Niseko Hirafu Tsukushi — Hotel in Kutchan

This is a retrospective review for Feb 2025. I did not stay here but was visiting a friend. Here I am describing my experience & observations.

I lived and worked in the resort and was helping a friend swap out his rental snowboard (he did not have a car). The board was secured with a lock, to which only we knew the combo. Soon as I walked in, an angry Japanese men yelled at me in my face. He refused to communicate calmly and would not read the Google Translate on my phone. I understand his worry for theft, so I opened the lock on the rental board in front of him AND show my friend's hostel reservation. However, the owner first refused to admit my friend was here, then proceeded to enter my friend's room and abruptly opened his bed curtain without any announcement. That was a direct intrusion on personal space, and this whole time the man used no honorifics, showed no respect and no patience. Japanese culture is renowned for its service and politeness, neither of which was observed at this establishment - or perhaps it was discrimination based because I am Gaijin? It is worth noting that the lady working there (who is SO NICE spoke English) did not try to help alleviate the situation and even pretended to not understand me.

Now, honest opinion on this property as a winter resident & summer backpacker. Value: the hostel is clean but a bit outdated, especially for the price. Location: is not ideal as the hostel is situated past the main town and not within walking distance to anything meaningful. Buses: you have to walk cross a frozen bridge filled with snow in the winter to get to the bus stop. Shuttles: they offer rides to/from the Welcome Center if you request in advance. Also, they have shuttle rides to the resort daily that you need to sign up here. Culture: no bueno based on my interaction and my friend's experience at the hostel. People don't hang out, restaurant & bar closes early, not much to do there once you're finished with...

This is an excellent place if you are looking for somewhere cheaper to stay in Niseko. I stayed here 6 days in early January and I was very pleasantly surprised. The owners are very kind and helpful. They have a four times daily shuttle to Hirafu ski area; twice in the morning, and twice in the afternoon. There is a convenience store 2min walking distance, still they offered to drive me to Kutchan (a nearby town) to shop. They offer a 6 bed room and 3 double rooms; all share bathrooms. At the time I was staying here I was the only one in the 6 bed room, so I had plenty of space. I also did some washing in the washing machines, which are free to use. Further, there is a room where you can dry your gear overnight with plenty of space for everyone. There is also a common area with a kitchen where you can cook your food or just chill with a cold beer from the wending machine. Everything is immaculately clean. Would...

This is a great hostel, well looked after with very cute style (lots of pictures of cats). The hosts were amazing and shuttled us to and from the ski resort at certain morning and afternoon times. They even picked us up from our airport bus in Hirafu and dropped us off again when we left. The place was perfect for an affordable stay as there was a kitchen and laundry. We also met lots of cool people. It was good for solo travellers or groups of friends due to the social aspect and variety of room types. There was a mix of hostel shared rooms and double/queen rooms. The queen room was very comfortable for a couple. I would highly recommend this place, a...