Oono Pension

The location is excellent, just a five-minute walk up the slope to the main ski area. The rooms were serviceable and fine, and I had no real complaints about them. Breakfast had an okay selection, though it was exactly the same each day. That didn’t bother me personally since our stay was short. The main issue is the public bath. It operates more like a swimming pool than a normal onsen or ofuro, with both genders sharing the facility, so people probably have to wear clothes in the bath. There’s also no private place to undress, dry off, or change into dry clothes. Are guests supposed to run back to their rooms soaking wet in the cold? I’d looked forward to the onsens because the booking photos seemed to show them, but I stayed at Xplore this year without an onsen experience. I can’t recommend the place because I don’t want others to make the same mistake I did.

Our group of three found the rooms quite large, and the accommodation was solid and fairly priced. It’s in a great spot, just a short walk from the ski lift. The included bath is basic, just showers and a hot bath. For a more traditional onsen with a sauna and cold plunge, I’d suggest the large hotel, though it costs ¥1500 per person. Breakfast was included and had eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, cereal, fruit, milk, coffee, and juices. We were very pleased with it, and it was good fuel for the day. Staff were attentive and friendly. Rentals were fairly priced, and one staff member even waxed our rental boards for free. The hotel felt a little dirty and could use better maintenance. There were dead bugs on the stairways, and we even found one in our room.

We loved the newly refurbished Deluxe rooms with connecting doors. They were very large by Japan standards, and the shower room was the best I’ve come across, with strong pressure and reliably hot water. The beds, bedding, and towels all looked brand new, and we could watch Netflix on the new TVs. This is a lodge rather than a hotel, and good value. Xplore is one of the few lodges with ensuite rooms. The ski rental shop is well stocked, and the walk to the slopes is easy, though uphill. There’s no lift, so getting bags and skis up could be inconvenient depending on your floor. We were on level 2, just one short flight above street level, which worked well. You can arrange for Xplore to pick you up from or drop you off at Madarao Kogen Hotel, where the express bus from iiyama station takes you. It’s a bit difficult to haul bags and skis to the lodge otherwise. I’d recommend locking skis in the lockers under Madarao Kogen Hotel. It costs only 100yen each time, with no time limit. We had lovely interactions with May and Safety, who made us feel welcome and are passionate about improving the place and helping guests enjoy their stay. Tom at the bar stayed late each night to keep our drinks flowing. We appreciated the good service.

The location is incredible, so close to the slopes, and I’ll definitely be back next year. It’s an international place, with western food and a cosy, homely feel. The staff really make it. Housekeeping refreshed our towels every day when we asked, and the front desk gave us great restaurant recommendations and showed real care. The bar was a little quiet, but some staff were up for a drink and a good chat at the end of the day, which soon sorted that out.