Komatsuya Seki Onsen

I booked at Komatsuya after seeing a video on IG for Seki Onsen Ski Area, a small, family-owned and run ski area in Myoko Kogen that looked like a little slice of heaven. I didn't do much research before booked and hoped Komatsuya might work. It's a great little hotel, friendly staff, great communication on pick-up and drop off, English-speaking, and overlooks the lift at Seki Onsen Ski Area. The ski area is a 30-second walk from the front door and my room overlooked the lift. The room was really comfortable, and two points to note: 1) the shower was fantastic. Great water pressure, seated shower, multiple shower heads. The onsen was nice, but it's a bit small and after a long day of riding, a seated shower with great water pressure was key. 2) the heat in the room was perfect. I've often found that Japanese hotel rooms in the winter are either too hot or not warm enough. The heater in the room was first rate and allowed me to regulate the temperature at night perfectly. Not too hot, not too cold, just right. Overall, great experience and I'd definitely stay there again when visiting Seki Onsen Ski Resort!

I liked everything about my visit. If I had to be picky about one thing it would be the food. To be clear, the food was fine. Solid, delicious, and enough. But, this is Japan and expectations for meals are high in the country. I wanted to eat the most delicious thing I'd ever eaten and I kinda felt like the food but was good, but not next level. So, again, not a huge criticism. The dinner was very reasonably priced and tasty, but I would like liked a bigger, slightly more spectacular meal and think they could have stepped it up there. But, that's a very minor criticism and don't judge the place on my pickiness.

Hotel is very clean, our room was very spacious and well heated (winter visit) we upgraded for a private bathroom. Comfy bed, good shower, Onsen in the hotel is very welcome after a days skiing. Hotel breakfast simple and perfectly adequate. Hotel has a chef and we ate in the hotel several times - food was local Japanese style meals, very well executed. The hotel is a little way away from Akakura main centre ( not really walkable in winter). The shortest road route ( on the map) to town is closed in winter due to snow the hotel owner is therefore happy to give lifts into town or to the ski lift and coordinates this the evening before with guests (about a 15/20 min drive)

David and Yukiko were fabulous hosts. They went above and beyond to assure we had a great time and experience. Would definitely book again!

Loved David and his team and the willingness to drive us to other ski fields.

Limited activity in the very small village and lift facilities as expected for a family run resort.

Pick up service was great.

For the price I expected a few nicer touches - not budget style attitude. Our room was clean and well presented - albeit cold - heater definitely a necessity. Communication had to be chased up - both for confirmation of booking and pick up time and area. At almost $500 NZD per night (breakfast included) - it was overpriced and not the expected value for money in comparison to other similar properties stayed at during the same trip. Greeted by someone who dislikes winter and the snow in a snow town - wrong welcome! As a pre-arranged coeliac, breakfast was disappointing to say the least. Having stayed in Nagano and Myoko-Kogen in similar styled accommodations (for significantly less in price) the breakfast "in comparison" was poor and limited. There was one GF option - a instant style GF oatmeal, which was not made up, but in a container to add hot water, 1 fried egg and a banana - when I asked if I could have 2 eggs, was told no! Barista style coffee was available upon request, however a second coffee was an additional cost. For the price I would recommend you take your own food if you are GF JIC and eat elsewhere for dinner, while dinner was available, it was limited choice set menu (one choice and not GF). We were situated on the 3rd floor, with no lift - while not a problem for us, with heavy bags a Ground Floor room should be requested if you are not up to stairs.

Location & Accommodation: David the owner has kept the authentic Japanese style of the property, and built into the property western comforts and conveniences. The property is also located next to the ski hill, great to get the first tracks on a powder day. The property has its own daily "Onsen" (Japanese Hot Spring / Bathing). The Onsen turned into a daily ritual to sooth the aches and pains from snowboarding. Food: The onsite chief offers the opportunity have an authentic and fresh meal each night. I had some of the best meals during my visit in Japan through at the property. Staff: Always polite and helpful. David supported the guests trips to the local resorts and transport. All in all, if you have the opportunity to visit, I would encourage you to book your holiday and see for yourself.

Having to leave