My best friend and I just finished up our trip to Hakuba and we are absolutely thrilled with our stay at Wadano Forest. The rooms are simple but very comfortable (ie if you're looking for extravagant luxury this is probably not your fit), great water pressure in the showers, and breakfast was always delicious and home made. They will pick you up at the bus station and take you into town for errands whenever possible and drop you at any of the free ski shuttle stops in the morning (and afternoon pickup) so you can try all of Hakuba Valley's slopes. The nearest lift is barely 3 minutes down the road and easily walkable if you prefer as well. They even took us farther into town to get to lifts because the closest ones were closed. The onsen is a perfect way to relax after a day on the slopes, but be warned it is traditional, so you will have to disrobe and wash off before getting in! What really makes Wadano Forest stand out is the staff. They were prompt and friendly during pre-arrival communication and even more wonderful in person. Sai and Leah cooked a delicious breakfast every morning and Raymond was always ready with the bus to transport you as needed. We were "lucky" enough to plan our trip during the worst winter in decades (so little snow) and Leah and Sai organized a day trip to Matsumoto Castle for a very affordable amount and we had a blast with the other guests for the day. They did a snow monkey tour as well, but it was before we arrived. They really made you feel like family. Luckily, we got to experience some true powder on our last day and between that and the amazing time we had at Wadano Forest, we will definitely be back!…
Second time we have stayed here. First time in the new apartments which are beautiful. The staff are so helpful: negotiating everything from the shuttle bus timetable to other ski fields, taking us on trips to the ATM or supermarket, booking dinner.... nothing was too much trouble. And the hotel onsen at the end of the day was just the best for tired skiing legs. We aim to return next year.
This the second season we have stayed at Wadano Forest Hotel and it was again a really wonderful experience. Joanne and her team were extremely helpful. The rooms are great and the onsen so relaxing. We dined in one evening and the nabe prepared by Sai was the best we have had in many trips to Japan. Nothing was too much trouble for Raymond and his bus.
My partner and I stayed for a week in Hakuba, the room was very comfortable with a view out into the snowy forest. Breakfast selection was great every morning. The relaxing onsen was great every day after a day of skiing. Although the hotel is a little walk away from the town center, is is close to everything you need and the hotel runs shuttles in the morning and afternoon to the closest lifts so you don't have to walk the hill in ski boots. Joanie was lovely and often booked dinners for us over the phone and even offered to drive us to restaurants and into town to grab supplies when she was off to run errands.
As the other reviews have said, the team at Wadano Forest Hotel really make this place! Joanie, Jamie, Mayumi, Raymond, Sai and the others are very accommodating. The rooms are warm and cosy and have everything you need, the view of the forest is stunning. Sai's cooking is delicious and the breakfast is worth it with a simple variety and always something warm to fill you up. Sai made us the most wonderful 'sushi role your own' dinner which my children just devoured and we stuffed ourselves. The hotel is located near the end of the shuttle bus route which is a bonus when catching the bus to Iimori as you are the first to get on! Wadano Forest is in easy walking distance of the Thai Food van (amazing!), The Rabbit Hole and Penke Bar. We will be back!
My Son and I stayed recently at the Wadano Forest Hotel which was a very enjoyable experience. We were warmly welcomed and looked after during our Stay. Great facilities and location. The team of Joanie,Jamie,Raymond and Sai, were always on hand to help anyway they can with local advise, booking restaurant or private drop offs and pick ups from Sakka and Gondola each morning and evening. Highly recomend to anyone and they have fantastic accomodation, meals and Onsen. See you again I am sure.Jason
The team at Wadano Forest Hotel are the most accommodating and lovely bunch I’ve stayed with in a long time. Joanie, Raymond, Sai, Leah, Jamie and the rest of the lovely staff made sure that my group of friends enjoyed our stay. The rooms were, without exception, lovely and well-equipped, and we enjoyed the onsen every night after a long day of skiing. Transportation to the slopes was made super easy via private drop-off to Happo-one, or shuttle buses from a bus stop just 2 minutes away. Our highlight was definitely the hotel’s restaurant, whose resident chef, Sai, cooked the most delicious home-y breakfasts and dinners for her guests. If you’re lucky you might even be able to request a dinner meal! There’s also a cosy small bar tucked away next door to hang out after dinner. Wadano Forest Hotel is simple, but just perfect. My friends and I had the most unforgettable time! Rachel…
Visited Wadano forest hotel with a family of 4 and it was amazing! Very good service and wonderful and lovely staff!!! 🥰. We were very sad to leave!!! Breakfast was lovely, the cooks are very nice! The hotel is not far from the slopes and there is very easy access to busses into the main village! Definitely recommend!!
The location of this hotel is great, with a short walk down the hill to Sakka quad lift. Lots of restaurants and food trucks close by including pizza delivery straight to your room on those nights you need to rest. We booked the family room which accommodated 2 adults and 2 children comfortably. The room contained 1 king size bed and 2 singles and were amazingly comfortable compared to standard Japanese bedding which is futon style. Rooms were warm and reasonably spacious - noting that we rarely spent anytime in them! Breakfast was included daily and although I personally skipped breakky, my husband and 2 children returned to the room each morning satisfied. Complimentary access to 2 washing machines and 2 dryers was an absolute bonus, although I recommend you do your laundry before 3.30pm as the machines are in demand. To save on energy we dried our clothes overnight on the coat hangers provided in the room. No problem in having dry warm clothing by the morning. The team at the hotel - Joanie, Raymond, Jamie & Mayumi did everything above and beyond to assist with restaurant and tour bookings. Transport to ski lifts on Happo One and local restaurants was managed through a front desk booking system and this was well organised and reliable. They even assisted us with a visit to the supermarket which was extremely accommodating. The hotel had a male and female Onsen for hotel guests and this was a particular highlight after a big day on the mountain. We can't fault this hotel. We will be back and already counting the days until our return. A big thanks to the staff who helped to make our holiday in the snow extremely memorable. …
We had a great 10 day ski holiday at Wadano. The apartment was very clean, modern and well appointed. The small kitchen was sufficient to cook for 6 people. Joanne and Raymond were extremely helpful, driving us to the ski lift or bus station daily so we could experience all of the Hakuba Valley resorts.
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