Dream job on offer as Hakuba Brew Pub goes up for lease

Picture your new life riding powder at Hakuba’s Iwatake ski resort in the morning, then sliding straight to the front door of Hakuba Brew Pub, a venue that was set up six years ago to showcase the popular Hakuba Brewing Company beers, but has since “turned into something much bigger” according to Brew Pub founder Dan Bacon.

Hakuba Brew Pub taps

Dan and his wife Ayako are involved with several businesses in Hakuba and are now looking to pass the keys of the pub to an experienced entrepreneur with F&B experience who can “propel the brand to greater success”.

“The pub brand and reputation are well established and it’s known for providing excellent homemade gastropub food, a great selection of craft beer from Japan and overseas, and a good selection of quality wines”, says Dan.

“It is ski-in, ski-out and has a very warm rustic atmosphere including a wood-fired stove and panoramic views over Iwatake ski field.”

“Hakuba Brew Pub is being offered for lease, lock, stock, and barrel. It is fully equipped and ready to open the doors.”

Of course, the reality of the COVID situation isn’t lost on its owners, who note in their ad that they’re not anticipating the resumption of international travel this season and are offering the first year’s lease at a heavily discounted rate and with very flexible T&Cs.

“It’s a great chance to get into this business with low overheads, zero setup costs and get yourself established with domestic and local customers before the large international crowds return in 2022.”

And with management currently redeveloping Iwatake’s base station complex – also the gateway to Hakuba’s best mountain biking trails – he is adamant that there’s scope for a hardworking manager to extend operations year round.

“Management is investing a lot to establish Iwatake as the main summer resort for the Hakuba Valley”, says Dan.
Hakuba Mountain Harbor (pictured), built three years ago, is an observation deck and bakery in Iwatake that is open through both winter and green seasons.

“The new complex is 100 metres from the front door of the pub. It will reportedly sleep 400 people and contain various retail and corporate venues within. It also means new streetscaping, new landscaping, lift improvements and general uplifting of the vibe and feel of Iwatake Mountain resort.”

With international travel slated to be returning in 2022, there could well be an opportunity for someone to turn their passion for beer, food, wine and the outdoors into a dream job.

So who’s in?