Hotel Araragi

The hotel is clearly old, fairly run-down and tired, but still retains it's charm and is kept spotlessly clean by the very friendly staff and owners. We were the only western guests in the entire place. The dinners and breakfasts were exceptional - the best we had in Japan, and it's position on the snow at Ichinose is probably the most optimal location in all of Shiga Kogen. The Sento (onsen using tap water) is huge, clean and has a great outlook over the surrounding snowy landscape. Highly recommend if you are not too fussy about the building looking a little tired and old.

The hotel could definitely do with a renovation, but it is spotlessly clean.

The staff are really friendly and super helpful! Their food is definitely delicious! We had sukiyaki and japanese bbq there, and the food really made us happy! The location is so near to the skiing resort, just minutes of walking! The hot spring is also comfortable, not crowded, and you can enjoy the snow view outside while relaxing in the onsen.

The dinners were super fun. Everyone sits down at the same time and has a set meal. You cook the food at your table. It’s delicious and healthy. The staff were friendly and helpful All the other guests were Japanese. It felt like a very authentic experience. Close to the lifts and bus stop. The onsen is nice and open 24 hours.

The facilities were a little dated. Some stains on the carpet. Hasn’t been updated in a while.