Madarao Kogen Hotel

The outside has a charming traditional ski resort look, and the location right beside the ski lifts is great. The views across both sides of the mountain ranges are incredible. There's a lot of potential here, but inside the hotel feels dated. Some rooms have been updated, but we got two of the older twin rooms. They were a bit worn, and the bathrooms were small. I hope the hotel invests in the off-season. It could be a magical place.

The hotel is older and could use a renovation. The rental shop wasn't one I'd recommend, since its skis and snowboards are very old. The staff were helpful, though they seemed tired from dealing with all the foreigners and weren't very friendly. We stayed five nights and kept seeing the same food. Breakfast and dinner buffets alternate between just two menus, so there wasn't much variety. The food itself was delicious, so it was okay.

Parking was spacious and easy to access, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The property was well maintained, with cozy rooms and a warm, rustic style that suited its mountain surroundings. The views were stunning, across the mountains and valleys below. In the early morning, clouds filled the valleys, and by afternoon the autumn leaves turned the slopes red and gold. Waking up to sunrise over misty hills, breathing crisp air, and seeing golden light on the nearby forest was unforgettable. It was a peaceful place to unwind and enjoy nature in Japan's highlands. I'd recommend it for a quiet weekend, autumn leaf viewing, or a winter ski trip.

I went to the onsen six years ago and liked it. The policy has changed since then, and if you're not staying there, the hours when you can use it are very limited. See my attached picture for the hours.