Hotel Takimoto

I really enjoyed my stay at a traditional Japanese hotel in the tatami mat room with futon. I also loved the buffet breakfast and dinner. I was able to try so many new Japanese foods and I will find recipes to cook them when I get home. I even ate natto with the grated yam and mustard and liked it! I like their large bean, mild flavor natto. Best of all was the staff. I injured my finger while there. The staff were so helpful, and especially Megumi called to local clinic and gave me directions. She also called local hospitals and clinics to find one in Nakano that I could visit, and gave me directions. I'm sorry I had to leave early. The hotel has an onsen which I enjoyed every evening. I went after dinner and usually the only woman or just a few. Onsen allows tattoos so I didn't have to cover them. The facility has a relaxing lounge area with a big fireplace in center with wine, sake, and big marshmallows to roast. There is also nice ski storage with lockers, ski tune ups offered, ski lessons, ski rentals, and free security lockers for valuables. While the hotel decor is a little dated, I enjoyed the retro ambiance. There were yellow flower tiles in onsen that remind me of my bedsheets from the 1970s. Maybe some of the carpets need to be replaced, but that is true at most hotels. The skiing is fantastic. The Hotel is just across from Takaragahara lifts and bus stops. Shiga Kogen is more for Japanese tourists and less developed as it is in a national park. There are fewer international tourists than Hakuba. Bring what you need unless you want to drive or take bus ride down to town. There are many buses but with tourists and snowy weather, you may want to avoid the time and trouble to get back down to town. There are warning signs and staff stressed importance to keep windows and doors closed. There are local troops of snow monkeys you will see. Do not feed them.

Location is good, opposite is the ski resort, which has good snow. Overall room was well maintained, public Onsen was nice too. However we came during early ski season, there is barely any restaurants opens. Hotel cafe food is a bit expensive, and not much choice (mainly western). If plan to stay may order half board instead, or tell hotel staff to reserve dinner before 10am