Hakuba après skiing – Coffee guide

Jordy Heis takes time off the slopes to share his favourite coffee places in Hakuba, Japan.

Apart from a love of boarding, I hold a deep appreciation for the finer things in life, such as great coffee. Being a coffee nut, no doubt comes from living in the coffee crazy culture of Melbourne, Australia, where espresso coffee is the standard when eating out. Not much beats downing a cup of your favourite brew just before a big day on the slopes, or just as you are retiring to your lodge at night.

Luckily for me, and other coffee nuts that come to Hakuba, this daily indulgence of a strong cappuccino with full cream milk and 1 sugar need not be sacrificed, with a strong showing of espresso bars in the ski town precinct. Although there are many ‘imitators’ serving the drip stuff in town…

Here are my top 3 espresso destinations:

Bamboo Coffee Bar

Opened in 2008 by Aussies wanting to bring Real espresso coffee, and made by baristas, this stylish coffee lounge and bar, sets a high standard in coffees, and located in 2 prominent locations being Happo Gondola and Hakuba Train Station, you can take advantage of free Wifi and a great selection of cakes, cookies and muffins.

Sounds Like Café

New this year to the top block of Echoland, this modern bar and café gives a laid back vibe, and serves great coffee. The range of gourmet sandwiches and other goodies are extensive, with the chicken burger a definite must have during your stay.

Roots Café

Hakuba’s only vegetarian restaurant and organic café, they are easy to get to being at the bottom of Happo-One, and you can ski right to the front door for your favourite brew. Great for when you need a mid-day kick along during a day on the slopes!

Posted by Jordy Heis on February 13th, 2010 in Hakuba and Japan

Jordy Heis @skiresortsjapan

I’m Jordy Heis and I write insider tips and use my local resort knowledge to help you get the most out of your snow trip to Japan, specialising in The Hakuba Valley. During the day I work at Liquid Snow Tours, while at night I dream of fresh lines and blue birds.