Japanese

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key access
  • Safety deposit box

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided

Great for your stay:

  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Private bathroom
  • Parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Tour desk
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HOUSE RULES

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00 to 19:00
  • You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.

Check-out:

  • Until 11:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.

HOTEL ADDRESS

399-9301 Nagano, Hakuba, 北城新田 10846, Japan

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