Hotel Bearmonte — Hotel in Higashikawa

The hotel is one three options in the national park. It is the closest to the Asahidake ropeway but still 5 min uphill walk. Avid skiiers of the volcano will appreciate this and it is the KEY reason to stay here.

There is a flustered front desk work - a man with glasses - who comes off as aggressively rude, by even Western standards, no less Japanese standards. He gave us a lot of attitude when we asked to see if the hotel could hold our luggage when we arrived early. This is a pretty normal request by all hotel standards but he refused. He also refused to help us when we asked about ski rentals.

We never quite got an answer but for those looking to rent. It appears the hotel does do some renting but it requires advance reservation. We also read that the visitors center across the street does on demand rentals but was unfortunately closed until Jan 7 for the new years holiday. We ended up having to drive 1.5 hr to Furano for rentals.

The onsen is nice but there was no mixed gender option. Also, for both genders, the outdoor onsen is walled in with no view. It's also not very large so can get easily crowded.

The dinner and breakfast buffet are good with both western and Japanese options (including a sashimi boat) but note that the selection doesn't change so you'll be eating the same things all nights you are there. Lunch is not included but there is a small restaurant at the ropeway station. There is no convenience store in the area.

Parking is...

Hotel Review: Higashikawa Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear MonteRating: 4/5I recently spent one night at the Higashikawa Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte in a Superior Twin Room, and the experience was quite delightful. The hotel's proximity to the Asahidake Visitor Centre, which is highly informative (I spent an hour there), and the ropeway to Mount Asahidake makes it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and hikers.The room was spacious, featuring a modern and minimalistic design that provided a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. My family particularly enjoyed the bath, and the attention to detail in the provided pajamas added an extra touch of luxury to our stay.While the buffet spread for both breakfast and dinner wasn't exactly fantastic, it was good enough to satisfy most guests. The variety was adequate, though there is room for improvement in terms of the selection offered.One of the highlights of our stay was waking up to the sounds of nature and the gentle breeze. The hotel's location is perfect for those looking to trek, hike, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park.Overall, Higashikawa Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area, with spacious rooms, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location near key attractions. I would recommend it to anyone planning a visit to...

I’ve seen some rather harsh reviews about this hotel, but I honestly think they’re undeserved—aside from the AC issue, which I agree was a valid concern. (Summer time reviews)

The criticisms about the numerous signs and rules around the property... While I understand it might seem a bit over the top, I think it’s important to approach this with some level of tolerance and humility as guests. The signs likely exist because of past guests who may have been inconsiderate or unaware of cultural norms, which can be common in popular tourist destinations throughout Japan.

The room was newly renovated, clean, VERY spacious - especially for the price! Nice interior, no frills but modern, simple, and felt calming. Their shower/bath room was spacious too. The food wasn't wide in variety, but what was offered was quite tasty. The lobby was bare, but it was clean.

Let’s be honest, if you’re staying here, you’re probably planning to visit the nearby Mt. Asahidake ropeway, which is just a quick 5-10 minute walk away. So, I’d recommend focusing on the incredible location and surrounding natural beauty.

Overall, I highly recommend this place and will definitely return when I plan a longer hike...