Kidoike Onsen Hotel

We stayed for three nights, and the dinners changed each evening, so they didn't get boring. I especially liked the shabushabu. There's also a small hill behind the hotel with a superb view from the top. I took my photo there at 7am, with the moon visible near the top of the frame. The hotel sits apart from the other nearby hotels, which made the quiet atmosphere relaxing. The staff were friendly, helpful, and spoke English. The onsen was standard. My only real complaint was the outdated heating system, which made noise when switching on and off in the early morning. For the reasonable price, I'd recommend the hotel.

The caretaker at the front desk made a big impression on me. He was welcoming from the moment I arrived, handled my questions gracefully, and kept me laughing with his witty banter. I'd happily crown him the “Hospitality chojin.” After a day on the slopes, the warm onsens were a treat. In winter, the ice baths in the lake were another favorite, a wonderfully invigorating chill that left me feeling more alive. My stay also overlapped with a Kawamura tour, which made the trip even more memorable. The Kawamura team planned things carefully and turned the moments into memories I'll carry with me long after the snow melts. Thanks to them, and to this hotel in the Shiga Kogen ski plains, for a stay full of laughter, relaxation, and winter fun. See you next time! Sam

The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. It's a peaceful spot, close enough to the skiing action without being right in the middle of it.

I stayed with a friend for a three-day, two-night ski tour. I'm a student, and I was very satisfied with the stay. The food was delicious, and they gave me refills of white rice. The room was clean and the heating worked just right. There was even an alarm clock that woke you before breakfast with the heater's metallic sound, which the hotel had explained. The property is a little old in places, but clean unless you're a complete germaphobe. The hallway lights switch on when people pass, which can be a little spooky at night, lol. My complaints were the bathroom and the location. The bathroom was a decent size, but the shower pressure was a little weak and sometimes the water was lukewarm. Some showers didn't have floor drains, so water pooled around your feet, and water dripped from the ceiling. I'm not sure if it was steam or something else, but it felt unpleasant. There's only one hair dryer, so it may be more comfortable to bathe when it's less busy or bring your own. The hotel doesn't have direct slope access to Yokoteyama/Shibutoge Ski Resort, where I skied this time, though there are many other ski areas nearby. I found it inconvenient not to head out skiing right after breakfast or leave as soon as I finished. Still, I knew that when I booked Kidoike Onsen Hotel, so I can't really complain. A free shuttle gets you to the slopes in about five minutes. The road was bumpy with snow, so anyone prone to motion sickness might want to bring medicine. If you rent ski wear and shoes at the slopes, you have to leave your luggage at Akari near the lifts. The hotel staff explain this when you arrive, but since it's not a locker, there's a chance of something being stolen, so be careful. The convenience store had instant noodles, some with hot water, snacks, other items, and vending machines for drinks and alcohol. Prices were higher than on flat land, but it was handy. Staff were all polite and helpful, and the price wasn't too high. I'd definitely stay again if I had the chance.