Wadagoya | The ultimate lodging where you can enjoy the morning powder snow all to yourself | Kagura

Photo/ Daigo Onozuka, Daiceman, steep

Immerse yourself in powder snow and enjoy the highest quality mountain huts for skiing

Wadagoya is located at an altitude of 1,380m, halfway up Kagura Ski Resort, which boasts some of the largest amounts of snow in Japan. It is operated by Prince Hotels along with the ski resort. It is used as a lunch spot during the day and as a mountain hut where you can stay overnight in the evening

Because it is located in the middle of the slopes, the only way to get there in the winter when there is snow is by skiing or snowboarding, making it a mountain hut for skiers. In recent years, the idea of ​​using Wada Hut as a base to ski down powder has been gaining attention

If you stay at Wadagoya..

Kagura Ski Resort opens at 7:30 on weekends and holidays (8:00 on weekdays), but on weekends after snowfall, it is so popular that lines form at the ropeway base station at the entrance to the resort as early as 7:00

To get to Kagura's main slopes, you need to take the ropeways from the two mountain base entrances, Tashiro and Mitsumata, then change onto the lift and gondola, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This means that even if you line up early in the morning and manage to catch the first ropeway, you won't be able to actually start skiing on Kagura's slopes until after 8am

However, if you stay at Wadagoya, you'll be halfway up the slopes by the time they open at 7:30, and just a few minutes later you'll be able to start skiing from the top

Fast track privileges given to only 20 people

This is a first-track privilege given only to the 20 guests staying at the hut. Not only can you enjoy the beautifully groomed main slopes, but in the mornings after snowfall, you can also have the powder on the giant and technical runs all to yourself. Even if you're the first to arrive by ropeway from the foot of the mountain, the slopes will already be covered in tracks, all thanks to the powder junkies staying at Wada Hut

If you stay at Wadagoya, you can use the main lift's No. 1 Expressway, which operates right next to the hotel. During the 30-40 minutes it takes for guests from the base of the mountain to reach the slopes, you can make three or four runs on this No. 1 Expressway. Just the powder on the slopes is enough to leave you exhausted

After hitting the slopes, head to the top of the No. 5 Romance Lift (commonly known as Goroma), which opens at 9:30 AM (9 AM on weekends and holidays). From here, expert runs through the forest and off-piste powder in the side country await

Don't underestimate it as just a mountain hut

In this way, Wadagoya can monopolize the coolest "first thing in the morning" experience, but don't underestimate it as just another mountain hut. Its comfort is also highly rated

The facilities and services are excellent. There's a flush toilet with a heated toilet and a bathroom with a shower. The windows are double-glazed, the heating is efficient, and the building is warm enough that you can wear shorts and a T-shirt even in winter

The accommodation space is divided into tatami-floored areas by curtains. New futon sheets, covers, and pillowcases are provided every day, making it extremely comfortable. The internet connection is also good, and with mobile Wi-Fi you can enjoy Netflix and other streaming services without any hassle

The public spaces, with their roaring fireplaces and large TVs, are incredibly comfortable. They sell draft beer and have vending machines, and they're fairly lenient about bringing in your own alcohol. The meals are highly rated for their flavor, variety, and volume, and you won't be served the same dinner even if you're staying multiple nights

The price has increased slightly from the 2020-21 season, but it is still a good deal at 10,000 yen (tax included/2020 season) for one night and two meals

Solo skiers can also enjoy the experience without feeling out of place

Like other mountain huts, there are many people staying alone as well as in groups, and it's nice that solo skiers and snowboarders can also stay here without feeling out of place. This is what Wada Hut looks like this season. There are curtains separating the rooms, so you can have your own space and relax in peace and comfort

The bedding is fluffy and warm. You're guaranteed a restful sleep in a cozy futon. Get a good night's sleep, recharge your energy, and enjoy the powder snow the next morning

Access to the backcountry is also available from Wadagoya

Many guide club tours for backcountry and powder snow include plans to stay at Wada Hut, and it seems there are quite a few repeat customers

An example of Wadagoya life

Here's a sample plan and lifestyle for a two-day, one-night stay at Wadagoya

<Day 1>　
7:30 (8:00 on weekdays) - 14:30 Check in at Mitsumata Ski Resort office, leave your luggage at Wada Hut and enjoy skiing/snowboarding.
16:00 Check in at Wada Hut.
17:00 Set up your sleeping space - take a bath.
18:00 Dinner.
19:00 Enjoy the mountain hut night.
22:00 Go to bed.

<Day 2>　
7:00 Breakfast
7:30 (8:00 on weekdays) First track begins
9:30 (9:00 on weekends and holidays) Summit No. 5 Romance Lift opens
15:00 Pick up luggage from Wada Hut and descend
16:00 Relax at a nearby hot spring and head home

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the 2020-21 season will see reduced operations to avoid overcrowding, with overnight stays limited to Saturdays, the New Year's holiday, Golden Week, and other specific days. While things will not be as they used to be, the appeal of enjoying Kagura's powder snow after a snowfall remains undiminished

■ Business information for 2020-2021 (as of October 28, 2020)

1 night, 2 days (dinner and breakfast included):　
Adults 10,000 yen / Children 8,000 yen (up to elementary school age)

[Guest benefits]　
・First track: Free (may be canceled due to weather)
・Lift ticket: 3,400 yen x number of days
*2,200 yen for use after 11:30 on the day of arrival, visitors arriving after 2:00 PM can ride the ropeway/gondola in the afternoon for free (conditional on purchasing a lift ticket for the next day)

・Check-in: Arrive at Wadagoya by 4:00 PM
・Check-out: 9:00 AM
*Reservations are required for accommodation
*Bathhouse, coin lockers, and shop available
*Group bookings (15-20 people) are possible on weekdays

*The information posted is current as of October 2020