I'll first point out the positives of this hostel/BnB which is the only reason I've even rated it more than 1. The lady who looked after us spoke really good English and was really helpful. As mentioned in other reviews it's a little far out of town, about a 5-7 minute drive or 30-40 minutes walk but there was a free shuttle courtesy of the hostel which drops and picks you up at the main ski lifts every morning and afternoon. The driver is always on time and really helpful with gear or groceries. The negatives, well I'm not usually one to complain, but the whole place is so cold at night you literally have to put a jacket and pants on to go to the bathroom. We stayed for 4 nights and every morning I looked at the temperature gauge in the hallway to find it literally hovering between 2-5 degrees Celsius. This wouldn't have bothered me if the heaters in our rooms didn't shut off after 3 hours leaving our rooms around the same temperature by morning time. When I queried this to the owners I was answered via the very helpful staff that the owners have the same problem..... So better just deal with it. In my opinion not a very professional ran business during winter time, if you are left with no other option and have to stay here just don't make our mistake, make sure you pack thermals!!!! Oh and one more thing, don't expect a shower in the morning, the hot water starts at 4pm and there's only 1 shower area which is split hourly between women and men. …
The location is a bit far out, but a car will pick you up if you are in the Hirafu area so that was perfect for us (since we didn't have a car). The food was extremely fresh and all homemade. We had the Kaiseki and it was very filling. Our server told us that she personally caught the fishes in our appetizer and tempura! The drinks are also homemade, I tried the Grape juice and Sap tree tea, both were simple but delicious. The desert was homemade milk and yogurt pudding with blueberry jam (picked and made by them!!) The restaurant it self is worn out, simple but very homey and pleasant. Would definitely go again and recommend if you like home grown, picked and made Traditional Japanese food!
We stumbled upon this ageing but well-kept former school, managed by a couple who moved here twenty-odd years ago to bring up their kids in a more natural environment. The place is clean, rooms are spacious, food is good, hosts are friendly. But it's shared bathrooms, and the walls are very thin. Activities they organise include hiking to a nearby hot spring / mud bath (which we did), and building your own raft and then rafting on it (which we watched other people doing but didn't get around to ourselves) and various gardening activities, all great for kids. In winter apparently you can build your own igloo (and sleep in it!) although I suspect the rooms would be cold enough - I would love to go back in winter, but my wife has vetoed it. Although the boss can get by in English, the place is clearly aimed at Japanese customers, fortunately there were two Taiwanese exchange students there acting as interpreters and guides. …
I'm highly recommend their activity of "IKADAKUDARI". This activity is more exciting than Rafting(using rubber boat) !! We made our "IKADA(wooden raft)" with wood,tire & rope ,and we went down Shiribetsu river by handmade "IKADA". Staffs are very kind & friendly,and have knowledge of "IKADAKUDARI". It was amazing time!!
I've been staying here since the beginning of May and will end my stint in Aug 2014. Definitely not as luxurious as a 5-star hotel but the basics are met. The host are genuinely kind and there are many on-going summer activities. Okasan's cooking is fabulous! The location is somewhere in the middle of Kutchan town and Niseko. It is convienent for me to get to either place by cycling. Their FB page: Hostel&Adventure family
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