Akakura Wakui Hotel

The staff were very helpful, and they can pick you up from and drop you off at the train station. This older family-run hotel has traditional rooms across several floors and a traditional onsen, with the boot and ski room downstairs. It's right by the Akakura Onsen ski lift. If stairs or walking are difficult, ask for a room on level 1 or 2. Rooms on levels 3 and 4 are in a separate building. Recommended, and I'd come back.

The owner is extremely polite and speaks English. Call them and they'll pick you up at the station. Our corner room was very clean and had a tatami floor that gave it the feel of an expensive ryokan, though it was a bit cold even with the heater turned all the way up. The room and onsen were great. The onsen is on B1 and has water rich in sulfate and bicarbonate. It may smell unpleasant and can turn the floor black, which some people might mistake for dirt, but that distinctive smell is natural for onsen in this region. They clean the onsen from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., so it can't be used then. A very nice hotel for a short stay.

The staff were so friendly and helpful, and I had a really comfortable stay. It seems to be family-run. The building isn't new, but it's warm and welcoming. For skiing and snowboarding, the dedicated drying and equipment storage rooms are right beside the hot spring bath, which is a great setup for relaxing after being out in the snow. Both breakfast and dinner were excellent, with high-quality food. If I visit this town again, this will be my first choice.

The Wakui family have been part of this area for a long time, and staying at their hotel is a pleasure when visiting such a lovely place. It's just a short distance from the ticket booth and quad chair.