Slow Day in Hakuba
It was our first time visiting Hakuba, and true to our slow travel rhythm, we started the day a little later than planned. On our way to Hakuba Iwatake, we stopped for lunch at a charming restaurant called Ramuraito a place that instantly made us want to linger a little longer.
Mountain view from Ramuraito
Little Nori at manga reading corner
Ramuraito felt like a quiet local gem. During our time there, we didn’t come across any other tourists, just a calm, everyday rhythm that made the place feel even more special. It was the kind of restaurant where no one hurried you along, where lingering over a meal felt completely natural. Sitting there, surrounded by manga shelves and mountain views, it felt less like a stop along the way and more like a small window into local life. The food was delicious, portions were generous, and it was easy for me and little Nori to share comfortably, always a win when traveling with a toddler.
After lunch, we continued on to Hakuba Iwatake, taking the cable car up to the summit. We visited in May and didn’t come with many expectations, knowing Hakuba is best known as a ski resort. Late spring felt like a quieter in-between season, and that turned out to be part of its charm.
When we reached the top, we were met with wide, open views of the Northern Alps under cool, sunny skies. The area was remarkably calm, apart from the staff, we only saw few other family groups gathered around the café. Without crowds, the mountain felt spacious and unhurried, inviting us to slow down and simply be present. We took a gentle walk around the Iwatake area, carefully stepping around patches of melting snow that still lingered from winter.
On the panoramic terrace, we stopped by The City Bakery for coffee, pastries, and ice cream, spending time there without watching the clock, quietly soaking in the breathtaking view.
Later in the afternoon, we headed back down and drove around the nearby lake, eventually discovering a beautiful lakeside café. This became our final stop of the day, another round of caffeine, a quiet sunset, and the calm, glassy lake reflecting the fading light. The atmosphere was incredibly serene, and little Nori even managed to take a peaceful nap here.
Since our hotel was quite far away, we decided to stay for dinner. This café truly deserves a post of its own, so I’ll be sharing more about it separately.
Hakuba left a very gentle yet lasting impression on us. I’ve heard it’s even more beautiful in spring, and after this experience, I can only hope we’ll return again one day.
