New Yokote

The area is very quiet, with no nightlife, though that seems true of almost all Shiga Kogen, not just this remote spot. There are drinks and a good atmosphere downstairs, so a good group can make its own fun. I stayed alone at Hotel New Yokote for eight days in January and really enjoyed it. The place was peaceful and exceptionally beautiful, and I had many good chats with the staff. A young man working there, who is half-American, made communication in English easy. I can’t praise him enough. It’s clean, cosy, well maintained, and cared for, and I’d recommend it as a quiet place to return to after serious skiing or for a family with beginners. Photos are from the ski area outside. Thank you for having me. I stayed in a Japanese room, though I’m not sure whether Western-style rooms are available. It was spacious, with a comfortable floor mattress and a very good doona. The heating worked so well that despite the cold outside I usually didn’t need to turn it on. There was plenty of room to hang and dry clothes, and an easy-to-use public laundry downstairs that took a small coin donation. The hotel onsen was excellent. I loved having a bath before the day’s activities and again to wind down in the evening. The piping hot water helped loosen me up in the morning. I preferred the ritual of going downstairs to shower in the spacious, clean bathhouse over showering in my room. Because of the remote location, there are essentially no other meal options, so ask about meals and add the cost to your accommodation at the start. Breakfast and dinner were must-haves for me: excellent quality, filling, and nourishing every day. There was a sensible Japanese-sized variety of food, with a new tasty dish each night. The meals seemed very nutritious and kept me healthy during my stay. Breakfast was Japanese too, usually with some kind of eggs and bacon on a plate. Much of the rice and vegetables are locally grown, and tasty condiments were on the table. I think they’ll try to accommodate dietary requirements if needed. A vending machine inside sells hot and cold drinks and snacks, which can be bought directly or added to your tab at the front desk. Staying there also gets you a small discount on your ski pass.

I spent three days here, and every meal was surprisingly delicious. The staff were helpful despite not speaking English, and Google Translate did the job for us. I arrived close to 1500 on the first day and asked about a local night tour. They suggested taking a snowmobile via snow cat, which was fun and exciting. I wasn’t lucky with the weather, though, as the mountain was very cloudy. It’s a good ski-in, ski-out hotel, and you can rent ski equipment there. Driving would make getting here easier than using public transport. If you don’t drive, you may get the chance to ride a snowmobile, which is pretty fun. Highly recommended!

The kids had a great time in the hotel playroom while we finished eating. The family running the lodge were so welcoming to children and families, and the food was incredible. We got to try lots of different Japanese dishes, all beautifully presented and delicious, and they even made plates for the kids. The location is perfect for skiing: there’s no hike to a lift, just step outside and ski. We’ve been to many resorts in Japan, and this was our favorite ski-in, ski-out hotel and experience. The first-floor onsen felt amazing after a long day in the snow. This was one of our most relaxing holidays, and we definitely want to return.

A cozy place to eat.