Gravity Worx: Local Italian Gem Near Hakuba Station

Gravity Worx: Local Italian Gem Near Hakuba Station

Just a minute walk from Hakuba Station, Gravity Worx is a charming restaurant that has quietly earned its place as one of Hakuba’s local gems. For over 35 years, this cozy log cabin eatery has been serving handcrafted pasta dishes to locals and travelers alike. Entirely operated by a team of women—all from Hakuba—the restaurant showcases heartfelt Japanese hospitality with creative, seasonal cooking made with local ingredients.

Entrance to Gravity Worx Hakuba, a rustic log cabin restaurant surrounded by seasonal alpine flowers and lush greenery near Hakuba Station.

From the outside, Gravity Worx looks like a peaceful mountain lodge, tucked between trees and gardens that change with the seasons. The hand-built wooden cabin, complete with a wide porch and carved benches, feels both rustic and inviting. Seasonal alpine flowers line the walkway, and the quiet atmosphere makes it easy to forget you’re just steps away from Hakuba Station.

Cozy rustic café in Hakuba with wooden log cabin interior, vintage rattan chairs, vibrant table settings, lush greenery, and a well-stocked bar — ideal for relaxing après-ski meals or a warm countryside dining experience in the Japanese Alps.

Step inside Gravity Worx and you’ll instantly feel the warmth of a true Hakuba log cabin restaurant. The interior is full of natural wood paneling, exposed beams, and eclectic furniture. Lining the walls, you’ll find rows of carefully curated bottles of chilli oil and dried herbs, along with retro signage and snowboards—the restaurant once operated briefly as a snowboard shop. Houseplants fill the corners, while large windows open up to forest views, making for a cosy dining experience.

Close-up of gnocchi in rich tomato sauce topped with fresh parsley and grated cheese, served on an elegant white plate — authentic Italian pasta dish at a cozy Hakuba mountain café. Ask ChatGPT

Gravity Worx’s menu is centered around pasta, but no two visits are quite the same. The dishes change regularly based on what’s fresh, local, and in season. Because of the rotating offerings, the owner kindly reminds customers that photos online may not always reflect what’s available during your visit.This flexible, seasonal approach is part of what makes dining here so special—each meal is thoughtfully crafted for that moment in time.

Gravity Worx's specialty: House-made chili oil and signature basil salt served in a traditional ceramic container with spoons — specialty condiments at a long-standing Hakuba pasta café known for its unique flavors and handcrafted seasonings.

But what really sets Gravity Worx apart is the attention to detail at the table. Every guest is offered the restaurant’s signature basil salt—a unique, house-made blend of fermented sweet basil. This condiment is a thoughtful, health-conscious way for diners to control the flavour of their meal. The owner encourages moderation- “Don’t put too much salt in your pasta,” she said. It’s part of the restaurant’s philosophy of balance, flavour, and mindfulness.

Jars of house-fermented chili oil aging since 2020 and 2021, lined on a wooden shelf — slow-crafted artisanal condiment made in-house at a rustic Hakuba café known for its bold, homemade flavors.

Alongside the basil salt, guests are also welcome to try the restaurant’s homemade chili oil, made from extra virgin olive oil and chili peppers grown in the garden behind the cabin. This isn’t your typical spicy oil—theirs is fermented for four full years, creating a layered flavour that starts out mild and slowly reveals a deep, lingering heat. It’s the kind of condiment that leaves an impression, but only if used carefully. A few drops are plenty.

Bulletin board at Gravity Worx Hakuba showcasing colorful food photos, handwritten menu items, and playful illustrations — highlighting the café’s homemade pasta dishes, seasonal specials, and cozy mountain vibe with jars of aged chili oil displayed nearby.

And while the food is undoubtedly delicious, it’s the warmth of the people that leaves a lasting impression. The owner herself is bilingual, welcoming both Japanese and international guests with ease. Whether you’re ordering in English or Japanese, you’ll feel understood and taken care of.

Vintage-style welcome sign written in Japanese and English at Gravity Worx Hakuba asking guests to ring the bell, surrounded by lush indoor plants and rustic wooden décor — a charming touch at this hidden mountain café known for its warm hospitality and homemade dishes.

Whether you’re visiting Hakuba for a ski trip, a summer hike, or just passing through town, a meal at Gravity Worx offers a special experience. With its delicious menu, unique local condiments, and rustic charm, this little log cabin near Hakuba Station is a delicious slice of local life you won’t want to miss. If you aren’t feeling like pasta, try out the Bear Burger at Bears Café Kumaza!

Click here for the google maps link.

FAQs:

Is there parking?

Yes, free parking is available on-site.

Are there gluten-free options?

No, gluten-free options are currently not available.

Check out our Youtube Short video on the cafe below!

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