Boken Kazoku

Le style de l'auberge, une ancienne école.

Odeur d'humidité dans le lit, loin de tout service, au bord d'une nationale, les sentiers du volcan pas accessibles. Auberge sûrement plus agréable en hiver.

the hostel was great with a free shuttle to the slopes every day

The location was too far out of town, and the latest bus leavesHirafuu at 9 p,m so you can't go out unless you want to stay for a $30 taxi home

I thought this Boken Kazoku was a charming and wonderful place to stay. It is quite an old building and I really liked the traditional aspects of staying here. I liked the timber construction and the way the windows from my room framed views of Mt Yōtei. I enjoyed making my bed and found the Tatami mat to be pretty comfortable, once I'd figured it out. I liked taking your shoes off at the front door and using the slippers provided while inside. I liked the restaurant and the food they served at both breakfast and dinner, to me it felt very traditionally Japanese and was very tasty. They offer drinks and snacks to buy as well, which was more than helpful when I and some of the other guests needed some late at night and we didn't want to go out. A potential downside is its location, however the staff offer transfers to and from the mountain everyday and they even picked me up from the train station when I arrived. There is also a bus stop that can take you to Kutchan, but it only runs at certain times. Some have said it can be a little cold and while that is true, the heater in my room was more than enough and I did find myself getting a bit too hot at times. From everything, Boken Kazoku offers a quaint and relaxed experience that felt traditionally Japanese and accessible enough for me as someone who doesn't speak Japanese. I stayed in a couple of places while in Japan and of all of them, I wish I had stayed longer here.

The location is a potential downside. While I did use the transfer service they offer, sometimes it wasn't available. One occasion, I had stayed out late for Night skiing, then took my time in Hirafu before trying to get back. As it was late, the staff can't offer to pick you up at that time and the local busses didn't stop at the stop after a certain time either. I am very able bodied and was happy to walk back, but it did take about an hour from Nisekohirafu. Just something to be mindful of, if you plan your day better than I did, this would not be a problem.

Such a unique stay in a converted school. Everyone was so friendly and helpful :) Much cheaper than in Hirafu and just down the road.

If getting the night bus, it can be full. Take it from the welcome centre (the first stop) if you want a seat! They don’t always stop at the hostel and have driven all the way to Kutchan in the past, so make sure they’ll stop there before boarding as the walk back from Kutchan is LONG

Good location with plenty of parkings

Poor sound proof. Clearly hear people talking and walking at the kitchen and hallways

So much charm and character in the building, and the hosts are super sweet. You can order breakfast and dinner at the property, super convenient, and the hosts provide a ski shuttle every morning and afternoon