Annex Kashiwaya

It's a quiet, comfortable, cosy place, and I really enjoyed my stay. The lovely older couple who run it don't speak English, but they still make you feel at home. I'd happily stay here again.

I ended up staying here after I couldn't get a room at Naeba Prince Hotel during Yuming's SURF & SNOW in Naeba. It's around a 15-minute walk from Naeba Prince Hotel and right by the Asagai bus stop on the Minami Echigo Kanko bus line. The entrance was a bit difficult to spot. The building is old, though my room was clean. Bring your own yukata, toothbrush, razor, and other supplies. Toilets are shared and have a washlet. There's just one large public bath with limited hours, although apparently guests can bathe anytime during Yuming's performances. The landlady was kind and polite, and I'd stay here again.

Our family chose Kashiwaya because we loved skiing and wanted somewhere warm and homey that wouldn't stretch our budget. It's certainly not a luxury inn, but we've made wonderful memories there. The rooms stayed warm even in ski season, to the point that we turned the heat down at bedtime. The building is old and has a pension-like feel, and we visited several times when the kids were little. My favorite part was the wife's warm, home-style cooking. The innkeeper was kind, though not much of a talker. Thank you for all the family memories. I hope Uncle and Auntie stay healthy for many years. I'd love to go back someday. If you're after luxury, a richer hotel may suit you better.

There's nothing particularly instaworthy about the old rooms or baths, so someone looking for that should pick another hotel. Still, this place has a comfortable, home-away-from-home feel that Prince Hotels don't have. I've only stayed once, but I really like it.