Akari is a beautiful chalet that combines the best of secluded privacy with nearby convenience of Hirafu village just several minutes drive away. Between the chalet and Mt Yotei is only snow-covered farmland and a few trees, meaning the iconic volcano has an omnipresence inside the house.
AKARI
US $765
East Hirafu – Chalet
5 Bedrooms
Akari is a luxurious East-meets-West chalet standing in solitude on the outskirts of Hirafu.
Payment is made using the villa’s preferred currency (usually USD). The amount displayed is indicative and based on today’s exchange rate.
Sleeps: 12 guests (14 max)
Size: 295m²
Built: 2010
Akari
Overview
Mt Yotei views
Family friendly
Ski locker / drying room
Japanese-style bath
Lounge room
In-house laundry
Free parking
Welcome Centre transfers

The chalet was designed by a well-known local architect Kazuhiro Ishide. He ensured the house maximised its position by using windows to frame Mt Yotei from wherever you are in the house. This is most spectacular in the living room, where the entire double storey Mt Yotei facing side of the room is full wall to ceiling window. In other areas circular windows make playful frames for the mountain view – for example from some of the bathrooms and bedrooms.
The lounge and dining space is partly separated by a central stone eco-fireplace. Flooring is Japanese oak adding to the rugged alpine feel. Leading from the living area is an expansive deck.
Back inside and the chalet features a full kitchen, high-speed wireless internet, a range of DVDs and books, ski locker and drying room, indoor garage and laundry facilities. For families there are plenty of games and toys too – not to mention an boundless winter wonderland of powder snow for kids to play in outside!
Akari
Features
COMFORT / CONVENIENCE
- Centralised heating
- Mt Yotei views
- Forest views
- Wood-burning fireplace
- Balcony / terrace
- Phone (local calls)
- Ski / drying room
- Washer/dryer
- Iron/ironing board
INTERNET / ENTERTAINMENT
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cable/satellite TV
- Plasma/LCD TV
KITCHEN / DINING
- Dining table
- Breakfast bar
- Oven
- IH cooktop
- Microwave
- Fridge
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Coffee machine
- Cutlery + plates
- Cooking utensils
- Dishwasher
- Dishwashing powder
- Dishwashing detergent
BEDROOMS
- Western bedding
- Japanese bedding
- Closets
- Alarm clock
BATHROOMS
- Shower
- Bathtub
- Japanese-style bath
- Japanese washlet toilet
- Towels
- Body soap
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Hair dryer
Akari
Rooms
BEDROOM 1
The master bedroom is located on the first floor and features a spacious King Double bed and sofa seating. There is ample storage and a spacious en suite bathroom. Windows look over the snowy hills and forests at the edge of Hirafu Village.
2 Guests
1 King Double
En suite with bath
Approx 25m²
BEDROOM 2
Identical to the first master bedroom, the second bedroom features a King Double bed and sofa seating, ample storage and views across the forests and snow-covered hills at the edge of Hirafu Village. There is a gorgeous, spacious en suite bathroom attached.
2 Guests
1 King Double
En suite with bath
Approx 25m²
BEDROOM 3
On the second floor of the building, the 3rd bedroom features either 1 King Double or 2 Single Beds, according to your needs. This bedroom has an en suite bathroom with shower, and windows overlooking the forests below Hirafu Village.
2 Guests
1 King Double or 2 Singles
En suite with shower
Approx 20m²
BEDROOM 4
On the second floor of the building, the 4th bedroom neighbours the third and offers bedding in either 1 king double or 2 single beds, according to your needs. The windows overlook the forests below Hirafu Village, and the room features its own en-suite bathroom with shower.
2 Guests Each
1 King Double or 2 Singles Each
En suite with shower
Approx 20m² each
BEDROOM 5
This bedroom is a traditional Japanese-style “tatami” (woven straw mat) floor. Up to four futon beds can be laid out on the floor in the room.
4 guests
4 futons
Approx 20m²
Akari
Location
SETTING / ATMOSPHERE
Akari is in a truly wonderful location, just minutes drive from all the action and ski slopes of Hirafu, while also enjoying total peace and quiet amongst nature. Actually – if you have a car (recommended) it’s also half way between Hirafu and Hanazono, meaning you can easily duck out there to ski as well. Seclusion is key here, with only forests and Mt Yotei around you.
LIFTS / TRANSPORT
Akari is about three or four minutes drive to the lifts. Having a car here will make for maximum convenience (driving in snow is not as hard as you might think). Taxis can be very hard to book and we wouldn’t recommend you rely on them for an entire trip. Walking from the property is also not possible as there are no footpaths and walking on the side of the road could be very dangerous.
RESTAURANTS / BARS
There are several great little restaurants within a minute or two’s drive – including a Michelin guide recommended soba noodle restaurant, Ichimura Soba. Seven Stars Cafe is across the road, as is a cheap and awesome udon restaurant. There is a bento (Japanese takeaway lunch box) store inside MyEcolodge nearby. No bars close by so you’ll need a taxi or designated driver if you want to aprés.
Need to Know
EXTRAS
- Extra futon/bedding: ¥5000 pp/night
(children 4 and under no charge) - Cot/highchair available for rent
STAY REQUIREMENTS
- Min nights Low: 3 | Shoulder: 3 | Peak: 5
- Check-in time: 3pm
- Check-out time: 10am
PAYMENT DETAILS
- We offer the best rates online
- Rates include government tax and services (some other websites add this at the end)
- Rates quoted in Yen (JPY)
- 50% deposit due at booking
- 50% balance due 60 days before arrival
- Pay by credit card / PayPal / bank transfer
- See our full terms and conditions
Please note all information provided is representative and subject to change. If there are features or services that are imperative to your stay, please contact us before booking.
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