In the heart of Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, Trattoria Liberta is a charming Italian restaurant that brings Mediterranean and Italian flavours to the Japanese Alps. Opened in the detached wing of an inn, the restaurant occupies a renovated traditional Japanese house, blending rustic charm with modern comfort. The result is a dining spot where Japanese tradition meets Italian simplicity.

This small detached building was once beloved by the local community as a soba restaurant. When transforming it into Trattoria Liberta, the owners aimed to preserve that sense of neighborhood warmth. The exterior walls were repainted in a chic gray, while the interior was redesigned with natural wooden textures to create a warm, relaxing atmosphere.

Trattoria Liberta is guided by the philosophy of “local production for local consumption.” The menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Shinshu and Hakuba regions, bringing the best local produce directly to the table. The Mediterranean-style cooking is simple yet refined, allowing the natural flavors of Nagano’s ingredients to shine through. Every dish reflects a balance of freshness, quality, and authenticity.

The highlight of the menu is the carbonara. Made using an authentic Italian recipe, this dish is simple yet deeply satisfying. With its rich flavor and perfectly balanced creaminess, it has quickly become a local favorite. Guests often remark that it is the kind of dish you could enjoy every day—comforting, timeless, and unforgettable. Alongside the carbonara, the rotating seasonal menu ensures that every visit to Trattoria Liberta offers something new and delicious.

One of the unique features of dining at Trattoria Liberta is the ability to choose the type of pasta for your dish. Guests can customize their meal by pairing sauces with their preferred pasta shape, creating a dining experience that feels both personal and flexible. While all options are enjoyable, the rigatoni comes highly recommended. Its ridged surface and hearty texture hold sauces beautifully, making it a perfect match for rich dishes like the carbonara or seasonal ragù.

Though intimate, the restaurant is designed to accommodate a range of occasions. There are two tables for four, a four-seat counter for solo diners or couples, and a completely private dining room for up to eight guests. The private room is ideal for casual lunches with friends, family gatherings, or even small business meetings in Hakuba. For those who prefer the outdoors, the open garden terrace offers a chance to enjoy meals in the fresh mountain air, surrounded by Hakuba’s natural beauty.

Trattoria Liberta offers stunning views of the Hakuba mountains that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether it’s snowy peaks in winter, fresh greenery in spring, colorful autumn leaves, or the cool summer breeze, guests can enjoy authentic Italian pasta in the heart of nature. It is one of the few Hakuba restaurants where you can combine seasonal mountain scenery with freshly made Mediterranean-style dishes.

Trattoria Liberta combines Hakuba’s natural beauty, local ingredients, and authentic Italian flavours. After your meal, you can take a short five-minute walk to Kira Kira Glass Studio to try hands-on glassmaking, a perfect way to round out your day in Echoland. Not in the mood for pasta? Explore other local favorites like Gravity Worx, a long-time Hakuba pasta house with its own unique flavors, or bite into the famous Bear Burger at Bears Café Kumaza. Wherever you go, Hakuba offers something delicious and memorable around every corner.

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FAQs:

Is there parking?

Yes, there is parking available near Trattoria Liberta for your convenience.

Is there free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Trattoria Liberta offers free Wi-Fi, making it a great place for both dining and working in Hakuba.