Pension Cosmos

We spent two very pleasant nights at this family-run lodge. The family who runs it were all kind and welcoming, and the food was beautifully served, tasted great, and came in very filling portions. Dinner was brilliant. There’s a shared room with a big TV, magazines, and a sofa where you can sit and chat. The dining room has a festive feel that reminded me of North America, or even Europe. It’s pet friendly, so you can bring your pets when you check in. It’s convenient for hiking by ropeway in summer and fall, and for skiing in winter. You can also get there easily by bus if you don’t drive, as long as you follow the schedule.

The large room beside the dining area had a big kotatsu, books, manga, Othello, Jenga, and other things to keep you there for ages. It seemed like a space both children and adults would enjoy. I loved having freshly baked bread and freshly brewed coffee for breakfast while classical music played. I came for a snowboarding trip in February and was impressed by the bright, cheerful service. The wooden interior was warm, and the place was clean and comfortable. The slopes are a short drive away. They offer rides whenever you like for the trip there, and a return shuttle at a set time. Parking at the slopes is free on weekdays and paid on weekends, but discounted weekend parking tickets are sold at reception. Lift passes are discounted too, and snowboard rentals are for adults only. The insulation must be good, because I slept with the heat off. The hallways were heated as well, which was nice when I needed the bathroom. Dinner was a luxurious course meal, while breakfast was all-you-can-eat freshly baked bread. Both meals are Western style, so whether they suit you may depend on your taste.

The rooms were clean and really comfortable, and the price was reasonable. The best part was the ride to Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort. I came by tour bus, and they also took me back to the bus stop afterward, which I really appreciated. Ski and other equipment rentals are cheap too. If you’re going to Marunuma Kogen, this is the place I’d pick.