This is a great pension run by a lovely family. The husband picked us up at the bus station and drove us to the pension and also took us to the slopes in the morning. They gave us a coupon for renting gear and a map explaining the different onsen options around town. Their English is pretty limited, but they are happy to use Google translate. Also, it was not a big deal, but I think it is important for foreign guests to be aware that ski culture in Japan sort of assumes you are eating dinner at your accommodation. We did not know this and did not book dinner at the hotel. Most restaurants in town were fully booked with reservations (although there is a convenience store with good takeaway food), so try to book dinner at the hotel or make a dinner reservation somewhere well in advance. We were very luck and managed to make a reservation at the Mongolian lamb place Kasheru for the second night and that was amazing. But we saw restaurants turning people away repeatedly because everywhere in town was full. Also, the family will not pick you up by car any later that 6:45 pm (perfectly reasonable) and the public ski shuttles don't run on weekdays, so you need to pre-book a taxi if dinner will end later than that (which it probably will since most restaurants open at 6 pm). And there are not a lot of taxis and no Uber. I wish I had realized all of this up front, but that was our own ignorance and our stay was great regardless. Again, this is just the local ski culture and not the hotel's fault. It's just helpful information for future guests.

If you are not bringing a car, just be aware that you should plan ahead a bit for meals and transportation given the short drive to the town center. But it is still very doable without a car.

It is 5 minutes from Zao Onsen Village and it was so cozy in the cold winter! The facilities were perfect for a four night stay and the futons were very comfortable! The owners were so kind and even helped us celebrate our 6 year anniversary with a cake and tea. The breakfast was delicious and I highly recommend staying here if you’re in Zao Onsen!

Nothing. The bathroom gets a little cold at night but that’s it.

Quiet and lovely couple running it. Peaceful natural surroundings, amazing gardens

Small room with toilet and shower downstairs catering for nine upstairs rooms.

Good location to visit Lake Okama and to experience lovely outdoor Onsen in the nearby village. However the top reason to stay here is the wonderfully friendly owners and the beautiful food served for both dinner and breakfast. Simply lovely, helpful people. A fantastic experience not to be missed

Nothing

This is the best place I stayed on my 6 month trip through Asia. The husband and wife were a joy and went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. The food they serve might as well be a Michelin star restaurant.

We could only stay 3 nights.

I stayed in this cozy lodge for a night with my friend. I appreciate very pleasant stay at the accommodation. The hosts are quite helpful and proactively proposed any possible sightseeing locations around the place. We had wonderful dinner and breakfast.

A very cute and cozy place surrounded by the real wood. Exceeded our expectations, definitely the highlight of our trip. Very warm room and comfortable bed. Both dinner and breakfast were made by fresh local ingredients and were so delicious , a must to have. Located right next to the free parking lot and bus stop to ski lifts. What’s more, the host offers FREE pickup services. No matter how high maintenance you are, there is no more can be asked for. For sure will come back!

A pension with shared restroom. Would be nicer if there are restrooms on the 2nd floor. But didn’t bother us at all.

owner is very friendly n polite n good hospitality

none

the owners are very helpful and friendly. they served us really good breakfast. we felt like home. we will definitely go back during summer.

Warm house with great owners Peaceful area Thanks for taking care so well of our bikes during the storm!!