Xplore by Active Life

The location is very convenient, just a five-minute walk uphill to the main ski area, and the rooms were fine with no real problems. Breakfast had an okay selection, though it was exactly the same each day. That didn’t bother me much on a short stay. The main issue was the bath. The facility doesn’t have a traditional onsen or ofuro, despite what I thought the booking photos suggested. The public bath felt more like a swimming pool, with men and women sharing the same space, so presumably you have to keep your clothes on. There also wasn’t a private place to undress, dry off, or change into dry clothes. Are guests meant to go back to their rooms soaking wet in the cold? I’d been looking forward to the onsen, so not having one during my stay at xplore this year was a real disappointment. I can’t recommend the place because I don’t want others to make the same mistake.

The included breakfast set us up well for the day. There were eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, cereal, fruit, milk, coffee, and juice, and we were very happy with it. Staff were friendly and attentive. Rental boards were reasonably priced, and one staff member even waxed ours for free. The rooms were quite spacious for three people, and the price felt fair. It’s a great location, a short walk to the ski lift. The included onsen is basic, with showers and a hot bath. For a more traditional setup with a sauna and cold plunge, I’d suggest the large hotel, though it costs ¥1500 per person. The place could use better upkeep and felt a little dirty. We saw dead bugs along the stairs, and there was one in our room too.

May and Safety were lovely to deal with. They made us feel welcome and clearly care about improving the place and helping guests enjoy their stay. Tom at the bar kept working late each night so we could keep having drinks, and we really appreciated the service. We stayed in newly refurbished Deluxe rooms joined by connecting doors. They were very large by Japan standards, with comfortable beds, fresh-looking bedding and towels, and the best shower room I’ve come across, with strong pressure and reliably hot water. The new TVs also let us watch Netflix. Xplore is a lodge rather than a hotel, and good value, especially as it’s one of the few lodges with ensuite rooms. The rental shop is well stocked, and the walk to the slopes is easy, though a bit uphill. There’s no elevator, so the floor you’re on can make a difference. We were on level 2, just one short flight up from the street, which was fine. It’s a little tricky to bring bags and skis over from the bus drop-off at Madarao Kogen Hotel, where the express bus from iiyama station arrives. You can arrange pickup and drop-off with Xplore. I’d also lock skis in the lockers beneath Madarao Kogen Hotel. It’s 100yen each time you lock them, not charged by time.

We’ll definitely be back next year. The location is incredible, right by the slopes, and the place has an international feel with western food and a cozy, homely atmosphere. The staff are what really make it, from housekeeping refreshing our towels each day when we asked, to the front desk giving us great restaurant tips and showing genuine care. The bar was a little quiet at first, but a few staff members were up for a drink and a good chat at the end of the day, which fixed that quickly.