Hakuba may be best known for its powder-perfect ski slopes and alpine adventures, but this mountain village in the Northern Japanese Alps is also a hidden gem for food lovers. From cosy log cabin cafés serving hearty burgers, to authentic Italian trattorias, to lakeside bakeries with panoramic views, Hakuba’s dining scene is as diverse as its landscapes.

Whether you’re après-skiing in winter or soaking in the cool alpine breeze in summer, there’s always a delicious spot waiting to be discovered. Here’s your guide to the best places to eat in Hakuba—from local comfort food and international flavors to hidden cafés and must-try restaurants.

1. Wild Game Burgers at Bears Cafe Kumaza

Bears Café Kumaza in Echoland, Hakuba, offers one of Japan’s rarest dining experiences—the Bear Burger, made with real bear meat. Their wild game menu also features sliders with wagyu, lamb, duck, venison, and Nagano’s own sanzoku chicken, each crafted to celebrate the region’s nature and The Bear’s Japan identity.

With its chalet-style design, cozy indoor seating, pet-friendly terrace, and views of the Japanese Alps, the café creates a unique alpine dining atmosphere just minutes from Hakuba’s slopes and hiking trails. Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM (closed Mondays), Bears Café Kumaza combines bold flavors, local tradition, and mountain scenery for one of the most unforgettable foodie stops in Nagano.

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2. Lakeside Dining at Ao Café Hakuba

Ao Lakeside Café sits directly on the shores of Lake Aoki in Hakuba, offering one of the most stunning dining views in Nagano. With crystal-clear waters reflecting the Northern Japanese Alps, this café is a perfect stop for anyone looking to combine local food with unforgettable mountain scenery.

Guests can enjoy freshly made pasta, hearty lunches, craft sodas, and smoothies while relaxing on the spacious lakeside terrace, which seats up to 50 and is pet-friendly. Inside, the café features calm, modern interiors with sofa seating and large windows that frame uninterrupted lake views. Open weekdays from 8 AM to 8 PM (last orders 7 PM) and weekends/holidays until 9 PM (last orders 8 PM), Ao Lakeside Café also offers take-out options and even has a lakeside sauna for a truly unique Hakuba experience.

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3. Authentic Italian Dining at Trattoria Liberta

Trattoria Liberta in Hakuba Village blends Japanese tradition with authentic Italian flavors, set inside a renovated soba restaurant that now exudes rustic charm and warmth. Guided by the philosophy of “local production for local consumption,” the menu highlights seasonal Shinshu ingredients in simple, Mediterranean-inspired dishes that showcase freshness and quality.

The carbonara, rich and creamy with timeless appeal, is the star of the menu, while a rotating selection of seasonal pastas ensures every visit feels new. Guests can even choose their preferred pasta type, with rigatoni a standout for pairing perfectly with hearty sauces. With cozy interiors, a private dining room, and an outdoor terrace offering year-round mountain views, Trattoria Liberta is one of Hakuba’s most memorable dining spots for both locals and travelers.

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4. Gluten-Free Pastries at Sakulala Sweets and Bakery in Hakuba

Sakulala Sweets and Bakery is one of Hakuba’s prettiest hidden cafés, located just 8 minutes from Hakuba Station. Surrounded by forest and mountains, this cozy spot blends whimsical Ghibli-inspired interiors with warm wooden décor and large windows overlooking the greenery, creating a peaceful escape in every season.

The menu features unique sweet and savory treats such as Salted Butter Apple Focaccia, Peanut Butter Rolls with orange tea dough, and hearty Teriyaki Hamburger Buns. Gluten-free pastries are also available, making it a welcoming stop for all travelers. With indoor seating, a shaded outdoor patio, and even a friendly resident husky, Sakulala Sweets and Bakery is a must-visit Hakuba café for anyone seeking charm, flavor, and a touch of alpine magic.

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5. Artisanal Gelato at TABITABI Café Hakuba

TABITABI Café in Hakuba serves some of the best artisanal gelato in Nagano, made in small batches with locally sourced ingredients from farms in the Hakuba Valley. Flavors change seasonally—from juicy summer watermelon to rich autumn chestnut—making every visit a new experience. Parfaits, seasonal sweets, and specialty drinks round out the menu, perfect for families, couples, and travelers looking for a scenic café stop.

Set against the backdrop of Mount Shirouma in the Northern Japanese Alps, TABITABI Café blends modern wooden architecture with traditional alpine design. Guests can enjoy cozy indoor seating with panoramic mountain views or relax on the outdoor terrace surrounded by fresh alpine air. Open year-round (closed Tuesdays, summer hours 11 AM–6 PM), it’s one of Hakuba’s top spots for sustainable gelato and sweets in every season.

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So Where Should You Eat in Hakuba?

From wild game burgers and lakeside cafés to artisanal gelato and hidden forest bakeries, Hakuba’s dining scene is every bit as exciting as its outdoor adventures. Each stop offers not just great food, but also a sense of nature—whether it’s mountain views, local ingredients, or the charm of the Northern Japanese Alps. No matter the season Hakuba is always filled with flavors and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.