Hakuba Skala Inn — Hotel in Hakuba

This family-run hotel was nothing short of exceptional. The hotel has been in the family for over 30 years, and its facilities are exactly as advertised. My double bedroom was clean and comfortable, and I loved spending afternoons reading in the cozy lounge. They also had a small bar in the lounge that serves a decent range of whiskey and bourbon. I especially loved the hot bath available daily from 16:00-22:00.

The best part of my stay was Osamu-san and Asako-san’s warm hospitality and generosity. They were so kind and helpful throughout my stay, and their kids were so sweet. It was my first time being away from friends and family for my birthday, but their genuine kindness made my birthday so special (the kids even made me a birthday card!). Breakfast is provided daily, with the option for Japanese or Western style breakfast. Dinner is also available upon request and I highly recommend it. Asako-san’s cooking is delicious.

Massages are also available on request. They prepared a room for my massage. The masseuse Iwamoto-san speaks English fluently and is really friendly as well, we had such a lovely time chatting! I booked the aroma oil massage and it was absolutely relaxing.

The hotel is also located in close proximity to many attractions, restaurants and onsens. I went on a hot air balloon ride (10 mins on foot) and visited a few onsens (2-3 km away). I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and can’t...

If I could give this place 10 stars, I would! We absolutely loved our stay at Skala inn. Osamu, Asako and family were such gracious, wonderful and incredible hosts. The entire place was clean, immaculately upkept, and felt very warm and homely. I particularly loved the living area, where there is a cozy bar, fireplace and a massage chair (perfect after a day of skiing).

The daily cooked breakfasts were amazing. There is a free shuttle service to/from Happo bus terminal. They also offered to drive us to rent our snow equipment, and they returned the equipment on our behalf as well. The bus stop to several ski resorts was located right in front of Skala Inn, so it was very convenient. Echoland, where lots of food/shops are located, was an easy 10 min walk away.

Everything you needed help with, Osamu and Asako always went out of their way to help you. My cousin left her phone on one of the shuttle buses, and they took time out of their busy schedule to drive us to Happo bus terminal to enquire and help us with translation (she got her phone back).

Skala inn and the family that runs it truly exemplify Japanese hospitality. We very much appreciate it, and were very sad to leave. Can’t wait to be back the next time I...

I stayed at Skala Inn in early March and caught some of the best snow days of the season. It was my first time back in Hakuba since my childhood and the hospitality at Skala was above and beyond. My husband and I really enjoyed this classic “pension” style inn for so many reasons but here are a list of the top 5: Super friendly family-run business. I really hope these small, family owned businesses can continue. The free shuttle that stops right in front of the Skala during the winter season that makes the stops in town and to all the mountains in the area. The overall vibe of Skala is just peaceful and full of warmth. The rooms were perfect and our bathroom was really spacious. Breakfast was great. They changed it up everyday for us and every morning it was a delight. Skala has this amazing collection of Azechi Umetaro prints. This is the sort of place you’d want to come back to year after year, whether solo traveling or with family. Can’t...