Square 8 Hakuba Retreat by Unplan in Hakuba
✅ Ski-in/ski-out access to Iwatake slopes with rear door leading directly to snow path ✅ Spacious Japanese-Western style rooms with tatami mats and mountain views ✅ On-site onsen with clean indoor and outdoor chlorinated baths and hot stone sauna ✅ Helpful and warm staff with good English communication in reception ✅ Large drying room for ski gear and well-heated boot storage ✅ Restaurant serves delicious traditional Japanese meals including wagyu shabu-shabu ✅ Free bike rentals and free parking available ❌ Some rooms lack private bathrooms requiring use of separate bathing facilities ❌ Hotel facilities are older though generally well maintained ❌ Limited housekeeping during stay, typically only towel changes ❌ Few nearby dining options within walking distance; requires taxi or early booking ❌ Incidents of rude or unhelpful staff reported, especially around check-in and luggage storage fees ❌ Outdoor women's onsen sometimes affected by boiler fuel smell ❌ Strict and unusual check-in and breakfast times noted by some guests
Rooms and prices
![Japanese-Western Room, Non-Smoking (Tatami Suite [up To 4 Guests])](/images/tc/small/0224c12000cdgb3t1A061.webp)
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![Suite Quad Room, Non-Smoking (Kitchen Suite [up To 4 Guests])](/images/tc/small/0223b12000cdgatwuCB24.webp)
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![Standard Twin Room, Non-Smoking (Double Twin Room [Maximum 2 Guests])](/images/tc/small/0225p120009zv0ioiFB22.webp)
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Description
Square 8 Hakuba Retreat by Unplan is a 4-star hotel located in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, offering a mix of Japanese-Western style rooms and suites designed for up to four guests. The property features ski-in/ski-out access to the nearby Iwatake slopes, making it convenient for winter sports enthusiasts. Guests appreciate the spacious tatami rooms with futons, mountain views, and well-heated interiors. The hotel includes a restaurant serving traditional Japanese meals, and an on-site onsen with both indoor and outdoor chlorinated baths, plus a hot stone sauna for relaxation after skiing. Free parking and WiFi are available, along with luggage storage and meeting facilities. While the building is somewhat older, it is well maintained with clean and comfortable public areas. Some rooms do not have private bathrooms, and housekeeping during stays is limited to towel changes. The staff are generally described as warm and helpful, though a few guests noted communication issues. Expect a 4-minute walk or less to the Iwatake gondola and ski facilities.
Location
Situated at 10846 Hokujo in Hakuba Village, this hotel is approximately a 3 to 5-minute walk from the Iwatake ski slopes and gondola base. The location is convenient for skiers with direct ski-in/ski-out access via a rear door leading to a snow-covered path. Although the hotel is 211 km from Haneda Airport, its proximity to ski facilities and free parking makes it suitable for guests arriving by car. Dining options are limited within walking distance, with some restaurants about 20 minutes away, so plan accordingly. The hotel also offers easy access to shuttle buses connecting other nearby ski resorts.
Tips
- If you plan to ski, take advantage of the ski-in/ski-out access and the large drying room for your gear.
- For dining, consider bringing your own food if you have dietary restrictions or plan meals in advance, as nearby restaurants are limited and often require early reservations.
- Request a room on the second floor or higher to avoid noise and insects reported in lower-level rooms.
Policies and conditions
- Child policies: Children of all ages are welcome at this property. Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
- Cribs and Extra Beds: For all room types, cribs cannot be added. Extra bed policies vary according to room type. Please refer to the relevant room type policy.
- Breakfast: Continental [Mon - Sun] 04:00-11:00 Open Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed
- Service animals: Service animals are not allowed
- Age Requirements: The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
- Paying at the hotel: UnionPay, Visa, MasterCard, JSB, DinersClub, AmericanExpress
- Check in time: 15:00-19:00. Check out time: 07:00-10:00.
Services and facilities
- Wi-Fi in public areas
- Private parking
- Taxi booking service
- Restaurant
- Conference room
- Coworking spaces
- Luggage storage
- Tour and ticket booking service
- English
- Japanese
- No smoking in public areas
- Elevator
- Mountain climbing
- Kayaking
- Public baths
- Mountain biking
- Ski gear storage
- Ski lessons
- Ski passes
- Ski lift
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Clothes dryer
- Laundry service (on-site)
- Intruder alarm
- Smoke detector
- Fire extinguisher
- Carbon monoxide alarm
Video: Square8 Hakuba Retreat by UNPLAN
Map
Reviews
The two main draws for here were location and onsen in the building. While not entirely ski out (ski in could work with enough speed and snow conditions), a 2 minute skate-ski and 3 minute road walk put you at the base of the gondola. At the hotel uou could buy a lift card with 1 day on for Iwatake, then top up online each day for any resort (use the number on the front of the card). Huge drying room - the hotel was fully booked and still lots of space, plus warm dry boots every morning!
The hot spring bath is kept super clean in great working order and temperature, but this also depends on the other guests (ie leaving things open, not washing first). The indoor and outdoor bathing is chlorinated, but amazing to soak the muscles at the end of a day on the slopes. Five shower stations, enough space for 5+ people per onsen and sauna, but rarely busy. I loved it and it's a definitely a big draw to come back.
My only feedback is the women's outdoor onsen is near the boiler and with wind there was a fuel smell. But I could live with that to enjoy snow falling all around while soaking in the lovely hot water.
We brought our own food as we're vegan, but those eating with the halfboard package were very complimentary about the food and service. No food to buy onsite, but there is a vending machine with soft drinks, beer and hottish coffee and tea in bottles. If eating out, there are some places about 20 minutes walk in Iwatake Shinde, but you need to book restaurants and taxis early. Great lunch options at the top of the slopes also.
We loved the room size (very spacious and comfortable), and the mountain view was beautiful, especially in the morning. The onsite onsen was amazing after skiing, and breakfast every morning was solid and comforting. We also decided to eat dinner there one night and the wagyu shabu-shabu was really, really good ! Honestly better than we expected.
For skiing, the location is super convenient. There’s a dry room for ski gear, easy access to the shuttle bus to other resorts, and it’s only about a 5-minute walk to Iwatake.
Everything just felt easy and well thought out. We loved our stay and would 100% come back next time we’re in Hakuba.
The room is bigger than I expected. Absolutely clean. The overall is cozy and relaxing. Because of the snowing time the parking is a bit far from the hotel. The other else is 💯💯💯💯. Thank you.
We opted for the half-board plan which included a great breakfast buffet and a traditional Japanese dinner. Be sure to consult with the front desk ahead of time if you have dietary restrictions.
Most of all, the staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating. Despite our limited understanding of Japanese, they went out of their way to make us comfortable. On our last day, our car got stuck on ice in the parking lot and they helped us get it out. I hope to return some day to repay them for their kindness!
Frequently asked questions about Square 8 Hakuba Retreat by Unplan
Does Square 8 Hakuba Retreat by Unplan offer ski-in/ski-out access?
Yes, the hotel provides ski-in/ski-out access with a rear door that opens onto a snow-covered path leading to the Iwatake slopes.
Are pets allowed at this hotel?
No, pets and service animals are not allowed at this property.
What types of rooms are available at Square 8 Hakuba Retreat?
Room types include Japanese-Western Room, Non-Smoking (Tatami Suite up to 4 guests), Standard Double Room Non-Smoking, Suite Quad Room Non-Smoking (Kitchen Suite up to 4 guests), and Standard Twin Room Non-Smoking (Double Twin Room maximum 2 guests).
Is breakfast included and what are the breakfast hours?
Breakfast is served continental style from 04:00 to 11:00 daily, but additional breakfast fees are not included in the room rate and must be paid at the property.
What accessibility features does the hotel offer?
The hotel has a lift (elevator) available for guest use.
