FAQ

Self check-in is from 3pm. Check-out is anytime before 10:00 AM. Detailed instructions will be provided (with codes) prior to your arrival. Please appreciate that in winter and other peak periods we run a tight cleaning schedule and it is important that we do a great job for the next guest. Please ensure that you check out by no later than 10:00 AM. Late check out incurs a JPY20,000 fee per 30 minute period or part thereof. 

During the snow season, there are ski resort shuttle stops within walking distance of Vega Suites and Vega Chalets. Having a 4WD or AWD car in Hakuba will maximize your trip enjoyment. Bring one with you or hire one in Nagano or locally.  The closest resorts are Happo-One Resort (3 min drive), Hakuba47 (5 min drive), Iwatake & Goryu Resorts (6 min drive each). There is a very active bus system in Hakuba with each resort having at least one bus stop in Echoland.

Yes, Vega Suites and Vega Chalets have off street parking.

A damage deposit of JPY 100,000 is required for Suites and 200,000 for Chalets. The property charges this 14 days before arrival. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full via credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.

Payment is paid in full upon booking. Winter Season (10 December to 15 March) 50% of your direct booking is non-refundable and 50% of your direct booking is refundable if you cancel at least 90 days prior to your check in date. Green Season (16 March to 9 December) 50% of your direct booking is non-refundable and 50% of your direct booking is refundable if you cancel at least 30 days prior to your check in date.  

During the peak winter season, our standard is a 5 night minimum stay starting from Dec 20 through to the end of February.  Outside of this period, you can book for any period starting from just 1 night. 

One Bedroom Suite’s accommodates 2 people.  Two Bedroom Suites accomodate up to 6 people (4 in beds and 2 on the sofa bed). The Three Bedroom Villa Suite is recommended for 6-8. Chalets are for up to 8 guests. For all properties confirm the bedding types that are available prior to booking. All guests need to be registered to enter the suite and/or stay the night.

No. All of our suites and chalets are strictly non-smoking. Guests will be levied a 200,000 yen cleaning fee for smoking in the suite or chalet. We do however provide ashtrays outside in the designated smoking area. Please do not litter.

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap are all provided each suite. Hairdryers and bath mats are provided in each bathroom, and you’ll find bath towels and hand towels in each bedroom. A washing machine along with laundry detergent and a clothes dryer is in each suite. All of our chalets have fully equipped kitchens – cutlery, dish-ware, glassware, and standard kitchen equipment. There are also kitchen cleaning supplies such as sponges, dishwashing liquid and dishwashing soap for the dishwasher. Complimentary coffee and tea are supplied. These are not replenished during your stay. For young children, we can provide baby cots and high chairs. Get in touch with us early to arrange your needs. 

Yes, all of our suites have strong, reliable, free WIFI internet connections. 

Each suite kitchen is stocked with all of the basics – an IH stovetop, pots and pans, plates and bowls, glassware, cutlery, spatulas, tongs, ladles – the works. We also provide oil / salt / pepper. Please purchase anything else you need at Acoop, Aeon/Big or Delicia (or the local 711/Lawson’s or Jah Jah). Amazon Japan is amazing with nearly every product delivered the next day.

Yes, in 2023, each suite was upgraded with reverse cycle (heating and cooling) air conditioning in each room. 

Every suite has access to the common dry room which should be used for all skis, boards and boots. Ski’s, boards and boots are not allowed in the suites. Each suite has ample storage and hanging space for all our your winter jackets and other clothing.

Historically cash was king in Japan and using foreign credit cards was difficult in the mountains. In recent years, most merchants have began accepting payment by credit card. Most of the restaurants, cafes, bars, supermarkets and mountain resorts in Hakuba will take credit cards (particularly those in Echoland). For those that don’t, we always recommended to carry enough cash to cover you for a day or two. 

You can use your debit / credit card to withdraw money from the cash machine located in the Misorano 7-11 or Happo Lawson convenience store (3 min drive or 15 minute walk from Echoland), or at the Happo Bus Terminal. Be sure to call your bank to activate your card for overseas usage prior to departure.

There are two major airports in Tokyo: Narita and Haneda airport. Depending on which airport you arrive at, and the time of day you get here, the ideal travel route will vary. If you have able body people, going to Tokyo station, then taking the bullet train to Nagano, followed by a pre-booked taxi is probably the simplest way. If there are young children or older guests, the simplest route is usually booking a private car from the airport direct to the Vega Suites. Please contact us if you need assistance working out the best route to Hakuba, we’d be happy to help.

It is not necessary to rent a car, but we feel that by renting one, it will take your trip from good to amazing. There are 10 local resorts located in the Hakuba Valley – and busses are often busy, and infrequent. Taxi can be nearly impossible to book in busy times. With a car, you would have the ability and flexibility to drive to any of the 10 resorts of your choice with ease – and with an All Mountain Valley Pass, you could even do two resorts in one day should you want to switch it up! On days you’ll be spending off the slopes, you can take the car and venture into the surrounding area to explore culture, food, and everything that the Nagano region has to offer. 

NOTE: You will need an international drivers license, or another drivers license valid in Japan, in order to rent a car. Please let us know if you have any questions regarding the legality of your license.

Vega Suites are in an excellent location and are walking distance to several cafes, restaurants and bars. Taxis are very busy in Hakuba, especially during peak hours (7:00 am – 10:30 am // 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm). Taxis can be up to a 1.5 hour wait during evening hours, so if you do eat out and plan to get a taxi back, let the restaurant know to call you one before you sit down. It is highly advised to reserve a taxi any time you need one, as it is very difficult to flag one down.

The bus service has improved greatly in recently years. Each resort has their own bus doing morning pickups and afternoon drop offs from Echoland. A one minute walk from Vega Suites down 5th Avenue brings you to the main road of Echoland where accross the street you will find the new home of Central Snow Sports (the old Bears Cafe). This is the closest bus stop to Vega Suites. The busses  do get quite busy during peak hour, so head to the bus stop early. 

Happo is only a 5 minute drive. Goryu, Hakuba 47 and Iwakate less than 10 minutes.  

Our preferred partner for ski schools for private lessons is Hakuba Ski Concierge. They are a fully private lesson only company based out of Hakuba47 resort. They provide full pick up and drop off services, highly customisable for your needs. We also recommend Hakuba Snow Sports. Their instructors are all Internationally Trained and Qualified and have years of teaching experience around the world. Get in touch with us to discuss your needs so that we can ensure you get the best out of your holiday.

There are several providers in Echoland. We recommend Central Snow Sports who are located a short stroll from Vega Suites.  They can arrange free pick up and delivery for  our suite guests.   

Hiring a guide is highly recommended if you plan to go back country skiing and snowboarding. A guide not only knows the best local terrain, but is also is trained in the case there is an avalanche / someone gets lost. A guide can also help take care of logistics like transport to/from the tour and renting equipment. We recommend using Northern Heights Guiding, with their strong experience and professionalism. They have 20 years of experience in Hakuba and will offer you a safe and incredible experience.

The closest clinic is Shintani Clinic which is located about 5 minutes away from Vega Suites by car. They deal with most common injures and ailments, but will refer you to a specialist should they not be able to treat you. The doctors and nurses do speak a little English, but not much. If it is a serious accident or ailment, one of our team members will be able to assist with translations.

For more serious conditions, Omachi Hospital is located 30 minutes by car, and has a much bigger facility with more equipment, doctors, and nurses. Not many of the staff here speak English but are equipped to deal with emergencies. We strongly recommend taking out travel Insurance with coverage for winter sports (or summer sports as the case may be). 

We will provide you with contact points before your arrival. You can also email us anytime at info@vegahakuba.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.