the Lobs, Rusutsu — Hotel in Kimobetsu

5 out of 5 stars!!

The Lobs is a newly renovated lodge located a short 10 min drive from Rusutsu in the charming town of Kimobetsu. It’s run by a lovely couple, Hubert & Winnie who are very knowledgeable in the snow fields (hit them up for their local “know how”) and are also very accommodating and welcoming. Our lovely experience is definitely testament to their attention to detail and genuine care to make your trip as smooth as possible. They are responsive, flexible and just all round top hosts.

Daily shuttles to and from the resort is a definite plus and removes the need to hire a car and navigate the streets through heavy snowfall.

We were lucky enough to stay in the largest of the rooms (104), and it was a comfortable stay for a family of 4 with two children aged 6 and 9. There were two double beds and a sofa bed, with enough room for a dining table and kitchenette. Honestly the size of the rooms is hard to beat in Japan. The ensuite was newly fitted out with a brand new shower and a bath (which got lots of use after a long day snowboarding). Shower pressure and temps were divine (even better than in Australia!). Heated floors, a full size fridge and a huge tv with many streaming services, also made our stay super comfortable. The room was impeccably clean and basics, such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hairdryer, slippers and toothbrush kit provided. There’s also a coin operated washer/dryer downstairs which was a god send. We will be sure to pack super light next time!

In terms of location, Kimobetsu is not a tourist town. As a young family looking to relax after long days, this was perfect as it was quiet and sleepy. However, food options are limited with only two izakaya’s within walking distance which quickly book out. Make sure you get a booking in if you plan to eat there. If you don’t mind self service, there’s a 7-11 and a supermarket within a close walk which has everything you need for a simple dinner. I’m sure there are many more options if you decide to hire a car.

We stayed for 8 nights and wish we stayed longer. We are already planning our return in January 2025… if we could come back every year we would!

Thank you Hubert and Winnie for making our stay so memorable. See you in just...

The best way to describe The Lobs is a home away from home. Like many of us, we spend so much time and money on getting our homes just right. So it's stylish, modern and comfortable for ourselves and our families to live in. With a space to entertain, welcome family, friends and guests. At The Lobs they have done that and more. All thanks to some of the most beautiful people and now friends I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Owners Hubert and Winnie (and other members of their team like Mieka) create a space and experience I've have never experienced anywhere else around the world. With the snow you get in Hokkaido and the friendships made in Rusutsu (Hubert and Winnie, Meika and also the moment we arrived Shin our private transfer from the airport) I couldnt dream of a better place to plan my next visit.

First 2 pics taken out the front door of The Lobs and last one on top of Rusutsu resort.

Thank you all for the time...

This place is amazing, this is our second stay as we have done back to back seasons at the Lobs Rusutsu, Hubert and Winnie’s attention to detail when it comes to customer service and all round vibe of if their establishment is 2nd to none, not only did we recommend this place, our second stay we came as a group of 8 (4 couples), we received a welcome back like no other and our friends were treated the same way. So in our second stay we found that the lobs had expanded including ample parking space if you chose to hire a car and if not their shuttle service to and from the ski resort is still an excellent option. They also have an on site masseuse part of their team Mika who I highly recommend and also provide snowboard lessons which is amazing for not just beginners, also if you are looking to hone in on your technique. Anyway can’t highly recommend this place enough, will definitely be making a third trip back in the...