Zao Kokusai ski in ski out resort /hotel ZAO ONSEN||Second Stay at Zao Kokusai with a friend 6 nights + 2 days completely wiped out by severe snow storm w/ high winds which shut almost the entire Zao Onsen ski resort facilities & confined us inside – This hotel fulfils all conditions it was warm & tranquil inside whist roaring blizzard outside. A comprehensive suite of facilities & ski in ski out to the Gondola to Jizo Sancho station up to one of the most ski mountain views in Japan & the famous snow monsters.||It was not dissimilar to my previous stay. An inclusive and exceptional Japanese style dinner which consistently delivered interesting & delicious sometimes unusual culinary experience.||Exquisite Onsen facilities custom designed for relaxation and grooming - sublime and quiet with simple beautiful fittings. Its tranquillity plus….||There was a fare dose of adventure and challenge from getting outside in sub zero temperatures to use the very gorgeous outdoor Onsen. Time spent there in that incredible ambience reinvigorates & restores relaxes, truly amazing. ||Zao gets heaps of Snow its heavy and deep and requires a certain level of overall mental and physical fitness. A custom designed ski in ski out destination for all levels of skiers. Ski equipment rental on site is excellent. ||Would be great to have a western hotel consultant help with development of etiquette guide and translated menus. Mostly we got by I had been here in January 2017 with a friend. We often had no idea what the food composure was – though enjoyed mostly! Just disappointing that we could not know a lot of the amazing and perhaps traditional Japanese foods & delicacies. Great views from the restaurant too. It’s Blissful. I felt that the breakfast requires a refresh and perhaps some investment. Various foods were not kept sufficiently hot and fresh as you might expect. It was good not great! ||Restaurant staff were exceptional faultless patient and kind. Thank you ||this hotel may not be ideal for English only speaking “families” unless you are all adventurous foodies & experienced. The 6 night package for 2 was 3500.00AUD which is surprisingly good value when you consider all the inclusions. ||The only miniscule material complaint overall is the small green bath towel in rooms are insufficient! ||Otherwise it’s still a Great Ski hotel to call home for a week and access my favourite ski fields in Japan.