Aobaso

The inn was close to the ski resort, and I enjoyed the sulfur springs, but the stay was disappointing this year. I had looked forward to returning to Aobasou after previously staying at another ryokan at Norikura Resort. For five people, the bill came to 62,000 yen: 7,000 for the first evening with no dinner, 10,500 each for three people on day two with breakfast and dinner, plus breakfast on day three and a hot spring tax of 150 per day. Given the food and lodging cost, it felt more like private lodging, and I wondered if it was really worth 60,000 yen. There were a lot of issues with profitability, the water temperature meant one bottle was replaced per room, the room wasn't comfortable enough to relax by the fireplace, and the hot spring changing room was extremely cold. The biggest issue was the lack of communication compatibility and attention to detail. The guest room has double-glazed windows but no curtains, so the stove had to be turned up full blast. Even set to 30 degrees, the room only reached around 25 or 26. There was hot water for making ramen as a late-night snack, useful since there aren't many restaurants nearby, but even a large group got only one pot per room. To get it changed, we had to go to the front desk each time, which was a hassle in the cold. There was a stove on in the hallway, but the wood stove wasn't on the first day. The meals looked good, though the duck hotpot was shared and everyone brought their own small bowl. Breakfast was like a home-style morning set. The hot springs were open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with the baths alternating between men and women. The washing area and changing room at the back bath were extremely cold. Even pouring hot spring water on the floor to warm it up didn't help much. The best way was to splash some water over yourself and get in quickly. The inn I had wanted to stay at was closed for the winter, so I made this trip on a recommendation. Compared to the inn they recommended, the one they recommended was good. Aobasou was close to the ski resort. I gave it one star, then added another because I could enjoy the sulfur springs. Norikura Snow Resort appears to have an electric slope in the kids' area, but after the recent accident involving a child, there were few staff and no safety devices. It's easy to say the accident was bound to happen. The slope at Norikura Snow Resort is currently closed. If you're bringing a child, you need a baby carrier to ride the lift. Since you'll have to walk uphill in the kids' area every time, check whether the slope is operating, prepare a baby carrier, and plan the inn accordingly. I think I should have stayed at the Dyna or White Beer Takasu this time.