Apple Inn Takasaka

The hosts, Tsatsumi and Miiwa, were the best part of our stay. They were so lovely and looked after us like family. The rooms were beautiful and cost. Apple Inn made for an amazing Japanese experience, and it’s going to be hard to leave. I can promise I’ll be back to support this great business.

The owner was always ready to help, whether it was giving us a warm smile, helping with lift passes at a small discount, or driving us to the bus station. Her service was the best I can remember, even after countless stays at 3 to 5 star hotels across Europe, the US, Asia, and Australia. She’s also a superb cook. Breakfast and dinner were incredible spreads, and we cancelled many of our plans to eat out so we could eat her cooking at the Inn. She decides what to make, but it’s always quite a feast. The futons were comfortable, and the duvets and heater kept the room warm. I even searched around shops in Japan for the special pillows after we left because they were so good for my back. I believe they were filled with buckwheat husk. We had an incredible stay at Apple Inn Takasaka while skiing in Nozawa Onsen. I’d definitely stay there again if we returned, and already miss the place.

Be careful! We stayed for a couple of days and found the place pretty filthy, despite what many people say about it being clean. The linens hadn’t been cleaned, and we were given used ones. We had our ski gear sent by Yamato (transporter) and asked the house master specifically to arrange for it to be shipped home on the day we left. She promised she’d organize it, but it didn’t go out that day. We called to check on the gear, and she said she couldn’t reach the transporter. We’re still wondering how that happened. Our gear sat in a cold, damp ski room for four days. When it finally came back, my ski was badly rusted and I have to sharpen it. If we’d known the delivery would be delayed for any reason, we’d have taken the gear back ourselves and avoided having to sharpen it. We enjoyed Nozawa onsen snow resort, but we won’t stay here again.

This comfortable, traditional Japanese hotel had incredibly friendly staff, great food, and excellent value for money. A wonderful place to stay, highly recommended.