Shirakaba Resort Ike No Taira Hotel

The ski area beside Ikenotaira Hotel felt like a great fit for our family, especially for beginner skiers. Our children got comfortable with the lift staff and instructors, and the resort was small enough that they felt safe exploring and skiing on their own. We could even watch them from our room, which gave us real peace of mind. We also enjoyed the hot baths together. The indoor family bath requires swimwear and was new to us, but it turned out to be lovely. The indoor space was roomy, the outdoor bath area was beautiful, and they had suitable soaps and other things for children. We came as a family of five from Australia. Getting there was straightforward: we flew into Haneda Airport, took a taxi to Shinjuku, then caught a direct bus to the hotel. Standard check-in is at 3:00 pm, and we paid extra for an earlier check-in after the long trip. Our lake-view room in the main building was very nice, with extremely comfortable beds, but cramped for five people and several suitcases. We put some bags and clothes in the locker room, where the 100 yen fee is fully refundable, and that helped a lot. The hotel was well set up for kids. Bath clothes and towels were provided, and we appreciated the child-sized toothbrushes. The buffet had lots of Japanese, Western, Chinese, and other Asian choices, plus a section for kids. Even when student groups were there, the large dining room didn’t feel crowded. Its spread-out layout was easy to navigate with children, and several drink stations kept things moving. Staff were courteous, kind to our kids, and many spoke English. They were clearly experienced with families. At dinner, we saw staff make room for small, tired children to lie down, which was such thoughtful care. There’s a small convenience store across the road, with enough for emergencies. I sprained my back during the stay, and reception had medical supplies available. I also booked a massage and thought it was excellent. The therapist listened to me about my pre-existing medical condition and adjusted the treatment professionally. One thing I wish we’d known sooner: if you plan to ski at Ikenotaira Snowfield behind the hotel, ask about membership before booking or checking in. Nobody explained it clearly to us, and membership could have saved us up to $500 over the stay through lift tickets, early check-in, late check-out, and other included benefits. We had a memorable stay, felt very welcome and well looked after, and would return. The hotel worked especially well for families wanting a relaxed, beginner-friendly ski trip.