Hotel Taiko

The hot spring pools were the best part for us. After skiing, being able to choose between an indoor or outdoor bath was hard to beat. We stayed in a roomy tatami room, and the staff were friendly and helpful. English-speaking staff were available, so language wasn’t a problem. The hotel is clean and well maintained, though it’s probably over 20 years old and seems to be one of the larger places in town. We came in December to ski, travelling from Nagano station by private transfer, which took about 40 minutes. Public transport is available, but with a young family and several bags we chose the transfer. The ski resort is a few hundred metres away, which is a challenge when carrying gear and children. Some rental shops can valet your equipment, so you don’t have to carry it back and forth. There’s one Japanese restaurant on site, and room service is available. In the evenings, food trucks offer decent options if you don’t want to go out. Otherwise, plenty of places to eat are within walking distance. Kids can use the recreation area with its table tennis and arcade machines. Highly recommended.

Families and solo travelers alike should find plenty to like here. The service was excellent, with employees working hard to look after guests. The hotel combines Japanese traditions with Western-style comfort and amenities, and feels like it has almost everything you’d expect from a luxury stay. It’s well located just off the main street. There were a few minor oddities, but nothing worth getting into, and the hotel was well worth it.

The staff went out of their way when two of us got stuck in Nagano after heavy snow closed some train routes. They helped us figure out how to get to the next nearest station, Kurohime, then arranged to pick us up there. The driver was incredibly kind: with no taxis available, he also collected seven other people from Kurohime Station and dropped everyone at different stops. Huge thanks to Hotel Taiko, and especially Takahashi, Menuka, Nishikawa, Nishimura, and the driver. The hotel is at the far end of town, about 300-400m from the Akakura Onsen Bus terminal. There are plenty of restaurants along the route, but in winter it’s tough to find an early dinner spot without booking ahead. Our room was large, the futon was comfortable in the cold weather, and I enjoyed watching the sunrise and sunset from the balcony.

I didn’t stay at the hotel, so this is just about the Thai massage and onsen. After five days on the snow, the two-hour oil massage and onsen package left me feeling rejuvenated, almost 10 years younger. Great price, friendly service, and excellent facilities. Do yourself a favour and book it. I’ll definitely be back next year.