Pension Tomato

The bathroom setup was a highlight: it was well heated, and I loved having the choice of two private onsens. The bathtub with onsen water was so nice, and this was the best bathroom setup I’ve come across in Japan. We stayed in the upstairs apartment, which sleeps up to four in single beds. I think you could ask for an extra futon to fit two more, but please check with the hosts. They’re a lovely, accommodating couple and gave us a helpful tour at check-in. There was good storage for boots and boards, plus an extra washer and dryer in the gear room and another washer in the apartment. We also booked dinner, a stunning five-course meal that left us stuffed and was a great end to the trip. We arranged a drop-off at Happo Bus Station for 7:15 am the night before. We travelled in and out by bus from Nagano. The location in Echoland is great, just down the road from Spicy, the rental shop where you catch Hakuba Valley buses to the ski resorts. There are small restaurants and bars nearby, and the nightlife includes a karaoke bar, club 902, and the secret speak easy of the cigarette vending machine bar. Loved our stay and would book again.