Resort Inn Murata

We spent four nights here and went skiing at Togari and Nozawa. Dinner and breakfast were delicious, with something different each day, and they provided gluten-free bread at breakfast when we asked. The onsen was lovely and hot after time on the slopes.

The host, Miki, was friendly and helpful, and the location worked well: close to the bus station and less than 200 metres from the ski ground ticket office. The town's only convenience store is right next door. Our tatami room was basic, with a small table and cushions, but warm thanks to good heating. There was a sink in the room, a shared toilet nearby, and the fold-out foam mattresses were comfortable. For a budget hotel, it exceeded what we expected. Breakfast and dinner were very good value, with lots of variety, and the shared bathroom was clean with lovely hot water after skiing. The dry room had plenty of space and easy access outside, and free use of the washing machine was a bonus. Road snowploughing made mornings a bit noisy, which is hard to avoid in ski season, so bring earplugs. We stayed several weeks and would recommend it if you're comfortable with budget accommodation.

We came as a group of five, sharing two rooms for 11 nights, and the slope could hardly have been closer. The host, Mickey, is an absolute legend. Their breakfasts and dinners were the best food we've had in Japan so far, authentic and with loads of variety. The rooms were just what we expected, tatami mats and fold-out futons that turned out to be surprisingly comfortable. The heaters worked perfectly, we all slept well, and we had a great time. This was some of the best-value accommodation I've stayed in. I was shocked to read the other reviews, which seem impossibly inaccurate.

For a low-budget trip, this place is well priced for what you get in the common areas and services. I stayed 11 nights and would definitely recommend it. The food was awesome, probably the most authentic we ate during our month in Japan. Snow sports gear has what it needs here, and it's a three-minute walk to the slopes or the bus to nozawa. The owner was really nice, and there's a secret, reasonably priced private bar through the dry room.