ZENYA - Vacation STAY 89352v

We had a very comfortable stay at Zenya and would return. The rooms and building seem recently renovated, and our room was warm and very clean. It smelled bad when we first arrived, but the odor eventually went away after we opened the window and aired it out. On the first floor there’s a washing machine, microwave, toaster, plates and utensils, and private showers with hot water, good pressure, soap, and shampoo. The stairs are a bit steep, so take them slowly. The owners went above and beyond helping my boyfriend and me sort out taxi and rental car options. They called local rental car shops and even offered to drive us there. If you don’t have your own car, I’d arrange a rental in advance. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance, but the onsens, ski mountains, and other attractions are hard to get to by train or on foot.

The room was spacious, the hot water shower worked great, and I found the temperature controls, check-in tablet, and hallway water source very easy to use. Some other reviews mention trouble with these, so perhaps the facilities have been updated. The staff and owner were incredibly accommodating. Since we had no car and speak very little Japanese, the owner offered to drive us to a rental place, called to check whether a car would be available, and called her son, who speaks English, to help guide us. The restaurants nearby have odd hours, opening at 11 for breakfast and 6 for dinner, which was annoying because there are no kitchen facilities. There was also a strong bad smell when we arrived, though it went away after we turned on the heater and aired out the room.

Worst experience ever. I don’t know what other places in Japan are like, but this stay was very bad. There was no hot water, no carpet, and the room heating wasn’t enough. I caught a cold because of the room conditions. There was a machine for hot water, but it was so complicated even Japanese people would struggle with it. It was way too expensive. Please don’t choose this place.

The room was spacious and clean, and the water dispenser was a big help. The hallway was really cold, so dress warmly in winter. My room was upstairs, with the toilet, sink, and shower downstairs. On the night I stayed there were no other guests, so noise wasn’t an issue. I used the ticket for Ponpoko no Yu hot spring that was in the room. It’s a 10-minute drive away and only reachable by car, so watch out for icy roads in winter. I was there for a snowboarding trip. The main entrance is always locked, and you have to come in through the back door, which was hard to find and left me lost. Check-in is done on a tablet. I’d definitely stay here again when I go snowboarding in the area.