The proprietors were extremely helpful. They can arrange transportation of luggage, have discount coupons for the ski resorts, and could answer all our questions. Most of the staff are Aussies or Kiwis, and there were some young Vietnamese in training as well. All were friendly. Breakfast included Japanese traditional items such as rice, salmon or mackerel, miso soup, Japanese omelet, and small side dishes. Fried eggs were made to order and there were pancakes, cereal, yogurt, dried persimmons, and various breads and pastries. The smoothies were very good. The coffee was very average. The hotel is right off the main drag where most of the shops and restaurants are located. It's a couple hundred meters uphill to the closest ski lift and ticket office for Akakura Onsen, and closer to the shuttle bus stop that runs between Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko.

The hotel is very dated, though comfortable and homey. It was the only hotel we stayed at in Japan that did not have heated toilet seats. The ski storage room was a dimly lit shed with ancient ski racks that couldn't hold modern skis.

The location of the property is excellent. Close to the Main Street for restaurants. Close to the chair lift and close to the shuttle bus stop to access other mountain areas. The staff that work here are exceptional. Very friendly, helpful and polite. The food was great. The Onsen was excellent! What really makes this property so good is the Manager Meiko. She goes above and beyond to help book restaurants, massages, shuttles, train tickets etc.

There isn’t really anything that we didn’t like about the property. The only suggestion would be to have the bar open a bit longer for food.

Kougakuro is perfect for a skiing holiday. It is exceptionally staffed and cleaned. The buffet breakfast was delicious with plenty of western and Japanese options. They also serve a delicious in house dinner (extra cost), but there are lots of restaurants nearby. Mieko is available to help with information about everything to do with hotel and logistics of lifts etc. She is very helpful. It has quite spacious rooms by Japanese standards, and two awesome onsens for both women and men. It honestly has everything you need. There is a lovely living space for relaxing in front of fireplace afterwards (but you can also relax in room). They organise a private free shuttle service to and from Myoko train station, which is useful. There is a shuttle bus nearby to akakura kanko resort. The hotel was around a 5minute walk to Akakura Onsen quad, and there are two very good ski hire venues within a 2 minute walk. The ski hire option being close was very useful and I would highly recommend Aoyama sports.

The pillows are a little firm, but this was pretty typical of Japan.

Excellent value for money. Mieko was a wonderful host (and owner) she was always available to help with any questions. The rooms were spacious and beds/bedding very comfortable. Mieko even had a treat of beers and chocolate in the fridge for us on arrival. The buffet breakfast was included and sensational. Onsen was beautiful with an inside and outside bathing area. The shared lounge area cosy with an open fire and comfy couches plus a bar and great restaurant. 10min walk to the slopes and 5min walk to the main street with all the restaurants. They also provide a shuttle to/from the bus/train stop. We will be back for sure.

Mieko, her husband and the team where very welcoming and provided the highest service Mieko also spoke very good English and helped us with anything we needed help with. The hotel is also really well laid out with chill out lounge and good food options and drinks in the hotel lounge or restaurant area Also inside and outside onsen where just the best after snowboarding all day and on rest days The breakfast was excellent and had many Western & Japanese options. Again with excellent staff serving. The hotel is ideally located in town and very close to Akukara Onsen ski field. Also close to shuttle buses for the other fields also Shuttle bus can also be arranged with the hotel from Myoko Kogen station if let them know in advance The also offer discounted ski field passes and shuttle bus tickets Simply put, a wonderful stay in a fantastic hotel in the beautiful area of Myoko.

Nothing

The service is great! Mieko-san was super responsive and super understanding about various changes I made to my booking. She also helped to make reservations for dinner and kept me updated on any requests I had. The service staff were always so friendly and polite. Breakfast was delicious! Location is amazing, so close to all the food and shops you need, including gear rental and just a little walk to the ski lift. Onsen was also great!

The toilets are a bit outdated but still functional!

Mieko and team are exceptionally friendly and so helpful in making your stay enjoyable. Service provided goes way above expectations from booking dinners to collecting our luggage from the local black cat depot to minimise any delays in getting on the snow. The service really is outstanding. Location is great with a short walk to lifts, restaurants and bus terminal for travelling to other snow resorts, the buffet breakfast is amazing…and those pancakes! Would definitely stay here again when next visiting Myoko.

The facilities are on the dated side, but that is a side note that is easy overshadowed by the exceptional service the team provides.

It was a charming comfortable hotel right at the top of the town very easy walking to restaurants hire places bus etc also walk out back of property to the Akakura Onsen ski area. The breakfast was amazing!! Full buffet of Japanese and western food and drinks. Loved the onsen! The owner was THE most helpful person I have ever met on my travels! Nothing was too hard she totally went out of her way to be helpful in fact all the stuff were happy and helpful. Totally loved this place and would recommend to anyone. We will definitely be back thank you for a wonderful time.

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Lovely team All staff friendly but Mieko was amazing and helped us from long before our arrival until when we left, it felt like everyday I was asking for something and she smile and was happy to help The owner went out of his way to help us as we got stuck in snow at station so he collected us (so kind) Onsen was lovey too Easy walk to lots of restaurants, bars and the ski slopes

Nothing - all good

It’s in a quaint village with a nostalgic feel. We love and enjoy the stay in Myoko. Everyone was so helpful. We could ski at Lotte Arai or akakura. We drove from Tokyo to myoko. A 4WD is recommended to drive there in snowy weather. Skis rental is just next to the hotel. A nice Xmas eve party in the village is a very nice touch, free sausage, free sake and beer and fireworks! Lovely! Special thank to Mieko and staffs. They are all so helpful and also aoyoma sports for their help. We would love to go back again for sure.

a more updated room.