Hotel Sunny Shiga

The tatami beds were really hard and could use an upgrade, and the hotel is dated, though I personally don't mind that much. Food was the bigger letdown. We had the same fish and salad for four days, and dinner was sometimes okay but mostly a miss. They need a new chef. On the plus side, the hotel is right in front of the bus stop and ski lift, and the staff were accommodating, helpful and professional. Our family of five was comfortable in the spacious family room with a private shower. The 24/7 onsen was very handy after a full day of skiing. I'm happy with the hotel, but the food could be better.

The tatami room had a cute, traditional Japanese feel. Sleeping on the mats wasn’t the most comfortable, but it added to the experience, and the ski lift is right across the street. My teenage kids were beginners, and the hotel sorted out their rentals, including jackets, pants, helmets and goggles. We brought our own gloves. The hotel does feel a little tired, but the helpful staff, always smiling at breakfast and dinner, and the really good food more than made up for it. The meals were authentic and changed every day. Fresh snow helped make it a great stay, too. We’ll definitely be back to Sunny Shiga and Myoko for skiing!

Shiga Kogen is a well-preserved ski area that feels like it’s from the 1990s, so don’t expect the latest tech or decor. We came by local bus from the station at the bottom of the hill because the express coach was booked out or wasn’t running. It was perfectly fine and a nice trip. The chair lift is across the road, several other hotels with everyday restaurants are within walking distance, and many runs are easy to reach from Sunny. Our tatami room for three was a good size and had a private bathroom. If the floor feels too hard, you can pile on extra futons if there are spares in the room. The lodge is well run and has great facilities, including ski rental downstairs, which was very handy, plus a drying and storage room. Sunny’s food was terrific. Breakfast had a different mix of Japanese and Western options, and dinner was the standout, with hotpots to cook at the table and all sorts of Japanese dishes. Lunch on the ski fields was good too, as were the food and drinks overall. The onsen was a highlight, with plenty of space and a comfortable changing area. Shiga Kogen is for skiing, not partying. Ski during the day, then relax in the onsen and sleep under a fluffy duvet.

We were four adults and stayed at Sunny Shiga for five nights. The location is great. The express bus from Nagano station takes you to Takamagahara station, which is just a two-minute walk away.