Happo One Accommodation Guide

Why Happo One Accommodation?

If you are looking for a base with instant access to the biggest ski resort in Hakuba, Happo One is for you.

Happo One is Hakuba’s most popular resort, and for good reason. It boasts the highest peaks (1,831 metres), longest vertical (1071 meters), most ski lifts (23), and has terrain suited to some of the world’s greatest snow sports events. At the Nagano Olympics it hosted the alpine skiing downhill, super giant slalom, and combined slalom events. The annual Happo One Riesen Slalom competition, and its ski jumping stadium keep its presence on the world ski competition stage very much alive. Happo One accommodation and amenities are plentiful, so if you fancy basing yourself at one ski resort in Hakuba, Happo One may be the perfect choice.

There are 2 main Happo One accommodation areas, these are Happo Village and Hakuba Wadano.

Happo One Accommodation Bases

Hakuba Wadano

Perched toward the North side of Happo One is Hakuba’s Wadano Forest, an enchanting wooded neighbourhood filled with tall trees and picturesque views. Venues are embedded amongst the forest allowing travellers to relax in a secluded and peaceful environment. This established Happo One accommodation base is home to renowned hotels, exclusive high end chalets, luxury ski in ski out properties, traditional lodges and much more.

Beginner terrain at Hakuba Happo One can be easily accessed from the Sakka chair lift, and for the more adventurous skier the higher lifts taking you to steeper terrain can be connected to from here. Most accommodations in Happo One’s Wadano area are within easy walking distance of the Sakka chair lift. And if you fancy venturing further afield, public shuttle stops are scattered along the main street, allowing snow sports lovers to catch the complimentary ski bus and explore the other ski resorts the valley has to offer such as Tsugaike or Iwatake. Evergreen International Ski School base can be accessed easily from Happo One accommodation.  You can either walk (many Wadano properties are less than 10 minutes away on foot), take the shuttle, or you can walk to the Sakka lifts and catch the Sakka 2 beginner lift then ski over to the Evergreen meeting place.

On a day off the slopes, browse through the Rhythm Snow store, try a natural hot spring (onsen) at Hakuba Toyku Hotel or Mominoki, or wander down the main street and take in the natural beauty (be sure to gaze up into the trees as you may spot a snow monkey!)  Wadano is home not only to Happo One accommodation, but to a variety of dining and social venues. Kickstart your night with a cocktail at The Ridge Après and Lounge bar, or at the beautiful Mimi’s; an elegant fine dining style restaurant and cocktail bar tucked inside the Phoenix Hotel. Continue on for a casual dinner at the Pub, or treat yourself to a fabulous dining experience at Hybrid (in the Koharu complex) where the team takes such great care of you, you’ll want to return. Then finish off your night with some live music at the Rabbit Hole, or Penke bar. 

Happo Village

At the base of Happo One ski resort, situated between Wadano and Echoland is Happo Village – a bustling region where you can watch skiers as they carve down the slopes of Happo One. Many hotel style lodgings are available in this area with close access to the Happo bus terminal making transfers to your hotel quick and easy. Happo Village accommodations are walking distance to one of three ski lifts that access Happo One including; the Nakiyama chair, Happo Gondola, or Kokusai chair – which is where Evergreen ski school is based. Shuttle stops are dotted around Happo Village with the main terminal being Happo Bus station where you can be transported to ski the rest of the valley. 

Happo Village is a great place to spend a rest day from skiing as there are plenty of options to keep you busy, all within walking distance from your Happo One accommodation. Stroll through the winding streets and discover hidden shrines, historic statues and ancient trees. There’s also a foot onsen (ashi-yu) next to Happo Onsen from which you can enjoy stunning views of Happo One ski resort while sipping a takeaway coffee from Lion cafe.  Central Snowsports’ flagship retail and gear rental store is located conveniently just 100m down fromt he Happo One gondola. Take a 15 minute walk out of Happo Village to indulge in some retail therapy at high end retailers, Patagonia, Northface and Snowpeak, or shop around for gifts at the convenience stores scattered throughout Happo.  Take some time to relax by soaking in Happo Onsen, or help your legs recover from the powder days with a remedial massage at Altitude Physiotherapy or Hakuba Physiotherapy  – both are located in the heart of Happo Village and provide the kind of personal service that will make you feel at home during your stay in Happo One.

Happo Village has a variety of food and beverage options to choose from. Hit the Après bar during the afternoon at the bottom of Nakiyama slope to enjoy a drink while watching the skiers and snowboarders cruise down the mountain to the beats by the live DJ. Grab a snack at the food truck district where you can sample Japanese specialties before you decide on dinner. Traditional Japanese hot pot restaurants, party platters of gyoza or Izakaya’s are on offer as are a variety of western options. Grab a pizza at Blizzard or a burger from Unjane that is sure to leave you satisfied. Happo Village has plenty of options to take you into the night, from Refuel to Hakubar to the Clubhouse and so many more, before you are ready to return, happily fulfilled, to your Happo One accommodation.  When talking about food we also can’t forget Lawson. Located across the road from Happo Bus terminal, you’ll find your new favourite Japanese snacks, treats and drinks or grab a pre-packaged meal to take home for a quiet night in your hotel room.