North Point

Location is great, down the bottom of the street in Hirafu. About a 10 minute walk (15 if you’re being careful - had a few slips). Grab a set of the snow spikes - 1400 yen from Rhythm. Makes the walk more comfortable. Si was an excellent host. Gave us some handy advice and was more than accommodating to any requests. Breakfast was a welcome bonus each morning. Drying room and washer/dryer are handy touches - all clothes and gear were clean and dry when we left for the 2nd half of our trip.

Remember this is a lodge. You will see the other guests daily, share tables at breakfast and with 1 male and 1 female shower, you may need to wait for a shower occasionally.

Comfortable rooms, nice and comfortable common area.

Loved staying at North Point. Simon was friendly, knowledgeable and kind. This pension is in a great location to the mountain but there is a steep walk uphill to the ski lifts, that was no issue because you were driven up to the lifts each morning! You did have to get the bus back down or walk (easier walking downhill than uphill).

was extremely accomodating, picked us up in Kutchan and dropped us off at the Welcome centre at the end of our trip. comfy beds, good hot room, overall great stay.

a tiny bit far from the main area but got used to it after the first day.