Was lucky enough to be one of the first guests at The Phat Packers and it was an absolute joy! It’s a brand new hostel but everything ran super smoothly all thanks to the helpful and fun staff. Every day I was greeted with smiles and friendly conversation. The location is amazing, you can walk 2 minutes and you’re on the gondola up the mountain. But if you want to go to other mountains, there are shuttles available every morning and afternoon. The atmosphere they’ve built/are building truly feels like home. Highly recommend staying here!

Amazing place to stay if you’re looking to shred some powder. They have a shuttle that will take you to Cortina and you’ll be first in line on powder days. It’s also steps away from Tsugaike resort, literal ski in-ski out property. Food was good and reasonably priced. They also have shuttle service going into Hakuba in the afternoon if you’re looking to explore the town after skiing. Couldn’t recommend this place more, we’ll be back next year!

We stayed at the Phat Packers for 5 nights. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be making a return visit next year!! The location is excellent and you can literally ski in and ski out to the slopes at Tsugaike (which is one of the best mountains for snowboarding in Hakuba). The place itself is really cool and it exceeded all expectations - it is modern, spotlessly clean and has a cosy ski lodge feel...a great place to hangout after a long day on the slopes!! Other positives: - There is a free shuttle service to take guests to and from the different slopes. We also used it in the evening to get to and from the Phat House (the sister hotel) - The little ramen restaurant in the building is incredible - There is a ski rental shop in the lobby which makes it super convenient to pick up and drop off rental equipment

I recently returned from a great stay at The Phat Packers in Hakuba. Our group of 7 enjoyed the range of different accommodation options, the super comfortable beds, excellent coffee, the ski-in location, and friendly staff. We loved the charm of Tsugaike and all the great local restaurants including Miso Phat. Special thanks to Cam, Brody, James and Rhythm Japan for all the rides around Hakuba. We would definitely recommend!

Excellent spot. Phat packers team are amazing so helpful and focused on ensuring you have a great time. Great spot and set up for all your needs one and off the snow.

Owners are bloody awesome, very dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible time

As someone else said . This is an Aussie ski lodge transplanted to Japan. Great location - can ski to the door of the drying room if you get up enough speed LOL . Cannot speak highly enough of the amazing staff who went out of their way to make our stay hassle free. Cam & Claire in particular. We were definitely on the older side of the clientele ( but like to think we are still young at heart ! ) but don't think this is only for backpackers - great for all ages . The lodge is spotless, rooms were spacious, beds amazing & included breakfast great ( but had to get in fast on weekends - Aussies are a hungry bunch ). The free shuttle buses made it very easy to get to other resorts & to go out to explore the area / dining options at night. Cannot think of a better place to stay if you want to ski Hakuba / Tsugaike Kogan . On top of all this, amazingly cheap rates (7 nights for the same cost as one night at Perisher ) Thanks guys & girls - we'll be back.

11/10 recommend staying here. My friend and I were amazed with how awesome this hostel is. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Food from both restaurants is top tier (especially the ramen). Day and night shuttle systems are on point. You can walk straight from the ski room to the chair lift, making the location unbeatable. Staff goes above and beyond to make sure your stay is as stress free as possible. When my friend injured herself they were so helpful with getting us to all her Physio and doctor appointments. Special shoutout to Nic, Isaac, Victor, Juliet, Sara, Ashlee, Will, and Jamie for going out of your way to make our stay 1000x lovelier :) If we ever come back to Japan you better believe we will be staying here again! - Eden and Lauren🇨🇦

The Phat Packers offers a home away from home if you are an Australian. The atmosphere and make-up of the people staying are very Australian. Often I had forgot I was even in Japan when staying. The location is excellent with a less than 3 minute walk to the nearby ski field gondola. The service was very good and friendly always helpful. The room I had stayed in was a suite room with my own private bathroom and shower. The room was clean and warm enough and had anything needed. It was not luxury but is completely perfect if your staying for skiing. The price is also very competitive. It has a shuttle bus service to ski hire as well as a ski hire return station inside the hostel. The hostel offers shuttle buses to and from each ski field. It also houses a ramen restaurant, regular restaurant serving burgers sandwiches etc as well as a bar.

This is as my first trip to Otari with my family and The Phat Packers made it really convenient for us. It is a cozy and warm hotel with very friendly staff. The location is perfect, close to convenient store, ski rental, literary doorstep to the ski slopes! The hotel was well equipped with pretty much everything we need. They even have a restaurant, cafe/bar, we practically didn’t have to go far for anything. Prior to the trip I was contacted by Cam to ask for my needs. Upon arrival even though we were late the crew was there to help with our luggages up the flights of stairs cos I had issues with my knees. They were all very friendly and it really felt like bunking in with friends. I just want to take the chance to thank Cam, Jordan and all whom I have met and couldn’t recall your names. You guys have been fab, Thank you for making our family trip truly memorable!

Well what can I say… this place is just a piece of home brought into another country, first of all the staff are just always welcome with open arms and smiles all around. The building itself is just fit perfect for your stay. I highly HIGHLY recommend your stay here! Cannot asks to be anywhere else to shred the slopes, travelling alone for the first time everyone was helpful and understanding and happy to answer all my questions from the FREE pick up, to the venue. shout out to Luke for recommendations and Juliette for just being the most chilled people on earth and of course the rest of the staff. Will definitely come back and for the price and atmosphere you cannot go wrong this is my place I’ll be staying at every time I’m come back to Japan.

Such a fun place to stay. Great vibes, great location. Literally ski in ski out. Breakfast is pretty tasty, but note that coffee and tea are extra. Not in the main town of hakuba but there are plenty of shuttles to take you where you want whether that is to another resort or to go party. Shared rooms are small and warm and I love that the windows open. There is microwave a hot water kettle and a toaster to cook anything you want so grab snacks for late night munchies from the convenience store up the road!

So many great things to say about The Phat Packers. Superb location, properly ski in and ski out. Chill bar with craft beers on tap. Food was also incredible, legit ramen and gyoza restaurant in the lobby. Free shuttles to other slopes and spots in town. Cam, Geoff, Matt and their team were friendly, fun and super hospitable. A definite must stay!!

I recently stayed at Phat Packers for 6 nights and I can happily say it was a trip to remember. The facilities are of a high standard, great food & drinks, however it was the staff that made this trip so memorable. Specifically Steph S, who took the time to take us skiing, night clubbing & tours of the local area. Will defiantly see myself returning for another trip.

The Phat Packers is a must if your looking for great food, vibes and easy access to the slopes. The staff are absolutely amazing and helpful. Was met with a smile and friendly face James at Hakuba Station. He was super informative on the trip up to the Phat Packers pointing out food, onsens etc. From the first second of walking in the door everything was a breeze. All the staff were eager to answer any questions. Amenities were clean and tidy and well maintained. The food was delicious and night life was out of this world. Had a ball every night without fail. All in all if I could give more stars I would. Keep it up everyone. =)

We had an awesome 11 night stay at the Phat Packers. Firstly all the staff are AMAZING! So inviting, personable and literally catered to every request we had. The food was also incredible - especially the gyoza and ramen place down stairs. Great vibe and great location. We had a private room on the fourth floor that overlooked the bottom of the ski lift which I would highly recommend for a couple. The room was super spacious, modern, clean, comfortable and private. In walking distance to everything you need and if you'd like to venture out of Tsugaike they offer shuttles to Wagano, Happo and Echo land that drop and pick you up for apres plus shuttles to and from the other mountains for a day on the hill! I'd definitley go back to the Phat Packers and would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a comfortable, clean and easy going place to stay that has a good vibe at night but not too rowdy!

My wife and I just recently returned from an awesome stay in Japan @ The Phat Packers. We truly feel like this stay improved our trip exponentially. Great facilities, awesome location, nice room, great staff, and some of the best vibes in Hakuba. Shout-out to Brody, Sam, & James for the rides around town (and all the laughs) and big thanks to the entire staff for the amazing hospitality!