VIVE Restaurant & Bar Hakuba — Restaurant in Hakuba

Still buzzing from my dinner at Vive last night, I can't stop thinking about the magical evening my partner and I experienced. The moment we stepped through the door, owners Alex and Tsubasa greeted us like old friends, sharing stories about their relationships with local farmers who supply their seasonal ingredients.

I'd mentioned my lactose sensitivity when booking, the wait staff personally walked me through their thoughtfully adapted tasting menu. Their consideration went far beyond simply removing dairy – each dish was reimagined while maintaining its integrity. The dairy-free version of their signature ravioli with truffle flakes brought tears to my eyes with its perfect balance of herbs and earthy aromatics.

The wait staff struck the perfect note throughout our meal – attentive yet unobtrusive. But what truly sets Vive apart is the genuine warmth Alex and Tsubasa infuse into every aspect. When they waved goodbye, I felt like I was leaving dear friends who happen to run one of the finest restaurants I've ever...

Exquisite Après-Ski Dining in Hakuba

After a day on the slopes, we had the pleasure of dining at Vive in Hakuba, and it was truly unforgettable. The highlights for us were the ravioli with generous truffle shavings, oysters topped with caviar, and a perfectly cooked steak—all crafted with incredible precision and the finest ingredients.

We had some dietary restrictions, which the team easily accommodated without compromising the quality or creativity of the dishes. We were also thrilled to learn that the chef is Michelin-starred, which made perfect sense given the exceptional quality of the food. Adding to the experience, the owners, Alex and Tsubasa, as well as the chef, came to greet us personally, making us feel incredibly welcomed. Afterward, we soaked in their private onsen, which was so clean and relaxing—a perfect way to unwind after a long day.

Vive is now at the top of our list for an après-ski indulgence we...

Frankly I’m very grateful we were not asked to leave as we were clearly the loudest table in the room. Sometimes I fear Australians can be a bit American when they travel. We were served by Abbey she was delightful and so polite to us. Each dish was exceptional but the standout for me was the beef main as well as the oyster to begin with. The pasta was still remarkable and that fresh shaved black Italian truffle was a treat but to be fair it didn’t blow my mind. The dessert was also exceptional and the palette cleanser yuzu granita was a cool inbetweener . I would highly recommend this restaurant to visitors...