Aigakusou

Great place to stay with a very welcoming manager/owner and the rooms and beds are warm and comfortable. The on-site onsen 'bath' with towels and toiletries provided was a wonderful addition and really made the trip. There's a drying room and a place to store boards and skis. There's also a 'common' room to hangout in with tea and coffee supplies and a TV, and my own room also had a TV although I didn't use it.

It's not as close to the ski lifts as I had hoped, but the free bus made that less of an issue, and the ability to store your skis and boots near the main gondola was really convenient. I did like that the distance forced me to walk more each day than I may have otherwise, which was good for stretching my muscles and walking off whatever meal I had recently eaten.

I had a western twin room and the beds were insanely comfortable. Softer than most beds I've had in Japanese hotels, but not too soft. The bath and shower were gorgeous, clean, and although the ryokan seemed to be full it was available every time I wanted to use it. The location was slightly outside the main town, but an easy walk to it, and only a few blocks to a lift for skiing. It was also nice and warm in all of the public areas, which was welcome given how cold it was outside.

Finding the proprietor for check in took a little while and was confusing, but she turned up and was very helpful despite the language barrier. For a solo trip it was perfect - the room would probably be difficult to be in for two people because of the size, but if I come back with others I'll get one of the larger rooms.

Friendly and welcoming host, great location, more traditional accommodation

The gas heating. Unfortunately lots of places in Nozawa have unflued gas heating

Location is good. The boss is very kind and helps a lot.

We loved the traditional rooms, incredible breakfasts and private onsen.

Everything was good. It’s small and cozy and worth the money. Will definitely book the same place again if I come to Nozawa Onsen again!

Everything about our stay was excellent, I will be bring my family back. The host is incredibly friendly and helpful with all the town’s information provided. Breakfast was cooked for us every morning (at an extra cost) absolutely delicious. Drying room, space to store your skis and boards, 5 minutes walk to the lift, 20mins walk to the gondola, 15 minutes walking to town. Free hot chocolate and coffee, the duvet covers are to die for. You can even purchase lift tickets from the host. If you get a chance to stay here you’ll be in for a traditional Japanese treat.

Futon beds are a bit thin but I know there are rooms with western style beds, I’ll book those next time.