Pension EastMountain Hakuba

We were six people and had a comfortable, neat, clean stay at Pension Eastmountain in Ecoland. The mattresses were OK, though a bit springy, and the heating worked well. Our host was excellent. It was one of the cheapest options we found for a group of six, though Hakuba is expensive wherever you stay. Bars, restaurants, and takeaways are nearby. The resort bus is about a five-minute walk away, while the buses on the main road are a little farther. Ecoland felt a bit out of the way, so next time I might look for somewhere more central, perhaps near Happo-One, where we might avoid having to squeeze onto a tiny bus on a schedule. Still, I enjoyed the charm of being packed in like sardines at day's end, buzzing from all the fun.

Santo helped us dig and push our car out of the snow. Without him, we surely would have missed our train. Stick to his reasonable rules and he'll go to the ends of the earth to help you. Thanks so much, Santo!

Mr Santo made us feel right at home during an amazing stay at this pension. They also serve a very good breakfast.

The location is hard to beat, just steps from the middle of Echoland's main strip, with lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars. JahJah’s is the only convenience store, and by Japanese standards its 8:00am-9:00pm hours are late to open and early to close. Buses leave from the main street for the different Hakuba ski resorts, making it easy to chase the Japow. Inside, it has a rustic ski lodge feel. The owners make you feel like you're visiting a distant uncle and aunty who'll fix breakfast if you ask nicely. Our room was cozy and warm, the beds comfortable, and the bathing area and toilets stayed clean. There's also a coin-operated washer and dryer, plus a dry room and storage for ski and snowboard gear.