Niseko Annupuri Onsen Yugokorotei — Hotel in Niseko

I'll dream of relaxing in this onsen lodge when I'm back at work! My boyfriend and I stayed here for 4 nights as part of a ski vacation and really enjoyed ourselves. We don't speak any Japanese but the staff were so kind, patient and helpful despite the language barrie; some spoke a few words of English and otherwise we got by with gestures and bilingual signage. We stayed in a traditional tatami mat room, which could use some updating as the wallpaper was peeling a little, but it was large by Japanese standards, clean, comfortable and had a private 1/2 bathroom (toilet only; showers are done in the gender separated onsen shower room). Meals must be booked when your room is booked and we opted for the breakfast, but not dinner. The breakfasts were beautifully presented and included different offerings each day of small dishes, condiments, fish, miso soup, salad, etc. Some items were challenging to my palate, and some were delicious, but all were fascinating and exotic! There is a free shuttle to/from the bus stop or train station in Niseko, and also a free shuttle to/from Annupuri Ski Resort. The staff are well organized and all transportation must be arranged at least a day in advance. And the onsen! Floating in this soothing hot spring surrounded by huge snowbanks as the flakes floated down is serene. Then slipping on the cotton kimono robe, a yukata, supplied by the lodge and relaxing in the massage chair helped sore ski muscles. Yugokorotei is the "real deal" and we highly recommend...

Excellent taste of Japan complimented by a truly authentic experience. Gotta try their pork, which is the base for every dish in the restaurant - I had the tempura fried pork in an eggy delight for about £15, which included a beer and for an extra ¥100 you could use their outdoors onsen. Subtle sulphur undertones that isn't too overwhelming, yet a nice diffusion of hot and cold spots. It's a really beautiful setting. They have several relaxation rooms, with the one pictured having 2 massage chairs and a massage bed free to use. I've never sat in something so crazy. I don't know whether it was the onsen or the massage chair or both, but my back feels way better after my visit. Convenient little smoking room too with a halogen heater and a high tech air cleaning machine. My girlfriend lost her purse her in the toilet and was relieved to find it 2 hours later neatly placed on top - but I guess that's more of a testament to the respectful Japanese culture. They've got a cute little gift shop with all kinds of cool gifts worth...

Stayed here for 3 nights. Quiet surroundings. Good variety of breakfast (paid separately) in the morning. You can choose the breakfast timing, either 7:30am or 8am. Wish it could be at a later timing though. Onsen was fantastic and clean. There were outside visitors who came and used the onsen. There is a small indoor and outdoor onsen. There is a relaxation room with a kids corner, 2 massage chair which visitors can use for free. Smoking room is located near the relaxation room. There are some board games available in the relaxation room too. Do note that they close the onsen twice a week for cleaning. So check with them. Onsen is available for use 24/7. There is a curfew from 12am to 6am. Main entrance will be locked during those times. And there is a bathing onsen tax of 150yen per pax per day. Chargeable on check out day. Staff are friendly and helpful. Some speaks fluent english while some just nods most...