旅館FURUYA

This old-style ryokan isn’t worth the price. I didn’t realize accommodation of this quality still existed. Nothing is soundproofed, everything feels outdated, and there are much better places in the same price range. I wouldn’t bother staying here.

I visited around Christmas. The hotel feels traditional and cozy, and it’s not far from the Happo-one bus stop. There’s a Woody Rentals at the intersection where you can rent ski gear. Breakfast and dinner are included, with filling, traditional home-style dishes rather than anything luxurious. A small onsen is available, and soaking there after skiing was a comfortable way to recover. They can also arrange courier delivery of luggage or ski equipment to the airport.

We had a really pleasant stay, and all the staff were friendly. They even had a room ready for us before check-in, which we appreciated a lot. The drying room, big hall, and lockers for valuables are handy for skiing, and both the bus stop and slopes are nearby. The ticket office for the Nagiyama ski slope is a bit of a walk, but we got back to the inn in about five minutes. I’ve always thought that ticket office should be closer. I was also surprised by how radiant the proprietress’s skin was. It really is a hot spring for beauty. We found a great inn!

A former friend of mine, Namura, used to stay here regularly in Hakuba. We often spent time together because we both loved motorcycles, and he has since moved to Hokkaido. That connection is how I ended up staying here too, when I’d sneak off to practice alone on the Happo-one ridge. If the place was full, I’d alternate between Belle Land at Happo intersection and other lodgings. Carrying skis, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Nakiyama slope. It’s tiring after a long day, but the distance from the slopes isn’t too bad. The building has a rustic, old Showa-era feel, for better or worse. The ski drying room is in the basement, and the steep stairs are a bit scary in ski boots. Some rooms have heating and some don’t. Once I got unlucky and had a very cold room, so I had to bundle up. That was about 10 years ago, so I wonder how much has changed since. The food is average. When it’s busy, a few young part-time workers help out, and everyone is cheerful and pleasant. Back then you could only reserve by calling directly. Now reservations are available through Rakuten or Jalan, so maybe that part has improved. I’m thinking of staying again when my current lodging, Bergland, goes out of business.