Hakuba Connect Winter 2022-2023

The best mountain views in the resort!

Ian Millar by Gabe Langlois

BESTFRIENDS

However, a strong recovery from the whole team gave Japan, and Harada, the gold the fans wanted.

A smaller jump can also be seen at the larger of Hakuba’s two elementary schools, where ski jumping forms an unusual part of the sports curriculum.

WELCOME TO THE METEOR FAMILY

Local people embraced the games and extended a warm and friendly welcome to all of the competitors, turning the games into a great big party fondly remembered by those who attended.

Mominoki Real Estate

Local Expertise, International Cl i e n te l e

Operating in tandem with the Hakuba Mominoki Hotel, the premier year-round resort hotel which the Maruyama family have owned and operated since 1976, Mominoki Real Estate o ers a comprehensive service in real estate & property sales, project management, luxury accommodation, property management, and development consulting.

Additionally, for property owners we o er on and o -site management, administrative sta ng solutions, and financial management services to condominiums and vacation homes in Hakuba.

Mominoki Real Estate (Hakuba Mominoki Hotel, Co., Ltd.) 4683-2 Wadano, Hakuba, Nagano 399-9301. www.mominokihotel.com/realestate | Tel: 0261-72-4600 | License Number: Nagano(1)-5593

Here’s a short FAQ for those thinking of buying in the Hakuba Valley.

Are foreigners and non-residents able to buy real estate in Japan?

Yes, any non-Japanese and non-resident can buy real estate in Japan.

What is the general sales procedure in Japan

The buyer first signs a Commitment to Purchase document. This assures the real estate agent that they can take the property o the market and prepare the necessary documentation. It takes about one week for the agent to draw up the statement of important matters and real estate contracts. Upon signing (or stamping) the contract, a deposit of 10% or 20% is payable. In Japan, the deposit is paid directly to the seller. The remaining balance is paid about four weeks later. At this time, the solicitor registers the transfer of title and creates the title deed.

I’m not here all year round. Who will clear the snow?

There are property and snow management companies in Hakuba who can take care of everyday running and upkeep.

Will I be able to get a mortgage from a Japanese bank?

It is virtually impossible for non-resident foreigners to obtain financing through a Japanese bank.

What taxes are involved in real estate purchases?

At purchase, a buyer will need to pay an acquisition tax. This is 3% of the council's evaluation of the real estate in question,

and will also be levied on any registered building subsequently constructed on purchased land. From January 1st of the year following the purchase, the buyer will be eligible to pay fixed asset tax. This is 1.4% of the council’s evaluation and is payable in May of the same year. For individuals selling on for a profit within five years, a capital gains tax is levied in the region of 40%.

What is the role of the solicitor in Japan?

The solicitor is responsible for checking the real estate contract and statement of important matters. They prepare the necessary information, register the title transfer, and create the title deed. They also check that the real estate in question is free of debt. Strictly speaking, the "solicitor" involved during a real estate transaction is actually a judicial scrivener. The legal responsibility of ensuring all the information regarding the property is correct lies with the real estate agent and their transaction manager. They can be held legally responsible for providing false information, intentionally or negligently.

Do I need a real estate agent?

When looking for an investment property in Hakuba it is important to choose a knowledgeable, local real estate agent due to the complicated and varying of individual properties. Failure to do so could result in purchasing a property under the pretense of nightly rentals, then discovering you are unable to do this (you would not be the first to make this mistake!)

18:30

Hifumi

One of the best dinners you can have in Hakuba is at the Hifumi Ryokan in Happo. Choose between the di erent courses and enjoy a glass or two of warm or cold sake. We reccommend the Shinshu beef! (Shinshu is the old name for Nagano)

See page 132

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Demand Taxi

Catch the night Demand Taxi to wherever you want to visit in Hakuba. There are 22 convenient locations to choose from throughout Hakuba Village. Download the app on page 31

20:00

Drinks

Bar Refuel is a great locals and visitors hang out in the center of Happo.

22:00

Keep on Partying

For those that want to keep going then why not get a taxi and head over to Tracks Bar in Goryu. See page 112. They have dancing and live music until very late. But sadly this editor needs his sleep for another fun filled day tomorrow.

Taxis

Be careful - the taxi service closes down at 01:00 after that you are on your own. Call 0261-72-2221

Closed for lunch:

Weekday 12:00 - 13:3 0

Weekends & Holidays 12:00 - 13:00

TSUGAIKE KOGEN

Getting naked, hot and wet with a bunch of total strangers is perhaps the most quintessentially Japanese thing to do. There are several onsen (natural thermal hot springs) scattered the length of the Hakuba Valley. The mineral content

Birthday Suits Only!

No bathing suits or clothing is permitted in the hot springs. You must disrobe before entering. Put your belongings into one of the lockers provided.

of almost every onsen in Hakuba is slightly di erent, and many onsens use the healing e ects of their particular mineral mix in their marketing. A trip to Hakuba is not complete without a trip to the onsen.

Rinse Well

To keep the water as clean as possible. remember to rinse thoroughly so as not to get any soap in the onsen water.

REMEMBER

Refrain from taking an onsen immediately after eating or drinking alcohol. Remember no drinking or eating in the onsen, save that for after bathing.

Bathing Time

Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust to the temperature which can be hot. Do not put your towel in the bath. Set you towel on your head or the side of the bath.

Wash First

To the Japanese, the western practice of washing yourself in the bath is, well… pretty gross actually!

Every onsen has a row of showers around the outside of the bath. Soap, shampoo and conditioner are usually provided. Wash yourself with soap and rinse before entering the baths. Use the stools to sit upon and be careful not to splash those around you when showering.

Dry O

Dry o as much as you can before returning to the changing room with your modesty towel. Keep the changing room as dry as possible.

image photo

If you are caught drinking and driving be prepared to spend a few days in a Japanese prison cell.

of Japan's most famous Mexican eateries.

minute from Happo slopes, come for lunch.

Happy Hour Drinks ￥666 + tax

Private Dining

image only

Goryu

Iwatake

Private Dining

Ski Area

Ski Area

Gibier

Signature Course ¥5,500 Buffet ¥3,850 tax incl

We are on the 1st floor of Hotel Goryukan (Happo area)

Wadano