Aigakusou

Lovely traditional Japanese inn. Well set up to ski and explore Nozawa onsen.

Great lodge, lovely owner.

The host was excellent and the location was very convienient. A short three minute walk to a ski lift, and a five minute walk to the main part of the town. Everyone in our group is keen to visit again.

Absolute gem of a place! The owner was so so kind and friendly, it felt like she was welcoming you into her home. It was absolutely immaculate! Beds were sooo comfy and cozy! Onsen was really great! Everything is very charming and authentic. A little 20 min walk into the lift or near a bus stop. Would love to stay again!

Nothing!

The friendliness of the owner, the onsen!

nice rooms. I just didnt really underrstand the breakfast situation.

The breakfast situation, having to pay prior to the day at a certain time was not ideal awhen I was snowboarding every day on the mountain.

This ryokan is extremely functional for those visiting Nowazaonsen. It is about 7 minutes to most things - 7 minutes to the Karasawa lift, 7 minutes to town, 7 minutes to the food village where we ate many meals because the restaurants in town are small, many don't accept reservations and some have irregular hours (closed random days of the week). Another highlight was the proximity to Akari House Swiss Bakery which was an ideal spot to grab pastries and coffee before we started our day skiing. I highly recommend renting from Olive Rentals, which you pass on the way to the lift. If you want breakfast make sure to tell the owner the night before and she will accommodate you. Breakfast was 1,300 yen per person in cash. The breakfast was very filling. Other things about this accommodation: the on-site onsen is a huge bonus, and while there are only two showers, we never had to wait. Showers and onsen are on the first floor and a double communal sink on the second floor is where guests brush teeth, etc. Right off the sinks are men and women's bathrooms. They are extremely clean. Bedding and room were comfortable and sounds of other guests was not a problem (most people were turning in early, all there to ski/snowboard). The room had it's own heater and was very warm and cozy. The drying room where you deposit your shoes and coat, along with the onsite onsen, was my favorite part of the accommodation The closest public onsen is about a 3 minute walk and the largest in the village. Unfortunately the water was scalding so I did not enjoy it but there are so many others in the town. For those traveling as a couple and would like to onsen together, Sparena is a good option closeby. We booked this ryokan because it was the only one available for our desired dates, but we enjoyed the authentic experience. P.s. be prepared for snow!

My only critique is the restrooms were quite cold, which becomes less of an issue when you remember all of the toilet seats in Japan are heated.