Kawahiro

This small but cosy ryokan, the traditional Japanese inn, is located only a ten minute walk from town and right next to the gondola, making it an ideal destination for ski enthusiasts visiting the area. This also means you're practically next door to ski rental services, too. The building and many of the facilities are traditionally Japanese, and provide an enjoyable and immersive experience of Japanese culture for guests.

The restaurant serves a traditional Japanese menu from breakfast through to dinner, but be sure to make a dinner reservation. If you forget, no need to worry as some of the area's best restaurants are only a short walk away, giving you plenty of options. There is also and in-house bar, which is small and cosy, great for unwinding with a small group of friends.

The rooms are again traditionally Japanese, featuring tatami flooring and bedding, yet are very spacious by Japanese standards. There is plenty of room for families and groups of friends alike, and each room features a television and a dining space. The ryokan offers shared bathroom facilities on each floor for guests as well as a large, tranquil indoor onsen.

The ryokan is, as you'd expect, incredibly welcoming and the staff are extremely helpful. One of the benefits of visiting a traditional Japanese ryokan is the fantastic hospitality that comes along with it, and Kawahiro is no exception to this rule. The owners and managers will readily interact with you, and many of the staff members speak good English. By default, this also means that the hotel is incredibly well kept and the staff take pride in making your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible.