Ekinoyado Hirafu

We wanted an affordable place where we could cook and spend our time skiing, and that's exactly what we got for our three-week stay. Yoshi is lovely, always ready to help, and knows a lot about the area. He helped us ship our skis from his guest house to hakuba, translating the forms. He already had the shipping slips, so there was hardly anything for us to do, and it cost just 5000 yen. He drives guests to the slopes around 8:30 in the morning, sometimes at different times depending on how many people there are, and is happy to help if you have a request. Pickups are at 5:45 or 8:30 in the evening, depending on what you want. It can feel like a long day, but it does help you make the most of skiing. The guest house is about a 40-minute walk from the slopes if you want to stay later. There are plenty of Onsens in Niseko to pass the time when high winds close the lifts. My girlfriend broke her arm on our last day. Yoshi was incredibly kind, came to get us, and even took us earlier than his shuttles usually run so we could catch our early airport bus. I don't know how he manages it all. The hostel has separate dorms, and private rooms are available to book. It's no-frills but homely, and made us feel like we were in a real Japanese home. The guest house is also a working station, so it's easy to reach and to get anywhere else by train. It's geared more towards skiing, so I wouldn't recommend it if you're more interested in après-ski. But if you want a cheap stay focused on skiing, with great local advice, this is the place. We had an amazing stay, even with the broken arm, and would definitely come back.

Great service and a very convenient spot, right beside Hirafu JR.

The barbecue dinner had delicious Hokkaido meat, seafood and vegetables to grill over the charcoal fire yourself. They also served two grilled rice balls, and cold beer was available for purchase. Meals aren't offered in every season, though. You can rent bear spray, and Mount Yotei is nearby, making the inn a useful starting point. I stayed one Monday night in mid-June, possibly as the only guest, and found it incredibly pleasant. The lodging is in the building of unmanned Hirafu Station, with the platform and tracks right outside. Hokkaido's wide-open natural scenery surrounds it, flowers grow on the platform, and birdsong fills the air. I even saw a fox walking around at night. Sitting on the quiet platform at early summer dusk or in the morning with a beer or coffee was surreal and nostalgic. The occasional train passing by made the moment feel even further removed from everyday life. I usually spend my time at home watching YouTube videos, but even I found the quiet so peaceful that everything else seemed like noise. The owner is a friendly young man, the third generation to run the place, and he does it himself. The facilities reminded me of a mountain lodge, with a mix of age and character and the basics covered. It was comfortable, with a clean bath, flush toilets and a barbecue area. The bath is in a separate building, is modern and clean, and apparently has an outdoor section in summer. Bring your own toothbrush. The lobby also serves as the dining area, with one big table and six chairs. There's free hot water and instant coffee, and local radio plays, but there isn't a TV. Eating or drinking on the futons isn't allowed, so snacks have to stay in the lobby.

Even in ski season, with plenty of foreign skiers staying there, the place felt quiet and the atmosphere was great. I'd been looking for a peaceful solo getaway from busy city life, and this was just right. I'll come back when I'm feeling down. Thank you.