As you make your way from Nagano Station to the steep inclines leading you to the small ski resort town of Hakuba, the landscape changes before your eyes, as you wind round the river and the snowfall becomes heavier and before you know it, it's all white, whiter than you've ever seen.
Hakuba, located in what's known as the Japanese Alps, isn't just picturesque, it's situated within stunning mountainsides and valleys and is internationally recognized as being one of Japan's premier ski and outdoor sports destinations.
The town has seen a fair amount of regeneration in recent years with a lot of investment into its infrastructure with new hotels, bars, a spectrum of accommodation spanning from budget to luxury and a village with a refreshed air of vigor and style.
Hakuba Hotel Group is one of the leading lights in the regentrification and revitalization of Hakuba and it recently announced the opening of a complex of luxury apartments named ROKA which range in size from two to five-bedroom apartments with ski-in-ski-out access which is ideal as it sits on the Sakka Slope on the Olympic Happo One Resort, a true winter wonderland.
ROKA has access to ski lockers with integrated boot dryers meaning warm feet for skiers in the morning in addition to a parking area located in the front of the apartment complex. ROKA apartments entail an adventure in luxury. Spacious, sophisticated design, with all mod cons included, underfloor heating with air conditioning which creates a cozy atmosphere for couples and families and an airy bathroom and genkan area which makes for a truly elegant stay.
The living room and kitchen areas are huge with stylish sofas, armchairs, a flatscreen television, microwave, cooker and large refrigerator. One nice touch is a beautifully selected selection of books for those who wish to lie back on the sofa and relax and be transported into another world while the skiers slalom down the slopes situated a few meters outside your window.
With a state-of-the-art coffee machine and some nice bottles of Bread & Butter Australian wine awaiting you in the refrigerator it's a luxurious home away from home and perfect for those needing a weekend or week away from city life.
Hakuba has a wealth of eateries and delivery food on tap for guests, however The Grill situated approximately 10 minutes away by car is a real find. This Italian fusion restaurant serves up premium locally sourced ingredients on a wood fired grill. The Grill is headed by Executive Chef Kazu, a well-known figure in the community and the man behind popular Mimi’s Restaurant & Bar. The Wagyu Beef course comes highly recommended and the more-than-ample steaks, cooked to perfection, hit the spot after a day on the slopes. Before retiring to bed back at ROKA, have a well-deserved nightcap at the super popular The Clubhouse bar which is a regular haunt for many guests in the area.
With Wi-Fi, luxurious beds and a beautifully cozy atmosphere, ROKA is a genuinely special experience which is ideal for couples and families and for those looking for something elegant and stylish as an accommodation option when skiing or snowboarding in Hakuba.
