Pension Locomotion — Hotel in Kutchan

We chose Pension Locomotion for our family to stay in Dec 2017/Jan 2018 because it had been recommended as friendly, warm and close to the slopes but within our budget. Much better than a hostel and great for the family. The equivalent of a Bed and Breakfast, Pension Locomotion is a privately-run house designed for skiers and snowboarders. The pension is located a 10 minute walk from the Hirafu Gondola, 10 minutes from the main street of Niseko and 3 minutes from Lawson the nearest convenience store (which is great for quick food and supplies). There is a free shuttle service stop at the end of the street for those who don't want to walk, connecting to the nearby resort at Hanazono, or in to the central street in Hirafu and direct to the Welcome Centre and Hirafu Gondola. The bus stops at Hanazono, Welcome Centre and Hirafu Gondola.||||The pension has a dedicated snowboard and ski storage room downstairs, with the ability to wax your board/skis if you want to. There is also a vending drink machine by the entrance at the front. As you come in the front door there is a space to leave your outside boots and slip into some slippers that are provided.||||The couple that run the pension are very happy to assist with anything you need - they are also agents for Black Cat the baggage forwarding company, which was very handy. Their English is quite limited but with patience and a translator app on your phone, you can figure out what you need to know.||||Our room had 2 single beds downstairs with bathroom and a loft with 2 futons upstairs. Very warm, clean and comfortable. There was also a flat screen TV ||||The common area has a fridge/freezer, microwave, small grill/toaster oven, instant hot water dispenser, washing machine (100Y for 30 mins) and Dryer (100Y for 30 mins but takes about 2 hours to dry a load of clothing).||||We had a fantastic cooked breakfast every day as well as cereals and fresh baking. with juice/coffee/tea. Awesome view of the fresh snow out of the windows and squirrels were sighted if you were quick enough.||||The theme is designed around trains and there are a few in the dinning area.||Pension Locomotion is a great place to stay especially for a family. The price and hospitality...

Visited Niseko for the first time in January 2017. For our accommodation we considered cost and location and a Japanese influence. Trip was with my 16 year old son. Pension Locomotion was exactly what I was after. Small family run pension with that personal touch. Place was clean and location was fine. 5-10 min walk to main village hub. Walking to Gondola was achievable however you needed to be fit,young and keen. Lengthy uphill walk. Shuttle transfer pickup was a 30 second slide to the road corner nearby. Rooms were small however this was expected. Room has shower and toilet. Drying room downstairs needed some improvement. Breakfast was fine and prepared with love. Hosts were caring and there for any assistance/request. Pickup/dropoff from bus stop was organised with a phone call. Lounge area could have been bigger but still ok. Place was quiet and relaxed and Wifi kept my son happy. If I returned to Nesiko would consider a...

This bed and breakfast has exceeded our expectations! It is most charming and the owner has been so flexible. I booked on Expedia but couldn’t edit the reservation so the owner worked directly with me to resolve the situation. They speak a decent amount of English so communication has been great! The storage room and wet room have been excellent additions for all of our ski equipment and going in and out of the space. Our western maisonette fit four adults quite nicely with one of the beds in an upper “nook”. This was the only affordable location during Christmas since we booked late and I am SO glad that we did. I will be staying here again next month. The walk to the bars/restaurants in the snow is about 6-10 minutes and quite beautiful/nice/easy. Breakfast is a different menu...