This time is a little special edition.
We’re coming to you from Echoland in Hakuba.
Echoland is a street in the Hokujo area of Hakuba Village, lined with restaurants and accommodations. It’s close to the ski resorts, and in winter it draws visitors from all over the world—one of Hakuba’s especially distinctive areas.
Whenever I visit my parents’ home after they moved to Hakuba, I always walk along this street. It feels a bit like a local street overseas, yet behind it you have the Northern Alps—mountains and an international vibe blending together. I love that unique atmosphere.
It felt a little quieter for a while, but recently—especially in winter—it has really come back to life. From what I can tell, about 80% of the people you pass are international visitors. You hear English everywhere, and it almost makes you forget you’re in Japan.
Locals say many visitors come from Australia.
And in the middle of this fascinating scene, one spot stands out as a true favorite: “Sounds Like Cafe.”
Walking through Echoland again this time, I quietly thought, “Yep… I really do love this place.”
Highlight 1: A Mountain Lodge Feel with an International Cafe Vibe
Warm wood tones, colorful chairs, and boards on the walls—this place blends cozy mountain-lodge comfort with the laid-back feel of an overseas cafe. They also have an English menu, and with so many international guests, you can enjoy that “local abroad” atmosphere right here in Hakuba.
Looking for a place in Hakuba where you can truly relax and just be?
Highlight 2: Authentic-Style, Seriously Filling Burgers
I had the Beef Burger (1,550 yen, tax included) and the BLAT sandwich (1,400 yen, tax included).
The beef burger stacks a patty with apple, cheese, a fried egg, and a red-wine teriyaki sauce—rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. The BLAT combines bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato with garlic mayo. From 9:30 to 14:00, both burgers and sandwiches come with fries.
As many reviews mention, this is for anyone who wants a proper, hearty meal. The pricing feels on par with what you’d pay in places like Tokyo, and the portion size more than delivers—honestly, the satisfaction is even better than you’d imagine.
Highlight 3: Born from Injury — The Origin of “Coffee Makes People Happy”
The owner, Kazuya Nakao, originally aimed to become a professional snowboarder while studying at Shinshu University, training overseas during his student years. Even after graduating, he worked at a hotel in Hakuba while continuing to spend his days on the slopes.
Then, at 23, he suffered a serious injury.
It was the very season he had hoped to go pro. In an instant, everything he had worked toward disappeared.
During his rehabilitation, he went to Sydney, Australia. That’s where he encountered the world of coffee.
Without strong English skills, he approached an Italian cafe owner and asked to work there—even if it meant doing odd jobs. From the kitchen, he learned coffee, food, and what it truly means to run a cafe, absorbing everything firsthand.
But it wasn’t easy.
A new language, a new culture, exhausting workdays. He would head home completely drained.
On his way back each evening, he stopped at an old bakery-cafe. It was simple and affordable, yet the bread and coffee were genuinely delicious.
That’s when he realized something.
“Coffee can make people happy.”
It doesn’t have to be extravagant.
It doesn’t have to be expensive.
But one warm cup can gently lighten the heart of someone who is tired.
At that moment, the vague idea of “someday I’d like to open a cafe” became a clear goal.
Later, in New Zealand, he also learned bread-making. He overcame the fear from his injury and regained the confidence to jump again on his snowboard. He never gave up on snowboarding—or on coffee.
In 2009, he opened Sounds Like Cafe in Hakuba.
“I want to serve food that’s affordable and filling.”
His own experience as a snowboarder without much money is what led to the cafe’s generous, satisfying portions.
Nakao also speaks about the importance of “returning to the basics” while continuing to move forward.
With coffee, he adjusts the grind and machine settings depending on the beans of the day. Respect the fundamentals, but never be complacent.
That mindset is what created this warm yet international-feeling cafe in Hakuba.
If that injury had never happened, this cafe might not exist. Life works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it?
Source: Article from Kirakira Nagano
Highlight 4: Family-Friendly and Welcoming
The cafe has 20 seats (up to four people per group) and is fully non-smoking. Children are welcome (infants, preschoolers, and elementary school kids), and strollers are allowed inside. There are kids’ menu options (880–900 yen range), which include fries and a drink.
It’s a comfortable choice for families traveling in Hakuba or for parents looking for a relaxed lunch spot. As I always say, finding a place that truly welcomes children while traveling is such a gift.
Baby & Family Note
Children are welcome (infants, preschoolers, elementary school age), and strollers can enter. Kids’ burgers and tortilla sandwiches are available. During busy times, there may be a wait, so it’s best to allow extra time.
Dog-Friendly Information
There is an open terrace, but it is closed during winter. Please check directly with the cafe regarding whether dogs are allowed on the terrace before visiting.
Access Information
Name: Sounds Like Cafe
Address: 3020-504 Hokujo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano
Hours: 9:30–16:00 (Burgers & sandwiches served until 15:00)
Closed: Irregular holidays (please check the official website)
Parking: Available (8 spaces)
Phone: 0261-72-2040
Official website: http://www.sounds-like-cafe.com/
Summary | A Weekday-Only Treasure in Hakuba
Sounds Like Cafe offers a rare blend of an international atmosphere and authentic, generously sized burgers. The owner’s journey—transforming a life-changing injury into a new path—is also part of what makes this place special.
Whether you’re visiting Hakuba with family, friends, or on your own, this cafe is worth adding to your itinerary.
It operates mainly on weekdays, but if your timing aligns, don’t miss the chance to stop by.
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