Pension Woody Note — Hotel in Kutchan

Stayed here for 5 days over new year and it more than exceeded expectations. This was our second trip to Hirafu so we already knew the location was perfect for us - situated on one of the quiet streets in the lower village, on the lift shuttle bus route (stops right outside) and a 2-5 min walk to lovely izakayas in the evenings. The standout point was the owner Toshi. He couldn't do enough to help us despite the language barrier, continuously driving us and the other guests around town (to the lift and elsewhere) at a moment's notice. He arranged a lift pass on arrival and old but perfectly adequate ski hire was available just next door from his brother's hotel. Breakfasts were also great. Mrs Toshi is an excellent host. Yes they were a little repetitive but tasty and there was always a good spread. Our room was small but very cosy with the in room heater. The shared bathrooms were kept very clean and we didn't have to ever wait to use them despite the lodge being full. Not luxurious but just what ski holidays should be about - comfy, cosy surrounds in a big log cabin with hospitality and hearty breakfasts on tap. Highly...

Stayed here for 5 days over new year and it more than exceeded expectations. This was our second trip to Hirafu so we already knew the location was perfect for us - situated on one of the quiet streets in the lower village, on the lift shuttle bus route (stops right outside) and a 2-5 min walk to lovely izakayas in the evenings. The standout point was the owner Toshi. He couldn't do enough to help us despite the language barrier, continuously driving us and the other guests around town (to the lift and elsewhere) at a moment's notice. He arranged a lift pass on arrival and old but perfectly adequate ski hire was available just next door from his brother's hotel. Breakfasts were also great. Mrs Toshi is an excellent host. Yes they were a little repetitive but tasty and there was always a good spread. Our room was small but very cosy with the in room heater. The shared bathrooms were kept very clean and we didn't have to ever wait to use them despite the lodge being full. Not luxurious but just what ski holidays should be about - comfy, cosy surrounds in a big log cabin with hospitality and hearty breakfasts on tap. Highly...

This is superb accommodation run by people who really understand hospitality. It's part of a quirky little combination of lodges that play on the "note" theme including a bar (Half Note) that delivers professional quality live jazz on the weekends. Indeed music is a very important part of the experience - it's not often you discover what looks like a fully equipped recording studio in the basement of your accommodation. ||||Other than that I've nothing else to add beyond what other reviews say. It's just a great place run by great people who really care. ||||Note that in our lodge there were facilities for hot drinks but not meal making facilitates (e.g. a microwave). A (delicious) evening meal is offered once or twice a week and you have to book in advance, otherwise you are on your own.||||As is the case with many places in Japan, room heating is via oil/paraffin heater that may trouble some who are allergic to the smell. The heater in our room was vented to the outside which reduced the...