Matsunoki-tei — Hotel in Otari

This is a hidden gem in Tsuigaike Hakuba. Almost by the side of the slope. Value for money Japanese-styled rooms with tatami mats and heater. There's a shared lounge with sofa, TV, massage chair, microwave and a real fireplace which will be lit up in the evening. There's a basement dry room to store your snow gears. There's also a communal bathhouse with a pool for 4 to 5 people. 2 washing machines (one with drying function) with detergent provided are located at the basement. They also run a restaurant for breakfast and dinner but you need to book ahead. I stay in a room with no toilet but there are shared toilets are on the ground floor. Water and coffee are also provided on the ground floor. There are also other room types with ensuite toilets or bathrooms and beds. You can buy discounted ski passes from them too. They can also refer you to a ski rental shop at the bottom of the slope and you can get a 10% discount if you mention that you're staying here. My major complaint will be that they only accept cash and no credit card payment. It'll also be nice if more hangers are provided in the room. It's a short walk up a slope and so it might be tiring to drag big luggage up to this place when you check in. If you arrive early, you can leave your luggage in the lounge and start skiing first before checking into your room in the afternoon. There's a vending machine selling beers but it's expensive and I suggest that you buy your alcohol from the city before...

If this is your first time to Japan this may not be the place for you. However if you want a great cultural immersion into skiing culture in Japan this is a bargain. Chris san is an excellent host, and in broken English can help you out. The rooms are extremely basic, futons on the ground and grainy pillows, with a toilet room in the room. Different to some of the Japanese options with a shared bathroom for multiple rooms. The views are epic and a 20m walk onto the run. Breakfast was very traditional Japanese, grilled fish, miso, rice. Don't expect Western options. It was awesome! Great split onsen. For the price this place is well worth it. We had a hired car this time which made it easy to visit other resorts, rather than the bus which can sometimes...

Had an amazing stay. The host, Bibi and all her family/ staff were so welcoming. Felt like I had an authentic Japanese experience, coming from Canada. The town and people were also lovely. A very short walk to the ski hill, which was very convenient. The toiletry products in the room were very high quality. The dinner and breakfast was absolutely amazing as well. The massage chair in the lounge room was a lovely bonus after the ski hill. The onsen had designated gender times, allowing for a relaxing and comfortable experience. There is also a very large space for drying snow gear downstairs. I can’t wait to come back for...