Wadano Accommodation

Overview

Located to the North of Happo One village, Wadano is the beautiful forested area running from the Kokusai ski lifts to the Sakka ski lifts at the base of the Happo One ski resort on one side and bordered by the Matsu River on the other.

With plenty of space between properties and the abundance of snow-covered trees Wadano offers the perfect tranquil winter retreat.

Wadano offers a wide range of accommodation options, from stunning luxury chalets, ski in / ski out apartment buildings to luxury hotels and cosy lodges; there really is something for everyone.

Wadano can be thought of in two distinct neighbourhoods. Lower Wadano is the area bordering Happo One village and running up as far as the Kokusai ski lifts and Upper Wadano heading North from the Sakka ski lifts. The two neighbourhoods look pretty similar but offer different benefits. 

Wadano Accommodation Map

Lower Wadano

In some ways Lower Wadano is the best of both worlds with its peaceful forest setting combined with easy access to the restaurants, nightlife and amenities of Happo One village.

The area is also well connected for access to the rest of the Hakuba Valley via the Happo Bus Terminal.

Ski Resort

Most accommodation options in Lower Wadano are 7-10 minutes’ walk from the Kokusai ski lifts with the notable exceptions of the ski in / ski out Mountain Side Apartments and the conveniently located Hakuba Grand Apartments and Mominoki Hotel.

The popular Evergreen ski school is located at the Kokusai lifts, so Lower Wadano is a great choice for those taking lessons.

Evergeen’s backcounty centre & meeting place is located close to the Mominoki Hotel, so Lower Wadano is also a good choice for powderhounds.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Lower Wadano has some of the most popular restaurants in the Hakuba Valley with Mimi’s the premier fine dining experience and the cosy Hummingbird offering the best in home-style Japanese cuisine.

Head to Kaz for a genuine Izakaya experience and neighbouring watering hole aptly named ‘The Pub’ to sink a beer and share ski stories.

The numerous restaurants and bars of neighbouring Happo One are also just a short stroll away.

Onsen

The best onsen in the area are accessible from Lower Wadano: Kurashita-no–yu is well worth the 15 minute walk over the Hakubao bridge or better yet Obinata no yu is available for private hire with a pick up / drop off service.

Within the Lower Wadano area, head to the beautifully refurbished Mominoki Hotel Onsen or take advantage of the afternoon public sessions at the Tokyu Hotel Onsen.

Upper Wadano

The Upper Wadano area has some of the most popular accommodation in the Hakuba Valley with groups wanting large self-catering accommodation options especially well catered for.

Upper Wadano is less convenient for accessing the rest of the Hakuba Valley than Lower Wadano but is none-the-less a great choice for families and beginners wanting to ski at Happo One ski resort.

Ski Resort

Accommodation in Upper Wadano is centred around the Sakka ski lifts with most accommodation being within 2-3 minutes’ walking distance.

The Sakka ski area is well suited to families and beginners with its kids’ park and gentle green runs on the lower half of the mountain. Those taking ski lessons at the Evergreen ski school can ski over to the Kokusai meeting location from the Sakka area on beginner friendly green runs or can take road transport.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Whilst Upper Wadano does have a couple of good restaurants and the lively Rabbit Hole bar within Villa Hakuba, the majority of restaurants and nightlife can be found in Lower Wadano.

Visitors staying in Upper Wadano should take a local taxi or the Genki Go shuttle bus down to Lower Wadano (10-15 mins walk) or Happo One village (15-20 mins walk).

Onsen

Within the Upper Wadano area, Ohtaru no yu and Hotel De Laile have really nice outdoor onsen baths set amongst snow covered trees. 

Wadano Accommodation by type

If you are not sure of your travel dates or yet to finalise your group size, check out our handpicked shortlists of Wadano accommodation options.