Shirakaba

Our group of five Americans found this to be a perfect base for a ski trip. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the delicious breakfast was a great start to the day. They have a ski shop on the mountain, and arranging rentals and lift tickets through them was super convenient. Being able to do our laundry was a huge plus. My only regret is that we didn’t reserve dinner. Maybe next time. Arigato gozimasu!

For our four-day ski trip, Shirakaba was in a super convenient spot, and I’d happily stay again. The staff helped us buy ski tickets and forward our luggage, and we appreciated having a well-stocked laundry room for our ski base layers. Our room was spacious, quiet, very clean, and had extremely comfortable beds. Thanks for a great stay!

The location is excellent, right by the main bus terminal, with plenty of restaurants within walking distance. The room itself was stylish, modern, and thoughtfully designed, with comfortable futons and pillows and beautiful mountain views. Still, the stay had several problems that made the price feel hard to justify. Noise was a constant issue. The walls were thin enough to hear neighbors and footsteps overhead, the air conditioning roared like a blizzard at night, and children yelled and ran through the hallways. The reception area often felt like a crèche, which really took away from any sense of peace. Service also fell short. The owners didn’t seem especially welcoming or engaged, and it was often difficult to find someone at the front desk. It felt more like renting a room in someone’s home than being in a professionally run hotel, despite the premium price. Breakfast was average, with plenty to eat but mostly heavy, fried food and few lighter choices. I’d recommend it for the design and views, as long as expectations about service, noise, and atmosphere are kept in check.

The location is a strong point, close to restaurants and bars, and just a short walk to the bus terminal and the travellator to the ski fields. The room was exceptional, but with children screaming and running through the halls, stomping around at all hours, and staff often hard to reach, sleeping could be difficult. On many occasions, we felt as if we were intruding in someone’s home. Breakfast was included, but it was heavy and fried, with no lighter options. Service was inconsistent too, so it was hard to know what to expect each morning. For this price, I’d consider other places nearby. If breakfast and service aren’t a concern and you mainly want a room to unwind in, the rooms are great, though you may have trouble sleeping. I hope the owners take this feedback to heart and improve what could be an amazing place.