Ikoino Yuyado Iroha — Hotel in Niseko

On Dec 11, 2018, my younger son and I took the Hokkaido Resort Liner (costing 4000 Yen each) from New Chitose Airport all the way to its Annupuri stop and walked in the powder snow for seven minutes to arrive here at 20:00 - the normal closing time of its restaurant. Quickly checked in Room 313 and knew that we could still have the half board dinner, I was particularly pleased. And after that, we began to enjoy the out-door onsen amid the snow.

On December 12, 2018, after the buffet breakfast from 07:00 -09:30, we learned from the warm receptionist that winter sports were just minutes of walking distance away. After challenging ourselves to pick up basic snowboarding skills from Manabu, our instructor at the School, we returned to the hotel for another Japanese full dinner so much so that I got stomach symptoms. I slept early after another open-air onsen bath surrounded by snow as my enjoyed his draft beer into the night.

On December 13, 2018, I went to have breakfast alone at 08:45 and had some deep-fried oysters. A waiter was concerned as he did not see my son and reminded me that breakfast would end by 09:30; and I hurriedly finished mine hoping to wake my son up for his breakfast but he was determined to forgo it rather than leaving the comfortable bed - he probably had a hung over. He was however in very good shape in the afternoon and could snowboard skillfully just after altogether four hours of schooling!

On December 14, 2018, I first saw the sunrise at 06:59 before we had an early and quick breakfast before checking out at 08:10. Through prior arrangement, a hotel shuttle especially for us took us to the Niseko Station so that we could take the 08:45 local bus from there, passing Kutchan-Cho all the way to Otaru (the two-hour trip costing 1470 Yen each). The receptionists worked out our departure trip earlier, making our stay here even more memorable and great...

We stayed at this charming Japanese ryokan for 7 nights in a deluxe Japanese twin with tatami for 2 kids (slept 4 in total). Having travelled extensively in Japan particularly ski resorts, the friendly and kind hospitality really sets this ryokan apart. The reception staff especially Mr Suwada always have a lovely smile and greeting, and nothing is too much trouble. It is small enough for personal service but large enough to have facilities like relaxation room with massage chairs, small cafe and large indoor & outdoor onsen. The highlight is the beautiful natural outdoor onsen, especially when the snow falls it is really enchanting.

Our allergies were catered for carefully at the delicious and plentiful kaiseki dinner each night. All dishes were stunningly presented and so much food most nights we couldn’t finish it all. The only downside is that the breakfast and dinner does repeat every 3 nights, we wish there was a little bit more variety so we could eat in more nights and not repeat the same meals. Special thanks to Kaori and the general manager at the restaurant for their kindness.

Twin beds were comfy for us as we enjoy firm mattresses but the pillows were a little small. Location wise, it is very quiet and makes for a wonderful peaceful nights sleep. It is possible to ski in (not ski out) but the path is not easy to find for beginners. It is a short walk to Northern Annupuri hotel to ski down to the lifts or 3 mins bus every hour to the lifts or...

Our family of 4 stayed here for a week to ski. We found the hotel to be outstanding in every way. The room given to us was huge with a living area and separate bedroom and toilet. We added extra bedding in the living area to accommodate our kids. The rooms definitely have a Japanese feel to them. ||We came here to ski and the hotel is just 3/4 minutes walk to the Niseko Annupuri ski area, which made it very convenient.||Their onsen, which is outdoors, is another highlight of the hotel. It is set in the middle of a wooded area and gives you the feeling of being in the forest. It’s great to be snowed on in the onsen.||The breakfast was the best among the three hotels we stayed at. There is a good choice of Western and Japanese dishes although the variety is not overwhelmingly large.||We also purchased their set dinners as we did not have transport to go out to eat. The meal they provided was like a sumptuous banquet with many unique Japanese dishes and was thoroughly enjoyable and filling.||The only negative about the hotel is that there is not a lot of restaurants and shops around the area so without your own car you can basically trapped...